Managing a household can run up costs pretty quickly. If you’re looking to save money here and there, then you might have heard of Ibotta. So what is Ibotta, and is it any good? Here are my Ibotta reviews.
I’ve used the app and muddled through several Ibotta reviews to give you a comprehensive answer here.
The company’s claims might seem inconceivable, so you’re probably wondering, “Is Ibotta legit?” I can safely say that it is, and here’s why!
Ibotta Reviews – What is Ibotta?
Before we tackle your questions, let’s first learn what Ibotta is.
The Ibotta app is essentially modern couponing in that you don’t have to sift through newspapers for paper coupons.
So you don’t need to bring physical coupons to the store with you when you shop.
The smartphone software is free, allowing you to earn cash back on products you buy at your favorite stores.
Most folks start saving at the grocery store. However, rebates can be found at online merchants, pharmacies, restaurants, travel sites, and many more.
Ibotta is so effective that you’d be foolish not to check the app before making any purchases.
Related Reading: Survey Junkie vs Ibotta vs InboxDollars vs Rakuten – Read The Comparison Now!
How Ibotta Works?
If you want a condensed version of how Ibotta works, here it is:
1. You get the app from the App Store or Play Store.
2. Find offers.
3. Tap the plus sign to redeem the offers that you want.
4. Take a photo of your receipt and upload it.
5. Earn cashback.
Here’s the more extended version. Let’s say you want to save on this week’s meals. Here’s how you go about saving money on food groceries with Ibotta.
1. Create a meal plan.
You’ll first need to figure out what you’ll be eating for the week. Plan out your meals and think about the ingredients you’ll need.
2. Find offers on the Ibotta app.
Open the Ibotta app and browse offers from your local grocery stores once you’ve made an okay plan.
When you select a store, tabs will appear across the top to assist you in finding what you’re looking for.
It would help if you began with the categories that include the things on your shopping list. Check out the “produce” and “dairy” sections first.
Then dive into the “what’s hot,” “best value,” or “new offers” section. This will assist you in remaining focused and keeping to your budget. After all, that’s the ultimate goal!
Even if you shop at one store, I recommend checking out a few others nearby. You might find deals at one that isn’t available at others.
If that seems too daunting, head to the “discover offers” button and put in your item. See which retailers provide rebates on that item.
3. Add your rebates.
As you come across deals you’d like to redeem, click the plus sign on the rebate itself.
You may have to take a quick 1-question quiz or view a 15-30 second video to claim a rebate.
I first heard of Ibotta a few years ago, and my colleagues that joined were swamped with ads that made the rebates unappealing.
But with the most recent app changes, Ibotta has come a long way.
4. Shop as usual.
When you go shopping, make sure you get the right size, quantity, or item for the deal. If a rebate specifies some size, select the bundle that best fits your family’s needs.
One strategy is to look at the price, deduct the rebate, and multiply by the quantity or ounce.
5. Upload your receipt.
You have seven days to upload your receipt on Ibotta to claim your rebates. However, I recommend you upload it immediately. Why?
If you forget or misplace your receipt, you can’t claim your rebates. So please don’t risk it and get your free cash right away!
6. Cash out.
There are no gimmicks or ambiguity in the manner you earn money back. If your balance is more than $20, you can get cashback using PayPal or Venmo. You can also get a gift card instead.
Ibotta Reviews – Is Ibotta Legit?
Now that you know how Ibotta generally operates, let’s answer your questions. Is it legit? How does the company make money? Is it even safe to use?
Ibotta is a real business that makes money by receiving a tiny commission or finders fee for each item purchased.
Affiliate marketing is technically its business concept. Instead of keeping all commissions, they reward their users and share a portion of the affiliate commission. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone!
Ibotta collects many data points while you use the app. Ibotta’s privacy policy states that they collect information from their customers regarding their shopping habits.
The “catch” is that they get to track your buying habits in exchange for rebates that you can redeem.
If it bothers you, think about whether you have a Facebook or Amazon account or do any online purchasing. These companies acquire your information and keep track of your demographics and buying habits.
It’s a standard business practice, but you can always limit ad tracking in your settings if you want more control.
Is Ibotta Worth Using?
Here are short pros and cons lists to help you make a decision.
Pros
- The app is intuitive and free to download.
- Includes over 300 retailers
- The rebates that they offer are varied, from groceries to plane tickets.
- You can claim rebates on generic purchases, not just specialty items or specific brands.
- Cashback can be earned through Venmo, PayPal, and gift cards.
- This app can be used with other apps to boost your savings. Ibotta is only one of the strategic shopper’s many tools for coupons and rewards programs.
Cons
- You might be tempted to purchase items that you don’t need because of some excellent deals.
- Every once in a while, certain brands won’t be available at the physical store that you visit.
- If you don’t touch your rewards balance for six months, you’ll be charged a convenience fee of $3.99. I suggest you always use the app if you download it.
So as you can see, Ibotta is worth using especially for household items. You’re going to be regularly buying groceries, so you might as well save some money.
How To Get The Most From Ibotta
Do you think you’re going to give Ibotta a try? Then are a couple of tips to make the most out of this fantastic app.
1. Take advantage of Ibotta bonuses.
Ibotta’s bonuses are an enjoyable and straightforward method to increase your cashback potential.
You can make a lot of money by performing specific tasks, redeeming stuff from particular vendors, or purchasing featured products. Every day, new benefits are introduced, so come back often.
2. Get your friends in on it.
Make money as a team by achieving common goals.
When you sign up using Facebook or introduce friends, you’ll be automatically added to an Ibotta team.
You can collaborate to earn four levels of free money bonuses! Plus, the larger your squad, the more money you’ll make.
3. Use “Pay With Ibotta.”
‘Pay With Ibotta’ is a fun new feature that Ibotta started in 2019. Ibotta will reimburse you up to 10% of your in-store purchases at over 50 different shops.
You’re ready to “pay with Ibotta” at checkout once you’ve connected your debit or credit card to the app. Plus, you can scan your receipt for more free money afterward!
Other Money-Saving Apps You Can Use With Ibotta
Now you know that you can make a little money by spending as you normally would. You’re probably curious as to whether there are any apps like Ibotta or not. Well, there are!
Nothing is stopping you from using the following apps alongside Ibotta to maximize your savings. Keep in mind, though, that Ibotta still reigns supreme in this area.
1- Rakuten
Rakuten (previously Ebates) compensates you for your online purchases.
When you click “checkout” on Amazon.com, for example, money is immediately placed into your Rakuten account.
After that, you’ll get a “Big Fat Check” in the mail or your PayPal account.
You won’t even have to ask for the check; it’ll arrive in your mailbox every three months on its own.
Additionally, you can install the free Rakuten Button (Chrome/Safari browser plugin) after creating your free Rakuten account.
In a nutshell, this button ensures that you never miss out on a coupon, promotion, discount, or cash back opportunity.
Rakuten is the ideal complement to Ibotta because it allows you to save money in-store and online purchases.
2- Dosh
Dosh is unique in that it saves money automatically.
This requires a straightforward step: checkout using a linked credit or debit card.
So no choosing what you’re purchasing for and then snapping a picture of your receipt (as Ibotta does).
That is all there is to it.
Thanks to Dosh’s network of thousands of retailers and restaurants, Earning free money is now second nature.
3- Fetch Rewards
With this app, you can maximize your discounts and benefits by being brand-dependent.
When you upload receipts from popular partner companies like Breyers, Pepsi, Philadelphia, and Kraft, among others, you get points.
Household products, pharmaceuticals, baby products or supplies, and publications are among the other brands or sellers.
The minimum barrier for Fetch Rewards is only $3 or 3,000 points.
You can now redeem these gift cards or donate to charity after you’ve reached this amount.
4- Checkout 51
The functions of this cashback app are very similar to those of Ibotta.
When it comes to cash and rebate offers, the two apps are nearly identical.
Every Thursday, new rebates are provided. Browse the app and add items to your shopping list that you like.
Then, for each eligible purchase, upload a receipt and get some cash back.
Like Ibotta, the cashout threshold is set at $20, but you can only cash out through check.
Checkout 51 is accessible as a web browser extension, as well as an iOS and Android app.
The main disadvantage of utilizing this app is that it has a shorter time frame for offers than Ibotta.
Because things tend to sell out quickly, you only have 24 hours to act on recommendations.
5- ReceiptPal
Because of its simplicity, ReceiptPal is also one of the most popular cashback or incentive apps. It’s also elementary, and it’s excellent for non-techies.
You don’t have to buy certain things or start shopping sessions to earn incentives.
To get points, scan receipts when you shop or fill up your fuel tank.
This works with both the iOS and Android apps.
Receipts are scanned and uploaded either through the app or via email.
Scanning a receipt earns you 25 points, which you may redeem for gift cards.
Scanned receipts also give you an entry into the week’s $250 cash jackpot.
The minimum cashout amount on ReceiptPal is a mere $5, which is equal to 2,200 points.
You can redeem these points for Amazon gift cards and other similar items.
You can only upload 20 receipts per week when you first start using the app.
For receipts to be counted, you must submit them within 30 days of purchase.
With continued use, the number of allowable receipts will increase.
Related Reading: Greenlight card reviews – Click Here To Learn More
Final Thoughts – Ibotta Reviews
Who knew that couponing had been adapted to modern times?
I hope that you surmise from this post that Ibotta is indeed a legitimate money-saver.
Plus, paired with other apps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a strategic shopper.
Why pass up a chance to make your shopping experiences a little more rewarding?
