Do you want to maximize your savings and get cash back on your everyday Kroger purchases? Of course you do! Linking your Kroger Card to Ibotta is a fantastic way to earn real cash back without the hassle of traditional coupons. While Ibotta used to offer direct loyalty linking with Kroger, the process has evolved. Currently, for Kroger and its banner stores, Ibotta primarily relies on receipt submission for cash back. Don't worry, it's still super easy and worth your time!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step to ensure you're maximizing your savings at Kroger with Ibotta.
How to Add Kroger Card to Ibotta (via Receipt Submission)
Even though direct loyalty linking for Kroger isn't available on Ibotta for automatic cash back, your Kroger Card is still crucial because it ensures you get the best prices and digital coupon savings at the store. Then, Ibotta works in tandem to give you additional cash back on eligible items.
Step 1: Get Your Kroger Plus Card Ready! (If You Haven't Already)
Before we even touch Ibotta, you need a Kroger Plus Card. This is your key to unlocking Kroger's in-store savings, personalized deals, and fuel points. If you already have one, great! If not, don't fret – it's simple to get.
Sub-heading: Why a Kroger Plus Card is Essential
The Kroger Plus Card isn't just a loyalty card; it's your gateway to exclusive member pricing, digital coupons, and fuel points. While Ibotta doesn't directly link to it for automated rebates, using your Plus Card at checkout ensures you receive the lowest prices on your items, which can then be combined with Ibotta offers for maximum savings. Think of it as setting the stage for your Ibotta earnings!
Sub-heading: How to Get a Kroger Plus Card
In-Store: Simply ask a cashier or customer service representative at your local Kroger store. They can usually set you up on the spot.
Online: Visit the Kroger website (or your regional Kroger banner store's website, e.g., Fred Meyer, King Soopers, etc.). Look for a "Sign Up" or "Create Account" option. You'll typically be asked for your name, address, phone number, and email. Your Plus Card number will be generated digitally, and you might receive a physical card in the mail.
Pro Tip: Make sure the name and email address associated with your Kroger Plus Card account are consistent with the information you use for your Ibotta account to avoid any potential discrepancies later.
Step 2: Download and Set Up Your Ibotta App
This is where the magic begins! If you don't have Ibotta yet, it's time to get it.
Sub-heading: Downloading the App
For Apple Users (iOS): Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Search for "Ibotta: Save & Earn Cash Back." Tap "Get" or the cloud icon to download.
For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet. Search for "Ibotta: Save & Earn Cash Back." Tap "Install" to download.
Sub-heading: Creating Your Ibotta Account
Once downloaded, open the Ibotta app.
You'll be prompted to sign up. You can typically sign up using your email address, Facebook account, or Google account.
Follow the on-screen instructions to create your profile, including setting up a password.
You might be asked to enter a referral code if you have one. If a friend referred you, using their code can earn both of you a bonus!
Step 3: Find Kroger and Browse Offers in Ibotta
Now that you have both your Kroger Card (or account details) and Ibotta ready, it's time to start finding those cash back opportunities!
Sub-heading: Locating Kroger in the App
Open the Ibotta app.
On the Home screen, you'll see a search bar or a list of popular retailers. Type "Kroger" into the search bar, or scroll down to find it under the "Grocery" category.
Tap on the Kroger icon to open the Kroger-specific offers page.
Sub-heading: Adding Offers to Your List
This is a crucial step for successful cash back. Ibotta offers are not automatically applied. You need to add them to your list before you shop.
Scroll through the available offers for Kroger. You'll see a variety of products, from groceries to household items, with cash back amounts listed.
When you see an offer for a product you plan to buy, tap the plus sign (+) or the "Add" button next to it. This adds the offer to "Your List" within Ibotta.
Pay close attention to the offer details! Many offers are specific to brand, size, quantity, or even flavor. Read the fine print to ensure your purchase qualifies. For example, an offer might be "$0.50 cash back on any 2 boxes of Brand X cereal, 12 oz or larger."
Step 4: Shop at Kroger and Use Your Plus Card
This step is straightforward, but it's where your physical shopping aligns with your Ibotta strategy.
Sub-heading: Making Your Purchases
Head to your local Kroger store.
Purchase the items you've added to "Your List" in the Ibotta app. Double-check your cart before checkout to make sure you have the correct products that match your Ibotta offers.
Remember to scan your Kroger Plus Card (or enter your phone number associated with your account) at checkout. This ensures you get your Kroger digital coupon savings and member pricing.
Sub-heading: Obtaining Your Receipt
After your purchase, make sure you get a full, physical receipt. This is absolutely vital for Ibotta cash back with Kroger. Digital receipts from Kroger generally do not work for Ibotta's receipt submission process.
Step 5: Submit Your Receipt to Ibotta
This is the final, essential step to get your cash back!
Sub-heading: Initiating Receipt Submission
Once you're home (or even in the car!), open the Ibotta app.
Go back to the Kroger retailer page within the Ibotta app.
Look for a button that says "Submit Receipt" or similar. Tap it.
Sub-heading: Taking Photos of Your Receipt
The app will prompt you to take pictures of your receipt.
Ensure good lighting and a flat surface.
Capture the entire receipt: This includes the store name, date, total amount, and all individual line items.
If your receipt is long, Ibotta will typically provide an option to "Add Section" or "Long Receipt" so you can take multiple photos to capture the entire length. Make sure there's overlap between photos to avoid missing any information.
Follow the on-screen guides for aligning the receipt within the camera frame.
Sub-heading: Scanning Product Barcodes (If Prompted)
For some offers, especially on new products or specific varieties, Ibotta might ask you to scan the barcode of the purchased item(s).
If prompted, simply use your phone's camera to scan the barcode on the product packaging.
Sub-heading: Finalizing Your Submission
After taking all necessary photos and scanning barcodes (if required), tap "Finish" or "Submit".
Ibotta will then review your submission. This process usually takes a few hours, but can sometimes take up to 72 hours. You'll receive a notification when your cash back has been processed and added to your Ibotta account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common questions related to using your Kroger Card with Ibotta:
How to check if my Kroger Card is linked to Ibotta?
Currently, direct loyalty linking for Kroger is not supported by Ibotta for automatic cash back. Therefore, you won't find an option to "link" your Kroger Card in the traditional sense within the Ibotta app. For Kroger purchases, you will always need to submit your receipt to Ibotta.
How to ensure I get cash back for Kroger purchases?
To ensure you get cash back, always add the offers to your list in the Ibotta app BEFORE you shop, use your Kroger Plus Card at checkout, and then submit a clear, full photo of your physical receipt through the Ibotta app after your shopping trip.
How to find Kroger-specific offers in Ibotta?
Open the Ibotta app, go to the Home screen, and either search for "Kroger" in the search bar or navigate to the "Grocery" category and select Kroger from the list of retailers. All available offers for Kroger will be displayed there.
How to troubleshoot if my Kroger receipt submission is rejected?
First, double-check that you added the offers before your purchase, that the items purchased precisely match the offer details (brand, size, quantity), and that your receipt photo is clear and complete. If the issue persists, contact Ibotta's Care Team through the Help Center within the app, providing screenshots of your receipt and the offers you attempted to claim.
How to combine Kroger digital coupons with Ibotta offers?
Yes, you can combine them! Kroger digital coupons are applied at checkout when you scan your Kroger Plus Card. Ibotta offers are independent rebates. So, you can use a Kroger digital coupon for a discount at the register and then submit your receipt to Ibotta for additional cash back on the same item, if an Ibotta offer is available for it. This is how you stack your savings!
How to use Ibotta for Kroger pickup or delivery orders?
At present, Ibotta generally does not support cash back for Kroger pickup or delivery purchases. Their system for Kroger cash back is designed for in-store purchases with physical receipt submission. Always check the specific offer details, as Ibotta is constantly updating its features.
How to cash out my Ibotta earnings from Kroger purchases?
Once your Ibotta earnings reach a minimum of $20, you can cash out. Ibotta offers various cash-out options, including direct deposit to your bank account, PayPal, or a wide selection of gift cards. Navigate to the "Earnings" or "Account" section of the app to initiate a cash-out.
How to tell if an Ibotta offer requires a barcode scan for Kroger?
When you add an offer to "Your List" and review its details, Ibotta will indicate if a barcode scan is required. You'll also be prompted to scan the barcode during the receipt submission process if it's necessary for that particular offer.
How to get help from Ibotta customer service for Kroger issues?
If you encounter any issues, the best way to get help is by contacting Ibotta's Care Team directly through the Help Center within the Ibotta app. Look for the "Help" or "Support" section, which often has a "Contact Us" or "Submit a request" option.
How to maximize savings at Kroger using Ibotta?
To maximize your savings, always check Ibotta before you shop at Kroger and add all relevant offers. Utilize Kroger's own digital coupons and weekly ads through your Kroger Plus Card. Look for "any brand" offers on Ibotta for staple items, and keep an eye out for Ibotta bonuses, which reward you with extra cash for redeeming a certain number of offers or specific combinations. Strategic shopping is key!