Your Back-to-School Shopping List Just Got Smarter

The school supply run doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With Ibotta, you can earn real cash back on everything from backpacks and notebooks to snacks and dorm room essentials. Here’s how to make the most of Ibotta this back-to-school season.

Step 1: Browse Offers Before You Shop

Before you head to the store or start filling your online cart, open the Ibotta app and browse available offers. You’ll find deals on hundreds of back-to-school staples — think pens, folders, cleaning supplies, snacks, and more. Add the offers you want, and you’re ready to shop.

Step 2: Shop at Your Favorite Stores

Ibotta works at thousands of retailers — including Target, Walmart, Staples, and your local grocery store. Whether you prefer to shop in-store or online, you can earn cash back either way. For in-store trips, just shop normally and save your receipt. For online shopping, use the Ibotta browser extension or shop through the app to automatically earn.

Step 3: Submit Your Receipt

For in-store purchases, submit your receipt in the Ibotta app right after you shop. Just open the app, tap the redeem icon, and snap a photo. Ibotta scans your receipt and matches it to your added offers. It takes less than a minute, and your earnings show up fast.

Step 4: Watch Your Earnings Add Up

Every offer you redeem adds real cash back to your Ibotta account. Once you’ve hit $20 in your earnings, you can withdraw to PayPal, a bank account, or choose a gift card. Think of it as a reward for shopping you were already going to do.

Pro Tips for Back-to-School Season

Want to earn even more this season? Here are a few smart strategies to get the most out of Ibotta during back-to-school shopping.

Stack your offers with store sales

Ibotta cash back stacks right on top of store deals and loyalty card discounts. So if your go-to retailer is running a sale on composition notebooks, you can earn cash back on top of that already-reduced price.

Check the app before every trip

New offers get added all the time. Make it a habit to check the app before each shopping trip — especially during peak back-to-school weeks when brands roll out extra deals on everything from lunchbox snacks to college dorm supplies.

Don’t forget grocery runs

Back-to-school isn’t just about supplies. Stocking up on after-school snacks, lunches, and meal prep staples counts too. Ibotta has offers across grocery categories, so load up your cart with confidence and earn on the items your family actually uses.

Invite a friend, earn more

Got a friend tackling back-to-school shopping too? Invite them to join Ibotta and earn a bonus when they redeem their first offer. It’s a win for both of you.

Ready to Start Earning?

Back-to-school season is one of the biggest spending times of the year — but it doesn’t have to feel that way. With Ibotta, every item on your list is an opportunity to earn real cash back. Download the app, add your offers, and make this school year the most rewarding one yet.