Buying office supplies doesn’t have to mean paying full price. Whether you’re managing a remote team or simply restocking your home workspace, cashback platforms like Ibotta and Rakuten can help you earn back a percentage of your purchases—often on the items you already planned to buy.

Here’s how to get the most out of these popular cashback tools when shopping for office essentials.

How Ibotta Works for Office Supplies

Ibotta is a mobile app designed to give you cashback on both in-store and online purchases. While it’s commonly associated with groceries and household items, Ibotta frequently features cashback offers for stores like Walmart, Target, and sometimes office supply chains such as Staples or Office Depot.

Here’s how to use Ibotta to earn on office-related buys:

• Activate offers in the app before making a purchase

• Submit a receipt after in-store shopping or link a loyalty account

• Look for bundled or limited-time offers on office basics like pens, notebooks, and cleaning supplies

• Use the app’s browser extension for online cashback when available

While not every purchase qualifies, Ibotta often features brand-specific offers that stack with other savings, especially during back-to-school or clearance events.

How Rakuten Works for Office Supply Stores

Rakuten is one of the most versatile cashback platforms for online office supply shopping. It works through a browser extension or app and applies cashback at checkout when you shop through Rakuten’s portal.

Office supply retailers like Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, and Sam’s Club regularly offer cashback through Rakuten. Depending on the promotion, you can earn anywhere from 1% to 10% or more, especially during peak seasons.

Pro tips for using Rakuten effectively:

• Install the browser extension so you never miss an opportunity while browsing

• Check for cashback multipliers during sitewide events like Rakuten’s Double Cash Back sales

• Pair cashback with retailer coupons or sales for deeper savings

• Monitor your earnings through Rakuten’s dashboard and request a payout quarterly

Which Platform Is Better for Office Supply Savings?

It depends on how you shop.

• Use Ibotta if you prefer shopping in-store or want brand-specific deals on everyday items

• Use Rakuten if you shop online and want a seamless, automated cashback experience

• For maximum value, use both—some purchases may qualify for savings through both platforms depending on how you pay

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to overhaul your office budget to start saving. Simply adding Rakuten to your browser or activating Ibotta before checkout can turn your supply runs into cashback opportunities. With a few taps or clicks, your regular spending becomes a smarter way to shop.