in-store cash back – user's Blog!

June 16, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About In-Store Cash Back

This post has been updated to reflect minor changes in the In-Store Cash Back program.

Millions of Ebates members have discovered how easy it is to earn Cash Back for shopping online. But what if you’re shopping at your favorites stores in person? Maybe you need to try on a few sizes, swipe on some makeup swatches or pick up a last-minute gift on the way home from work. Great news: With In-Store Cash Back, you can start getting paid for those shopping trips you make in real life as well as online. Here’s how.

Step 1: Tap on the “In-Store” tab in the Ebates App.

No app? No problem! You can also do everything you need on the In-Store Cash Back page on Ebates.com. Or get the app here.

Step 2: Find the store you’re shopping at, and hit the “Link” button.

In much the same way that you activate Cash Back online, you can turn on your In-Store Cash Back offer by hitting the “Link” button in the Ebates app. If it’s the first time you’re linking an offer, you’ll need to add a credit or debit card to your account.

Rest assured, your private information is safely stored in a secure, encrypted environment. Learn more about that here. You’ll know Cash Back is turned on when the button now says “Linked.”

Step 3: Shop!

Shop with your linked card at the selected store and earn Cash Back. Boom! There’s no need to tell your salesperson and no forms to fill out — just the magic of Cash Back. Why can’t everything be this easy?

Now that you’ve got the hang of it, here are some more tips & tricks to shop like a boss with In-Store Cash Back:

Stick to Our Accepted Cards

We currently accept credit and debit cards from Visa or American Express. Add as many cards as you like to your account; there are no limits.

Use It Like a Credit Card

To unlock the magic of In-Store Cash Back, pay the credit way. Yep, that includes debit cards. If you pay with your debit card and use your PIN, we won’t be able to track it. So when you’re ready to check out, remember: “Credit, please!”

Link Before Shopping

Always link before you leap. If you shop at a store before linking an In-Store Cash Back offer to your card, you’ll miss out on that Cash Back. Don’t do this. We hate to see you upset.

Stand by for Confirmation

The suspense must be killing you, but never fear. The wheels to deliver that sweet Cash Back to your Ebates account are a-turnin’. We will email you or send you a push notification as soon as the store lets us know you shopped with an offer.

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Treat It Like a Secret

In-Store Cash Back offers are exclusive to Ebates members, so your savings secret is just between us. Store employees probably won’t know anything about these offers. Lucky for you, once you’ve linked an offer to your card you can just shop and pay. Everything happens behind the scenes, so you can just keep a look out for your confirmation email.

Stay Tuned for New Stores

If you love a store with all your heart and it’s not on this list, just wait. It could be soon! Make sure to check back as we continue to add more top stores. Trust us: Love is worth waiting for. Stack Your Rewards Link In-Store Cash Back offers to your store-branded credit cards to get both credit-card rewards and Cash Back!

Get an Extra 3% Cash Back

What’s better than In-Store Cash Back? An additional 3% Cash Back when you shop with the Ebates Visa Credit Card! Here’s a little math to break it down: If a store is offering 5% In-Store Cash Back, you’ll earn 8% Cash Back when you use the Ebates Credit Card. Learn more.

See the Deets

Click the “See Details” dropdown under each store to see the offer limits, exclusions and all the fine print. You must link and use the offer before it expires, or else the chance for In-Store Cash Back will disappear like a stealth ninja.

Make Sure to Relink Those Offers

Shopaholics, this one’s for you. Once you’ve earned your In-Store Cash Back, you can relink the offer from the store and shop again.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this crash course on earning Cash Back in stores. Check out our video to see how easy it is to earn In-Store Cash Back. Now go forth and turn window shopping into Cash Back shopping!

February 17, 2017

17 Things That Happen When You Get Paid to Shop

It’s that time again. You’ve racked up Cash Back at Ebates for in-store and online shopping, and we’re sending out a Big Fat Check with your name on it. You, my friend, are about to get paid to shop.

1. First, you get the email from Ebates letting you know the check has been signed and sealed.

2. You think, “Oh great! A little extra moolah to look forward to. Maybe I’ll take myself out to lunch this week. Maybe I’ll even get sour cream on my burrito this time. What the heck! Let’s splurge for guac!”

3. Then you see the amount you’ve earned.

4. You think, “That can’t be right. I mean, I don’t shop that much!”

5. Your thought is interrupted by the doorbell and the thud of a package on your porch.

6. You remember all that shopping wasn’t just for you. You bought plenty of household essentials. Fido needed a new leash. The kids were busting out of their shoes.

7. You recall a lot of gift shopping for friends and family for holidays, birthdays and baby showers.

8. Thinking of all the good deeds you have done for others in the form of precious gifts reminds you that you are a caring and selfless individual.

9. As a selfless individual, you think everyone should get Cash Back at Ebates. So you make it your mission to get your friends to join. In the meantime, you remain patient, waiting for your Big Fat Check to arrive.

10. Then, before you know it, the check is in your hands.

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11. You take to the Internet to tell everyone!

12. You post a picture of your Big Fat Check on social media, being sure to include your referral link so you and your friends can earn a bonus once they complete their first purchase.

13. Your friends are in disbelief! How could you possibly get paid all that money to shop?

14. Now that you have spread the Cash Back gospel, it’s time to make some plans for that Big Fat Check. Will you pay bills, put it in savings or…

15. Really treat yourself?

16. After all, you can turn that Cash Back into even more Cash Back when you use it to shop through Ebates online and with In-Store Cash Back offers.

17. Whatever your plans, the moments of yearning for the Cash Back you’ve been earning while shopping through Ebates are behind you. Your Big Fat Check is finally in your hand. Indeed, dog days are over.

We want to know all about how you plan to use your Big Fat Check! Post a picture on Facebook or Twitter and use #BigFatPlans for a chance to be featured in our gallery. Until next check time, happy shopping from all of us at Ebates!

December 22, 2016

Eleventh-Hour Gift Ideas for Expert Procrastinators

It happens to the best of us: You’re wrapping presents just before Christmas and, out of nowhere, you realize you forgot someone. You have missed all the free-shipping deadlines, so how can you score those last-minute gifts and make sure they arrive on time? Sending gift cards via email is an option, but that lacks a personal touch. Instead, head to the more than 30 top shops offering In-Store Cash Back at Ebates! Just find a store, link their offer to your credit card, use that credit card to shop in the store and boom—you’ve saved the day and added to your Big Fat Check. No promo code necessary. Here are some of our favorite last-minute gift ideas you can pick up in-store right now.

Performance Steel Water Bottle

4% In-Store Cash Back at Old Navy. Find a store near you!

Everyone needs a reminder to drink more water. Why not make it a stylish one with this sturdy yet sleek water bottle?

Pro Performance Smart Shake

10% In-Store Cash Back at GNC. Find a store near you!

The best gift ideas take popular items and make them even better, like a mixer bottle that also stores your protein powder and supplements.

“Star Wars” “Chew It Up, Fuzzball” Bone Dog Toy

8% In-Store Cash Back at Petco. Find a store near you!

Don’t forget Rex! Your fur baby deserves a little treat too, and this “Star Wars” chew toy has out-of-this-world reviews.

Men’s Woodbridge Stretch Fleece Jacket

10% In-Store Cash Back at Moosejaw. Find a store near you!

Winter basics make fantastic last-minute gift ideas. The man in your life will think of you every time he braves the chill in this fleece jacket.

Leather Tech Gloves

4% In-Store Cash Back at Gap. Find a store near you!

Again, you can’t go wrong with winter accessories. That’s especially true when they are as chic and timeless as leather gloves.

Shirleen Color-Block Ankle Booties

5% In-Store Cash Back at Fashion to Figure. Find a store near you!

If you know her shoe size, stick to neutral colors and a chunky heel for a subtle yet on-trend gift she’ll adore.

Izola Aloha Paddle Ball Set

5% In-Store Cash Back at EXPRESS. Find a store near you!

Fuel their love of sports with a cool indoor activity like paddle ball. Then challenge them to a match at the local gym for a gift that keeps on giving.

Helly Hansen Kirkwall Rain Jacket

3% In-Store Cash Back at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Find a store near you!

Protection from the elements and a popping color? This coat has it all.

Glam Octopus Ring Holder

4% In-Store Cash Back at Charming Charlie. Find a store near you!

Jewelry storage: The struggle is real. Give her a super cute solution with this clever ring holder.

Retro Hot Air Popcorn Popper

4% In-Store Cash Back at Cost Plus World Market. Find a store near you!

Movie nights just got a little healthier! Air popping your kernels is not only calorie-cutting, but also totally delicious. Your giftee won’t even miss liquid butter.

October 7, 2016

12 Reasons You Should Not Join Ebates

You’ve probably heard of Ebates. Maybe you’ve been meaning to join or maybe you’re clinging to the old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Well, we’re here to tell you that you’re right. There are many reasons not to become an Ebates member. If you agree with any of the statements below, Ebates probably isn’t for you.

1. I really don’t need any more money.

Sure, I shop quite a bit. But when I kiss that money goodbye, I don’t want any of it to come back. Even though Ebates offers up to 40% Cash Back on the things I already buy, I’m pretty content with 0%.

2. It’s just too complicated.

You mean I have to go to Ebates.com, type my favorite store into the search bar and click the “Shop Now” button before buying something online? That’s, like, three steps that take seven whole seconds. My time is precious, thank you. See How It Works.

3. It has to be a scam.

Where does the money come from? It can’t be as simple as stores paying Ebates and Ebates sharing the commission with me. Good day, sir.

4. Freedom of choice is overrated.

Ebates offers Cash Back at how many stores? More than 2,000? Having so many options is just overwhelming, even though it means I can get paid to shop for virtually anything.

5. Paying full price is my jam.

Ebates may put thousands of coupons, deals and promo codes from major stores at my fingertips, but I’m just not a deal-hunter. I mean, I know there’s not much hunting involved since I can easily see a store’s coupons on its Ebates page, but, you know, reading. Ugh.

6. My friends definitely don’t need any more money.

If I gave my three besties $10 for making their first purchases through Ebates, I’m pretty sure they would never speak to me again. And the $75 in Cash Back I would get for referring them to Ebates would just make matters worse. Learn More.

7. I love missing out on sales.

Following Ebates on Facebook and getting access to daily Double Cash Back offers sounds awful. And getting sales alerts from my favorite stores sent directly to my phone via the Ebates App will literally ruin my day.

8. I hate getting the best possible deal.

If there is a better price for the same item out there, I don’t want to know. I can easily compare prices and Cash Back amounts for those Steve Madden booties by searching for them at Ebates.com or through the Ebates app. I can even scan products with the app while physically shopping at stores to find the best price. But, really, I enjoy paying the most I possibly can.

9. I also hate shopping on the go.

Being able to shop on my phone or tablet with the Ebates App is just too convenient. I prefer to wait until I’m at a computer, even if it means missing out on a flash sale. What can I say? It’s all about severely delayed gratification and missed opportunities.

10. I only like shopping in stores.

Nothing beats a trip to a mall. I can try things on, catch up with my friends and top it all off with a pizza pretzel. There’s no way I could get Cash Back for doing all tha— Oh. There is? I just have to add my credit card to my Ebates account, link In-Store offers to my card and then use that card to shop in the store? Well, still. See reason No. 1. Free money just isn’t my thing. Learn More.

11. I’ll just forget to use Ebates.

I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast this morning. It’s not like there’s a magic Ebates Cash Back Button that I can add to my browser that would automatically let me know if the store I was visiting offered Cash Back.

12. I definitely don’t want to get Cash Back everywhere.

The Ebates Cash Back Visa Credit Card sounds like a terrible idea. Getting 1% Cash Back on gas, groceries and countless other things, plus 3% Cash Back at Ebates stores? Rewards, schmewards. I also get a $10 bonus after my first purchase on the Ebates credit card and that just isn’t necessary.

What’s that you say? None of this sounds like you? We didn’t think so! Who doesn’t like free money and more ways to get the most out of shopping? Have any other questions about Ebates? Leave us a comment below!

March 17, 2016

15 Things That Happen When You Shop on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day may not seem like your typical retail bonanza like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. But as you know, when celebrations and libations are involved, things happen. We at Ebates have put together a possible scenario for how St. Paddy’s Day could play out for those who enjoy a little retail therapy. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 🙂

1. First, you craft your strategy in terms of wearing green.

2. You decide to go the subtle route and prepare to remind would-be pinchers at work that green undergarments totally count.

3. They respond with the maturity and professionalism you have come to expect of them.

4. You survive the cheesy 4 pm festivities that may or may not include wearing tiny green plastic hats and enjoying a cocktail in the kitchen. (But we bet you didn’t look nearly as adorbz as this little guy.)

5. 5 pm rolls around and it’s finally time to hit the town with a few friends. You try not to run too quickly out of the building.

6. On the way to dinner, you pass a few shops. Nothing really catches your eye. But then again, you’ve got other things on your mind.

7. You finally have dinner and a signature green spirit. Feeling full and festive, it is now time to explore the rest of the city.

8. You pass the same boutique you spotted earlier and suddenly, those slingback boots in the window are the cutest shoes you have ever seen.

9. You go inside, knowing you are opening a fabulous can of worms. You spot pair after pair of shoes that would surely make your life complete. Somewhere during this frenzy, you ask yourself if you really need so many pairs.

10. You silently engage in a philosophical conversation with yourself about the nature of “need.” If we’re getting technical, you don’t really “need” a single pair of shoes. Shoes are a luxury. You buy shoes because you love shoes. And for some reason, totally unrelated to how many cocktails you have imbibed this St. Paddy’s Day, you really love THESE shoes.

11. You decide to go for it.

12. Because YOLO.

13. You go home. The next day, you wake up to boxes of beauties just waiting to be worn by you and only you.

14. And…receipts…

15. But luckily, you remembered to link In-Store Cash Back offers to your credit card using the Ebates App before buying those new shoes! That means you didn’t miss out on Cash Back while indulging in some impromptu purchases. Guilt-free shopping = Best St. Patrick’s Day ever?

March 11, 2016

The Essential Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Packing for hiking and camping is a great way to get excited about the adventure ahead, but there’s definitely a delicate balance between making sure you have all the essentials and not weighing yourself down. Learning how to pack light is a combination of know-how and having the right gear. So before you hit the trails, take a peek at this ultimate ultralight backpacking checklist from your friends at Ebates. Whether you are a veteran hiker or new to the trails, here’s a useful checklist that will help save your back and some money when it comes to packing for your next hiking adventure.

Get the Right Pack for Your Body and Your Trip

At the top of our backpacking list is the perfect pack. Having the right pack can make or break your hike before you even hit the trail. If your backpack doesn’t fit well, packing ultralight won’t matter because you’ll be struggling to get a comfortable fit with your pack the whole hike. Finding the right pack size is easy if you shop online at stores like Campmor where you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates. Check out awesome brands like Gregory for a variety of sizes to find your perfect fit in the ultralight backpack of your dreams, like this one featured above.

Picking and Packing Your Home Away From Home

When it comes to deciding which tent to bring along on your ultralight backpacking trip, less is more. Long gone are the days of heavy tents and poles. The era of ultralight protection from the elements is here! Big tents have their time and place, but you’ll seriously regret lugging them along for an extended hike. Check online and in-store at Moosejaw for their stellar selection of ultralight tents like this one from Vaude and don’t forget to head to Ebates first to look for a lightweight tent promo code.

Need more space? Consider skipping the poles and take shelter in a wing like this one from NRS (found at Eastern Mountain Sports) weighing in at only 368 ounces and providing 130 square feet of cover!

Camping Cuisine

The trail mix of yesteryear has gotten a serious upgrade thanks to the modern day interest in ultralight backpacking. Packing a full range of tasty meals for your hiking trip has never been so easy or so lightweight! Want to stock up or prep for a longer trip? REI offers a freeze-dried foods promo code if you buy eight or more, which means you can get the food you need to travel light while saving some dough. Make sure you pack at least one full extra day of food in case of an emergency and you’re good to go!

Water Filters & Purification Tools

If you plan on a long hike off the beaten path, having access to clean water is going to be critical. While the babbling brooks out in nature are beautiful, the water isn’t necessarily safe to drink. Packing water filters or some means of purification can extend the length and range of your hiking adventure. REI has a number of incredible options that are great for keeping your pack ultralight, like this Sawyer Water System.

Pack Clothing That Can Layer

This one may seem like a no brainer, but put some serious thought into both the clothes you pack and those you’re wearing when you set off on your trek. Trying to strike the right balance between over-packing and not being well prepared can be tough but it’s essential for ultralight backpacking. Try packing layers that will wick away sweat but still keep you protected from the rain and sun. Looking for the perfect lightweight layers? Columbia’s online shop has an awesome selection of ultralight hiking clothing layers for both men and women, plus you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates. Make sure to keep an eye out for a lightweight hiking apparel promo code and your pack will be lighter and your wallet a little fatter!

February 26, 2016

7 Things to Do With Your Extra Day This Leap Year

Being that Leap Day only comes once every four years, you may not think it’s that big of a deal. But if you’re like every other adult on the planet and find yourself almost constantly saying, “If only I had more time…” then an extra 24 hours is indeed a big deal. We at Ebates have a few ideas (six, in fact) on what you can do this Leap Day to take full advantage of some extra time on your hands and have a few LOLs while you’re at it.

1. Go to work because it’s still Monday. I know guys, I know. Why, oh why does our extra day have to be a Monday? Actually, when you think about it, the extra day could be considered the last day of the year, which will be a Saturday in 2016. Console yourself with that little factoid. Or just come down with some mysterious and sudden “illness” that only lasts for 24 hours and tell your boss you’ll definitely just be in bed and not doing any of the things listed below. *wink*

2. Make Leap Day your mandatory workout day. Seriously, talk about an easy commitment. Dust off your mountain bike, go snow-shoeing for a solid hour, or find a single-serving yoga class and try not to look like this guy (but you probably will if you only do yoga once every four years. Whatever, at least you’ve finally found a workout regimen you can consistently stick to.)

3. Master the latest dance craze. You know learning how to Whip and Nae Nae or Hit the Quan has secretly been on your to-do list for months. Throw yourself into some YouTube research, clear the room and cut that rug, son. You can start to learn something new everyday, but a dance move should only take a couple of hours, four hours tops for the rhythmically challenged.

4. Tell everyone it’s your birthday. There is no amount of sympathy that is quite like the amount you get when people think you’re a leap day baby. This is also immediately followed by the fun they get to have in calculating how many birthdays you have actually had and then they get to make the ever-witty joke of, “Hey, Happy 8th Birthday! You’re a big girl now!” Yes, Applebee’s Waitress. I am a big girl now. Now give me my free Triple Chocolate Meltdown, skip the song and be on your way, please and thank you.

5. Propose to every dude you see. One famous Leap Day tradition is for women to propose to their boyfriends. But we thought it might be fun to open this one up to every single guy you encounter during the day. The mailman, your hot neighbor, your boss or any random male stranger. You’ll get a good laugh and they’ll get a nice dose of cardio after leaving skid marks to run away from you as fast as possible. It’s a win/win.

6. Dress like a leaping creature. Think of Leap Day as Halloween 2.0. and dust off that old frog or bunny costume to really get into the spirit. Then take the outfit out for a few jumps around the neighborhood, wishing people a Happy Leap Day all along the way. Just remember to refrain from leaping past your office because, remember, you’re sick and not doing any of this stuff.

7. GO SHOPPING. At Ebates, an extra day means extra pay. Stay tuned to Ebates.com for something BIG this Leap Day with special Cash Back deals that will top off your 24 hours just right. And for those ~~playing hookie~~ home sick, don’t forget about In-Store Cash Back offers at big-name stores like Ann Taylor, EXPRESS, The Body Shop and more!

January 29, 2016

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Clueless Dudes

Guys, we get it. Valentine’s Day can be a pain. The early days of playing it safe with flowers and candy may be behind you. Or you may have been tempted in the past to “get creative” and ended up like this poor sap over here:

Whatever your apprehension to shopping may be, we understand and we have your back with some gift ideas from stores she knows and loves. These Valentine’s Day gifts for her are chic, modern, practical and best of all, they give you Cash Back at Ebates.

Dear Dudes Who Are Reading This During Their Lunch Break on February 13th,

Before you choke on that sandwich because you completely forgot about the big day, take in the good news that all five of the below stores offer In-Store Cash Back at Ebates. So now you can swing by their nearest locations and pick up the gift without missing out on Cash Back. You’re welcome.

Ann Taylor, 2% Cash Back

If your girl looks like she just walked off the pages of Vogue and it’s only a Tuesday, Ann Taylor is the place to find what she thrives on–sparkling accessories and quality pieces she can mix and match into any outfit.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 4% Cash Back

Quirky meets high fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue is perfect for the woman who has a daring side and isn’t afraid to tell the world that she loves avocado on everything, even her shoes. It’s a good fat, after all.

EXPRESS, 2.5% Cash Back

EXPRESS is the destination for hip, youthful fashions ranging from casual to fabulous. If you know your lady is into exercise, go with an activewear set. If not, stay away. This is not the time to suggest she needs a fitness routine. Apply chocolate instead.

The Body Shop, 4% Cash Back

Help her unwind with some of the best pampering products on the market at The Body Shop. From luxurious massage oils to exfoliating scrubs, they have everything she needs to feel like a brand new woman.

American Eagle, 4% Cash Back

Whether Bae likes to bake or loves the gift of flirty lingerie, satisfy her penchant for kitsch and classic, casual style at American Eagle. Score silly gifts that will make her smile or stylish staples to put the swing in her step.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.