Bonuses are a great way to reward users, attract new customers, and keep people engaged. But not all bonuses work the same. Some are given automatically, while others need to be claimed manually. These are known as auto-award bonuses and manual claim bonuses.
In this blog, we’ll break down both types, look at their pros and cons, and help you decide which bonus method might work best for you.
What is an Auto-Award Bonus?
An auto-award bonus is a type of reward that gets added to your account without needing any action from you. It’s given automatically once you meet the required condition.
For example, if a casino offers a “Deposit $20 and get $10 bonus,” the bonus will be credited as soon as your deposit is confirmed. You don’t have to click any button or enter a code.
These bonuses are common in apps, casinos, games, online stores, and even banks.
What is a Manual Claim Bonus?
A manual claim bonus is a bonus that requires you to do something before receiving it. This could be clicking a “Claim Now” button, entering a promo code, or contacting customer support.
For example, some online platforms may offer a “Weekly Cashback Bonus” that you must manually claim every Monday. If you forget, you miss out.
This method puts more control in your hands—but it also demands attention and memory.
Pros of Auto-Award Bonuses
Auto-award bonuses are convenient. They’re designed for people who don’t want to worry about taking extra steps. As soon as you qualify, the bonus appears in your account.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- No effort needed
You don’t have to remember anything or do anything extra. - Fewer missed bonuses
People often forget to claim bonuses. Auto-award ensures you get what’s yours. - Faster rewards
As soon as the condition is met, the bonus is yours—no waiting. - Better for beginners
New users often get confused with too many steps. Auto-awards simplify the experience.
Cons of Auto-Award Bonuses
While auto-award bonuses are easy and user-friendly, they’re not perfect. Sometimes they come with limitations.
Here are a few drawbacks:
- Lack of control
You can’t choose whether to accept the bonus or not. This matters if the bonus has strings attached. - May trigger wagering rules automatically
In places like online casinos, getting a bonus automatically might activate terms like minimum bets or wagering requirements without your consent. - Not always optional
You can’t delay using them or save them for later.
Pros of Manual Claim Bonuses
Manual claim bonuses give you more flexibility and control. You decide when and if you want to take the bonus.
Let’s explore some of the benefits:
- More control
You choose when to claim the bonus. You can wait until it suits your needs. - Often part of exclusive deals
Manual claim bonuses are often used in VIP or promotional offers, making them more rewarding. - Helps you avoid unwanted terms
If you don’t want to deal with wagering conditions, you can skip the bonus altogether. - Encourages engagement
These bonuses often come with limited-time offers, pushing users to engage more regularly.
Cons of Manual Claim Bonuses
The biggest issue with manual claim bonuses is that they’re easy to forget. Many people miss out because they don’t realize a bonus is available or forget to claim it in time.
Other drawbacks include:
- Extra steps needed
You often have to log in, click, or enter codes. - Time-sensitive
Many manual claim bonuses are valid for a short time only. - Missed opportunities
If you don’t check often, you could miss the bonus entirely. - May be confusing
Not everyone knows where or how to claim them—especially first-time users.
Which One is Better for Casual Users?
If you’re a casual user who just wants to enjoy an app, game, or website without much hassle, auto-award bonuses are the better choice. They’re stress-free and don’t require any action from your side.
You don’t need to worry about remembering bonus times or checking emails for codes. Everything is done automatically, which keeps the user experience smooth and easy.
Which One is Better for Active or Pro Users?
For more experienced or frequent users, manual claim bonuses offer better rewards and flexibility. They can manage when and how to use the bonus and avoid terms they don’t like.
Pro users often track promotions, time their claims strategically, and maximize their rewards. For them, manual claim bonuses offer a way to play smarter.
Use Cases: Where Each Bonus Type Shines
- Online Casinos
Auto-award is great for welcome offers. Manual claim is better for loyalty and VIP deals. - Shopping Apps
Auto-awards work well for sign-up and referral bonuses. Manual claim is useful for flash sales or coupon codes. - Banking/Finance
Auto-awards are common for things like cash-back. Manual claims are used for promotional interest rates or seasonal rewards.
Combining Both Bonus Types
Many platforms use both bonus types to reach a wider audience. They might auto-award a small bonus to all users while offering bigger bonuses that need to be manually claimed.
This strategy works well because it combines ease of use with reward variety. It keeps both casual and dedicated users happy.
Tips to Get the Best Out of Both
- Turn on notifications
If you’re dealing with manual claim bonuses, alerts will help you remember to claim them. - Read the terms
Know what comes with both bonus types—especially wagering rules or expiry dates. - Don’t accept every bonus
Some bonuses may limit how you use your account. Choose wisely. - Check your email
Manual claim bonuses are often sent via newsletters. Don’t ignore your inbox. - Use a calendar or reminder app
This helps with claiming recurring bonuses.
Final Verdict: Which Bonus Type Is Better?
It all depends on your personality and usage style.
If you love things simple and don’t want to miss out on rewards, go with auto-award bonuses. They’re fast, easy, and guaranteed.
But if you like to plan and control your experience for bigger rewards, manual claim bonuses are the way to go. They might take more effort, but they often pay more.
Ultimately, a mix of both works best. Use auto-awards for convenience and manual claims for value.
