Ibotta is a fantastic app that helps you earn cash back on your everyday purchases, both in-store and online. But did you know you can also turn those hard-earned savings into convenient gift cards? It's a popular way to use your Ibotta earnings, and it often comes with additional perks! Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to get gift cards on Ibotta.
Are you ready to unlock more savings and turn your cashback into something tangible? Let's get started!
How to Get Gift Cards on Ibotta: Your Ultimate Guide
Ibotta offers two main ways to get gift cards: purchasing them directly through the app with cash back, or withdrawing your earned Ibotta balance as gift cards. We'll cover both methods in detail.
 |
| How To Get Gift Cards On Ibotta |
Step 1: Getting Started with Ibotta (If You Haven't Already!)
Before you can even think about gift cards, you need to be an Ibotta user and start accumulating some cash back. If you're already a pro, feel free to skip to Step 2!
1.1 Download the Ibotta App
First things first, you need the Ibotta app on your smartphone. It's available for both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store) devices. Simply search for "Ibotta" and hit download. It's completely free!
1.2 Create Your Account
Once downloaded, open the app and follow the prompts to create your account. You can typically sign up using:
Your Email Address: You'll provide your first name, last name, email, password, birthdate, gender (optional), and zip code. Pro-tip: Use your current zip code to get offers relevant to stores near you!
Connect with Facebook: This can be a quicker way to sign up if you prefer.
1.3 Explore Offers and Start Earning Cash Back
This is where the magic begins! Ibotta works by giving you cash back on eligible purchases.
Browse Offers: Explore categories like groceries, dining, online shopping, and more. Look for products you plan to buy.
Unlock Offers: Before you shop, "unlock" the offers you're interested in. This might involve watching a short video, answering a quick poll, or just tapping to add it to your list.
Shop as Usual: Head to a participating store or shop online through the Ibotta app. Make sure you buy the exact product specified in the offer!
Verify Your Purchase:
Receipt Submission: For in-store purchases, you'll usually need to take a picture of your itemized receipt and, for some items, scan the product barcode.
Link Loyalty Card: For certain retailers, you can link your store loyalty card to Ibotta, and your earnings will be credited automatically.
Online Shopping: When shopping online, launch the retailer's website through the Ibotta app, and Ibotta will track your purchase.
Watch Your Earnings Grow: Once your purchase is verified (usually within 24 hours), the cash back will be added to your Ibotta account. You need a minimum of $20 in earnings to withdraw your cash or redeem for a gift card.
Step 2: Buying Gift Cards with Instant Cash Back (Pre-Purchase)
This method is fantastic because you get instant cash back on the gift card purchase itself, and you can often combine it with other Ibotta offers for double savings! This is great for planned purchases at specific retailers.
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
2.1 Navigate to the Gift Cards Section
From the Ibotta app's home screen, scroll down until you see the "Gift cards" category. Tap on it to enter. You'll see a list of participating retailers and restaurants.
2.2 Select Your Desired Retailer
Browse the extensive list of available gift cards. You can often sort them alphabetically or by category. Tap on the retailer you want to purchase a gift card from.
2.3 Enter the Gift Card Amount
This is crucial for maximizing your savings. Ibotta allows you to purchase gift cards for exact amounts, including tax and tip, at many retailers.
Enter the precise amount you want the gift card to be for.
Keep an eye out for any minimum amount requirements for certain gift cards.
2.4 Choose Your Payment Method
Ibotta typically allows you to pay for gift cards using a debit card issued in the U.S. from Mastercard or Visa. Unfortunately, credit cards are generally not accepted due to high processing fees.
You can also apply your existing Ibotta earnings towards the gift card purchase! This is a fantastic way to essentially get "free" gift cards using your accumulated cash back. Look for a toggle button labeled "Apply Ibotta earnings" at the review section of your purchase.
2.5 Review and Purchase
Double-check all the details: the retailer, the amount, and your payment method. Once everything looks correct, confirm your purchase.
2.6 Receive Your Digital Gift Card
Voila! Your digital gift card will be generated almost instantly.
It will appear directly in the Ibotta app under "My gift cards" (found in your profile).
You'll also typically receive an email with the gift card details, including the barcode, gift card number, and PIN (if applicable).
You can then copy the gift card number and PIN to use online, or present the barcode to a cashier in-store.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
2.7 Enjoy Instant Cash Back!
The cash back percentage for purchasing the gift card will be added to your Ibotta earnings immediately. This is separate from any cash back you might earn on specific product offers when you actually use the gift card to shop!
Step 3: Withdrawing Your Ibotta Earnings as Gift Cards
This method is for when you've accumulated enough cash back (the minimum is typically $20) and want to convert it into a gift card instead of directly transferring to PayPal or a bank account.
3.1 Check Your Ibotta Balance
 |
From the Ibotta app's home screen, look for your earnings balance, usually displayed at the top right. Remember, you need at least $20 to withdraw.
3.2 Tap to Withdraw
Once you have the minimum balance, tap on your earnings balance. This will take you to the "Withdraw" options.
3.3 Select "Gift cards"
On the next screen, you'll see various withdrawal options, including PayPal, bank account, and gift cards. Tap on "Gift cards."
3.4 Choose Your Desired Gift Card
You'll be presented with a wide selection of gift cards from popular retailers and restaurants. Browse and select the gift card that best suits your needs.
3.5 Enter the Desired Amount
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Choose the amount for your gift card. Note that some gift cards might have fixed denominations or minimum withdrawal amounts.
3.6 Confirm Your Withdrawal
Review the details of your gift card withdrawal. You may need to verify your identity as an extra security measure. Confirm the transaction.
3.7 Receive Your Digital Gift Card
Within an hour, or up to 24 hours during peak times, your digital gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your Ibotta account.
You can also locate all your gift card withdrawals conveniently within the Ibotta app by going to "Profile" -> "My gift cards."
Here, you can view the gift card amount, barcode, number, and PIN. You'll also have options to text or email the gift card.
Sub-heading: Tips for Maximizing Your Gift Card Savings
Look for Bonus Offers on Gift Cards: Ibotta occasionally runs promotions where you get an even higher percentage of cash back when you purchase a specific gift card through the app. Keep an eye out for these!
Combine with In-Store Offers: This is where the magic really happens! If you buy a gift card for a store (e.g., Walmart) and get cash back, you can then use that gift card to pay for items that also have Ibotta offers, effectively earning cash back twice!
Use for Exact Amounts: When buying gift cards for planned purchases, buy them for the exact amount you need (including tax and tip). This ensures you're not leaving any unused balance on the gift card.
Send as Gifts: You can purchase gift cards through Ibotta and send them directly to friends and family. You still get the cash back, making it a win-win! The recipient doesn't even need an Ibotta account to use it.
Check Expiration Dates: While most gift cards don't expire, it's always a good practice to be aware of any potential expiration dates or terms of use for the specific gift card you obtain.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my Ibotta earnings balance?
You can find your Ibotta earnings balance displayed at the top right corner of the Ibotta app's home screen.
How to use a gift card purchased through Ibotta in-store?
Present the digital gift card (either the barcode on your phone or the numerical gift card number and PIN) to the cashier or server at checkout. They will scan the barcode or manually enter the details.
How to use a gift card purchased through Ibotta online?
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
When checking out online, look for the "gift card" payment option. Enter the gift card number and PIN (if applicable) provided in your digital gift card details.
How to find my purchased gift cards in the Ibotta app?
Go to your "Profile" (usually found by tapping the icon in the top left corner of the home page), then tap on "My gift cards." All your gift card withdrawals will be listed there.
How to troubleshoot if I didn't receive my gift card via email?
First, check the email address associated with your Ibotta account in your settings. Then, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don't see it after 24 hours, contact Ibotta's Care Team through their help center.
How to know which retailers offer gift cards on Ibotta?
From the Ibotta app's home screen, navigate to the "Gift cards" category to view a full, updated list of participating retailers and restaurants.
How to combine Ibotta gift card cash back with other offers?
Yes! You can often earn cash back when purchasing a gift card, and then use that gift card to pay for products that have active Ibotta offers, essentially getting cash back twice on the same purchase.
How to send an Ibotta gift card as a gift to someone else?
When purchasing a gift card, there's usually an option to toggle "This is a gift." You can then send the digital gift card to the recipient via text, email, or social media, and they don't need an Ibotta account to use it.
How to know the maximum amount for Ibotta gift card purchases?
Ibotta has a daily maximum total for gift card purchases, typically around $250.00. This limit resets every 24 hours from the time of your first gift card purchase.
How to check the balance of an Ibotta-purchased gift card?
The process for checking the balance of a gift card depends on the retailer. You usually need to visit the retailer's website or app, or call their customer service, using the gift card number and PIN.
 |
