Ever dreamt of getting paid to shop? What if I told you there's a way to double down on those savings, making your everyday purchases even more rewarding? Forget clipping endless coupons or sifting through circulars. We're talking about leveraging the power of two of the biggest names in the cashback game: Rakuten and Ibotta.
Together, these apps can transform your shopping habits into a bona fide savings strategy. It's not magic, it's just smart stacking! Ready to unlock a whole new level of cashback? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Getting Started - Setting Up Your Cashback Powerhouses
Before you can start raking in the savings, you'll need to set up your accounts. This is the foundation of your dual-cashback strategy, so let's get you squared away!
Sub-heading: Rakuten - Your Online Shopping Companion
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a fantastic platform primarily focused on online shopping. They partner with thousands of retailers, offering you a percentage of your purchase back as cashback.
Sign Up for Rakuten:
Visit the Rakuten website or download the Rakuten app.
Sign up is quick and easy – you can use your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple account.
Pro Tip: Look out for a sign-up bonus! Rakuten often offers a bonus (e.g., $10 or more) when you make your first qualifying purchase within a certain timeframe. Don't miss out on this easy extra cash!
Install the Rakuten Browser Extension (Highly Recommended!):
This is a game-changer for online shopping. Once installed on your desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari), it will automatically alert you when you're on a website that offers Rakuten cashback.
No more forgetting to activate! A simple click on the extension button will activate your cashback.
Explore the Rakuten App:
If you primarily shop on your mobile device, the Rakuten app is essential. It allows you to browse stores, activate cashback, and track your earnings on the go.
Sub-heading: Ibotta - Your Receipt-Scanning Guru
Ibotta is your go-to for in-store grocery purchases, but it also offers cashback for online shopping, gift card purchases, and even dining out. Its strength lies in item-specific offers and receipt scanning.
Download and Sign Up for Ibotta:
Download the Ibotta app from your app store (iOS or Android).
Create an account. Again, keep an eye out for a welcome bonus! Ibotta often offers a bonus after you redeem your first few offers.
Link Loyalty Cards (Where Available):
For many grocery stores and retailers, you can link your store loyalty card directly to Ibotta. This automates the process for in-store purchases – no receipt scanning needed for those linked stores! This is incredibly convenient.
Understand Offer Types:
Ibotta has various offer types:
Any Brand Offers: These are generic offers for categories like "Any Brand Milk" or "Any Brand Bread."
Branded Offers: These are for specific products (e.g., "Coca-Cola 12-pack").
Online Shopping Offers: Similar to Rakuten, you can earn cashback by initiating purchases through the Ibotta app for online retailers.
Pay with Ibotta: This feature allows you to purchase a digital gift card for a precise amount at checkout (often with bonus cashback) and pay instantly.
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| How To Use Rakuten And Ibotta Together |
Step 2: The Art of Stacking - When and How to Use Both
Now that you have both apps set up, let's get to the exciting part: how to use them together for maximum savings! The key is understanding their strengths and knowing when to deploy each.
Sub-heading: Scenario 1: Online Shopping - Rakuten Takes the Lead (Usually!)
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
For most online purchases, Rakuten will be your primary cashback driver.
Start with Rakuten:
Always begin your online shopping journey by activating Rakuten. Either click through from the Rakuten website/app to your chosen retailer, or simply ensure your Rakuten browser extension is active on the retailer's site.
Confirm that Rakuten shows "Cash Back Activated" or a similar message.
Check Ibotta for Overlapping Offers (The Sweet Spot!):
This is where the magic happens. While Rakuten gives you a general percentage back on your entire purchase, Ibotta might have specific item offers for things you're buying within that same online order.
How to do it:
After activating Rakuten, open your Ibotta app.
Navigate to the "Online Shopping" section.
Search for the retailer you're shopping at.
Crucially, look for offers on specific items you're planning to buy. If you find an offer, activate it in Ibotta.
Important Note: For online shopping, you typically cannot "start" the purchase through both Rakuten and Ibotta. You'll usually initiate through Rakuten for the overall percentage back. Ibotta's online offers for specific items often track differently, allowing for stacking. Always read the fine print on both apps for each specific offer. Some online offers in Ibotta might require you to click through their portal, which could interfere with Rakuten. Prioritize Rakuten for the overall cashback, and only try to stack Ibotta online offers if you're confident they will track.
Complete Your Purchase:
Shop as usual on the retailer's website.
Your Rakuten cashback will track automatically.
If you successfully activated specific Ibotta online offers, those should also track.
Sub-heading: Scenario 2: In-Store Shopping - Ibotta is Your MVP!
For traditional brick-and-mortar shopping, especially groceries, Ibotta is your primary tool. Rakuten also offers some in-store cashback, but it's less common and often tied to linking a credit card beforehand.
Before You Shop (Ibotta First!):
Open your Ibotta app before you head to the store.
Browse through the offers available at your chosen grocery store or retailer.
Add every offer you think you'll use to "Your List" by tapping the "+" sign. Don't be shy – you can always remove them later. This step is critical for Ibotta to track your purchases.
Check for Rakuten In-Store Offers (Bonus Points!):
While less frequent, Rakuten does have "In-Store Deals."
In the Rakuten app, search for "In-Store Deals." If your chosen store has one, you'll need to link your credit card to Rakuten and then activate the offer before you shop.
If you find an in-store offer on Rakuten for the same store you're Ibotta-ing at, this is a prime stacking opportunity!
Shop as Usual:
Purchase your items. Make sure you buy the exact items for which you activated Ibotta offers (check sizes, flavors, etc., using the barcode scanner if unsure).
Keep your receipt! This is vital for Ibotta.
After Shopping - Redeeming Your Earnings:
Ibotta:
Once home, open the Ibotta app.
Go to the retailer where you shopped and tap "Submit Receipt."
You'll be prompted to take a clear photo of your entire receipt.
Sometimes, you'll also need to scan the barcodes of the specific products you purchased to verify them.
Ibotta will then process your receipt and typically add the cashback to your account within 24-48 hours.
Rakuten (if applicable):
If you activated an in-store offer with Rakuten by linking your card, the cashback should track automatically. You won't need to submit a receipt.
Step 3: Maximizing Your Stacks - Advanced Strategies
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Beyond the basic stacking, there are ways to really supercharge your savings!
Sub-heading: Combining with Coupons and Sales
This is the ultimate triple-stacking hack!
Manufacturer Coupons: Many Ibotta offers are compatible with manufacturer coupons. This means you can use a paper or digital coupon at checkout for an immediate discount and then get cashback from Ibotta on the same item! Always check the Ibotta offer details – some offers explicitly state they cannot be combined with coupons.
Store Sales: Both Rakuten and Ibotta cashback works on top of store sales. So, if an item is on sale, you're getting the sale price, plus Rakuten cashback (for online), plus Ibotta cashback (if applicable).
Strategic Timing: Keep an eye on weekly circulars and online sales. When a retailer has a great sale, check both Rakuten and Ibotta to see if there are additional cashback opportunities. This is how savvy savers get items for pennies or even free after all savings.
Sub-heading: The Power of Bonuses
Both Rakuten and Ibotta regularly offer bonuses.
Ibotta Bonuses: These are frequently updated and can be a fantastic way to boost your earnings. Examples include:
Redeem X offers: Get an extra $Y when you redeem a certain number of offers.
Brand specific bonuses: Earn extra for buying multiple items from a particular brand.
Teamwork Bonuses: Ibotta allows you to link up with friends to reach team goals, earning everyone more.
Rakuten Bonuses: Beyond the sign-up bonus, Rakuten occasionally offers "Double Cash Back" events where certain retailers offer a higher percentage back than usual. They also have special holiday promotions.
Always check the "Bonuses" or "Earn More" section in both apps regularly!
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
Step 4: Tracking Your Earnings and Cashing Out
What's the point of saving if you can't enjoy the rewards?
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Cashback
Rakuten: Your "Cash Back Balance" is visible on the website and in the app. Rakuten pays out quarterly via PayPal or a physical check, known as a "Big Fat Check!"
Ibotta: Your "Earnings" are displayed prominently in the app. Ibotta has a minimum cash-out threshold, typically $20. Once you reach this, you can withdraw to PayPal, Venmo, or various gift cards.
Sub-heading: When to Cash Out
For Ibotta, cash out once you hit the minimum. It's real money, so don't let it sit there unnecessarily.
Rakuten's quarterly payouts are automatic once you've reached the minimum for that payment cycle.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Best Practices
Even the savviest shoppers encounter issues. Here are some tips to keep your cashback flowing smoothly.
Sub-heading: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Forgetting to Activate: This is the most common mistake! Always ensure Rakuten is activated for online purchases and Ibotta offers are added to your list before shopping in-store.
Not Reading Offer Details: Especially with Ibotta, pay close attention to product sizes, flavors, and redemption limits. A slight variation can mean your offer doesn't track.
Interfering Browser Extensions: Other coupon or cashback extensions can sometimes interfere with Rakuten or Ibotta tracking. If you're having issues, try disabling other extensions temporarily.
Clearing Cookies: For online shopping, clear your browser's cookies before starting a new shopping session, especially if you've visited the retailer's site previously without Rakuten/Ibotta activated. This ensures a clean tracking path.
Screenshot Everything: If you make a significant purchase, take screenshots of your activated Rakuten/Ibotta offers and the confirmation page. This can be helpful if you need to contact customer support for a missing rebate.
Sub-heading: Best Practices for Consistent Savings
Plan Your Shopping: Before a big grocery trip or online purchase, dedicate a few minutes to check both apps for relevant offers.
Check Both Apps for Every Store: Even if you associate Rakuten with online and Ibotta with in-store, always do a quick check on both for any retailer. You might be surprised by what you find.
Don't Buy What You Don't Need: Cashback is great, but it's only a saving if you were going to buy the item anyway. Don't let a good offer tempt you into unnecessary purchases.
Stay Updated: Both apps frequently add new offers and features. Check them regularly to make sure you're not missing out.
By consistently applying these steps, you'll transform your everyday spending into a profitable endeavor. Rakuten and Ibotta, when used in tandem, truly create a dynamic duo for your wallet!
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to use Rakuten browser extension?
To use the Rakuten browser extension, simply install it from your browser's app store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, etc.). Once installed, it will automatically pop up when you visit a participating online store, prompting you to activate cashback with a single click.
How to link a loyalty card in Ibotta?
Open the Ibotta app, go to your chosen retailer's page (e.g., Walmart, Kroger), and look for the option to link your loyalty account. Follow the prompts to enter your loyalty card number or phone number associated with the account.
How to get a sign-up bonus with Rakuten?
To get a Rakuten sign-up bonus, sign up through a referral link or a promotional offer. You usually need to make a qualifying purchase (e.g., spend $25) within a specific timeframe (e.g., 90 days) after signing up.
How to submit a receipt on Ibotta?
After shopping in-store, open the Ibotta app, select the retailer where you shopped, and tap "Submit Receipt." You'll then be guided to take a clear photo of your receipt and, if prompted, scan the barcodes of the specific items you purchased.
How to stack Ibotta offers with coupons?
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
To stack Ibotta offers with coupons, first ensure the Ibotta offer doesn't explicitly state it's invalid with other coupons. Then, use your manufacturer or store coupon at checkout for an immediate discount, and later submit your receipt to Ibotta for the cashback.
How to earn Ibotta bonuses?
Ibotta bonuses are earned by completing specific challenges, such as redeeming a certain number of offers, purchasing items from a particular brand, or reaching team goals. Check the "Earn More" section in the Ibotta app to see current bonus opportunities.
How to cash out earnings from Rakuten?
Rakuten pays out its "Big Fat Check" every three months, usually via PayPal or a physical check, once your accumulated cashback reaches a minimum threshold (typically $5.01). You select your preferred payment method in your Rakuten account settings.
How to withdraw money from Ibotta?
Once your Ibotta earnings reach the minimum cash-out threshold (typically $20), you can withdraw your money by going to your account in the app and selecting "Withdraw Earnings." You can choose to transfer to PayPal, Venmo, or redeem for various gift cards.
How to ensure Rakuten cashback tracks correctly?
To ensure Rakuten cashback tracks correctly, always start your online shopping session by clicking through Rakuten's website/app or activating the browser extension. Avoid opening other tabs or Browse away from the retailer's site until your purchase is complete, and consider clearing cookies before starting.
How to find in-store offers on Rakuten?
In-store offers on Rakuten are found in the Rakuten app under the "In-Store Deals" section. You'll need to link your credit card to Rakuten and activate specific offers before making your purchase in the physical store for the cashback to track.
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