I have always been one to love a good deal. I try really hard to use coupons when I have the time to clip them or select them digitally. Long before marriage and kids, I was one of those who would get the Sunday paper, clip coupons, and plan my trip to CVS for all of the freebies. It was challenging and fun to walk out with so many products without spending any money! But seriously, it took SO MUCH time!!! I have major props to you mom’s who do this. It took me a long time to plan and wrap my head around it, so I just couldn’t keep it up. BUT! Let me share with you the next best way to earn cash back with little effort…IBOTTA! The Ibotta app offers 6 ways to earn cash on purchases you make everyday, with a simple click of a button!
How Does Ibotta Work?
First you need to download the Ibotta app on your smartphone. Once you set up a free account, scroll through your favorite stores and apps that you shop at, simply to get familiar with what is offered. When you are ready to go shopping, find rebates for those stores and add the items. The more rebates you add and purchase, the more cash you will get back. That’s the skinny. Let me break it down for you a bit more below.
How To Add and Redeem Rebates?
#1: Add Rebates and Send Receipt
Before you go shopping, click on the store you are going to shop at within the app. Once you are directed to the store, you will see all of the items that are eligible for a cash rebate. For example, Publix currently has a $.50 cash rebate on any brand of milk. So, if I plan on buying milk, I can add this item by clicking on the “+” button. Once added, you will have to complete a simple task like answering a question about the product. Once you have done this, the rebate will automatically be added to your “my rebates” section.
After you have purchased your item(s) you can redeem your rebates by taking a picture of your receipt. Ibotta will match the items you bought to the rebates you selected and make your rebate earnings available within 48 hours. It’s that simple!
#2: Link a Loyalty Card
You can also link your loyalty card to one of Ibotta’s preferred partners. (If a store is a preferred partner, you will receive a pop-up, asking you to provide your loyalty information when you select on that store within Ibotta). Before you shop, add rebates by completing simple tasks (just like #1, Send Receipt). Provide your loyalty number or phone number when checking out at the store and Ibotta takes care of the rest! No need to take a picture of your receipt for Ibotta, it is all linked on the back end with your loyalty number. SO simple! But don’t forget to click your rebates BEFORE you go shopping, and check out. I made this mistake a couple times too many and lost out on some good rebates.
#3: Mobile In-App Purchases
For in-app purchases, you want to browse cash back offers from the apps within Ibotta. Once you see something that interests you, tap on the “shop” button from the Ibotta app and make your qualifying purchase.
#4 Featured Bonuses
Bonuses are simply another way to earn cash. The bonus section will explain each bonus being offered, but often times it is things like, “Earn $2.00 when you redeem 3 unique rebates on one receipt from Target.”
#5 Refer a Friend Program
Every time you invite a friend, and they USE the app, you get a $ bonus! Ibotta does change the bonus structure at times and offers higher incentives, but below is how the standard bonus structure is broken down:
- Refer 1 friend, receive $5
- Refer 2 or more friends, receive $10 for each referral
*Don’t forget to provide your personal referral code to your friends, located under your account, in the “Invite Friends” section.
#6 Receive $10 for signing up and using the app
Even if you only use the app one time, you receive $10 just for using the app! Hey – that’s some easy coffee money!
How To Redeem Your Cash
There are 2 ways to redeem the cash you have earned from your rebates. You may link your Paypal or Venmo account to Ibotta, and Ibotta will transfer the earnings to your account. (Yes, if you don’t have a Paypal or Venmo account, you would need to set one up). If you prefer not to do this, you can also choose from one of Ibotta’s featured gift cards. They have a great selection of gift cards!
Ibotta is still a fairly new app compared to most of its competitors. I have followed its journey from pretty early on when it was just grocery. Today, Ibotta works in over 300 retail chains, movie theaters, restaurants, convenience stores, home improvement centers, pet stores, and pharmacies nationwide.
How to get started…
I love the simplicity of this cash back app, which is why I’m sharing it with you. SO if you are new to the Ibotta world, and you decide you want to try it out, simply click on this link. Once you have downloaded the app, just start shopping!
*This link does pre-populate with my referral code, thanks for your support!!