Eager to turn your everyday shopping into awesome rewards? If you're an Ibotta user, or considering becoming one, you're in the right place! Getting gift cards from Ibotta is a fantastic way to stretch your budget and treat yourself without spending extra. Let's dive into the step-by-step process, so you can start redeeming your hard-earned cash back for the gift cards you desire.
Your Ultimate Guide: How to Get Gift Cards from Ibotta
Step 1: Accumulate Earnings – The Fun Part!
First things first, you need to have earnings in your Ibotta account. This is where the magic truly begins! Ibotta works by giving you cash back on your everyday purchases, whether it's groceries, online shopping, or even dining out.
A. The Basics of Earning Cash Back:
Browse Offers: Open your Ibotta app and explore the wide variety of offers. You'll find deals on specific products, at specific retailers, and even cash back for online purchases.
Add Offers to Your List: Before you shop, make sure to add the offers you intend to redeem to "Your List" within the app. This is crucial for ensuring you get credit!
Shop Smart: Purchase the qualifying items at participating stores. You can shop in-store or through online grocery pickup/delivery services.
Redeem Offers:
In-Store Purchases: After your shopping trip, you'll typically submit your receipt through the app by taking a photo. Ibotta will then match your purchases to your added offers.
Linked Accounts: For some retailers, you can link your loyalty cards, and your earnings will be credited automatically.
Online Shopping: For online purchases, you'll often start your shopping journey through the Ibotta app or website to ensure your purchase tracks for cash back.
B. Reaching the Minimum Threshold:
Ibotta requires you to have a minimum earnings balance before you can withdraw your cash. Historically, this minimum has been $20. Always check the most current requirements within the Ibotta app, as these can occasionally be subject to change. Keep earning that cash back until you see your balance hit that sweet spot!
Step 2: Navigate to the Withdrawal Section
Once your earnings balance meets the minimum withdrawal requirement, you're ready to make your move!
A. Accessing Your Earnings:
Open the Ibotta app on your mobile device.
Look for your earnings balance, usually displayed prominently at the top right of the homepage. Tap on it. This will take you to your earnings summary screen.
B. Initiating the Withdrawal Process:
On the earnings summary screen, if you have met the minimum threshold, you should see an option to "Withdraw" or "Withdraw Cash." Tap this button to proceed.
Step 3: Choose "Gift Cards" as Your Withdrawal Method
Ibotta offers a few ways to get your cash, including direct bank transfer and PayPal. For this guide, we're focusing on the highly popular gift card option!
A. Selecting Your Payout Preference:
After tapping "Withdraw," you'll be presented with different payout options. Look for and select "Gift cards."
B. Browse the Gift Card Selection:
Ibotta partners with a vast array of retailers, so you'll have plenty of options. Scroll through the list to see available gift cards. You'll find popular choices like:
Walmart
Starbucks
Amazon
Target
Lowe's
And many, many more across categories like grocery, dining, entertainment, clothing, and even gas!
Keep an eye out for any special promotions! Sometimes, Ibotta offers extra cash back when you purchase certain gift cards directly through their platform, even using your earnings. That's like getting cash back on your cash back!
Step 4: Select Your Desired Gift Card and Amount
Now for the exciting part – picking your reward!
A. Choosing Your Retailer:
Tap on the logo or name of the gift card you wish to get.
B. Specifying the Denomination:
You'll then be prompted to select the denomination or amount for your gift card.
Minimums and Increments: Be aware that each gift card might have a specific minimum amount you can redeem for, and they often come in set increments (e.g., $5, $10, $25, etc.).
Ensure the amount you select is available and that you have enough Ibotta earnings to cover it. You can often use a combination of your Ibotta earnings and a linked debit card if you want a gift card for a higher value than your current earnings.
Step 5: Confirm Your Identity and Purchase
Security is important! Ibotta will usually have you confirm your identity before finalizing the transaction.
A. Identity Verification:
You might be asked to verify your identity through a code sent to your phone or email, or by entering your Ibotta password. This is a standard security measure to protect your earnings.
B. Review and Confirm:
Carefully review the gift card details, including the retailer and the amount.
Once everything looks correct, tap "Confirm" or "Purchase" to complete the transaction.
Step 6: Receive and Use Your Digital Gift Card
Voila! Your gift card is on its way.
A. Instant Delivery (Usually!):
Most Ibotta gift cards are digital e-gift cards and are sent to you almost instantly via email. Check the email address associated with your Ibotta account.
Sometimes, it can take up to 24 hours for the email to arrive, so don't panic if it's not immediate, though it often is very quick.
B. Finding Your Gift Card Information:
The email will contain a link to your e-gift card, or it will display the gift card number and PIN (if applicable) directly.
You can also access your purchased gift cards within the Ibotta app itself. Go to the "Account" section, then look for "Gift cards" to see your stored cards and their details.
C. Using Your Gift Card:
Online: Enter the gift card number and PIN at checkout on the retailer's website.
In-Store: Present the gift card barcode or number to the cashier when making your purchase. You can often do this directly from your phone screen.
Remember to track your balance! While Ibotta shows your purchased gift cards, it doesn't automatically update the remaining balance after use. You'll need to check the retailer's website or app to see your current balance, or manually update it in Ibotta for your own tracking.
And there you have it! You've successfully turned your savvy shopping habits into tangible rewards. Enjoy your gift cards!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Ibotta earnings balance?
You can easily check your Ibotta earnings balance by opening the Ibotta app. Your current earnings are typically displayed at the top right of the home screen in a prominent teal button. Tapping on it will show you a detailed breakdown.
How to know if I have enough earnings for a gift card?
Ibotta requires a minimum of $20 in verified earnings to withdraw. When you go to the "Withdraw" section and select "Gift cards," the app will indicate if your balance is sufficient for the selected gift card denomination.
How to find out which gift cards are available on Ibotta?
To see the full selection of gift cards, go to the "Withdraw" section of the Ibotta app, then choose "Gift cards." You can then browse the extensive list of retailers available for redemption.
How to use my Ibotta earnings to purchase a gift card?
When selecting a gift card for redemption, Ibotta will give you the option to "Apply Ibotta earnings." Simply toggle this option on, and your available earnings will be used to cover the gift card amount.
How to use a debit card to pay for part of an Ibotta gift card purchase?
Yes, if your desired gift card amount exceeds your Ibotta earnings, you can typically use a linked debit card to cover the remaining balance. Ibotta will prompt you with this option during the purchase process.
How to find my purchased gift card number after redemption?
Once purchased, your digital gift card information (number, PIN, and sometimes a barcode) will be sent to the email address linked to your Ibotta account. You can also find your stored gift cards within the Ibotta app under the "Account" section, then "Gift cards."
How to check the remaining balance on an Ibotta gift card?
Ibotta does not automatically track the remaining balance of a gift card after it's been used. To check the balance, you will need to visit the retailer's website or app and use their gift card balance checker tool, providing the gift card number and PIN.
How to send an Ibotta gift card to someone else?
When you purchase a gift card through Ibotta, you often have the option to "toggle This is a gift." This allows you to send the gift card directly to someone else via text, email, or social messaging.
How to get cash back on gift cards using Ibotta?
Ibotta sometimes offers cash back on the purchase of gift cards themselves. You'll find these specific offers in the "Gift cards" section of the app. Look for retailers that provide a percentage back when you buy their gift card through Ibotta.
How long does it take to receive an Ibotta gift card after redemption?
Most Ibotta digital gift cards are delivered almost instantly via email. However, it can occasionally take up to 24 hours for the email to arrive. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, check your spam folder or contact Ibotta support.