If you’re looking for ways to save money shopping, then you’ll love the Ibotta app. With Ibotta, you’ll earn cashback on both in-store and online purchases. All you need is your mobile phone or computer.
For instance, when you shop at major retailers like Walmart, you can use the Ibotta app to pay for items. Then, you can also upload your receipts to the app and receive cash back within 24 hours.
Irrespective of this, some people still doubt whether Ibotta is legit or a scam.
So to respond appropriately to this, we’ve done a review on the Ibotta app. Here, you’ll learn more about the Ibotta, what it is, how it works, if it’s free, the sign-up, the pros and cons, and more.
Here is a table of what to expect:
Table of contents
What is Ibotta?
Founded in 2012 by Bryan Leach, Ibotta is a free cash-back rewards and payments app that gives you real cash for everyday purchases when you shop and pay.
Since its founding, Ibotta has paid over $600 million in cash rewards to over 35 million users.
The app provides thousands of ways for consumers to earn cash on their purchases by partnering with over 1,500 brands and retailers.
So, whether you’re buying groceries, clothing, electronics, or wine and beer, Ibotta will pay you cash. In fact, Ibotta has paid out over $600 million in cash rewards to over 35 million users since its founding in 2012.
Ibotta App Ranking
The Ibotta app is currently ranked #31 out of all Shopping apps in the App Store with a stunning 4.8-star rating (out of 5) and over 935,300 reviews.
On Google Playstore, it also has a 4.3-star rating (out of 5) and over 478,690 reviews on Google Playstore.
Is Ibotta Free?
Yes, Ibotta is 100% free to download and use. There are no upsells or membership fees; downloading is entirely free.
The only time you have to spend money is at retailers to get cashback. So, since you’re going to shop, it’s easy to use the app and get cash back.
However, be careful not to overspend or buy anything you normally wouldn’t. As the saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Ibotta Sign Up
To sign up for Ibotta online, all you have to do is to enter your first name, email address, password, date of birth (you must be 21 or older), zip code, and gender. You can also enter a referral code.
However, to actually use Ibotta, you need to download the app.
How Does Ibotta Work?
Basically, Ibotta can earn cash back both at retailer locations and while shopping online.
Here’s how it works.
#1 Save Money Online
You can get cash back for your online purchases when you shop with the Ibotta browser extension or visit online retailers through the Ibotta app.
You can also book your travel through Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com, and more to get rewarded when you start with Ibotta.
With the Ibotta app instantly, you save money at over 140 online retailers, from online shopping hubs like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to specialty shops like Casper, Petco, and Backcountry.
To save money online, open up the app, and select Online Shopping. You’ll be shown a list of currently available offers. Now, click Shop and then make your purchase online just like you normally would.
Once the purchase is complete, you’ll automatically have cash in your account.
#2 Earn In-Store
To get rewarded when you shop in store with the Ibotta app, follow these steps:
Firstly, open up the app and click the Find Offers button.
Then, add the offers you’re interested in into your account. If you plan to go shopping with a favorite retailer (let’s say Target), you can filter any offers specific to that brand.
Sometimes, you may have to answer a quick survey about the product you’re adding. In others, the app may display a recipe related to the product.
After identifying the offers that you’re interested in, the next thing to do is to go shopping. Visit your neighborhood Target store and make your purchases like you normally would.
Next, upload your Target receipt using the app’s camera function to earn cash back. Normally when a receipt is uploaded, Ibotta automatically cross-references the offers you previously selected before you went shopping with the completed purchases on your receipt.
Once a match is found, you’ll be asked if you want to redeem the offer for cash back. If everything looks good, you can process the receipt, and you’re all set!
#3 Connecting Loyalty Accounts
Just like most shopping apps, Ibotta has relationships with most major retailers. And as such, it’s also linked with these retailers’ loyalty accounts.
To link a loyalty account, you must open the app and select the retailer you plan to visit. Then, click the “Link Account button” at the app’s top. This allows you to submit your existing loyalty account information or sign up for a new one.
Once you complete this process, Ibotta automatically gives you cash back for purchases made at that store—provided that you used your loyalty card when completing the transaction.
This feature is super convenient for many because it removes the step of manually uploading receipts after you’re done shopping.
#4 Pay with Ibotta
You can shop at over 50 popular stores and restaurants using the Ibotta app.
All you need to do is to use the Pay with Ibotta feature; then you’ll instantly earn cashback and discounts on in-person purchases right from the Ibotta app. You can also save up to 10% instantly without having to use any coupons.
So paying with Ibotta means you must first add your debit or credit card to your Ibotta account (under the Payments section). Then make your purchases and display the Pay with Ibotta gift card code to the cashier at checkout. Immediately the cashier scans this code; you’ll pay for your items and instantly earn cash back.
Now, if you frequently dine at Chipotle, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Steak and Shake, Peet’s Coffee, or Texas Roadhouse, you might find this feature especially appetizing. (See what I did there?!)
Pros And Cons Of Ibotta
If you are yet to use the Ibotta app, we made some interesting findings while carrying out the review.
First and foremost, Ibotta is legit and not a scam. It’s also among the top ranking shopping apps on various Play and apps stores.
Regardless of this, the app has its flaws. So, to know if using the Ibotta app is worth it, carefully go through the pros and cons below.
Pros
- The Ibotta app is 100% free to use.
- Cashback is available at most national retailers.
- An easy way to save money on everyday purchases.
Cons
- Ibotta only links with major retailers and huge brands.
- Its customer support or service seems to lack.
- The Ibotta app tracks your location while you are in stores.
Ibotta Website
Visit the official website below to learn more about the app and make more reviews on it.
Ibotta Account Management
If you are looking to manage your Ibotta account, here are some tips and suggestions:
- Updating your personal information: To update your personal information such as your name, email address, or password, go to the “Account” tab in the app and select “Settings.” From there, you can update your information as needed.
- Connecting payment methods: To connect payment methods such as PayPal or Venmo, go to the “Account” tab and select “Payment Settings.” From there, you can link your preferred payment method.
- Checking your account balance: To check your Ibotta account balance, simply open the app and go to the “Account” tab. Your account balance will be displayed at the top of the screen.
- Viewing your earnings: To view your earnings and cashback history, go to the “Account” tab and select “Earnings History.” Here, you can see a breakdown of your earnings by date and transaction.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues with your Ibotta account, you can contact their customer support team via the app. Simply go to the “Account” tab and select “Help & Support.” From there, you can search for answers to common issues or submit a support ticket if needed.
Ibotta Referral program
Ibotta has a referral program that allows users to earn cashback and other rewards for referring friends and family to the app. Here’s how it works:
- Share your referral code: To participate in the referral program, you’ll need to share your unique referral code with your friends and family. You can find your referral code in the app by going to the “Account” tab and selecting “Invite Friends.” From there, you can share your code via email, text message, social media, or any other messaging platform.
- Earn rewards: When someone signs up for Ibotta using your referral code, you and your friend will both earn rewards. Currently, Ibotta offers a $10 welcome bonus for new users who sign up with a referral code and redeem their first offer within 7 days of joining. Additionally, the user who referred the new member will receive a $5 referral bonus.
- Track your referrals: You can track your referrals and rewards by going to the “Account” tab and selecting “Invite Friends.” From there, you can see how many friends you’ve referred and how much cashback you’ve earned.
- Refer as many friends as you want: There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer to Ibotta, so feel free to share your code with as many people as you like. The more people you refer, the more rewards you can earn.
FAQs
The following are the disadvantages of using Ibotta
You need to add offers before shopping.
You need to upload receipts.
Offers are store-specific.
Many offers are brand-specific.
There are ads.
You must make online purchases through the app.
Ibotta is a legit app that lets you get actual cash back from your favored retailers.
You can choose which brands and receipts to use when receiving cash back!
Conclusion
Ibotta is a legitimate app where you can earn real cashback. However, to get money from Ibotta, you must first spend money by shopping at major retailers. After this, you will earn cashback, which can be redeemed on PayPal or for gift cards.
You May Also Like
