Cash for quitting: small rewards help smokers kick the habit

NCT ID NCT02737566

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether offering small gift cards for quitting smoking helps low-income smokers stay smoke-free. 320 uninsured or Medicaid patients received either standard care (counseling and medication) or standard care plus financial rewards for verified abstinence. The main goal was to see if more people in the reward group were still smoke-free at 26 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
financial incentives (gift cards)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a low-cost way to help more people quit smoking.
What could go wrong
The trial is small and completed; results may not apply to all smokers. Quit rates were modest.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nicotine dependence Smoking Cessation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • TSET Health Promotion Research Center

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States

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