Do you use cashback apps to save money? Then you may have heard of or used Ibotta when you shop. But not all cashback apps are created equal, so you could get the best possible deal if you shop around and try different apps like Ibotta.
Cashback apps are all the rage nowadays, and for a good reason. They provide an easy way to save money on everyday purchases, and who doesn’t love that?
Founded in 2011, Ibotta has amassed over 30 million downloads and is one of the most popular shopping apps in the US. You may read the complete Ibotta review for more details about the platform.
This article will list similar platforms like Ibotta: saving you money on everyday purchases as you shop, dine out, or travel and even offering automatic ways to earn cashback when shopping online or in-store.
Explore your options and get the app (or 2!) to maximize your savings and simplify your shopping via the best cashback app.
How Ibotta Works
Ibotta is a cashback app that allows you to earn money on your everyday purchases. To use the app, download it onto your smartphone and create an account.
On the first login, you’ll receive a welcome bonus of up to $20. Once you’ve done this step, you’ll be able to browse through various offers from different retailers.
When you find an offer you like, you can redeem it by taking a photo of your receipt and submitting it to Ibotta.
Once your purchase has been verified, the cashback will be deposited into your Ibotta account. You can withdraw the money to your bank account or receive it as a gift card.
And that’s it! It’s that simple.
There’s no limit to how much you can earn; the more offers you avail yourself of, the more cashback you’ll receive.
Ibotta – Pros and Cons
While this app boasts plenty of benefits to a user, it also has drawbacks.
Pros of Using Ibotta
- Earning cash back on groceries can save users significant money over time.
- This user-friendly app is easy to navigate.
- Offers are available for many stores, including national chains and local stores.
- There is no minimum amount needed to cash out.
- If you shop at one of the many stores that partner with Ibotta (such as Target or Walgreens), you can stack your savings by combining Ibotta with store coupon deals and sales.
Cons of Using Ibotta
- The number of available offers may be limited in some areas.
- Not all items purchased will qualify for a rebate.
- Rebates may take a few days to be processed.
- Ibotta requires you to submit a photo of your receipt after every purchase, which can be time-consuming.
Overall, I recommend the Ibotta app to anyone looking to save money on groceries. Easy to use, this app offers an opportunity to earn money back on purchased items.
While there may be some limitations regarding the number and offers available, Ibotta is still a great way to put some extra money back in your pocket.
10 Best Ibotta Alternatives To Consider
Ibotta is a great way to get cashback, but there are other options for you to check.
Here are the 10 best apps like Ibotta that work like a charm.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a website and app that rewards users with cashback discounts and rewards for everyday online activities. You can earn Swagbucks by shopping online, taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even searching the internet.
These Swagbucks points can then be redeemed for gift cards, chase ultimate cards, or cashback rewards from popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart. In addition, Swagbucks offers a variety of ways to earn cashback credit, bonuses, and rebates.
Check our complete Swagbucks review and Swagbucks hacks to maximize your earnings.
2. Rakuten
One of the leading cashback rewards programs available, Rakuten is an excellent way to save money on your everyday purchase, offering rebates on qualifying purchases made through its online shopping portal.
Rakuten offers a variety of rewards, including rebates on credit card purchases, cash bonuses for sign-ups and referrals, and cashback rebates on travel expenses.
Rakuten also offers a variety of other benefits, including free shipping on qualifying orders, a 10% bonus on all cashback rewards earned, and no expiration dates on any rewards earned.
Read our full Rakuten review here.
3. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is another incredible option for those looking to earn cashback on their everyday purchases. Unlike other apps, Fetch doesn’t require scanning receipts or barcodes. Link your credit or debit card to earn rewards on everything from groceries to gas stations.
Refer a friend, and you’ll both get 2,000 bonus points! Payouts are made via PayPal or Venmo, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
Compare other apps by reading our full Fetch Rewards review.
4. Acorns
Acorns is an investing app that automatically allows you to invest your spare change. When you purchase with your linked card, Acorns rounds up the purchase to the nearest dollar. Then it invests the difference into a portfolio of ETFs.
While Acorns doesn’t offer cashback like other apps on this list, it’s a great way to grow your savings over time.
Sign up now and get your $20 bonus.
Read more of our complete Acorns review here.
5. Drop
Drop is a unique rewards app that lets you link your debit or credit card and automatically earn points on everyday purchases. Get gift cards from your favorite retailers when you redeem those points.
Signup is quick and easy, and you can start earning right away. Plus, if you refer a friend, you’ll get a $5 bonus! There’s no limit to how much you can earn, and payouts are made via PayPal or Amazon gift cards.
6. TopCashback
If you want an app like Ibotta, try TopCashback.
TopCashback lets you earn cashback on your online purchases at over 4,000 retailers. Signing up is straightforward, and you can earn cashback immediately. Plus, if you refer your friends, you’ll earn an additional $10 for each friend who signs up.
Payouts are made via PayPal or American Express points, with no minimum payout amount.
7. GetUpside
With GetUpside, you can get 15% cashback on your grocery purchases and up to 35% on your restaurant bills. This app also gives you around 25 cents per gallon cashback from gas stations.
Refer a friend and earn a few more dollars with GetUpside.
8. Shopkick
By walking into certain stores, scanning items, and making purchases, Shopkick allows you to earn “kicks” or points. You can redeem these kicks for gift cards or PayPal cash.
You can earn kicks by referring friends to the app. Signup is quick, and you can start earning right away. No minimum balance is required to cash out!
9. Dosh
Dosh is an excellent option for those with a Capital One Quicksilver Cash-Back Credit Card. You can link your card to Dosh and get automatic cashback on qualifying purchases made with your card.
In addition, if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Card, you can link it to Dosh and get automatic cashback on qualifying purchases made with your card.
10. Shop Savvy
It’s easy to sign up for Shop Savvy. Just download the app and start completing offers to earn cashback on your purchases. You can refer friends and family to Shop Savvy and earn more cashback.
There’s no limit to how much you can earn, and you can cash out your earnings through PayPal or Venmo. Or, if you’re a fan of ultimate rewards points, you can even link your Shop Savvy account to your Amex account and redeem your earnings for points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Apps Like Ibotta
What App Is Better Than Ibotta?
Fetch Rewards is one of the apps like Ibotta that offers all of the same features as Ibotta, plus a whole lot more. With Fetch Rewards, you can link your debit or credit card to earn rewards on everything from groceries to gas stations.
What Is the Best App For Getting Money Back?
A few apps, like Ibotta, offer cashback on purchases, but our favorite is Ibotta.
With Ibotta, you can earn travel rewards for groceries, clothing, and more. Plus, you can refer friends and family to Ibotta and earn even more cashback.
Which Is Better: Fetch Rewards or Ibotta?
Ibotta is our favorite cashback app, but Fetch Rewards is a close second. Both apps offer great deals and cashback on your everyday purchases.
However, Ibotta offers a more extensive selection of retailers and products, making it our top choice.
What Are the Dangers of Ibotta?
Ibotta is a safe and legitimate way to earn cashback on purchases. Their site has bank-level encryption (256-encryption) to keep your data safe.
Plus, when you link a debit or credit card, Ibotta doesn’t store your payment information.
Conclusion – Apps Like Ibotta
While Ibotta is one of the top apps for cashback on grocery shopping, the list above shows your other options to help you save more cash.
These cashback apps vary in features and change their promotional offers regularly. That is why signing up and using a combo of 2 or more apps suitable to your shopping routine and habits can save you so much money in the long run.
As a savvy shopper, it best serves your interest to choose and use the apps that can maximize savings in the most convenient way that suits your shopping routine.
Happy shopping!
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
- Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
- Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
- Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.