23+ Secret Rebates You Probably Didn't Know About (but Should)
Rebates to the Rescue
Inflation is hitting everyone hard and leaving many consumers wondering how else they can save. Even financial experts recommend adjusting one's lifestyle to outsmart inflation. One simple way to save money is by taking advantage of rebates. It turns out, there are many rebates that most people don’t even know about. Whether you prefer old-fashioned mail-in rebates or digital rebate offers like getting cash back, keep reading for some secret rebates you may not have been aware of.
Home Depot
Home Depot offers 11% back on nearly every purchase you make at participating stores. All you have to do is submit your rebate request online within 30 days of purchase. Not only can rebates save you money, but becoming your own handyperson with Home Depot can also save you even more.
Lowe’s
Home Depot rival Lowe’s doesn’t have as extensive of a rebate program. Still, you can search the Lowe’s rebate center to find deals. If you’re in the market for home improvement items, it is worth looking for deals before buying. There are currently rebates that will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
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Menards
Menards typically has hundreds of active rebates on various appliances or home improvement supplies. While the deals are always changing, you can sometimes save hundreds of dollars or even get some products completely free after a mail-in rebate.
RC Willey
This regional home improvement store located in various Western states makes finding rebates simple. You can easily snag deals on furniture, flooring, appliances, and more by searching the rebate center.
JCPenney
Another little-known rebate program comes from JCPenney. This store has much more to offer than clothes. In fact, JCPenney has a rebate center with offers on large and small appliances, cookware, mattresses, and furniture. Rebates are location-dependent, but it never hurts to search when you’re shopping around for the best deals.
Kohl’s
Another department store offering rebates is Kohl’s. The rebates available rotate depending on offers from participating companies. You can check the rebates on the Kohl’s online rebate center. Once you find a deal, you’ll have to mail in the rebate form and await your check.
Related: Kohl's Brand Products Shoppers Love
Target
Did you know a lot of alcohol manufacturers offer rebates on their adult beverages? Target makes it easy to take advantage of digital manufacturer rebates when you purchase alcohol in store. You can search for rebates on the Target app or online to see which adult beverages currently have a rebate. They also have many digital coupons that offer instant savings on a range of other products.
Amazon
While Amazon doesn’t offer rebates directly, they collaborate with many retailers that do. Before you click “buy now” on your next Amazon purchase, see if the manufacturer is offering a rebate. One of the best ways to find rebates available through Amazon is to create an account with Rebaid to search for products. When you find one you like, simply click “buy now” to be taken to Amazon. After you buy a product on Amazon you must return to Rebaid to verify your purchase and get your rebate. You may need to print and mail your rebate form from the item’s product details page or submit it through Rebaid directly.
Kroger
Kroger is the largest grocery chain in the country and operates many brands. Saving money at Kroger is easy. No obnoxious mail-in rebates to deal with. Simply sign up for a cashback savings account online or on the Kroger app. Then you can select relevant cash back deals.
Related: Secrets for Shopping at Kroger
Costco
Costco makes it easy to submit manufacturer’s rebates through its online portal. If you prefer, you can mail in a rebate form instead. The rebates will vary depending on which companies are working with Costco to offer them, but there are in-store and online offers available.
Related: Insider Secrets for Saving Time and Money at Costco
AutoZone
Save money on maintaining your car with AutoZone rebates. Although none of the AutoZone offers are huge money-savers, there are currently some offers to save up to $75. Even the smaller rebates of $5 to $10 can add up if you’re a diligent rebate hunter.
O’Reilly Auto Parts
O’Reilly, like its competitor AutoZone, also has rebates on a variety of auto parts and supplies. To save, you can search for current rebate offers on the company’s website. Then simply print out the form, mail it in, and wait for your rebate to arrive.
Tires
Tire manufacturers frequently have rebate offers, especially if you purchase a set of four new tires. If you don’t care about which brand of tires you get, you’ll have even more options with a rebate from which to choose. One of the best ways to find tire rebates is to ask the tire shop if they are aware of current rebate offers. Alternatively, search the website of your manufacturer of choice to see what is available. For example, here are the current rebates available from Goodyear.
New Car Rebates
Many dealers offer rebates on new car purchases. These rebates are hands down some of the largest rebate deals out there and can save you hundreds or thousands. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, don’t forget about these.
Walgreens
Walgreens loves to offer deals. It seems like it always has a buy-one-get-one deal of some sort. You can also get Walgreens in-store cash with many purchases. However, the savings don’t end in store. You can save even more by looking for specific products that have a mail-in rebate offer from the manufacturer. Be sure to check the rebate form to see what you need to do to earn your rebate.
CVS
CVS, like competitor Walgreens, has its own in-store rebate program called ExtraBucks Rewards. You can earn in-store credit for making specific purchases. Not only that, but even filling prescriptions or getting your annual flu shot can earn you points that you can spend on products in-store.
Rite Aid
Another of the pharmacy giants, Rite Aid obviously didn’t want to be left out of the rebate game. Besides being able to send in rebate forms for purchases from specific manufacturers, you can also earn Rite Aid cash back called BonusCash. Qualifying purchases and activities will earn you cash back that you can spend in the store.
Energy-Efficiency Rebates
Depending on your utility company, you may qualify for rebates for various energy-efficiency related purchases, such as these mentioned by Detroit energy provider DTE. LED light bulbs, insulation, and energy-efficient windows may earn you a rebate. There are even more rebates that you can easily search through Energy Star based on your local area.
Heating or Cooling System Tune-Up Rebates
Some energy companies offer rebates to customers who get a tune-up of their home heating or cooling systems. You can get even larger rebates by upgrading to a more energy-efficient system. Check with your local energy provider to see if you qualify. As a bonus, your energy bills will probably drop as well.
Water Efficiency Rebates
Many local water providers, especially those in drought-stricken areas, offer rebates to customers. To qualify, you will need to call your water company and ask what specific WaterSense products, if any, are eligible.
Solar Tax Credits and Rebates
Another energy-efficient way to get a rebate is by installing solar power. Many state governments offer rebates for going green. Rebates are state-dependent so search your state to see if you qualify. Additionally, you could land a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of materials and installation for your new system.
State Tax Rebates
With everything that has happened in the past few years related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states started offering tax rebates. In summer 2022, Pennsylvania deposited tax rebates as part of its property tax or rent payment rebate program. Interestingly, many residents had no idea why they were getting a rebate. Dozens of other states also announced tax rebates for eligible residents in 2022, some which may be paid out in 2023.
Mortgage Rebates
Mortgage companies also offer various rebate programs that may or may not be beneficial to consumers. A mortgage rebate can help offset closing costs. While this sounds great, it often leads to higher payments over the life of the mortgage. You’ll have to decide if you need the up-front savings or if you’d be better off with a lower interest rate.
Medical Insurance Rebates
Depending on your health insurance company, there are times you may also qualify for a rebate on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies must issue refunds, typically each year, to ensure they spend at least 80% of premiums on health-related costs for customers. There likely isn’t anything you need to do if you qualify, but if you do, keep an eye out for a check or a credit on your insurance premiums.
Rakuten
Rakuten offers an easy way to get cash-back rebates on online purchases at thousands of stores. The best part is you don’t have to deal with the hassle of mail-in rebates and wondering if you’ll ever actually get your money back. You can complete everything online, and Rakuten will mail you a check when you reach its earnings threshold.
Ibotta
Ibotta is another digital cash-back solution you should definitely use. Ibotta allows you to earn up to 30% cash back at dozens of retailers including Chewy, Home Depot, Hotels.com, eBay, Walmart, and more.
Checkout 51
You can easily get cash back rebates from Checkout 51 on groceries and gas. Since you have to eat and most people have to drive, you might as well save money on them. You can get cash back on many popular brands. All you need to do is download the app, make purchases, choose rebates, upload your receipt, and earn cash back.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
