Top Questions
How soon is Cash Back credited to my account?
When do I get my Big Fat Check?
Why aren't the merchant links working?
How do I receive my Cash Back?
How do I join?
More Questions
Why use Ebates?
Why else should I use Ebates?
How do I make sure I'm saving as much as possible?
What is Cash Back?
What is PayPal?
Don't have a password?
How do I make sure that I am earning Cash Back?
Can I use special offers and coupons and still earn an Ebates Cash Back?
Can I use alternative payment methods while shopping through Ebates? (Google Checkout/Paypal)?
What purchases will I receive double Cash Back credit for on the Ebates Daily Double?
Can I use MSN Passport at Ebates?
Do all purchases qualify for Cash Back?
What does "Coupons Only" and "No Discount" mean?
What is an Ebates Tracking Ticket?
How can I access my account?
How can I update my account information?
How do I search for a store or product?
Can I use Ebates if I live outside the U.S. and Canada?
What if Ebates doesn't offer the store I want?
What is the Member Referral Program?
Do gift certificates qualify for Cash Back?
What if I want to return or cancel an order?
Can I use Medicare to make purchases on Ebates?
What browsers are supported by Ebates?
Security and Privacy
How safe is my credit card info?
Are my transactions secure when going through Ebates?
Will Ebates sell information about me or my purchase habits?
What are "cookies" and how do I enable them?
Will I start receiving "spam" if I join?
Support Pages
Store links not working?
Trouble logging in?
Need help with Moe Money Maker?
Windows XP SP2 FAQ
Top Questions
How soon is Cash Back credited to my account?
Most cash back rewards are credited within 48 hours. However, it is possible for this process to take up to 30 days. Some merchants are able to report your purchase as soon as the product ships. Some merchants, however, cannot confirm your purchase until the return period for the product you have purchased has elapsed.
Once you complete your purchase, Ebates actively requests an order confirmation from the merchant so we can credit your account as soon as possible. Once the merchant finalizes the purchase details, we will immediately send you notification via email and update your account summary.
When using coupons and specials at any of our merchants, we can only guarantee your cash back rewards with the use of coupons that are listed on the Ebates site.
Still wondering about a purchase made more than 30 days ago that isn't showing in your account summary? Contact Customer Care. Back to top
When do I get my Big Fat Check?
Every 3 months, we cut you a Big Fat Check for purchases posted during the previous quarter based on the schedule below. But if you've earned less than $5.01 Cash Back, we'll carry over your money to the next check. We want to make sure there is enough "Fat" in your Big Fat Check. Bonus Rewards do not count toward the $5.01 minimum. The term “Bonus Rewards” includes monies earned as a Sign-up Reward or Tell-A-Friend Bonus.
You have the option of receiving your Big Fat Check in the mail, or you can have the money sent to you via PayPal. However, if you want to receive your money via PayPal, we require that you enter your full name and valid mailing address into your account profile for verification purposes in order to receive a PayPal payment.
Click here to edit your Ebates Account.
| Purchases Posted Between | Big Fat Check Sent |
| Jan 1-Mar 31 | May 15 |
| Apr 1-June 30 | Aug 15 |
| July 1-Sept 30 | Nov 15 |
| Oct 1-Dec 31 | Feb 15 |
A Big Fat Check, with cash back rewards for all your purchases posted between January 1st, 2008 and March 31st, 2008 will be sent on May 15th, 2008.
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Why aren't the merchant links working?
Some programs that you may have installed can update the "Hosts" file of your computer. This may cause problems with the Ebates program.
In many cases, you will not be able to reach our merchant sites if your Hosts file has been altered.
Click here to get information on how to update your host file.
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How do I receive my Cash Back?
You have three choices:
1) Big Fat Check: We send a check directly to you- shipping fees are on us. You can change your personal settings (including your address) on the Account Settings page. Be sure your settings are updated before we send out a payment. If no address is present in your account profile, we’ll simply keep the money in your account, and your total will carry over into the next quarter.
2) PayPal: We deposit your payment in your PayPal account- sender’s fees are on us. Just enter your full name and mailing address into your Account Profile for verification purposes.
3) Charity/Organization/Family Member: If you think Cash Back is all gravy, why not send it to your favorite charity, organization or family member? It’s free and shipping fees are on us. Click Here to send your Big Fat Check to a charity, organization or family member.
Note: Ebates does not validate the tax-deductibility of donations that you send to charities. It is your sole responsibility to document donations and to determine that donations to an organization are tax-deductible.
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How do I join?
Join for free by using our quick and easy form. Click here to get started. You can start shopping and earning Cash Back as soon as you’re a member.
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More Questions
Why use Ebates?
Shop through Ebates, and earn up to 25% Cash Back at your favorite stores. How? Simple. Our merchants pay us to send you to them. We turn those commissions into Cash Back by giving the commission right back to you, in Cash. No forms to fill out, no strings attached. Check out our full store list here.
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Why else should I use Ebates?
Incredible deals don't end with Cash Back. We hunt down cut-rate coupons and exclusive offers. Unlike any other savings site on the internet, you can layer the deals. Save big by using coupons and getting Cash Back at the same time! With deal layering, you really stack up the savings.
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How do I make sure I'm saving as much as possible?
It’s easy. Just sign in, and shop! Search for Stores and Products, browse Categories or view All Stores. Click on a store and you get automatic Cash Back when you make a purchase! Sometimes a small window will appear when you click to a merchant site, featuring the current specials available at that merchant. Use the coupon codes at checkout and you’ll save big!
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What is Cash Back?
Cash Back is real money that Ebates will send to you by check or via Paypal. We receive a sales commission from our stores and pay it out to our members four times a year. Members can earn up to 25% Cash Back on purchases!
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What is PayPal?
PayPal is an online payment solution with over 40 million members located in 38 countries. PayPal enables any business or individual with an email address to securely, easily and quickly send and receive payments online. In order to receive your Big Fat Check through PayPal, your PayPal account must be verified. This means that you have confirmed your identity by completing the required steps outlined by PayPal. Also, the postal code that you have provided Ebates must also match the postal code that you have provided PayPal. Click here to opt in to receive PayPal payments. For more information on verifying your PayPal account, click here.
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Don't have a password?
Click here to create your password. Simply enter the email address you signed up and you will immediately receive instructions on how to create your password. Make sure to check your junk folder if you don't see it in your inbox.
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How do I make sure that I am earning Cash Back?
Purchases you make at Ebates merchants are only credited if you start shopping at Ebates and click to the merchant from there. As much as we'd like to give you Cash Back even if you do not start at Ebates, the merchants do not allow us to if you do not click through Ebates prior to entering the merchant site. If you click through Ebates and make a purchase, then surf elsewhere on the Web and return to that store and make a second purchase, your second purchase will not earn a Cash Back reward. (You must click through Ebates every time you shop at a merchant site.) If you use multiple windows on your browser, the window in which you shop at the merchant must have been originated at the Ebates website. Also, while virtually all product purchases at the merchants are eligible for Cash Back, there are a limited number of products that do not qualify for Cash Back -- see below for details.
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Can I use special offers and coupons and still earn Ebates Cash Back reward?
In cooperation with our merchants, we provide you with specials and coupons that you can combine with Cash Back for maximum savings. We provide you with an extensive list of merchant specials and coupons. Please refer to the Coupons & Specials page or the store search for these offers. If you choose to use coupons and specials that are not listed on Ebates, we cannot guarantee that you will be eligible to receive an Ebates Cash Back reward on your purchases.
Furthermore, please be advised that coupons and special offers listed on Ebates are subject to change. Restrictions may apply. Ebates tries to present the most accurate offers but cannot make guarantees due to the time-sensitive nature of these promotions.
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Can I use alternative payment methods while shopping through Ebates?(Google Checkout/Paypal)?
We do not recommend using alternative payment methods during checkout, since we cannot ensure that cash-back will be earned if Google Checkout or Paypal is used as the method of payment for your purchase.
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What purchases will I receive double Cash Back credit for on the Ebates Daily Double?
Every day, Ebates picks one store and doubles the Cash Back on purchases on that day only. To be eligible for double Cash Back, simply start at Ebates, visit the store between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM PST on the day it has been selected by Ebates, and make a purchase. Click here to see which store has been selected today.
If you haven’t received double Cash Back on a purchase for which you should have, please confirm the following:
-Did you visit the right store? We double the Cash Back at one store every day.
-Did you make a purchase at the store on the day it was selected by Ebates? Please confirm that your Tracking Ticket has a date and time between 12:00am and 11:59pm PST on the correct day.
-Did you visit the store through Ebates? As with all purchases, you must visit the store by clicking through Ebates or by using our Ebates Reminder Tool. Otherwise, you will not receive Ebates credit for your purchases.
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Can I use MSN Passport at Ebates?
No, you may not use MSN Passport while shopping through Ebates.
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Do all purchases qualify for Cash Back rewards?
Virtually every item you purchase through Ebates qualifies for Cash Back. We cannot, however, give Cash Back for taxes, shipping, or any portion of a purchase that is paid for with coupons, gift certificates or a store credit. Any purchase of products and services in which the transaction is substantially completed by telephone does not qualify for a Cash Back. In addition, a few cases where merchants have specifically noted that they will not pay Cash Back are listed below:
Merchant Related Exceptions
1-800 Petmeds: Purchases of prescription medication are not eligible for Cash Back.
AutoBarn: Purchases of tires and new/used cars on AutoBarn are not eligible for Cash Back.
Barnes & Noble.com: Purchases made through the "PC & Video Games" (GameStop.com) area of Barnes & Noble.com are not eligible for Cash Back. Video games and downloadable articles are also not eligible for Cash Back.
Beyond Blossoms: "fast delivery" orders are not eligible for Cash Back.
Blue Nile: A maximum of $375.00 Cash Back can be earned for purchases at Blue Nile.
Buy.com: Purchases in the "Cellular" category are not eligible for Cash Back.
Cooking.com: All All-Clad products are not eligible for Cash Back.
Crucial Technologies: "Resellers" are not eligible for Cash Back.
Dell Computers: any purchase of Dell products and services in which the transaction is substantially completed by telephone or by a Dell salesperson, or any purchase of refurbished goods. Any orders placed through the Dell Business Alliance Systems Division, State & Local Government, Federal Government, Education, Healthcare, Medium & Large Business, Emerging Business and Internet Service Provider Divisions are not eligible for Cash Back rewards. Please be aware that Dell is unable to track orders that are made by linking between business units. If you click on Dell Home, Dell Home Software and Peripherals or Dell Small Business, the purchase needs to be made within that business unit. If you find that you have navigated away from the intended site or you wish to access other areas of the Dell Site, return to the Ebates home page and choose the appropriate link for the purchase.
Disneyshopping: DisneyWorld park passes are not eligible for Cash Back.
Drugstore.com: Vision Direct purchases from Drugstore.com are not eligible for Cash Back.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Purchases of automobiles at Enterprise do not qualify to earn Cash Back rewards. Cash back will post to your account within 21 days of the completion of your rental use.
Expedia: Cash back rewards on Expedia purchases may not appear in your Ebates account until after your travel dates have passed. Also, purchases of 'WebFare' travel and Expedia Corporate Orders do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Franklin Covey: Purchases of workshops, programs and training are not eligible for Cash Back.
Hallmark: Stamps, gift boxes and gift cards are not eligible for Cash Back.
Hotels.com: Cash Back may not appear in your account until 35 days after your travel has been completed.
LetsTalk.com: Purchases of accessories do not qualify to earn a Cash Back.
Macy's: Purchases at Macy's "Wedding Channel" do not qualify for Cash Back.
Mr. InkMan: Hewlett Packard products bought at Mr. Inkman are not eligible for Cash Back.
Netflix: Purchases of gift subscriptions do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Office Depot: Purchases made at the Business Services Division of Office Depot are not eligible for Cash Back.
Orbitz: Purchases on Activities are not eligible for Cash Back
Overstock: Purchases of travel at Overstock are not eligible for Cash Back.
PCConnection: Existing PC Connection Customers using their Internet Business Accounts for the purchase are not eligible for Cash Back.
QVC: To earn Cash Back your QVC order must be purchased and paid for in-full by credit/debit card during the Ebates shopping session. Use of QCard or EZ Pay will not earn Ebates Cash Back. In addition, orders using "waitlist," "auto-renew," "pre-order," or "auto-delivery" are not eligible for Cash Back.
Sears: Purchases made on Sears auctions or at any licensed partners, gifts cards, and Lands End merchandise are not eligible to earn Cash Back.
ShopNBC: Orders placed through the NBC Store beginning on January 8th, 2006 do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Shutterfly: pre-paid plans do not qualitfy to earn Cash Back.
SmoothFitness: purchases of EVO treadmills do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Snapfish: Pre-paid plans do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Sony: Purchases of car audio products do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Tivo: Purchases of accessories do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Verizon Wireless: Purchases of phones and accessories are not eligible for Cash Back. Verizon Wireless' offer is for pre-paid plans only.
Wal-Mart: Purchases of tires and optical products are not eligible Cash Back.
Wireless Emporium: Purchases of cell phone or cell phone plans do not qualify to earn Cash Back (accessories only).
Other Exceptions
Auctions: Auction purchases from merchant sites (excluding uBid) do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
In-Store Pickup: purchases made online but picked up at the merchant store do not qualify to earn Cash Back.
Merchant catalogs: Any order for a merchant catalog is not eligible for Cash Back.
Monthly Deliveries: such as Wine-of-the-month clubs, monthly pet food deliveries and telephone service packages are not eligible for Cash Back rewards unless all months are paid for up front through Ebates.
Prescriptions: purchases of prescription medications are not eligible for Cash Back rewards in the Ebates shopping program.
Google Checkout: we cannot ensure that cash-back will be earned if Google Checkout is used as the method of payment for your purchase.
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What does "Coupons Only" and "No Discount" mean?
When a merchant is dubbed "Coupons Only" or "No Discount", you will not receive Cash Back on your purchases from that store. You can use the coupon codes posted on Ebates to get great deals at Coupons Only stores by clicking through the links on Ebates and using the coupon codes at check out.
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What is an "Ebates Tracking Ticket"?
The Ebates Tracking Ticket lets you know we are on the case! It verifies that you clicked a link on Ebates (or used the Ebates Reminder Tool) to get to one of our merchants, and gives you a number to refer to in case you need to ask us a question about the corresponding purchase. Every Ebates Tracking Ticket for the past three months will be recorded to your account page for your future reference.
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How can I access my account?
You can view your account by clicking on the "My Account" tab in the top navigation bar of almost any page on the Ebates site.
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How can I update my account information?
Click on the "My Account" tab in the top navigation bar. Then click on the "Click here to edit your profile" hyperlink. This page will allow you to view your current profile and make any necessary changes to your name, address, e-mail address, and where we send your Big Fat Check.
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How do I search for a store or product?
Find the search box near the top of the left edge of the page (below the Ebates logo and “Home” tab. Type the name of the store or product that you're looking for, and click the "search" button. Alternatively, to search for a particular store, find the "Select A Store" drop down menu on the right side of the search bar and scroll down to find the store that you are looking for. Or, simply click on the "All Stores" tab in the top navigation bar for a complete listing of the stores that work with Ebates.
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Can I use Ebates if I live outside the U.S. and Canada?
Yes, as long as the merchant you are purchasing from will ship outside of the U.S. and Canada. All Big Fat Checks are paid in U.S. dollars.
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What if Ebates doesn't offer the store I want?
We work daily to ensure our members will enjoy a variety of goods and services from quality merchants. If you would like to recommend a store, simply email Customer Care. We will do everything possible to add your merchant.
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What is the Member Referral Program?
Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about how easy it is to save big by shopping through Ebates. When someone you refer makes their first qualified purchase, we'll reward both of you with $5.00. Please remember we only allow one account per person. Go to our Refer a Friend Page for further information.
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Do gift certificates qualify for Cash Back rewards?
Nope. Ebates can't give Cash Back for the portion of a purchase that is made with gift cards or certificates. Nor can we give Cash Back for the purchase of gift certificates or gift cards, with the exception of certain stores. Click here to see a list of these stores. Back to top
What if I want to return or cancel an order?
Returns are subject to the return policy of the merchant from whom you purchased. If you return or cancel an item, we have to reverse any Cash Back earned from that sale.
Returns (also deemed as exchanges) make Cash Back ineligible. In the process of an exchange, the merchant cancels the old order and replaces it with a new one. When doing this, the Ebates commission gets reversed and a new commission is not established because the merchant has created the new order (thus meaning the order was not completed through Ebates - but placed through the merchant directly). Because of this, the merchant will not pay us the commission, which means we have no Cash Back to pass on to you.
To avoid losing the Cash Back - In future transactions, please make sure all returns are final and that it is not an exchange. Have the merchant refund your credit card, and then re-place the order through us to receive the Cash Back.
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Can I use Medicare to make purchases on Ebates?
Yes, you can make purchases on Ebates through Medicare. However, Medicare purchases are not eligible for Cash Back.
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What browsers are supported by Ebates?
Ebates currently works best when using IE 5.5 and greater, Firefox, Safari 2.0, AOL 9.0, Netscape 7 and greater, Safari 1.0 and greater with a Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OSX or Linux system.
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SECURITY AND PRIVACY
How secure is my credit card info?
100% secure. Credit card security is of the utmost importance to us. Ebates was founded by two former Deputy District Attorneys who have prosecuted hundreds of credit card fraud cases. Our goal from the beginning was to create the safest possible online shopping environment.
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Are my transactions secure when going through Ebates?
Always. When you check out at any of our merchants, you are on the safest possible connection, a Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
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Will Ebates sell information about me or my purchase habits?
No. Period.
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What are "cookies" and how do I enable them?
Cookies are simply text files that allow a site to recognize you when you return. This means you don't have to log-in again and again. Cookies used by Ebates and our network of merchants are completely safe and they are enabled by default with most browsers.
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Will I start receiving "spam" if I join?
No. We will not sell your information to any third party. We do send our own members information related to savings and special offers as they become available, but you may unsubscribe from our email lists at any time.
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