Ibotta-Vs-Rakuten-Compare-Guide

Ibotta vs Rakuten: Which Cashback App is Better? (2023 Guide)

Looking to save money on your purchases by comparing Ibotta vs Rakuten?

Well, you don’t actually have to choose.

But we’ve got the lowdown anyways!

In this article, we’ll discuss:

We’ll help you compare Ibotta vs Rakuten to see which of these popular cashback apps fit your lifestyle and shopping habits best.

Remember though, you can always use both too!

Ibotta vs Rakuten

I’ve learned that cashback apps can be a great way to save money on purchases you’re already making.

Ibotta Vs Rakuten

Rakuten and Ibotta offer cashback for online and in-store purchases at thousands of major retailers, which makes them an easy free way to manage your budget more effectively.

THOUSANDS of retailers?!! [1] [2]

Yep πŸ™‚

I personally use Ibotta the most often, so I thought I’d write an Ibotta vs. Rakuten comparison.

I’ll provide details about each cashback app and also offer some of my favorite Ibotta store deals & coupons.

How Does Ibotta Work?

A new cashback app is on the block, and it’s giving savvy shoppers a chance to get rewarded for their purchases.

How Does Ibotta Work

Cashback apps like Ibotta offer users who shop at major retailers free money from savings they could have earned elsewhere if not for this nifty little program!

Ibotta started with grocery stores, but I’ve noticed I can now earn cashback with Ibotta when I shop at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS.

And…

Ibotta is rapidly expanding with new retail partners all the time!

It just keeps getting better.

Ibotta’s app is IOS and Android-friendly, and I like that I can look at my Ibotta cashback account on my phone or computer.

Ibotta also offers cashback to refer your friends.

They also have a loyalty program where you can earn Ibotta credit for shopping at specific stores, which I think is cool.

Ibotta Cashout Options

Ibotta offers different ways of redeeming your money including cash or credit cards.

The minimum withdrawal amount in these cases is $20.

That’s actually not too bad!

Many apps force you to earn $50 or even $100 to cash out.

Plus…

You can choose to transfer your earnings to Paypal!

This is the quickest way and if you decide to cash out then you’ll get cash immediately.

Or you can cash out to get gift cards.

This can be beneficial in many ways too, depending on your preference. [3]

Ibotta is a great way to earn extra cash, I really love it for that.

I have been Ibotta-ing for a while now and I love the convenience of being able to use the app from my phone.

I tried out Ibotta on some Target purchases and had no complaints whatsoever.

Plus there are a TON of retailers on Ibotta, so I can save at so many places I already regularly shop at, which is pretty cool.

Ibotta just makes shopping easier πŸ™‚

Pros & Cons of Ibotta

Do the pros of Ibotta outlive the cons?

You betcha!

Show me the most important information I got from using the app and ways to make the most of it in life.

I enjoy Ibotta because I’m able to find Ibotta coupon codes online that can help me save money on my Ibotta purchases.

I also like the “get paid to try” feature I’ve seen on Ibotta recently, but I haven’t tried it yet.

I like Ibotta because they offer bonus days once in a while, I can earn Ibotta by participating in Ibotta surveys and I also use Ibotta promo codes at Ibotta store locations to get money back from purchases I’m already planning on making.

And…

This one is a big deal.

It’s got an easy-to-use interface – even kids understand how Ibotta works.

I like that I can use Ibotta on my phone or computer; Ibotta offers Ibotta coupons (savings) I can find online.

I also like the Ibotta referral program and bonuses when you buy certain products.

Bonuses are good πŸ™‚

I do really wish Ibotta would offer Ibotta coupons with instant cashback, but I understand they have to make money somehow.

How Does Rakuten Work?

Rakuten offers cashback for online shopping and offline sales that you make.

How Does Rakuten Work

The service is currently accessible on Safari, Chrome, and Firefox browsers.

You can get a 3% credit on qualifying purchases at Rakuten.

It adds up quickly though πŸ™‚

The site also offers the Rakuten Cash Back Visa Credit Card which gives you 3% back on all purchases with a link to your account.

The card is limited to one purchase at one time but you can use it to link an offer to use it with an eligible purchase in a store.

And their app?

Rakuten has IOS and Android apps that are easy-to-IOS and Android friendly.

I have the Rakuten Cash Back Visa Credit Card, so I find participating in Rakuten useful when I shop online.

I use my card to link my orders with their special offers, I get 3% cashback on all purchases I make through Rakuten.

I like that I can save money while I shop online by clicking on Rakuten’s link to their website.

Rakuten Cashout Options

Rakuten pays quarterly and therefore you’re only paid four times per year.

You can pay using checks delivered by mail or through PayPal.

Until lately I received my checks but I switched on to PayPal to get my money quicker.

And?

It’s super convenient!

Highly recommended πŸ™‚

I use PayPal because I can cash out any time I want and I don’t have to wait for the next month.

I just signed up for this feature using the Rakuten Cashout button on my screen.

Pros & Cons of Rakuten

Have you ever wondered how much money can really change hands online?

You only need an email address or Facebook account to create an account in Rakuten so I find the interface is easy enough to use.

I like that I can get a 3% cashback on my purchases in Rakuten and I use it with every purchase I make online.

Online shopping discounts!

That’s a big win.

I also like that I can sign up for a Rakuten credit card so I get the 3% cashback I need for all my purchases.

And…

These discounts stack.

I have no complaints about Rakuten but I wish there was a way I could put my earnings on a prepaid card or into my bank account such as with Ibotta.

Other Benefits for Both Ibotta & Rakuten

Other Benefits For Both Ibotta &Amp; Rakuten

Other benefits for both Ibotta and Rakuten involve online shopping, various online purchases, and cashing out with bank accounts.

Let’s dive into these!

Online Shopping

Rakuten can be a great way to save money and I’m so grateful I signed up with them.

I use Rakuten as I shop online and I find that they have the best cashback offers I’ve ever seen online.

I love shopping with Rakuten because I can get real cashback for my purchases.

It’s better than Ibotta and Rakuten because I can use it for my credit card as well as the Rakuten Cash Back Visa Card I got through them.

I like that I can sign up for a Rakuten credit card and I get 3% cashback on all my purchases I make with it online.

Online Purchases

I have a Rakuten credit card I use to link my purchases so I get 3% cashback on all I purchase.

I also use the Rakuten Cash Back Visa Credit Card because I can save money while I shop online with it and I find it easy enough to sign up for as well as fun to keep track of my earnings on.

Very convenient.

I can earn 1% cashback on Rakuten purchases I make, I also get up to 3% cashback from Rakuten when I use my credit card.

I have nothing bad to say about Rakuten.

But…

I do wish I could put my earnings into a prepaid card or online account so I don’t have to wait for the next quarter to receive my payment.

Bank Account

This is the easiest method and once you decide to cash out, you will get your money right away.

I have cashed out my Ibotta several times.

I like that I can save money by clicking on Ibotta’s link online to their website.

I’m grateful I can make money by taking pictures of the Ibotta products I go shopping for.

And…

I also like that I can sign up for an Ibotta credit card so I get the 3% cashback on all my Ibotta purchases I make online.

I love that I can save money while shopping online with Ibotta because I can get real cashback for my Ibotta purchases.

No complaints about Ibotta.

It really is a great app.

I save money each month I use Ibotta as I shop online and I find that they have the best cashback offers I’ve seen online.

In-store too!

This is great for Walmart grocery pickup, Target, and my local grocery stores too.

I love shopping with Ibotta because I can get real cashback for my purchases.

Final Thoughts

Both of these sites offer ways to save and earn money for shopping at places you already shop.

If you’re looking for just one cash-back site to use, Rakuten will earn you the most money back.

But remember…

You can use both!

To maximize every purchase, it’s actually a good idea to use both of these sites to maximize savings and earnings.

I like Ibotta for the Ibotta purchases I make because I can get real cashback for my Ibotta purchases.

I’m grateful I can make money by taking pictures of the Ibotta products I go shopping for and I also like that I can earn 3% on all I purchase with the Ibotta credit card online.

Bottom Line / Final Thoughts

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) vs Ibotta are some of the most popular cashback platforms to earn money from shopping.

Use both apps for discounts from different retailers.

It could even make sense to incorporate other shopping apps into your strategy to save more money.

Top budget apps can help you focus your saving on areas of need and earn additional money.

The main benefit I see?

With Ibotta over Rakuten, I can get real cashback for purchases.

The bottom line is if you are looking into which cashback shopping app is better Ibotta vs Rakuten I recommend Ibotta.

I like that Ibotta offers a real cashback percentage on every purchase.

I also like Ibotta allows me to save money on everyday essentials like groceries, gas, shopping online, etc.

And of course…

I also enjoy the fact that I can save money while shopping at Target!

Ibotta vs Rakuten FAQs

Can I use Ibotta and Rakuten at the same time?

Yes, Ibotta and Rakuten both operate on the IOS and Android platforms. You can use both apps with your iPhone or Android device.

What is the downside to Rakuten?

Rakuten will only reimburse you up to the amount of your purchase. Ibotta, on the other hand, has no limit on how much they’ll refund you.

Resources

  1. All Current Ibotta Retailers
  2. All Current Rakuten Retailers
  3. Benefits to Withdrawing with Gift Cards
  4. Ibotta Homepage
  5. Rakuten Homepage

James Allen, a finance enthusiast with 10+ years of experience, founded Billpin in 2020 to demystify personal finance. Inspired by his mother’s frugality and his own financial expertise, James aims to transform people’s relationship with money. Through this site, he provides easy-to-understand guides, empowering individuals to manage their finances effectively and take control of their financial future.


Content Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any companies mentioned, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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