Is a site like Ebates really worth the hassle?

When you think about it, getting cash back for shopping online seems too good to be true right?

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Cash-Back Apps

It seems like everyday I see a new cash back app being advertised. As a blogger, I’m contacted weekly by new cash-back apps wanting me to review their website.

So what is the difference between all these apps? How can they offer you cash back for doing your normal shopping? And is it worth the hassle to use them?

• Not all cash-back apps are the same.
• Some offer money, some offer gift cards.
• Some cash-back sites, like Swagbucks, are combined with a survey site.

What Makes Ebates Different?

Ebates is one of the oldest cashback shopping sites out there. They’ve paid millions of dollars to customers just for shopping through their site.

I’ve personally used Ebates since 2006 and have earned thousands of dollars from them. I do most of my shopping online so it makes earning cash back that much easier, not to mention the time I save.

How It Works

Here’s an example: you need to buy Christmas gifts for your kids. You already know that what you want to get them is at Toys R Us. Instead of going directly to the Toys R Us website, you’ll go to Ebates.com. From there you will look to see what percentage Toys R Us is offering that day and if there are any special Ebates coupon codes to use. Then, just click on the Toys R Us tab and Ebates will redirect you to their website. After your purchase, a percentage of your total amount spent will be credited back to your Ebates account.

Big Fat Check

Every month, Ebates will disperse a “Big Fat Check” to you. You can either have a paper check mailed to your door or have your funds deposited to your Paypal account.

Does it Cost Anything?

No! It is free to sign up and free to claim your cash.

Retailers pay Ebates to send them customers. For example, a store like Sephora will pay Ebates $10 for sending you to them. Ebates pays you $8 for going through them, and they make the remaining $2. Everyone wins. Sephora got the sale, Ebates made some money, and you got some cash back.

Is Ebates Worth the Hassle?

Uh…. YES!

Unless of course it’s too much work to click through one website to go to another.

If you’re planning on spending $100 on presents and the cash back percentage is 8%, is it worth making $8 to click a few extra buttons?

I think so!

Install the Pop-Up

The Ebates‘ pop-up tool is a web browser add-on that can let you know if a site has an Ebates deal going on. This saves time because you don’t have to go to the Ebates site first. You’d be surprised at how many stores have cash back deals with Ebates!

Do you use Ebates? If not, why?