How I Use Cashback Programs to Save on Travel

One of the most common questions that I ALWAYS get from friends and family is “How do you afford to travel so much???” While yes, most of my travels secrets include staying in cheap hostels and booking off-season flights, I also utilized money-back websites for each trip!

I absolutely love using money-back websites such as Ebates for every online purchase – including flights, hotels, and clothing!

What is Ebates?

Ebates is a company that will give you cash back when you make purchases through their affiliated stores. Big name stores – like Amazon, Nike, Orbitz, Walmart, and over 2,000 more! I have made over $150 in cashback just in 2017 alone.

How does Ebates work?

Like I mentioned, using Ebates is extremely easy. First, simply head to eBates.com and search for the store that you would like to shop at. Next, click on the orange ‘Shop Now’ button and you will be redirected to that store’s website.

Now the fun part, add all the items you wish to purchase to your cart and check out! Yassss, treat yo self! Once you checkout and complete the purchase, a percentage of your total will be added into your Ebates cash back bank.

Here’s an example: So, if Ebates is offering 10% back at Nike and your purchase total is $100.00, you would receive $10.00 in cashback!

How long does it take?

Depending on the store, you will see the cashback in your Ebates account between a few hours and a week. Most of mine have appeared within the same day. Ebates will send you the cashback in your account every three months via PayPal or a check.

It’s important to note that when you use Ebates to book travel purchases such as hotel, airline, car rental, etc. the cashback is not earned until after the trip is completed. I.e. after your flight or after you check out of the hotel.

So obviously the cashback isn’t instantly in my bank account but its great to get a random check in the mail every few months. FREE MONEY!

Tips for Using Ebates

Check the store’s page on Ebates to see if there are any coupons you can apply to you order. Double your savings with savings and cashback!
Make sure you get a confirmation that you have activated an Ebates shopping trip before you check out. If you visit Ebates before checkout, Ebates won’t track your order and then you won’t earn any cashback.
Typically prefer shopping in-store? No problem! I often pick out the items that I want when I’m shopping in-store and then come home and order them online so that I can earn cashback.
Don’t forget to check Ebates when purchasing expensive electronics. I made sure to purchase my GoPro online so I could help combat its high price tag.

Ready to Get Started?

Its free to join and there are never any fees so its all profit! Basically, you’re just making cashback on money that you had already planned on spending.

Try out Ebates for yourself! If you sign up through the green links on this post, you’ll receive a $10 Bonus from Ebates! Signing up via my link give you a $10 bonus and I’ll get a $5 commission from Ebates. It’s a win-win for everybody. So feel free to help a sista out or you’re also welcome to sign up on your own – either way 😊