Get $10 free with Ibotta and save money shopping

Get $10 free with Ibotta and save money shopping. I’ve been using Ibotta for over three years and it’s become an integral part of my shopping routine.  Now before I shop anywhere I check Ibotta for rebates and when I get done shopping I submit my receipt to Ibotta before I leave the store.  It takes about 5 seconds. 

Get $10 free with Ibotta and save money shopping – What is Ibotta

Ibotta is an app based rebate program that allows you to save money on everyday purchases, like groceries. In-store savings are available at Costco, CVS, Mariano’s, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Whole Foods, and many other stores.  You can also stack the rebates with coupons, sales, and other money saving methods. There are also many stores that offer online shopping rebate opportunities. 

You will need a smartphone with iOS or Android to use Ibotta. There’s also a browser extension to use when shopping online from your computer.

Follow these steps for your $10 free

1. Sign up for Ibotta using my link or code kjbvfmb and get $10 (I get $10 also.  Thank you in advance).
2. Log into the app on a unique mobile device (not previously registered to another Ibotta account).
3. Select the store where you plan to shop and click on offers you can use. ( “Any Brand” and “Any Item” offers don’t count toward earning the initial free $10).  Offers must be added to your Ibotta account before purchase.
4. Purchase the exact items for the offer you selected.
5. Click on “Redeem” and scan in your receipt.
6. Within 48 hours get cash back for your offer and the $10 free.

Here’s how I use it in-store

In a nutshell:  I go through the app, by store, before I head out and select offers, go shopping and redeem.  It works beautifully and the rewards hit my account within 48 hours.

Step-by-step. It’s really easy.

1. I go through the app and select offers for things I need at each store. I do this as part of my weekly shopping. I read all the details for each offer because the rebate requirements can be very specific such as product size, flavors, you must buy two, etc. I also check for bonuses under “Account” and “Bonuses” for ways to earn additional cash back.

2. I check the store weekly ads to see if the items are on sale anywhere. Many times the same items are on sale. If I’m shopping Target I check Circle for offers. I check here for coupons.

3. I go shopping. If you’re not sure if the item in-store meets the rebate requirements you can select the offer, scroll down to the bottom and hit “Check product bar code” and scan the bar code to see if it’s a match. You’ll get a blasting beep if it’s a match.

4. To redeem you go into the app., hit redeem, select the store where you shopped, take a photo of the receipt and submit. The key is to redeem immediately or you’ll forget about it or toss the receipt.

When I checkout at the store I walk to the side and submit my rebate while still in the store. It takes about 5 seconds. Most rebates are received within 48 hours. Sometimes they want you to scan in the bar code off the items you purchased to confirm that you purchased the correct items.

5. Once your account hits $20 you can withdraw your earnings to your Paypal account. Or you can cash out for gift cards such as Amazon, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods and more.  I always cash out to gift cards.

COTC tip:  Don’t buy stuff you don’t eat or need just because it has a coupon.  Also sometimes items that are highlighted as “Free” really aren’t.  If the rebate for the item is $2.50 but it costs $3.25 in your store you are actually paying something for it.  It’s still can be a great deal but not really free.

Stacking for more savings

I’ve made purchases at Target where I stacked a Circle offer, a manufacturers coupon, plus an Ibotta rebate reducing the price from $3.50 to 94 cents. Cha-ching!

Use the same offer multiple times

Some offers may be redeemed multiple times per receipt. So if you purchase three of the same item in one purchase and submit one receipt you will receive three rebates. It has to clearly state in Ibotta that the rebate can be used multiple times in the details of the offer.

Save money online

There are other retailers, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Macy’s, Postmates, World Market, etc. that require you to shop online through the Ibotta app for rebates and work similar to an online shopping portal.  You can link your online account with Target, Walmart etc. to Ibotta so it automatically gives you  rebates without having to scan in receipts.  I haven’t tried online shopping yet.

Update 1/20/19:  Ibotta now charges a $3.99 per month inactivity fee 11/3/2020: They didn’t charge the fee during lockdown.

If you have redeemed at least one Offer during the past 180 days, your account will not be assessed any account maintenance costs. If, however, you do not redeem at least one Offer during any 180 day period, Ibotta will deduct from your Ibotta account, on a monthly basis, the lesser of (i) $3.99 USD, or (ii) the amount then reflected in your Ibotta account (in either case, an “Account Maintenance Fee”). No Account Maintenance Fees will be charged or deducted during the first six months after you initially register for your Ibotta account. Ibotta will attempt to notify you before any Account Maintenance Fee is deducted from your account, or if the Account Maintenance Fee amount changes, by sending you an email to the address we have on file for you.

Summary

Generally, in ordinary times, every week multiple items on Ibotta are also on sale so stacking those really deals saves you money. The app is really easy to use and works correctly. Try it out for $10 and share with friends and family so you can earn additional bonuses! Happy shopping!

Sign up for Ibotta using my link or code kjbvfmb (Thank you in advance) and get $10 free.