I checked out Ibotta to see if it is worth your time. It is a legit cashback app with plenty of in-store offers, but it is US only and has a $20 payout threshold. Below is what I found, and which sites I recommend instead.
Legit cashback app, but only worth it if you shop often in the US
Cashback on groceries and other purchases, in store and online. US only, and you need $20 to cash out.
On this page
The short answer
Ibotta is a legit cashback app. It rewards you for cashback offers when you shop in store and online, and you can cash out through PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards.
But it only pays when you buy something at its partner stores, so it is only worth it if you shop often. It is only available in the US, and the $20 payout threshold is rather high.
- Has plenty of cashback offers available
- In-store cashback, not only online
- Offers payment via PayPal
- You can use the app to pay for purchases from partner stores
- User-friendly app, plus a browser extension for desktop
- High payout threshold
- Only available in the US
- Limited earning opportunities
- Fewer online offers than some other cashback sites
My experience with Ibotta
I checked out the Ibotta app, its cashback offers, its payout options and its support. This is what I looked at, and what I did not test.
- First checked
- March 2020Review first published Mar 26, 2020
- Latest retest
- Checked: offers, payouts, app, support
- In-store and online cashback offers in the app
- The partner store list
- The payout options and threshold
- The browser extension for Chrome
- The Help Center and the contact form
- A payout. My review does not show a payment from Ibotta.
- Pay With Ibotta at the checkout.
- The referral program with my own referrals.
How Ibotta works on video
This short video from Ibotta explains what the app does. You can read the details below.
Ibotta at a glance
| What it is | Cashback and rewards app for in-store and online shopping |
|---|---|
| Ways to earn | In-store cashback offers, online cashback offers, Pay With Ibotta, referrals |
| Referral bonus | $10 for you and $10 for your friend, after their first offer or receipt |
| Minimum cashout | $20 |
| Payout methods | PayPal, bank transfer and gift cards. Some gift cards only in increments of $25. |
| Who can join | US residents aged 18 or older |
| Apps | Android and iOS, plus a browser extension for Chrome |
| Support | Help Center, a contact form on the Support page, and active social media pages |
Is Ibotta legit and safe?
Yes, Ibotta is legit. It rewards you for its cashback offers. But that does not mean it is worth it for you. Here is what you should know.
- You only earn when you buy
Ibotta pays cashback on purchases at partner stores. If you don’t shop there frequently, it is really useless for you. Never buy something only for the cashback.
- US only
Ibotta does not say on its website who can join. Its partner stores show that it is only available in the US. You must also be at least 18.
- A rather high payout threshold
You need $20 before you can cash out, so you have to be a bit patient, especially if you don’t shop that often.
- Receipts must be readable
If you upload a receipt, take a clear photo with readable items. Receipts are checked and approved first, so the cashback takes a bit longer.
My takeIn my opinion, Ibotta is a good cashback app to use if you are eligible to become a member. There are a lot of cashback offers available, but you only earn if you shop from their partner stores. If you don’t shop frequently, you are better off earning from Get-Paid-To and survey sites.
Outside the US, or want more cashback offers? See the best cashback sites.
See the best cashback sitesHow you earn on Ibotta
There are 4 ways to earn. In-store cashback is the main one. Tap one to read more.
In-store cashback offersMain earner
When you log in to the app, you see the nearby stores you can shop from. Choose a store, look at the cashback offers, and buy the products you like.
There are two ways to get the cashback. Link your loyalty accounts in the app and use your loyalty card at checkout: you see the cashback in your earnings within 24 hours. Or upload a clear photo of your receipt; that takes a bit longer, because it is checked and approved first.
Turn on Nearby Offer Alerts, and the app tells you when you are near a partner store.
Online cashback offersFewer offers
Find a partner store in the app, click it and make your purchase. Once you have completed the purchase, you receive the cashback.
It is simpler than in store, but there are fewer offers. A site like Swagbucks has a lot more online cashback offers. On a desktop, you can use the Ibotta browser extension for Chrome, which also compares prices and sets price drop alerts.
Pay With IbottaCashback on what you pay
Link your credit or debit card to the app. At checkout in a partner store, enter the amount, and show the cashier the gift card code the app generates. You earn cashback on the amount you paid.
Refer a friend$10 each
Share your referral code. When your friend signs up with it and takes their first offer or submits their first receipt, you both get a $10 bonus. A quite good referral program, in my opinion.
How much can you make?
It mostly depends on how often you shop at Ibotta’s partner stores, and on the offers in the app. Plenty of popular stores have partnered with Ibotta, so you won’t lack places to shop.
The cashback rewards aren’t that high, but they aren’t that bad either. According to Ibotta itself, the average user earns $150 per year, if you shop fairly frequently from its partner stores.
Payout methods and minimum
| Method | Minimum |
|---|---|
| PayPal | $20 |
| Bank transfer | $20 |
| Gift cards | $20; some only in increments of $25 |
It’s a rather high threshold, in my opinion, so be patient, especially if you don’t shop that often. If you want a lower threshold, see the fastest paying sites.
Ibotta alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Many daily ways to earn, including a lot of online cashback offers | About $5 PayPal; gift cards from 100 SB | 4.3 / 5 |
| InboxDollars | US only. Many daily ways to earn and a $5 joining bonus | $15 first time, then $10 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Fetch Rewards | Receipt scanning with a low threshold. Gift cards and Visa rewards | $10 first time, then $3 | 3.3 / 5 |
See the top cashback sites. Want to earn without buying anything? See the top survey sites in your country. You will find a site you can join wherever you live.
How I scored Ibotta
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. Platform Information.
Ibotta scores 66 out of 100. Compare it with the best cashback sites.
See the best cashback sitesIbotta FAQ
Is Ibotta a scam?
No. Ibotta is a legit cashback app that rewards you for its in-store and online cashback offers. But you only earn when you buy something at its partner stores.
Who can join Ibotta?
Its partner stores show that it is only available in the US. You must be at least 18 years old.
What is the minimum payout?
$20. Some gift cards can only be redeemed in increments of $25.
How does Ibotta pay?
Through PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards.
How fast do I get my cashback?
With a linked loyalty card, the cashback shows in your earnings within 24 hours. Uploaded receipts take a bit longer, because they are checked and approved first.
Can I use Ibotta on a desktop?
Not the website, but you can install the Ibotta browser extension for Chrome to earn cashback from partner stores online.
How does the Ibotta referral program work?
When your friend signs up with your code and takes their first offer or submits their first receipt, you both get a $10 bonus.
How do I contact Ibotta?
Check the Help Center first. If you cannot find your answer, use the contact form on the Support page.
Who checked Ibotta for this review
If you have any comments, questions, or experiences with Ibotta, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.