Ibotta is our favorite app for saving on groceries. It’s similar to Checkout 51 or Fetch Rewards. With just 2 people in the house, we earned over $300 in 2019. If you shop with coupons, this app allows you to stack coupons and earn rewards when you shop.
What Is Ibotta?
Ibotta is a free mobile app that offers rebates when you shop in-store or online. You can earn cash back on everyday items such as eggs, milk, alcohol and more. Once you have earned $20, you can redeem your cash back with PayPal or Venmo. Additionally, you can cash in with gift cards like Amazon, Best Buy or Chili’s Grill & Bar.
How Does Ibotta Work?
Ibotta gives you several ways to earn cash back. But the app isn’t just for saving money on groceries, you can save money on travel, alcohol, clothing, the pharmacy, restaurants and electronics.
Receipt Scanning
Scanning your grocery receipts is the most common way to earn cash back with Ibotta. Just like clipping coupons, those same coupons can be found in the app. For example, you can earn $1 back when you purchase Cottonelle toilet paper. There are also deals called “Any Brand” where you can earn cash back on any brand that you purchase. Purchasing Cottonelle toilet paper could save you $1.25 instead of $1. Stack the value by using coupons in-store, then use the app.
First, select the grocery store in the app. Then choose the items you want to purchase. Then click “Redeem.” You will take a picture within the app. Lay the receipt on a flat surface in good lighting. Walmart prints a QR code at the bottom of the receipt. Instead of taking a photo of the receipt, scan the QR code. FYI, Walmart has more rebates than any other store on the app.
Ibotta Pay
Ibotta Pay is a mobile pay feature that gives you instant cash back on your entire in-store purchase when you link your debit for credit card in the app.
Welcome Bonus
Ibotta offers a $20 sign up bonus for new users after you redeem 10 offers within 14 days of registering. The bonus excludes “Any Brand” and “Any Item” offers. Use this Referral Link when signing up to receive this bonus.
Bonuses
Bonuses are a way for you to earn additional cash back. For Valentines, Ibotta offered a $5 bonus for purchasing wine and $10 bonus when you redeemed 12 offers. Also, many brands offer additional cash back in the bonus section for specific products.
Teamwork bonuses can add $2 per month to your account. Each month, Ibotta has teamwork bonuses. For example, you can earn extra cash when you or anyone you refer redeems offers.
Online Shopping
When you shop within the Ibotta app or browser extension, you can earn cash back for your online purchases.
Link Your Loyalty Accounts
If your favorite store has a loyalty account, you can link your loyalty card in the app. Use your loyalty card at checkout as usual and you can earn without scanning your receipt. You’ll see cash back within 24 hours.
Referral Program
Earn cash with Ibotta when you invite friends who use your link to join. Get $5 for everyone you refer when they redeem their first offer. Often, Ibotta will offer extra cash for referring friends. In February, the app offered an additional $50 bonus when you referred 5 people.
Getting Started With Ibotta
- Click here to download the app
- Create your account
- If you plan on shopping in-store, add offers to your account. If you’re shopping online, shop through the Ibotta portal.
- If in-store, shop and check out
- Within the app, take a photo of your receipt and scan barcodes, when needed
- Within 48 hours, Ibotta will deposit money in your account
You can also click here for step by step instructions on how to sign up for Ibotta.
