Inside: A year ago I downloaded a shopper’s app on my phone and have been using it ever since. What follows is my experience with Ibotta.
My Experience With Ibotta
Mondays you’ll likely find me at Walmart and Kroger, head down, scanning the Ibotta app on my phone for deals. It’s been a year since I downloaded the Ibotta shopper’s app, and I’ve been using it ever since. Here’s why:
- It saves me money, particularly if it’s an item I regularly buy.
- I like to try new products (though there are usually products on the list that I already buy) and earn cash for it.
- The money adds up, and I can either get the cash, use it to pay for items in a growing list of stores, or I can let it ride. (I like to let it ride.)
- It’s like a game to me. Can I find this item in the store? And how many deals can I get today? One particular week I bought Halo ice cream and got cash back through Ibotta, used a coupon to get $2 off (not related to Ibotta), and took advantage of an in-store sale! Cool! (This doesn’t happen often, to be honest, but it’s fun when it does!)
- Ibotta has an “earn extra cash” category that sponsors challenges, such as “weekend warrior” or “tailgating party” where you’re challenged to buy so many items on the list before the deadline expires. That means you get extra cash from completing the challenge along with the cash back from the individual offers. Some products fall under the “earn more” category in the form of “streaks”–example, buy Dean’s dip on three separate trips and earn 50 cents.
- Ibotta offers an “any item” generic category. For example, they’ve recently featured a yogurt cup, protein bar, diapers, salsa, pancake mix, and almond butter. They also offer simply “any grocery item” on the receipt. Admittedly, these are only 25 cents, but because they are not brand specific, most anyone can take advantage of them.
- It’s not just about groceries. This is an area I need to start exploring more, (particularly since I’m about to go on vacation), but Ibotta has earning opportunities in the areas of restaurants, apparel, travel, crafts and gifts, home and electronics, pharmacy, and online shopping with a growing list of participating retailers nationwide.
How Does It Work?
The first thing you want to do is download the app to your smartphone, which is free. Click here to sign up. Next, follow these directions from Ibotta.
Find Offers: Before you shop, add offers on great products by completing simple tasks.
Go shopping: Buy the products you selected at any supported retailer. Don’t forget your receipt!
Redeem: Redeem your offers by taking a photo of your receipt. We’ll match the items you bought to the offers you selected and give you the cash!
The Biggest Reason I’m Still Using Ibotta After One Year
It’s easy to do, and you can start earning right away. But the biggest reason I’m still using Ibotta after one year?
My earnings. After one year, with not a lot of effort on my part, I’ve earned $197.30!
Hello, Christmas money!
Sign up with Ibotta here!
*This post contains affiliate links.
Resources and related posts:
How to Waste Time on a Budget (Ibotta post)
How I’m Finding Time to Read and Other Worthy Pursuits
All Winding Roads Lead to Nausea (humor)
Posts from a year ago:
Announcing Our 2018 Decluttering Challenge
Early Harvest, Seasonal Signs, and Other News Fresh From the Farm
From two years ago:
Simple Suppers: Roasted Chicken Thighs
Golden Beans, Whacked-out Weather, and Other News Fresh From the Farm