“I make up to $100 a month shopping!”

“A few years ago, I was looking for a way to make some extra cash. When my sister told me about Ibotta, a free app that pays you cash back for purchases you make online or in stores, I was hesitant that I’d actually make money with it, but I signed up anyway—and when I started earning, I was thrilled.

“It works like this before I go shopping, I open the app and scroll through rebates for various products. When I see one I like, I add it to my cart. Before I can access the deal, I have to watch a short video clip or answer a survey about, say, why I want to buy the product. After my shopping trip, I scan my receipt into the app to verify my purchases.

The money then goes into my Ibotta account, and after I’ve earned $20, I can withdraw it via PayPal.

“I use Ibotta to buy food, wine, perfume, cosmetics and toiletries. I even got 2% off when I bought a TV. If you have coupons, you can use them in addition to the app and save even more. And when you refer someone and they make their first purchase, you can earn $5. You can also form a team of friends and work together to get more rewards. Plus, Ibotta offers goals and incentives. For example, if I buy 10 products in a certain amount of time, I make a few extra dollars.

“I spend about 30 minutes a week using the app, and I earn up to $100 a month. The money helps pay for a monthly membership to an online writing site and to promote the books I’ve self-published—costs I built into my budget anyway, so the extra cash is an added bonus!”