My Ebates.com Review: I’ve Earned $2,200.00+ Cash Back

Whenever I make a purchase online, I like to spend a few extra minutes looking for coupon or promo codes. I just hate to buy something with that little code box left incomplete. Don't you? If I don't find the code somewhere, I at least make sure and head over to Ebates.com to get some cash back.

Through the years I tallied up more than $2,200.00 just by heading to Ebates first to make a purchase. Here's my review of Ebates.com: an easy, safe way to save a little money when shopping online.

All About Ebates.com

Ebates.com is pretty much the best online shopping cash back website out there. They've been around since 1998. I've used them on and off since 2006.

What they are is an affiliate re-seller of just about every online store available. They pass part of their commission on your sale back to you in the form of a cash-back payment. 

To get the cash back, all you have to do is click through their site to the preferred online store. Easy, right? Just make sure you have an account…or have their browser extension installed.

Sign Up for Ebates.com Using Refer a Friend $10

If you sign up today, you'll get $10 cash instantly added to your account. Then you can start earning cash-back rewards for every purchase you make online.

Also, once you have your account, you can refer other friends of yours and get up to $25 for each successful qualifying referral.

Is Ebates Free?

Yes. Ebates is totally free for you to use. Since 2006 I've never paid them anything. They make their money by referring you to other sites and earning a commission on that sale.

Here's the catch though. Ebates and the shopping sites that participate with them are counting on you using the Ebates portal to browse and buy things above and beyond what you need. They want you to see Ebates as your portal to the things you want. In that sense, Ebates could “cost” you a lot if you're not careful. Okay, enough preaching to the choir.

My Ebates.com Cash Back Dashboard

How Does Ebates Work with Amazon?

Ebates does work with Amazon. Lord knows we buy a bunch from Amazon around here. So it's gotta work, right? From my experience, Ebates only works with Amazon on select categories and they are changing all the time.

Additionally, Amazon Home Services is a different “store” for purposes of browsing Ebates offers.

It's important to note that items in your cart before you visit Ebates won't be able to be discounted. So don't add anything to your cart before you head to Ebates to grab the discount.

Does Ebates Work in Store (meaning physical store)?

It sure does. It's a little tricky, but you can do it. You can earn cash back from an actual store by first adding your credit card to your Ebates account.

Then, browse the stores (using the website or app) that offer in-store rebates. Connect your card to that store and then every time you shop there, you'll earn cash back with Ebates.

How Does Ebates Pay You?

Ebates pays you with a “big fat check!” But you must have your account filled out properly with address and other payment settings completed, and you must have earned more than $5.

Payments go out every 3 months on these dates: May 15th (for Q1), August 15th (for Q2), November 15th (for Q3), and the all-important Christmas season payout on February 15th (for Q4).

The Secret to Using Ebates.com

In my opinion, the secret to using Ebates.com is to treat it as just another tool in your frugality tool belt. Only take it out and use it when you are already planning on making a purchase.

By all means, if you need something, take the time to swing by Ebates.com and use their cash back discounts. If you don't you're simply passing up free money. Otherwise, just leave it alone. Don't go into Ebates.com without a plan already. Happy shopping.

Ebates: Cash Back Shopping Get up to 40% Cash Back at over 2,500 stores. No points. No fees. No forms. Sign Up and Get $10