Ibotta Review

What is Ibotta? 

Ibotta is a mobile technology company whose smartphone app (and now, also extension) is used to help its users earn cash back on purchases they have made. 

How can I earn money? 

1. Referrals

Ibotta is similar to other companies in that they offer an incentive for new users. The rates for referring new users varies, from a range of $20 per new signup to the current value (as of September 2020), $7 per signup. There are often bonuses as well for additional referrals that are listed under your bonuses.

2. Cashback from online purchases through the app and web browser

If you select a retailer from their Online Shopping category through the app to go to Amazon to buy an item, you may be eligible for cash back up to a certain percentage. This does not always work, however. Some categories may not apply, so you are not always guaranteed a cash back of your total purchase.

3. Cashback from in-store purchases 

Getting cashback from in-store purchases was essentially what ibotta was originally built upon. You can get cashback by scanning your receipts. For certain retailors like Ralphs, Target, and Walmart, you can also link your account. However, before you scan your receipt, you must add offers by clicking the plus sign, so that when you scan your receipt, ibotta will be able to identify your item and match it to an offer. If you are not sure if your selected product is the right one, you can click on the offer, and scan the product.

It is easy to add offers. Personally, with nearby retailers, I like to check the "Best value" tab, because there are "Bogo" items and "Free after offer" items. They aren't much, but hey, I'm not complaining since it's a free item. 

Although many of these offers require you to buy an item from a brand, there are "Any Brand" offers, which will pay you for buying an item, let's say a banana, from any brand. 

4. Bonuses

There are two types of bonuses: teamwork bonuses and brand bonuses. Teamwork bonuses encourage recruiting friends and family and brand bonuses encourage shoppers to stick with certain brands. Requirements to qualify for each bonus is listed when you click on each bonus.

• Recommended: joining ibotta Facebook groups and finding someone who is well versed or seems promising in working as a team. Signing up for their link will motivate them to try their best, and them trying their best will allow you to qualify for bonus requirements faster.

How easy is it to make money? 

4/5 if you join their Facebook group, 3/5 if you have team members to complete bonuses with or are a frequent shopper. 

It's relatively easy to make money especially if you are a frequent shopper. On Facebook, there is no shortage of people signing up everyday who are looking for teammates. 

Will you make a lot of money?

I hate to burst your bubble, but no, you most likely will not make a lot of money, unless you are very dedicated to this, shop for a large group of people, or have many referrals.