It took me awhile to jump on the grocery app bandwagon. They seemed more time consuming than they were worth. But I have found 4 grocery apps that I now use regularly and I have a system in place to use them efficiently.
Every time I plan my grocery list, I also browse these 4 apps to see if anything on my list is a current reward.
To save even more, I’m able to stack the app rewards with store sales, store, and manufacturer’s coupons. These apps will give you CASH BACK. Also, on more than one occasion, the same promotion was across more than one app, so I was able to save even more on the product…cha-ching.
1. ibotta
My absolute favorite app is ibotta. I joined about a month ago and I earn on average $2-5 each trip. I transfer money to my Paypal account frequently.
Why I Like ibotta:
- There are over 155 participating stores.
- Your are able to earn cash rebates on a variety of products, such as grocery, apparel, automotive, beauty & wellness, beer & wine, restaurants, home & office needs, sports & fitness and more.
- Of all the apps on this list, I think ibotta has the most variety of products, especially in the grocery category where I use it the most. Many items are listed as non-brand specific, so you can buy whatever brand you like. The payout on those non-brand specific items is far less than the brand specific, but it gives me a chance to earn money on staples I buy every week, such as eggs, milk, produce, bread, spaghetti sauce, pasta, etc.
- You can unlock bonus rewards by buying featured products, redeeming items at specific retailers, or completing certain tasks.
- 100% of your Ibotta earnings can be transferred to PayPal or Venmo as soon as you’ve earned $20. Or you can convert your earnings into a gift card from selected stores. I send mine straight to Paypal and put the funds back into my grocery budget.
- Earn more money by referring your friends. When a friend joins with your referral code and redeems a rebate within 2 weeks, your friend will receive $10 cash back and you will receive $5 for yourself. This offer changes occasionally, so refer to the website for updates.
How to Save with ibotta:
- You can download the Ibotta app on iOS and Android devices and the app is required to submit a receipt.
- As you’re planning your grocery list, unlock the cash back rewards on items you need by completing simple tasks. The unlocked products will be added to your ibotta shopping list.
- Shop at participating stores and buy the products that you unlocked.
- Verify your purchases by scanning the bar codes and then submit a photo of your receipt. Some stores are set up to link to your loyalty account and you don’t have to submit the photo. Unfortunately my main grocery store is not set up for this. BUT submitting the photo is very easy to do.
- Cash will be deposited into your account within 48 hours.
Use my referral link to start saving with Ibotta today.
Example of simple tasks to unlock rewards.
You can also use ibotta for online shopping. After joining and before you shop online, unlock cash back rewards on products by completing simple tasks. Use the Shop Now button on Ibotta.com to visit your favorite retailer websites and make purchases and after your purchase is verified, cash is deposited into your account within two weeks.
Checkout 51
How to Save with Checkout 51:
- Every Thursday morning, Checkout 51 updates with a new list of offers.
- Choose your offers, purchase them at any store, and upload a photo of your receipt through the mobile app or website. You must upload the receipt while the offer is live.
- Offers are available in limited quantities. Check your offer list before you go shopping to ensure that the offer is still available, and upload the receipt immediately after purchase to avoid disappointment. Some offers may be claimed multiple times. Check the offers for specific details.
- When your account reaches $20, you can request a check.
Screen shot of Checkout 51 app.
Use my referral link to start saving with Checkout 51 TODAY.
Savings Star
Why I like Savings Star:
- Healthy Offer of the Week: this is usually some type of produce that I would normally buy. Ex:20% on a single purchase of broccoli. I’ve also gotten offers on bananas, grapes, and oranges.
- 100% cash back “surprise” freebies: These offers happen a few times a month. I’ve gotten Hershey bars, dish detergent, taco seasoning. You buy the product up front and then the cash will be deposited into your account. On some occasions, I have had coupons for the products and saved even more money.
- You can cash out once you hit $5! You can transfer money to your bank account, Paypal or donate to a charity.
Screen shot of SavingStar app.
How to Save with Savings Star:
- For in store shopping: you select the offers prior to shopping. Many stores are set up for automatic-savings so you use your registered card at checkout as you normally do. For receipt-scan stores, take a picture of your receipt and submit through the SavingStar app or website. The cash rewards are not received at checkout, but should be deposited into your Savings Star account within 2-22 days depending on the store. You’ll receive an email when they post to your account.
- For online shopping: Log into your SavingStar.com and choose a retailer. Hit the “Shop Now” button and you’ll be taken to the retailer’s website. Your savings will automatically be added to your SavingStar account within about 10 days.
Go here to learn more about SavingStar.
Snap by Groupon
How to Save with Snap:
- You can use Snap by Groupon at ANY store and you can earn cash back on everyday grocery purchases
- Download the Snap app for iPhone or Android, or use the Snap website. Browse the offers before you shop and purchase those items. Snap a photo of your receipt and get cash in your account.
- They will send you a check once you earn $20.
- There are a variety of branded offers, but they also have lower payout offers on non-brand specific items, such as milk, apples, lettuce, toothbrush, etc. The offers change weekly.
Screen shot of Snap by Groupon app.
Use my referral link to start saving with Snap by Groupon today.
Final Thoughts
I was resistant at first to try the grocery apps, but my tune changed when I was able to transfer a total of $25 from ibotta and Savings Star to my Paypal account. I’ll continue to use the apps where it makes sense, but like coupons, I don’t want to purchase something just because an app is offering a reward, unless, of course it is a candy freebie. I’m a sucker for free chocolate! 😉
What grocery apps do you use? Let us know your favorites in the comments.
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I use these apps for grocery purchases also however lately Ibotta hasn’t had anything worth my time. So I have been a little sad about that. They are super easy to use and great ways to save. Plus you have teammates on Ibotta which help you meet your goals
It can be hit or miss. I didn’t find many rewards with this week’s grocery trip, but I had big rewards with my last trip. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I LOVE Savingstar! They have many items I regularly purchase. I shop at Shoprite, and they have e-coupons that usually mimic Savingstar, so I am very often able to get FREE items by stacking mfr coupons, Shoprite e-qs and Savingstar. I have saved hundreds with Savingstar, and I love that they direct deposit into my bank account. Easy peasy!
I’ve gotten some great deals from stacking these apps with store coupons and manu coupons. I like Savingstar too.
try the receipt hog app….I like it because all you have to do is add a pic of your receipt.
I will looking into it, Amber. Thanks for the tip.