This week in our #ThriftyThursday series we will discuss another valuable cash back app, Ibotta. Much like, Pei and DO$H, this is an app you should learn to use regularly!
What is Ibotta?
Ibotta is a free cash back rewards and payments mobile app that gives you cash for everyday purchases when you shop. You can scan receipts from shopping trips, pay via the app with debit card, or shop via Ibotta just like a shopping portal. Ibotta provides thousands of ways for consumers to earn cash on their purchases by partnering with more than 1,500 brands and retailers.
How to Use Ibotta
You start by simply downloading the mobile app and signing up using our link at the bottom of the page. If you choose to link a debit card you may as well, but it is not required for anything except the pay-via- app offers. Now you are all ready to save via various methods.
Grocery Stores and Retailers– You should search under the grocery category to see what Ibotta has available. You will find everything from Walmart to Safeway to Costco. To make things even easier, Ibotta has a feature with some grocery retailers to link your grocery rewards card! Once you open the grocery store of your choice, you can scroll through the offers. Some offers are basic ones such as “any bread item”, while others will be brand-specific. You simply click to claim the offer. Some may require you to watch a short video, but I typically do it while walking down the grocery store aisles.
Once you select the offers you want and purchase the items at the store, you are now ready to claim your cash! I recommend doing this as you are putting groceries away at home. You may be required to scan UPC codes, so planning to claim the offers while putting away the groceries helps speed-up the process. You then take a picture of your receipt, which can be divided into multiple images. Next, you scan any required UPC codes and, voila, your cash posts. You need just $20 to cash out via Paypal. They also offer a digital gift card option and sometimes will even give a bonus for taking this option.
Portal Option– Ibotta also acts as a shopping portal where you can earn cash back just like any of the popular ones such as Rakuten. I recently used it for Sun Basket to double-dip, receiving $45 cash back via Ibotta plus a targeted $20 Amex offer on one of my Amex cards. Not only did I get to try Sun Basket, but I made a profit on my first order! I will say it doesn’t offer great tracking like Rakuten and other portals, but I got my money (and much faster than stated).
Debit card option-Ibotta has an option where you can pay at various retailers with your debit card. I typically do not use this option as I am using my credit cards to earn points. There are numerous retailers for this option, including my favorite: Starbucks.
Analysis
Just like credit cards, I like to diversify and use a number of cash back apps. It gives you more opportunities to earn cash back and not pay full price. Whether you want to look at it as a discount or simply free money, it’s a winning situation. While it seems like it may take forever to build up cash back, having multiple apps like this can be beneficial. It may seem tedious at times adding ten cents for bread or twenty-five cents for a yogurt deal, but the money adds up fast. I have found it extremely easy to use. To date, I've earned nearly $220 via this app.
Stacking
A “stack” is when you make a purchase, but can combine more than one discount, cash back, or points-earning method, thus “stacking” the deals.
The easiest way to do this is with Ibotta is to use Chase or Amex Offers that are linked to the credit card you decide to use. In addition, I have found manufacturer coupons for some of my favorite items which combines with what Ibotta is offering to make the item free.
Final Thoughts
I am always excited about free money and that is no different with the Ibotta app. You’re earning cash-back for groceries that you were planning to purchase anyway. In addition, it may give you a way to try new products for much less. It is nice to cash in that $20 every now and then. Overall, I have earned almost $220 cash back with Ibotta without doing any extra work other than a couple clicks and a receipt picture. To me, it is well worth the minute or two per grocery trip it takes to save significant money!
Are you using Ibotta If not, want to try it out and earn free money? Use referral code oqwtkw or just use our link to sign up. https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/1005cd3f?friend_code=oqwtkw
Do you have a stack to share? Want to learn more methods for stacking and traveling on Points and miles? If so, come over to our Facebook group and join the fun.
