Head over here and download the Ibotta app for FREE (note that this app is currently only compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch – 3rd generation, iPod touch – 4th generation, iPod touch – 5th generation and iPad and does requires iOS 5.0 or later).
Before you head out to shop, browse through all the different offers. You’ll earn money by watching quick videos, viewing recipes, taking polls, posting to your Facebook Wall etc. AND then actually going to the store to purchase these specific items. Note that Ibotta works in every Target, Walmart and Walgreens in the United States and has plans to expand to additional retailers in the near future. The awesome part for all of us couponers, is that in addition to getting cash back on your purchases, you can also use manufacturer’s coupons to lower your out of pocket expense.
Be sure to check out the product detail page on the app itself in order to view the offer’s expiration date. Offers can sell out, so it’s important to redeem them before they’re gone!
After you make your in-store purchases, you’ll just need to upload your receipt via the Ibotta app. Ibotta will then verify your purchases and determine whether credit should be added to your account within 24 hours. In many cases, you will receive word from Ibotta in under 1 hour. It is super simple to upload your photo and money was added to my account within an hour. Very cool!
Once you’ve reached at least $5 in earnings, Ibotta lets you transfer your earnings directly to your PayPal account. Choose Withdraw Cash from the main menu of the app, then select Get My Cash to link Ibotta to your PayPal account. How awesome is that?!
If you’d rather opt to donate your earnings to your favorite school, you can make a donation to any school in America as soon as you’ve earned $1 with Ibotta. Just choose Withdraw Cash from the main menu of the app, then select Donate to Schools. Ibotta can use your current location to find nearby schools, or you can type in any zip code and pull up a list of schools in that area.
Be sure to tell Ibotta which offers you like and dislike by tapping the image of any product and choosing either thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Over time the app learns what kinds of products you prefer and offers them accordingly.
Also note that there is no limit on the number of offers you can redeem. Once you have successfully redeemed an offer, Ibotta immediately restocks your shelf with a new offer. The more offers you redeem, the more new offers you will see, and the more money you can earn.