Let’s compare Ibotta vs Ebates which are awesome platforms that give you the opportunity to make money by buying things you would buy anyways. Both work by passing on commission from the retailer to you, but each company has different processes.
Ibotta is primarily for use at brick and mortar popular stores, although it does allow for an online shopping experience as well, while Ebates is better for digital shopping at a wider range of retailers and offers brick and mortar options as well. Ebates is the more versatile option, but earnings are more limited than with Ibotta.
Ibotta asks more of you before you can start saving. You must complete tasks in order to get offers, and you have to upload a receipt or scan a barcode after your purchase to get reimbursed. Some tasks ask you to use your own Facebook or social media account to post advertisements. Some users will find these tasks fun, and you can increase cashback by doing multiple tasks for the same product. Other users will be frustrated by the invasiveness of these techniques.
Ibotta gives you your cash much quicker than Ebates, which only pays out several times a year. If you want your money soon after making your purchase, Ibotta may be a better option, while if you want more options in how you receive your money and don’t mind waiting, Ebates has you covered.
What are cashback sites?
Cashback sites are a wonderfully simple idea. Instead of buying something you want directly from the retailer, you get to the online store through a cashback website or seek reimbursement through the cashback website once you have purchased the item. The item is delivered or bought directly from the retailer, but you get an amount of money from the cashback website as well. Savings can be significant or small, depending on the items and retailer. There are often other saving opportunities like coupons tied up with cashback sites as well. Some sites require you to complete tasks for savings, while others reward you just for making approved purchases.
The amount you get from the cashback website is usually a percent of the total cost of the item. The percent will vary by retailer and cashback site, so do your research to make sure that you get the best deal you can. The money typically takes some time to clear into your account. The process is faster for food items, but for trips, shows, or other purchases that won’t be used immediately, you will need to wait until after the trip or show to get reimbursed.
This is because the money comes from retailers who pay the platform for the referral. The platform then passes down some of the money to reward its users for shopping through the platform.
How does Ibotta work?
Ibotta works by reimbursing you with cash back when you have made an approved purchase based on an offer given to you by an approved retailer. Simply sign up, download, and log in to start. Choose your favorite retailers and look through their offers. It is important to take your time at this step, since you will need to claim offered items at the retailers you choose.
Once you have chosen retailers, you can complete tasks to get offers. Once you have offers on your list, you can buy them at over 300 retailers that work with Ibotta. Offers may be retailer exclusive or they may work with multiple retailers. Check the details on your offer before you shop.
You will receive credit for your redemption within 48 hours. There are three ways to redeem, depending on the retailer: send photos of your receipt or scan a barcode and send it to the Ibotta site to claim your cashback; connect a loyalty card to the program prior to shopping and automatically receive your redemption when you use the card on offers; or make your submission via mobile shopping on the Ibotta app.
How does Ebates work?
Ebates works like all cashback sites by sharing the commission that they receive from retailers. You are paid every three months for purchases made during the period and you can get cash bonuses for joining and shopping.
A browser extension lets you activate cash back at store sites and also applies coupons automatically at checkout. You can also shop through the Ebates app or link offers to your credit card and shop like normal.
If you use the Ebates cash back Visa, you can earn 3% extra on qualifying purchases and 1% everywhere else.
Reputation and reviews comparison
Ebates has been in business longer than Ibotta. It is one of the original cashback sites, and the cashback site most people think of when they think of cashback programs. Ebates has a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, while iBotta has a BBB rating of only a B. Ibotta and Ebates both received three out of five stars from Trustpilot.
Features and benefits of each company
Ibotta benefits
Ibotta pays by depositing into your PayPal account. Before you get offers, you are asked to perform tasks. There are lots of different tasks, such as participating in a poll, reading a fact, watching a video, etc. The more tasks you perform for a given product, the more cash you can get back. You can use coupons with Ibotta and it is easy and fun to use. Payment is more prompt than with most cash back sites. You will get paid the day after your account reaches $5. You can also earn by giving your referral code to friends and family.
Ebates benefits
Ebates offers up to 40% cash back, which is a significant amount of cash. You can use coupons as well as receiving cash back, increasing your savings with each purchase. Either use the app or link a credit card and make cash back shopping in store. Best of all about Ebates is that the interface is beautiful and super easy to use.
What stores are on Ebates?
Ebates has over 2000 stores participating, so you can get discounts and cashback where you shop anyways. Just search the site for the store you want to shop at and decide if the percentage of cashback for that store is enough for you to make a purchase there. Then just shop and buy the product as usual.
What stores are on Ibotta?
Ibotta has a more limited selection of stores, limiting your savings to popular, large stores like Walmart, Target, Dollar General, Safeway, RiteAid, Ralphs, etc.
How much can you earn?
How much you can earn with either company depends on how much you spend. It is not unusual for dedicated Ebates or Ibotta shoppers to make up to $1000 a year, while casual users may make a couple hundred.
The cost
Ibotta and Ebates are both free to sign up for and use. Ebates even offers a sign-up bonus, so you are paid to join.
Join Ebates here and receive $10.
Refer a friend bonus
Ibotta lets you get a bonus for referring friends and family, while Ebates offers a $25 incentive for you for everyone you successfully refer.
Customer Support
Ibotta offers only one support system; the Ibotta help page. This page generally takes about four days to give you an answer.
Ebates, on the other hand, has a help center request entry page and a phone number to call for support.
Which is better?
Although I love Ibotta, Ebates is the clear winner. It is the easier platform to use and you are given more features to work with and a greater opportunity to save.