The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Reader Recommendations => Topic started by: CloserToFree on January 19, 2018, 10:06:28 AM
-
Hi all, after living under a rock for awhile, I just signed up for eBates. Other than referring lots of friends and family members, what's the best way to make it worthwhile? Like many of you (probably), I don't buy a ton of stuff online, so I'm wondering if there are still ways to profit here. Can you buy retailer gift cards and get cash back? Use it for groceries somehow? Other creative hacks I should know about? Thanks for any tips or thoughts you can share (including if you've decided eBates isn't really worth it for you).
-
I don't know about any of your questions, but I would just recommend you install the browser extension.
It will pop up anytime you surf to a site that supports eBates (with exception of Amazon). This way you don't forget to log in.
I also recommend doing online order - in store pick up for anything you normally buy. For example, anytime I need car parts I order through Autozone online and pick it up in the store (free). This way you get the cash back + credit card rewards. Could probably be done with other things too (Target, groceries, etc)
-
So IIRC, the most interesting thing you can do with this has to do with multiplying your total-return on credit card points, like a travel card or something.
Here's just an example.
1) Apply for a Marriott 120k point-bonus card (this one happens to be 12k spend)
2) Manufacture spend, or else take care of already planned major expenses with your card
3) Calculate the best use of points (in this case, usually category 4 or 5 hotels - stay 4 days and get the 5th free on points for 25% more value)
4) Go to Ebates, log in, then link into Marriott to book a vacation for 1.5% cash back with roughly 10% from the card multiplied by 1.25 for that free day
That's like getting 14.38% cash back and $10 if you're new to Ebates.