Boost Your Savings w/ Ibotta: 12 Tips & Tricks That Actually Work

Boost Your Savings w/ Ibotta: 12 Tips & Tricks That Actually Work

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Ibotta was one of my first receipt apps. I love using it because it has so many offers, whether it is a grocery store, a drug store or a retail website. Ibotta likely has an offer that will boost your savings! If you’re looking to get the most out of this app, I’ve got some insider tips that can help you earn more with every shopping trip. These are practical, no-fuss strategies that make it easy to stack up those rewards:

1. Link Your Loyalty Accounts: Linking your loyalty cards from stores like Walmart or Safeway to Ibotta saves you time. Once connected, Ibotta automatically grabs your cashback without you needing to scan every receipt! Link any store you shop at regularly. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” steps that’ll ensure you don’t miss out on cashback from your usual grocery runs.
2. Plan Your Grocery List Around Ibotta Offers: Ibotta is always updating its cashback offers for different products and brands. Check out the app before you shop and add items to your list with the best cashback offers. I sometimes plan my meals around these deals — it’s a fun way to shake up your grocery list while saving more.
3. Redeem ‘Any Brand’ and ‘Any Item’ Offers: Ibotta has “Any Brand” offers for everyday essentials (think milk, eggs, and bread), so you can earn cashback no matter which brand you pick up. Keep an eye out for these! They’re easy wins for things you’d buy anyway.
4. Stack Ibotta with Coupons and Sales: Ibotta lets you use coupons and store sales alongside cashback offers. I love finding an item on sale, then adding a coupon and Ibotta cashback on top. It’s like a triple score for extra savings! Make it add up even more by scanning your receipts in your other receipt-scanning apps!
5. Shop Online with Ibotta’s Portal: Ibotta offers cashback when you shop online through their portal, with stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Before you shop online, check Ibotta to see if the store is listed. It’s super easy to earn extra on those online buys, especially around the holidays. **My tip: Before making a decision to shop through one of your apps, check a few others to see if anyone else is offering a better deal. **
6. Look Out for Bonuses: Ibotta often runs bonus offers like “Weekend Warrior” or “Buy X, Get a Bonus.” I try to stack bonuses when possible, like buying items that offer extra points all at once. And if you can, join a team with active users (friends and family) to hit team bonuses faster.
7. Double Dip with Other Cashback Apps: You can use Ibotta alongside other cashback apps like Fetch or POGO. It’s quick and gives you more bang for your buck!
8. Try Ibotta Pay for Instant Rewards: Ibotta Pay lets you buy gift cards for certain stores within the app and earn cashback instantly. If you’re planning a Walmart run, try buying a gift card through Ibotta Pay first. You’ll get instant cashback, plus you can stack it with other offers! I always do this with Domino’s. Sometimes they will increase the cash back percentage, so make sure you check it out to see the current rate. For example, normally I get 4% back on my Domino’s gift cards. But a few times a year, that percentage goes up to 14%! Another thing here, you can use what is in your balance to cover the cost of the gift card. I love this during times when my cash on hand is super low, but I need a quick dinner for the family. I can use my balance to cover part (or all) of the gift card.
9. Watch for Seasonal Offers: Ibotta often runs extra cashback offers around the holidays. During Black Friday or other big sales, keep an eye on the app for special promotions. You can earn extra on things you were planning to buy anyway.
10. Earn Cashback on Alcohol (If Allowed): In some places, Ibotta offers cashback on alcohol purchases at grocery stores or restaurants. These deals are usually pretty good, too! If you’re buying wine or spirits, check Ibotta’s alcohol section. It’s an easy way to earn extra if you already enjoy a drink or two.
11. Redeem for Cash or Gift Cards Once you hit $20, you can cash out to PayPal, get gift cards, or even deposit into your bank. Some people like letting their earnings grow before cashing out, but I like cashing out once I hit $20. You can use the money for little treats or to help cover your next grocery trip.
12. Invite Friends to Join and Earn Bonuses Ibotta has a referral program where you and your friends earn bonuses. Share your code with friends and family. Everyone gets a little boost, and you all get to save more together

By following these tips, you’ll start seeing the rewards add up quickly! Ibotta makes saving on everyday purchases easy, so have fun with it and watch your savings grow, and KEEP GRINDING! Let’s reach our financial goals together!!

XOXO, Cheryl