Are you a coupon enthusiast? Or have you been reading up on coupon sites? You’ve probably come across an app called Ibotta. But what is it?
Ibotta is a free application that promises to save you money by offering real cash rewards for ordinary shopping at various sites and stores. The cashback offer applies to anything from groceries to electronics. But is Ibotta legitimate or is this too good to be true?
Below, we take a detailed look at the app, from its features to terms and conditions. We will also look at how to use it and answer some of the top questions you might have about the Ibotta app.
Features of Ibotta
What can you expect from Ibotta when you download it? Below is a look at some of the top features of the app:
1. In-store offers
Ibotta comes with in-store offers, where you can find hundreds of offers from various supported stores. Simply go to the app, find local stores near you, and choose from hundreds of offers available.
2. Cashback offers
Cashback is the main feature of Ibotta. It grants you access to various offers from top stores such as Amazon, eBay, iTunes, and more, where you can shop and earn cash rewards.
3. Teamwork feature
Want to earn even more when shopping with Ibotta? You can do so by shopping together with your friends. The app allows you to create a network through various social media platforms such as Facebook. The more friends you have in your network, the more offers, and the larger the bonuses.
4. Referral program
Is your network of friends not large enough? Don’t worry! You can still increase your rewards with the referral program. Simply invite friends and other individuals, and for every one of them who completes an offer, Ibotta will pay you a bonus. The more referrals you have, the more bonuses you earn.
5. Bonuses program
Aside from the normal offers, the Ibotta platform also allows you to earn extra money through the bonuses program. Simply go to the section and participate in any of the bonus offers to earn more.
6. Online shopping venue
Online shopping is a different experience at Ibotta. The app features supported online stores and the various offers they have allowing you to choose your favorite.
And instead of shopping at these stores to earn rebates, you initiate the purchases at Ibotta. Once completed, you automatically receive cash bask at your app.
7. Loyalty card
Ibotta offers you a way to make your shopping and earning cashback more effortless – linking your loyalty card with your app. This way, instead of scanning receipts after every purchase, your transactions are verified automatically every time you use a loyalty card.
Terms and conditions
Before you start using the app, there are a few things you need to take into account. Below is a look at some of the top Ibotta terms and conditions you need to adhere to:
- You must be 18 years old – Ibotta is a free app open for use by anyone as long as they are 18 years and above.
- You can only operate one account – Ibotta frowns upon any attempt to cheat, for example, opening a second account to refer yourself. As a result, only one account is allowed per person. In case you have opened two accounts by accident, you should immediately contact Ibotta customer support for guidance.
- Ibotta account maintenance fees – Ibotta requires you to keep your account active. Any accounts that are inactive for 180 days are charged an account maintenance fee of $3.99. You should, however, note the money is only charged from your Ibotta balance – never your card or bank account.
How to use Ibotta
How does Ibotta make you money? Below is a look at how you can use the app to earn the promised cash rewards.
1. Download and install the app
The first step towards using the app is to download and install it on your phone. With it on your phone, you now have a powerful tool that you can use to earn money.
2. Earn the welcome bonus
If you are a first-time user, Ibotta offers you a welcome bonus of $10. Be sure to claim it before you start earning. However, there are a few conditions that are in place for this offer:
- You must be a brand new user with no other account opened with your details
- Your phone must also be new to Ibotta, i.e., it must not have been used with another account, even if it was not yours
3. Find offers
Launch the app and browse through the various offers. These include local store offers or online store offers.
The best way of finding good offers is to search for a category of products you intend to purchase. For example, if shopping for groceries you can select the “produce” category to find all current offers. From here, you can choose the one that you like.
Aside from category, you can also browse the offer searching for items you wish to purchase, for example, eggs, milk, etc. This will bring you a result of all offers by various stores.
4. Go shopping
Once you have found your offers, add them to your account then go shopping for the products. You can add as many offers as possible.
When it comes to shopping, there are two options: in-store shopping or online shopping. For in-store shopping, you will have to complete the purchase physically at the store. However, for online offers, you can initiate the purchase at Ibotta.
5. Provide proof of purchase
You need to provide proof of purchase to receive Ibotta cash rewards. There are three options when it comes to providing proof:
Scanned receipts
This comes into play when you are shopping at local stores. Once you have purchased items you had selected, simply scan the receipts and submit them on the app. Once the receipts are verified, you will receive cashback credit on your account within 48 hours.
Loyalty cards
Do you have a loyalty card for the participating retailer? Then you are in luck; you no longer need to scan receipts. Simply link the card with your Ibotta account and once you make a purchase, the receipts will be sent from the retailer automatically.
Online purchases
For online purchases initiated from the Ibotta platform, there is no need for proof of purchase. Ibotta will take you to the retailer website where you can complete the purchase, and the receipt will be received automatically.
6. Cash-out your rewards
Once you start shopping, allow your cashback earnings to accumulate. You can withdraw your money once it reached $20.
So, how do you get your money from Ibotta? Simply select the withdraw option and choose whether to receive it via Venmo or PayPal. Next, enter your account information and wait for the funds to be released.
Alternatively, you can withdraw the cash in form of a gift card. When you select the withdraw option, simply scroll down the available gift cards and choose the one you want. An email with your card will be sent to you within 24 hours.
FAQs
These are the most commonly asked questions about Ibotta and their answers.
1. Is Ibotta legit?
With so many fake cash back apps it is understandable to have concerns about the app. However, Ibotta is not a scam. Cashback rewards are credited to your account once proof of purchase is confirmed. There are also no limitations to withdrawing money once you meet the $20 threshold.
2. Is Ibotta safe to use?
Does Ibotta sell your information? Can you trust them with your personal information? Yes! Under their privacy policy, Ibotta does not sell or share any personal information. However, they do share anonymous information with third parties for purpose of improving the app and/or experience. But even then, you can opt-out of this by changing your account’s privacy settings.
3. Which stores are supported by Ibotta?
At which stores can you earn cashback rewards? Does Ibotta work with Amazon? Does it work with Walmart? There are several hundred supported retail stores, online stores, restaurants, convenience stores, movie theatres, and more. They include Amazon, eBay, Bed Bath & Beyond, 7-Eleven, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Nike.com, PUMA, Hooters, Target, Expedia.com, and more.
Conclusion
Are you looking to save money and earn cashback rewards for shopping? Ibotta offers you an opportunity to enjoy huge savings on your normal shopping. You also get to earn cash rewards and bonuses by completing offers and referring friends and referrals.
Simply shop, earn money, and withdraw your cash once you reach $20 or more. Furthermore, the app is free to use. However, a slight downside is that you are charged an account maintenance fee (on your Ibotta balance only) if you fail to use the app in 6 months.
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