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It’s hard for me to imagine a time before online shopping was a thing. And while I love browsing my favorite stores for cool and new stuff, there’s something I love even more about shopping online: saving money! But, if you’re shopping online and not using Ebates.com, you’re basically throwing money away. In fact, if you shop a lot, you can be walking away from some serious cash. While I signed up back in 2011 with Ebates I recently got back to actively using it about 3 months ago after my mom was raving about how she was earning money every time she shopped online. After only a couple of months of using Ebates I now have over $5o in my account. I hate to think of all the money I could have been earning all this time. I’ve already kicked myself a bunch of times and lesson learned.
And Ebates also has opportunities to earn even more money, even when you’re not shopping.
Here’s how Ebates works, why I love it, and how you can use it to rack up some serious cash. It’s all very exciting! Let’s start with a giveaway, shall we???
It’s Giveaway Time!!! Want To Win A $250 Gift Card?
Ebates is partnering with us to give award a lucky winner a $250 gift card!
Sweet deal right?
To enter just sign up for Ebates using the widget below and you’ll be automatically entered to win!
Ebates Is A 100% Free Way To Earn Cash
So what is Ebates? Ebates is the largest cash back site that allows you to earn cash back on purchases you make while shopping online. It’s unbelievably easy! All you have to do is visit their site and click through to one of thousands of Ebates partner stores. There’s over 2500, including your favorite brands like Sephora, Amazon, Macy’s, ULTA, Expedia and tons more. Shopping categories include everything from clothing, shoes, makeup and jewelry to home improvement, furniture, travel, pet stuff, electronics and more. I’ve even seen cash back earnings percentages anywhere from 1 to 40%.
But how can Ebates just give you money you ask? Ebates basically earns an affiliate commision when you shop through their site and shares the wealth with you. Once you make a qualified purchase the cash then gets deposited into your account. You get paid every quarter and then the money is mailed to you as a check or deposited into your Paypal account. Your choice.
Signing up and using Ebates is always 100% free. Same goes for their apps. You literally get money back for doing the shopping that you were already going to do anyway. It’s a win win situation.
Here are 12 easy ways you can earn and save some serious cash with Ebates while shopping online:
1.You Get a $10 Welcome Bonus Just For Joining Ebates
I don’t know about you, but I kind of love free money. By simply signing up with Ebates you’ll immediately be given a nice little gift of $10 in your Ebates account to get you started. How sweet is that?
2. Earn $25 For Every Person You Refer
Invite friends and family to join Ebates and you can now earn $25 for each person that signs up with Ebates and shops an Ebates partner brand spending at least $25. Plus, the person you refer will get $10 just for signing up.
To refer friends, get your own personal referral code located in your account dashboard and begin inviting via email. You can also share a link to your social media accounts for greater visibility.  It’s super easy money! You can check out the Ebates referral page linked here.
3. Never Forget To Activate Cash Back! Install the Ebates Button On Your Browser
Even though I signed up for Ebates a while ago, one of the reasons I wasn’t using it was simply because I forgot. Out of sight, out of mind kind of thing. But once I installed the Cash Back button on my Chrome browser it’s now there front and center where I can see it always reminding me there’s money for me to save. Plus the button flashes to alert me every time I visit an Ebates partner site. I never have to remember to visit Ebates.com before I shop and my purchases automatically get applied to my account. It’s pretty great!
Cash Back Button Bonus: The button also searches for and automatically applies store coupons and money saving deals for you on the fly saving you even more $$$ at checkout.
Download the Ebates button for Chrome linked here!
4. Don’t Forget To Download The Ebates App
If you like to shop on your phone be sure to download the Ebates app. You can then earn money while shop your favorite stores on the go. You’ll also get instant notifications about the latest deals and steals happening. It’s just one more way you’ll never have to miss a cash back opportunity. You can get the Ebates app in the iTunes or Google Play stores for free.
5. Keep Track Of Deals At Your Favorite Shops
What’s also great about having the app is that you can favorite shops to receive instant notifications about the latest deals and best cash back opportunities. While browsing Ebates online or in the app, just click the cute little hearts located next to the store names you love to stay on top of their deals. You’ll get email updates or alerts on your phone about any special deals, coupons or increases in those stores’ cash back percentages.
6. Start Buying Your Household Necessities Online
Even if you’re trying to save money for your household and have maybe put off buying things you don’t really need at the moment there’s a way to still earn cash back. We all have basic daily needs. Think things like shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, toiletries, cleaning products and dish detergent that you can start buying online at stores through Ebates and earn money back at the same time. It’s a win win. This is a great trick to keep the dollars rolling in even when you’re between wardrobe updates or booking travel.
7. Don’t Forget To Make Your Bigger Purchases Through Ebates
Ebates reward money can really add up. Like I mentioned, I only got back to using Ebates a few months ago and I currently have just over $50 in my account. $52.87 to be exact. If you’re going to making some big purchases in the near future you can earn some serious money. Doing a kitchen or bath remodel? Order your supplies through Ebates at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Other types of big purchases like replacing home appliances, buying furniture or replacing that laptop that just died can all earn you serious cash. Summer will be here before you know it and purchases like outdoor grills, lawn mowers and patio furniture can all get you cash back too. Start shopping, adding your items to your cart and see what deals Ebates finds for you. You can even buy concert tickets or book travel including hotels, car rentals, and airfare through Ebates partners and get cash Back.
8. Earn Credit For In Store Purchases Too!
Ebates has even partnered with a rotating selection of brands to give you credit when you buy in-store. All you have to do is link and verify your credit or debit card through the Ebates app or website and then use that card when you purchase in store. If using debit be sure to process as a credit transaction to earn your dough. Your card must be linked separately with each store brand and deals may come and go. So be sure to check with Ebates to make sure your purchase qualifies.
9. Take Advantage Of In-Store Pick Up
Even if a store doesn’t give credit for in store purchases, get around it by ordering online and then just picking it up at the physical store yourself. Yes you’ll have to leave the house, but it can really be worth it. I’ve done this and it can be a life-saver when you don’t want to wait for your items or pay for shipping. In fact, I just did it last week when my laptop mouse died and I didn’t feel like waiting a couple days to have it shipped. Stores like Target, Walmart and Staples where I bought my new mouse all allow you to place your order online and will then have it ready for you to pick up in the store. You get the cash back credit and your purchase on the fly. It’s a great strategy for earning more money.
10. Don’t Miss Out On Double And Triple Cash Back Deal Days
They say patience is a virtue. It can also put more money in your pocket. If you place an item in your online shopping cart you aren’t in a rush to buy, hold out until there’s a Double or Triple Cash Back Day at that store. These offers come and go and change weekly. Some stores may even offer additional store discounts with their Double or Triple Cash Back deals.
Check Out These 3X Triple Cash Back Deals (Feb 26-28)
Dick’s Sporting Goods: was 1.5% now 10%
IT Cosmetics: was 4% now 12% Â
11. Save More During Tax Season
Do you do your own taxes? If you have a touch of the tax season blues then maybe this will cheer you up a little. This tax season, get up to 10% cash back on tax prep services and software through Ebates partners like Turbotax, H&R Block, TaxAct, Staples, and more. Take advantage of these tax saving deals by clicking through here!
12. Sign Up Now To Win a $100 Gift Card!
Did you enter for a chance to win $100 gift card yet? Why not? You don’t like winning things? Of course you do. Winning stuff is awesome. Ebates is partnering with us to give award a lucky winner a  $100 gift card! To enter just sign up for Ebates using the widget below and you’ll be automatically entered to win!