Saving Money with Ibotta How to Earn Cash Back on Everyday Purchases

Saving money isn’t just about clipping coupons or cutting back—it’s about working smarter, not harder, with the tools available. One of my favorite unconventional ways to stretch my budget is Ibotta https://ibotta.com/, a cashback app that rewards you for things you already buy. If you’re not using it yet, you’re leaving money on the table. Here’s how to make the most of it.

What is Ibotta & How Does It Work?

Ibotta is a free cashback app that lets you earn money on groceries, online shopping, and more. Instead of getting store discounts, you get actual cash back, which you can withdraw to your bank account, PayPal, or convert into gift cards.

I’ve used Ibotta at:

• Kroger
• Target
• Whole Foods
• Meijer
• Vitamin Shoppe

You can also save at Instacart, Thrive Market, and Chewy. At CVS Pharmacy, you can link your ExtraCare account before you shop to automatically earn cashback.

Getting Started

Download & Sign Up – Use a referral code to get a bonus on your first redemption. Here’s mine: Sign up with my Ibotta referral link
Link Loyalty Accounts – Connect your store’s rewards program to skip receipt scanning.
Check Offers Before Shopping – Browse the app for cashback deals before heading to the store.

Need help? Ibotta’s Help Center has step-by-step guides.

Stack Your Savings

Combine with Coupons – Use manufacturer coupons or store discounts on top of Ibotta cashback for double savings.
Pair with Rewards Apps – Use Fetch Rewards, Rakuten, or store-specific apps for extra cashback or points.
Check for Bonuses – Earn bonus cash for redeeming multiple offers in a short time.

Here’s my Fetch Rewards referral link: Fetch Referral

Hidden Ways to Save Even More

Gift Card Hack – Buy discounted Walmart or Target gift cards through Ibotta and use them for purchases, double-dipping on cashback.
Use for Online Shopping – Earn cashback from Uber, Groupon, Best Buy, and travel bookings through Ibotta’s online portal.
Get Ibotta Alerts – Click “Allow” on your browser to get notified of cashback deals while shopping online.

Cashing Out & Avoiding Fees

Minimum cash-out is $20, so stack rebates on essentials to cash out faster.
Avoid Inactivity Fees – If you go 180 days without redeeming an offer, Ibotta deducts a $3.99 monthly maintenance fee from your balance.
Cash Out Wisely – Choose PayPal or gift cards—some gift cards include bonus value when redeemed through Ibotta.

For full transparency, I’ve lost $13.23 in inactivity fees over time, but my lifetime earnings are $139.55. If I had been more consistent, I know I could have earned even more!

Is Ibotta Worth It?

Absolutely! If you’re shopping anyway, why not get paid for it? Ibotta makes it easy to turn everyday purchases into cashback without changing your spending habits. Over time, these small rebates can add up to hundreds of dollars.

Pro Tip: Always double-check that the offer applies to the store you’re shopping at. I’ve had times where an item showed cashback at Walmart, but I was in Kroger or Whole Foods.

My Ibotta Wins

First payout: December 2020
Lifetime earnings: $139.55
Bonuses earned: 6
Most-used stores:

1. Kroger
2. Target
3. Whole Foods
4. Meijer
5. Vitamin Shoppe

Before you sign up or continue with Ibotta, be sure to review the terms to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Do You Use Cashback Apps?

Do you use Ibotta or other cash back apps? What’s your biggest savings win? Let’s chat in the comments!