(Full disclosure: this page contains affiliate links).
There are plenty of discount sites where you can shop to save money, but Ebates is, without question, my favorite. It’s easy, it’s quick, it’s user-friendly, and you can make up to 20% back, or more, on your purchases.
First of all, the basics of Ebates: Log on to Ebates first, and then pick the store where you want to shop online. They have more than 2000 stores — yes, 2000 — covering everything from department stores to boutique stores, discount entertainment sites like Groupon and Living Social, vacation sites, and many more. Almost everything I buy online is available through Ebates.
Each store lists what they offer in cash back, and the amount varies greatly, and the terms of each store fluctuate as well. Some stores, like Kohl’s (where I often shop), have higher cash back offers (at Christmas it stayed around 10%), while some, like Walmart, usually have a lower cash back offer. But anytime I get money back, I call it a win.
After logging on to Ebates, from there, find the store you want to shop at, like Kohl’s. Click on the Kohl’s link from Ebates, and a new window will open up to Kohl’s main page. From there, shop away! When you are finished, you will get 15% (or whatever that store is offering) what you spent in cash back from Ebates. It’s that simple. So, if you spend $100 (arbitrary number, because see my earlier post about math), you will get $15 back from Ebates. They issue checks once a quarter, or you can get paid through Paypal. And, of course, they also have an app available for iPhones and Androids.
Really, I can’t say enough good things about them. At Christmas, it became a game to see how much money I could save. Once, I made just under $25, after spending less than an hour shopping, and then had about $40 in Kohl’s cash to spend as well.
In addition, Ebates now offers in-store cash back on some purchases, if you link your debit or credit card. Also, Ebates has a fantastic referral program, allowing you to earn even more money by telling your friends. Start by creating an account with Ebates.
Happy shopping!
