[…] I wrote a post on what ibotta is and how it works. […]
Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Natalie
This is not a sponsored post.
In my search of ways to make some extra cash I discovered Ibotta, which apparently a lot of people are already on.
I also wrote about other cash-back apps I recommend. However, this post is all about ibotta.
Why I like it
When I use Ibotta, I don’t do any shopping that I wouldn’t already be doing so I’m not spending additional money.
However…I am getting some money back each time.
It may just be cents but each time I scan the grocery receipt, it adds up to a little bit of extra cash.
Below is are a couple of screenshots of some of the vendors they work with.
What I Don’t Like
Update 8/22/20: Currently Amazon is only offering cash back on Amazon devices or products. This has decreased my usage of the app significantly.
I have found it is getting increasingly more difficult to earn cash back in the recent past.
Aside from the more limited retailer options, I have run into errors a few times when submitting grocery receipts.
A couple of times I’ve gotten notifications the day after I uploaded (and trashed) my receipt to say it doesn’t meet requirements of the time frame when it actually did. My lesson from this is to keep the receipt for 24 hours in case it happens again and I need to contact support.
They also sometimes require you to scan the bar code of items as proof of purchase and if you throw out the item before you scan your receipt, you won’t get credit for it. So keep that in mind and do your scanning ASAP after shopping.
I also have found that the scanner is extremely challenging to use. The app views the bar code in a way that makes it very blurry and won’t read it. You’re better off entering the bar code manually. Fortunately, that is an option. Just tap the ? in the top right corner.
Levels
They have levels that you can work on to get extra bonuses.
I don’t shop enough to ever make any money on the levels on my own, however, you can achieve these bonuses more easily by having team members.
How do you get team members?
1. By linking to your social media accounts. Any friend of yours that is also linked to Ibotta will become part of your team.
2. If you refer someone they become part of your team. That being said, if you don’t already have an Ibotta account, please use my code below to join and be part of my team!
Join my team
Use my referral code, yohoonm or click here.
Also, if anyone uses your referral link, you will get a credit. The amount of that credit changes.
Is it worth the download?
If space is no issue on your phone and the places you shop at are one of the participating retailers, yes, because you have nothing to lose and only something to gain.
However, if that precious space on your phone is tight, I would hold off until retailers that you use most are back on the list (assuming they currently aren’t). That would make it worth your memory space.
Jana Stewart says
This was very helpful. I downloaded this app months ago but have never used it. Thanks for the info.
iamchangingcareers says
I had no idea a person could earn money using an app and shopping at the regular stores I go to. I’ll have to check this out!
Lori says
I had heard of ibotta but wasn’t sure how it worked. Thanks for sharing. Who doesn’t like earning extra cash.
Mama says
My feelings exactly. Especially when it doesn’t require any extra purchases!