It's fantastic that you're looking to maximize your savings with Ibotta at Target! While directly linking your Target account (including RedCard) for automatic Ibotta redemption is no longer an option as of November 2022, you can absolutely still earn cash back. The process has shifted back to receipt submission for in-store purchases, and for online purchases, you'll generally activate offers through the Ibotta app or browser extension before shopping.
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a savings superstar at Target with Ibotta!
Unlocking Maximum Savings: Your Guide to Using Ibotta at Target
Are you ready to turn your everyday Target purchases into cash back? Ibotta is an incredible tool for making that happen. While the direct account linking feature for Target changed in late 2022, fear not! There are still fantastic ways to stack your savings. Let's dive in!
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| How To Link Ibotta To Target |
Step 1: Get Started - Download the Ibotta App (If You Haven't Already!)
Are you new to Ibotta? Welcome to the world of effortless cash back!
Already an Ibotta pro? Great, you're one step ahead!
First things first, you need the Ibotta app on your smartphone. It's the central hub for all your cash back endeavors.
Sub-heading: Finding and Installing the App
For iOS (Apple) users: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
In the search bar, type "Ibotta" and hit search.
Look for the official Ibotta app (it usually has their distinct green logo).
Tap "Get" or "Install" and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install.
Once installed, open the app! You'll need to sign up for a free account if you don't have one. This usually involves providing an email address and creating a password.
Step 2: Understanding the "New Normal" for Target and Ibotta
As of November 2022, Ibotta no longer automatically links with Target accounts, including your RedCard. This means you won't get automatic cash back simply by using your RedCard at checkout. The primary method for earning cash back at Target with Ibotta is now receipt submission for in-store purchases and activating offers through the app/browser extension for online purchases.
Sub-heading: Why the Change?
Ibotta cited "ongoing issues" as the reason for discontinuing the direct account linking with Target. While it might seem like an inconvenience, the good news is that you can still save a lot of money! It just requires a slightly different approach.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Step 3: In-Store Savings: Your Receipt is Your Golden Ticket!
This is the most common way to earn Ibotta cash back at Target now. It's straightforward and effective.
Sub-heading: Before You Shop: Prepare Your Offers
Open the Ibotta App: From the home screen, search for "Target" or select it from your list of retailers.
Browse and Add Offers: This is a crucial step. Before you head to Target, browse through all the available cash back offers for products you plan to buy.
Look for items you regularly purchase or new things you want to try.
Tap the "+" sign next to each offer you want to redeem. This adds the offer to "Your List" in Ibotta.
Pay close attention to offer details – some might be for specific sizes, flavors, or quantities. Don't assume an offer applies to every variation of a product!
Pro Tip: Use the search bar within the Target section of Ibotta to quickly find offers for specific products on your shopping list.
Sub-heading: During Your Shopping Trip: Stick to Your List!
Purchase Eligible Items: Buy the exact items you added to your Ibotta list. Double-check sizes, brands, and quantities while you're in the store.
Pay as Usual: Use your preferred payment method at Target. This includes your Target RedCard for the extra 5% off (which is separate from Ibotta but stacks beautifully!).
Get Your Receipt: Do not throw away your receipt! This is essential for verifying your purchase.
Sub-heading: After Shopping: Submit Your Receipt
Open the Ibotta App Again: As soon as possible after your shopping trip (within 7 days is generally the limit), open Ibotta.
Go to the Target Retailer Page: Select Target from your retailers.
Tap "Submit Receipt": You'll see this option prominently on the Target retailer page within the Ibotta app.
Scan Your Barcodes (if prompted): For many offers, Ibotta will ask you to scan the barcode of the purchased items to confirm they match the offer.
Take a Photo of Your Receipt:
Ibotta will guide you on how to take clear photos of your entire receipt. Make sure the store name, date, total, and all eligible items are clearly visible.
If you have a long receipt, there will be an option to add sections.
Submit for Review: Once you've scanned barcodes (if needed) and uploaded your receipt photos, tap "Submit."
Wait for Cash Back: Ibotta typically reviews receipts fairly quickly. You'll receive a notification when your cash back has been approved and added to your Ibotta earnings. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
Step 4: Online Shopping at Target with Ibotta
While direct linking is gone, you can still earn cash back on Target.com purchases through Ibotta's online shopping portal or browser extension.
Sub-heading: Using the Ibotta App for Online Shopping
Navigate to Online Shopping: On the Ibotta home screen, look for the "Online shopping" section or tap "Shop by category" and then "Online."
Find Target.com: Search for "Target.com" and tap on it.
Activate Offers: You'll see available cash back percentages or specific item offers for Target online. It's crucial to activate these offers by tapping "Shop" or "Activate" within the Ibotta app before you start adding items to your cart on Target.com.
Shop as Usual: Ibotta will redirect you to the Target.com website or app. Complete your purchase as you normally would.
Cash Back Tracking: Your cash back will typically track automatically, and you'll see it pending in your Ibotta account within a few hours to a few days.
Sub-heading: Using the Ibotta Browser Extension (for Desktop Shopping)
Install the Extension: If you shop on your computer, download the free Ibotta browser extension (available for Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Log In: Log into your Ibotta account through the extension.
Visit Target.com: When you visit Target.com, the Ibotta extension will typically light up or pop up, indicating available cash back.
Activate Offer: Click on the Ibotta extension icon and activate the available cash back offer before you proceed with your shopping.
Shop and Earn: Shop on Target.com as usual. Your cash back will be tracked and added to your Ibotta earnings after your purchase is confirmed.
Step 5: Stacking Your Savings: The Ultimate Strategy
This is where the magic happens! Combining Ibotta with other Target savings opportunities will maximize your cash back.
Sub-heading: Target RedCard (Debit or Credit)
Always use your Target RedCard (debit or credit) at checkout, whether in-store or online. This gives you an instant 5% off almost all purchases. This 5% discount is applied before Ibotta cash back is calculated, making it a fantastic stacking opportunity.
Sub-heading: Target Circle Offers
Target Circle is Target's free loyalty program. Make sure you're signed up and linking your Target Circle offers in the Target app before you shop.
Many Target Circle offers can be combined with Ibotta offers, leading to even bigger savings!
Sub-heading: Manufacturer Coupons
Yes, you can often use manufacturer coupons (paper or digital) and still get Ibotta cash back on the same item. Always read the fine print on both the coupon and the Ibotta offer, but generally, this is a great way to double-dip on savings.
Step 6: Cashing Out Your Earnings
Once you've accumulated at least $20 in your Ibotta account, you can withdraw your earnings!
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Sub-heading: Withdrawal Options
Direct to Bank Account: This is a popular option. You'll link your bank account information securely within the Ibotta app.
PayPal or Venmo: Transfer your earnings to your PayPal or Venmo account.
Gift Cards: Redeem your earnings for gift cards to various retailers, often with a bonus amount.
Important Considerations and Troubleshooting Tips
Read Offer Details Carefully: This cannot be stressed enough. Always check the specific product, size, quantity, and expiration date for each Ibotta offer.
Receipt Clarity: Ensure your receipt photos are clear, well-lit, and include all necessary information (store name, date, total, eligible items).
Timing is Key: Submit your receipts promptly after shopping.
Missing Cash Back? If your cash back doesn't appear after a reasonable time (check the offer details for typical processing times), contact Ibotta's customer support through the "Help" section in the app. They are generally responsive and helpful.
One Account Per Household: Only one Ibotta account can be linked to a specific loyalty account (if that feature were available) or used for a specific purchase method. Avoid multiple family members trying to redeem the same offer on the same receipt.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using Ibotta with Target:
How to re-link Ibotta to Target if it's already unlinked?
You no longer "re-link" Ibotta to Target for automatic redemption. The process has reverted to manual receipt submission for in-store purchases and activating offers via the app/browser extension for online purchases.
How to use Ibotta at Target without a RedCard?
You can absolutely use Ibotta at Target without a RedCard! Simply follow the steps for adding offers and submitting your receipt for in-store purchases, or activate offers through the app/browser extension for online purchases. The RedCard is an additional savings opportunity, not a requirement for Ibotta.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
How to combine Ibotta with Target Circle offers?
To combine Ibotta with Target Circle offers, first activate your desired Ibotta offers in the Ibotta app. Then, in the Target app, add the relevant Target Circle offers to your account. When you shop and purchase the items, you'll get both savings by submitting your receipt to Ibotta and scanning your Target Circle barcode (or using your linked phone number/RedCard) at Target checkout.
How to tell if an Ibotta offer is valid at Target?
When you open the Ibotta app and navigate to the "Target" retailer page, all offers displayed there are valid for Target purchases. Always double-check the specific product details within each offer to ensure it matches what you're buying.
How to get cash back for Target online purchases with Ibotta?
To get cash back for Target online purchases, open the Ibotta app, go to "Online shopping," select "Target.com," and activate the offer by tapping "Shop" or "Activate." Ibotta will then redirect you to Target.com to complete your purchase. Alternatively, use the Ibotta browser extension on your desktop.
How to resolve missing cash back from a Target purchase?
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
If cash back is missing, first check the offer details to ensure you met all requirements and submitted your receipt within the timeframe. If everything looks correct, go to the "Help" section in the Ibotta app, select "Get help with a purchase," choose the relevant transaction, and follow the prompts to submit a support ticket.
How to use Ibotta for Target curbside pickup or delivery?
For Target curbside pickup or delivery, you'll typically use the "Online shopping" method within the Ibotta app. Activate the offers by tapping "Shop" or "Activate" for Target.com within Ibotta before placing your pickup or delivery order. Your cash back should track automatically once the order is fulfilled.
How to scan a long Target receipt in Ibotta?
When taking receipt photos in the Ibotta app, if your receipt is too long for one picture, the app will provide an option (often labeled "Long Receipt" or similar) to add additional sections. Simply align the next part of your receipt and take another photo, repeating until the entire receipt is captured.
How to find "any brand" offers for Target in Ibotta?
"Any brand" offers (like "Any Brand Milk" or "Any Brand Bread") are typically found within the main grocery category or specific retailer pages in Ibotta. You can often filter or scroll through offers to find these generic options. They allow you to earn cash back on a product regardless of the specific brand.
How to maximize savings at Target using Ibotta?
To maximize savings, combine Ibotta cash back with Target RedCard's 5% discount, Target Circle offers, and manufacturer coupons. Always check Ibotta before you shop, ensure you add offers to your list, and diligently submit your receipt or activate online offers. Look for "bonuses" within the Ibotta app, which offer extra cash back for redeeming multiple offers or spending a certain amount.
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