Ibotta App Review: Cash Back Scam or Legit Money Maker?
One of the most popular ways to make money with apps is through cash back shopping. Probably the most popular app out there is Ibotta. I’ve actually made over $200 with the app. I decided since everyone has to grocery shop, might as well write an Ibotta App Review to show you how it works and how you can save some money with this app.
In this Ibotta App Review, I’ll cover how it works, what items are available, how much you’re paid, some Ibotta complaints, and prove to you this app is completely legitimate!
Ibotta App Review
App: Ibotta
Type: Cashback Shopping
Score: 4.5/5
In this Ibotta App Review I gave it a very good score because it’s my favorite cash back shopping app. I’ve been using this app now for a few years and last year I made over $200.
I’ve been paid by this app and it’s by far the most lucrative app that I’ve used. In this Ibotta Review I’ll cover a lot of information about the app, but trust me, this is an app you want to have!
How Does Ibotta Work?
Signing Up/Getting Started
There’s two ways to get started with the Ibotta App. Personally I prefer to visit Ibotta.com and start the sign up process, buy you can also get the app.
The app is available on iPhone and Android devices. Just download the app and enter the referral code:xsolsia, to earn $5 just for joining!
Find Products You Want To Purchase
Once you’re signed up you can see all the stores near you. If you click on a store you can see all the items they pay cash back on and how much each rebate is.
Take a look at the list and see what items you’d like to purchase and get cash back on!
Shop Till You Drop
The next step is the most fun part, go to the store and shop normally. Pick up a few items that you were already going to purchase that’s available for cash back on the Ibotta App.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to get an itemized receipt, you’ll need it in the next step to get paid cash back.
Upload Receipt To Confirm Purchase
Once you’re done shopping you need to upload your receipt. You have two options. Most receipts have barcodes on them, the easiest way is just scan the barcode and Ibotta will automatically find the items you bought that they offer cash back on.
The other option is to take a picture of the receipt and then manually add the items that Ibotta pays cash back on.
Either way Ibotta will take a few hours to approve your receipt. Then your earnings will be available for cash out via PayPal or venmo.
What Items Are Available?
Ibotta pays you cash back on a wide variety of items. There’s a few categories available, but most fall into the grocery items. You’ll occasionally find electronics, home & office, Pet, Automative, and a few other categories as well! For the main category there’s two types of rebates that I’ll cover next.
Generic Rebates
These rebates pay the least, but it’s awesome that you can buy any brand. For example you might see a $.25 rebate for a carton of milk. It doesn’t matter what type of milk you buy, as long as it’s on your receipt you’ll earn $.25 just for purchasing.
Brand Specific Rebates
These rebates are much more specific, but pay more than the generic rebates. Depending on how much the item costs these usually pay from $.25-$3, but some can pay more.
An example would be purchase 1 box of general mills cereal. You can still purchase any one of their cereals, but it must be a general mills brand to get the rebate!
What Stores Are Available?
The easiest way to know what stores are available is to visit Ibotta and join. It will show you what stores near you have cash back available.
But to give you an example any major grocery store is available. You can also find stores like CVS, Dollar General, and Gas Stations near you.
Most likely you’ll be able to find more than a few locations near you that offer cash back.
How Does Ibotta Pay?
The Ibotta App pays via PayPal or venmo once your account reaches $20. You cash out once you reach the $20 mark and your money will be in your account within 48 hours.
Recently they’ve added gift cards as a form of payment. There’s a few options such as Amazon and Walmart that start at $25.
*At this time the cash out amount is $20. I’ve seen this change a few times since I’ve been a member. I can’t guarantee this will be the cash out amount when you join.
How To Earn More At Ibotta
Ibotta does offer a referral program that can help you earn more. Your referrals can also help you reach team bonuses for each month that gives you a few dollar bonus!
At this time you’ll earn $5 for every friend you refer to Ibotta, once they upload their first receipt.
I say “at this time” because this amount has changed a few times since I’ve used this app. Just know that you will get paid to refer your friends and you’ll need to upload one receipt before you can cash out your referrals earnings!
Join Ibotta & Start Referring!
Ibotta App Concerns and Complaints
Only Available At Some Stores
There is some restrictions on what items Ibotta pays cash back, and some offers are only available if you purchase them from a eertain store. From what I’ve seen, almost all stores are available on Ibotta, but the store you prefer may have a limited amount of offers available compared to others.
Only Paid For Some Items
There is some apps out there that pays you for every item you buy, it’s basically getting paid to upload a receipt. Although those apps are nice, they are paying pennies compare to Ibotta.
When you get cash back on Ibotta you’ll earn $.25-$5 where you may earn $.05 for uploading your receipt. Although you don’t get paid to purchase all items, you can still earn much more if you just purchase a few items listed on Ibotta.
Cash Out Amount Changes
Since I’ve been a member of this app the cash out amount has changed a few times. I think it has to do with how big of a sign up bonus they are offering and if you refer other members.
It’s not a huge deal because it’s nothing outrageous, but it could affect how long it takes you to reach the cash out amount and actually get paid.
Proof Ibotta Is Legitimate
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this review, last year I made over $200 with this app. I’ve included payment proof directly to my PayPal account below:
Is the Ibotta App A Scam?
Thank you for reading my Ibotta App Review, as you can see this app is completely legitimate and I’ve made some good money just from cash back shopping.
I do have a few complaints with the app, but overall it’s a very lucrative app that everyone should try.
If you’d like to learn more or to join you can visit Ibotta.com or just download the app and enter the code: xsolsia, you’ll earn $5* just for joining!
Although I highly recommend Ibotta, you have to spend money to make money. Don’t forget to check out the apps I highly recommend and the other ways I make extra cash online.
Do you think the Ibotta App is a scam? Thoughts on my Ibotta App Review? Leave comments below! 🙂
