How to Use Ibotta: A Complete Guide

New to Ibotta? We’re here to help (and get you cash back). Ibotta is a free app that gives you real cash back on the things you buy every day, from groceries to restaurants to online shopping. This is your complete guide on how to use Ibotta and earn cash back: 

  1. Learn how to earn cash back on groceries
  2. Learn how to earn cash back on online shopping
  3. Learn how to earn cash back on purchases with gift cards
  4. Learn how to earn extra cash back with bonuses
  5. Learn how to earn friend referral bonuses

How to earn cash back on groceries 

Clipping coupons is a thing of the past. Ibotta offers real cash back on hundreds of everyday essentials at your favorite grocery retailers. No coupons, just cash.

Choose from thousands of your favorite retailers and add offers to Your list by tapping the + in the app.

For some retailers, you can even link your store loyalty account to Ibotta. It’s the easiest way to earn cash back (no receipt required). To link a loyalty account, select your favorite retailers to see if they have loyalty linking. If you see a Link [Retailer] account button at the top of the screen, tap it and enter your account info. Once your loyalty account is linked, add offers in the Ibotta app before you shop, use your loyalty account at checkout, and your cash back will be automatically added to your Ibotta earnings — no need to upload your receipt!

Prefer to shop for groceries online?

You’re in luck. You can also earn cash back on online grocery pickup and delivery with Ibotta. 

To shop on your phone, tap Grocery pickup & delivery on the home screen of the app. Select one of the participating retailers and tap the Shop [Retailer] Online or Link [Retailer] account button at the top of the page.

Browse hundreds of offers and add them to your list, then complete your grocery purchase. After you receive or pick up your order, your cash back will appear in your Ibotta earnings within 24 hours.

Is shopping from your computer a little more your style?

We’ve got you. Download the Ibotta browser extension (it’s free!) on your computer or laptop from the Chrome store and log in to your Ibotta account. When you shop a supported grocery retailer’s website, the Ibotta extension will automatically pop up in the upper-right corner of your screen. Click Activate in the extension window, sign in to your grocery or delivery account, and search and add hundreds of cash back offers in the extension window. Shop as usual, and your earnings will be deposited into your Ibotta account within 24 hours after your order is picked up or delivered.

How to earn cash back on Online Shopping

Whether you’re stocking your Amazon cart or ordering something delicious from a favorite restaurant, you can earn cash back on your entire purchase with Ibotta.

To shop on your phone, open the Ibotta app and tap Online shopping on the home screen and browse offers from hundreds of online retailers. From your favorite retailer’s page, tap Shop and Ibotta will take you to their website or app.

Shop as you normally would and you’ll get an email confirming the amount of your pending cash back earnings and when you can expect them to be added to your Ibotta earnings. 

To shop online from your computer, download the free Ibotta browser extension from the  Chrome Store and log in to your Ibotta account. When you go to a participating retailer’s website, the Ibotta extension will automatically pop up in the upper-right corner of your screen. Click Activate in the extension window and then shop as you normally would. Your earnings will be automatically added to your Ibotta earnings.

How to earn cash back with gift cards

Forgot your wallet at home? No problem. When you use gift cards (formerly Pay with Ibotta), you can pay directly from the app and get instant cash back on your entire purchase at more than 50 popular stores and restaurants.

First, securely add a payment method in the Ibotta app. Head to your Account in the app, tap Payments, and then Payment methods. Select Add a debit card and follow the prompts.

Once your debit card is added, you’re ready to purchase gift cards! Find participating retailers by tapping Gift cards on the home screen of the app under the Shop by category section. At checkout, choose the retailer you’re shopping and enter the total amount of the purchase. Then, tap Review purchase to review and complete your purchase. Present your gift card code to the cashier to scan as payment. That’s it!

You’ll earn cash back on your entire purchase – instantly!

How to Earn Extra Cash

If you use Ibotta to shop in-store or online, you’re already saving money and earning cash back. But what if we told you that you could earn even more cash? It’s not too good to be true — it’s Ibotta bonuses! These shopping goals help you increase your cash back savings when you complete specific offers, shop at certain retailers, or finish specific challenges within the app. 

You can find all of your current bonus offers in the Ibotta app by tapping Earn More. Bonus offers change all the time, but examples might include redeeming offers from a specific brand, redeeming the same offer multiple times, redeeming offers from two or more different brands, or spending a certain amount of money on an online shopping purchase. You may also find offers related to specific features, like using Pay with Ibotta or the Ibotta browser extension.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Q: How often are new Ibotta offers added? 

A: Ibotta adds hundreds of new offers each week. Be sure to check the app often! 

Q: Why is my Online shopping offer pending?

A: While some Online shopping earnings are added your account instantly, it can take up to 90 days for some offers to complete. Be sure to check this information in the offer details for clarification. 

Q: How much money do I need to earn in order to withdraw my earnings? 

A: To withdraw your cash from the Ibotta app, you’ll need a balance of $20 or more. There is no maximum, though, so keep on earning!

Q: I’m having trouble with my account, how can I get help? 

A: You can always reach out to our Care Team for assistance! Visit help.ibotta.com and click Submit a request to fill out a support ticket. Our Care Team will be in touch within a few days to help resolve any issues you may be experiencing. 

Q: How can I connect and talk with other Ibotta Savers?

A: Ibotta has its own Facebook community where you can talk deals, share hauls, and chat upcoming events.


Was this blog post helpful? Be sure to share it on your social pages and earn more cash back together! New to Ibotta? Download the free app today & start saving money on the things you purchase every day.

*Offer only valid for new users and excludes grocery purchases and purchases made on the Ibotta mobile app. May take up to 90 days to receive credit.