Ibotta Review
I normally don’t review apps on my site, but my Ibotta review is one you should read. Why?
I have personally used Ibotta for the past 7 years, and I’m still using it. In fact, I use it every time I shop. Plus, with the new updates, using Ibotta is even better!
What is Ibotta?
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Ibotta is an app that you can use to get cash back on things you use and buy every day. It’s totally free to download and use on both Android and IOS.
7 of the Latest Updates on Ibotta
Ibotta has changed a few things about how the app is used, and they’re all for the benefit of its members! The top two are my favorite:
- No more barcode scanning. Perhaps what was most time consuming about using the app was having to scan barcodes before submitting a receipt. This past May, Ibotta announced that rebates may be redeemed without having to scan barcodes. It’s not in all stores yet, but I can confirm that it has worked for me in both Walmart and Target. Sometimes, if the app cannot read a receipt it may ask you to scan the barcodes, but I have only had that happen once so far.
- Multiple redemptions. In the old Ibotta, you used to be able to only redeem one rebate for one item. Now, many rebates can be used twice or more on one receipt!
- Easier to use. Ibotta updated its user experience. The Gallery (where you find rebates) can be searched by store or by category. It can be used horizontally or vertically, depending on how you’re searching. There’s now also a “For You” section that recommends relevant rebates.
- You can personalize your experience. When you open the app, you are now given the option to choose the stores you use and to choose the apps you use. These are based on what is in your area, but you can still see national rebates if you choose.
- There is increased inventory. You’ll be able to find THOUSANDS of rebates within the app, with over 400 that will be stocked in Walmart alone.
- There are new mobile shopping rebates. Use Amazon, eBay, Hotels.com, Ticektmaster, or Groupon? There are rebates for them, along with many other online retailors and apps!
- You can now get money back for Uber! This is very new, and it’s going to be a recurring rebate for Uber users!
How Does Ibotta Work?
It’s simple:
- Download the app on your device. Click here to join for free using my referral link! If you join, you’ll get a $10 BONUS just for trying the app! (Bonus will be applied after you redeem your first rebate. Note: When you join using my link and redeem your first rebate within 14 days, I’ll get referral credit. Thanks! And guess what? When you invite others to join using your link through the app, you can get referral credit too!! See more about that below.)
- Follow the instructions to fill out your profile. Easy peasy.
- Explore the app. I always recommend doing this for any app you download. Start with the HELP section found under the Account button. Read about how everything works. Check out the Bonuses available, also found under the Account button. Search through the Featured rebates, etc, etc.
- Find Rebates! Search for rebates by category or store. I usually search by store since I have an idea of where I’m headed. If I have time, I go through all of the rebates and compare what is in the app to what is on my shopping list. If I don’t have time, I search for the things I need individually or even scan as I go in store.
- Scan receipts. After shopping, make sure what you bought is in your rebates list, and click on the Redeem button. Follow the directions for your receipt. (If you shopped through the app online, then your purchase will be tracked automatically.
- Wait for your cash back. I usually get my cash back within an hour, but it can take up to 24 hours.
- Withdraw cash. This is the best part! Once you have $20 in your account, you can cash out by either sending money to Paypal or Venmo, or purchasing a gift card from a long list of retailers, including : Amazon, Best Buy, Whole Foods Market, Uber, Walmart, Starbucks, and more.
Ibotta Tips and Tricks
♥ Check Ibotta every few days for new rebates.
♥ Check the Bonuses every few weeks for new challenges and bonuses to complete for more cash back!
♥ Use Ibotta in addition to using apps like Target Cartwheel, or Walmart Savings Catcher for MORE SAVINGS!
♥ Use cash back to save for Christmas shopping, birthday presents, a vacation, or more online shopping!
♥ Invite friends to Ibotta and get cash back for those referrals! For a limited time, when you refer a friend, you get $5. Once you refer three friends, you get $15 PLUS a bonus of $15 for a total of $30! (Note: New users must redeem their first rebate within two weeks in order for you to get the referral credit).
Ibotta Review: My Experience
As I said above, I have been using Ibotta for about 7+ years now. In those seven years, I have earned a total of over $1500+ in cash back.
I hold the top rank out of all my active teammates, but a few of my friends are catching up!
I check Ibotta before I go shopping for anything. No joke! I redeem rebates on toilet paper, cleaning supplies, fruits and veggies, pantry items, milk, baby food pouches, vitamins, clothes, Amazon purchases, and so much more!
As the years have passed, I have been finding more and more rebates on items I use every day. I’m not just buying things to get the rebates. I actually use the items in my every day life!
Being on a team makes it very easy to get a least two out of the three team bonuses every month. It’s extra cash back for me AND them!
There were a few hiccups here and there, like when an item wasn’t recognized, but the support center has been very helpful.
♥ All in all, I would highly recommend downloading Ibotta and using it to get cash back when you shop! If you join, you’ll get a $10 BONUS just for trying the app! (Bonus will be applied after you redeem your first rebate.)
Do You Use Ibotta? Have Any Questions?
♥ Did you learn anything new from my Ibotta review? Are you going to join? Let me know in the comments below!
♥ Are you already a member? How much have you earned back?
denise low says
June 23, 2017 at 8:25 pmThank you for sharing. I will have to check it out.
Marissa says
June 29, 2017 at 3:15 pmIt’s a great app. Just earned $17 back today just from one shopping trip!
Marcella N says
June 28, 2017 at 12:24 amI love Ibotta. I’ve been using it for the past couple of years, and I’ve been able to save so much.
Marissa says
June 29, 2017 at 3:15 pmSo glad to hear that!
Abigail Adams says
June 29, 2017 at 2:30 pmThank you for sharing! I will have to try this!
Marissa says
June 29, 2017 at 3:14 pmHave fun! You’ll love all the cash back offers.
Sarah Guerriero says
June 29, 2017 at 3:06 pmNever heard of this app, but now be giving it a try!
Marissa says
June 29, 2017 at 3:14 pmYou’ll love it! I just earned $17 back from it today in fact.
Kristi says
June 30, 2017 at 9:36 pmWe have saved so much money with Ibotta!
Marissa says
June 30, 2017 at 9:38 pmAwesome!
Lauryn R says
July 1, 2017 at 12:58 amThis definitely sounds like a great app! I have three kiddos and do a lot of shopping, I will definitely have check it out! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Elizabeth Johnson says
July 1, 2017 at 11:22 amWe normally eat healthy foods such as chicken breasts, eggs, milk, fruit and veggies. That is usually it. However we have gotten some good deals on junky and boxed foods because of Ibotta. It has been fun for the kids and for me it is fun getting good deals on things i dont usually buy. I really like ibotta. I wish they would include more healthy offers and also not just being any rebate as they dont qualify for bonuses. But… Having bonuses at all is pretty great. I will continue to use Ibotta.
Maddy k Lewis says
July 1, 2017 at 11:42 amJust downloaded this app the other day! Great tips im gonna have to try them thank you!
Lisa Queen says
July 1, 2017 at 11:58 amI have thought about lbotta but have never used it. Thank you for the review. I will have to check into it.
Pauline Gorczycki says
July 1, 2017 at 12:35 pmThanks for sharing.
Sue E says
July 1, 2017 at 1:24 pmI haven’t used Ibotta for 5 years like yourself, but I did download it about a year ago. I get so mad at myself, because I forget to check it before I go shopping a lot!! I am glad that you shared some of the newer benefits of using this app! Thank you!!
I do have really hard times trying to take legible pictures of receipts with my hands shaking a lot! So this part is not fair for some of us with disabilities!!
I like the cash back option also! TY
shannon fowler says
July 1, 2017 at 11:36 pmI recently started using it, and it is super easy. It just seems that Ive had items not recognized a couple of times. Thank you for the review. i need to remember about the bonuses.
Melissa Storms says
July 2, 2017 at 1:00 amI have been reading a lot a bout Ibotta. I really need to do a little research and get my self set up for it.
Barrie says
July 2, 2017 at 6:39 pmWow…I had no idea how easy Ibotta is to use. I thought it was not worth the time although I do love saving money. I’ll add the app(using your referral link, or course) and look it over!
ellen beck says
July 3, 2017 at 12:24 amI dont use a smartphone but have heard good things about this app. Now, well not so sure. I read another poser whos hands shake it needs pics of receipts. I wouldnt be able to do that either :/
Rhonda Martin says
July 3, 2017 at 12:46 amI have heard of Ibotta but never have used it. It sounds easier now so maybe I will give it a try.
Kelly Kimmell says
July 3, 2017 at 1:10 pmI had never heard of Ibotta but I will definitely have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
Kelly Kimmell says
July 3, 2017 at 1:12 pmI had never heard of Ibotta, but I will definitely have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
Margaret Appel says
July 3, 2017 at 5:36 pmI had never heard of Ibotta before your review. It sounds like a great app and I will have to check into it for sure! Saving money is always good.
Karen Jaras says
July 4, 2017 at 7:42 pmI too have been with Ibotta since the beginning but there is increasingly more items we would never purchase. Or kids are grown and the grandchildren come over a few times but with just the 2 of us we do not need much. I wish they had less candy and alcohol and more real foods.
Linda Manns Linneman says
July 5, 2017 at 8:39 pmI have never used this app before. I am all for saving money and making my life easier. Thank you so much for sharing this
Nicole Becker says
July 7, 2017 at 11:15 amI absolutely LOVE this app!! I have $300 in my account right now and I am just gonna continue to keep the money in there so that I can have a free Christmas for my family.
Marissa says
July 7, 2017 at 11:37 amThat’s awesome!!
Terry says
July 13, 2017 at 7:41 pmI’ve heard of Ibotta but wasn’t really sure what this app was until I read your post. I am all about saving money so I will have to download this tonight and check it out. Thanks!