With rising grocery prices and shrinking promotional offers, cashback apps have become essential tools for anyone looking to stretch their food budget. But not all apps work the same—or at the same stores. Whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or getting delivery, there’s a cashback platform that can match your routine.
Here’s how four of the most popular grocery cashback apps—Fluz, Ibotta, Upside, and Rakuten—compare, and where each one works best.
- Fluz: Instant Cashback Through Gift Cards
Earn instant cashback with Fluz when you buy grocery gift cards online for popular retailers like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons. You can earn cashback at Safeway, get rewards on Kroger gift cards, and save money on Albertsons purchases just by using your digital gift card at checkout. Rewards are added instantly—making it one of the easiest ways to save on your next grocery run.
Best for:
- Shoppers who prefer using gift cards
- People who want upfront cashback instead of delayed rebates
Pros:
- Instant rewards
- Works with store apps, loyalty cards, and delivery platforms
- Buy a Kroger gift card online or get cashback at Safeway
Cons:
- Only works at participating merchants
- No barcode scanning or coupon clipping
- Ibotta: Item-Based Rebates with Broad Reach
Ibotta offers cashback on specific products—think name-brand snacks, dairy, cleaning supplies, and more. Just activate offers, shop, and scan your receipt (or link your store account).
Best for:
- Couponers looking to save on individual products
- Shoppers who don’t mind scanning receipts
Pros:
- Dozens of rebate offers per week
- Works at Walmart, Target, and most grocery chains
- Seamless online offers with certain retailers
Cons:
- Must activate offers ahead of time
- Some rebates require receipt uploads or barcode scans
- Upside: Fuel and Grocery Cashback from Location Data
Upside started as a gas savings app but now includes select grocery stores, especially regional and independent markets. Cashback is based on the store and location, and users must upload receipts to confirm purchases.
Best for:
- Regional shoppers or those near Upside-supported stores
- Combining grocery trips with fuel savings
Pros:
- Location-based offers
- Cash out with minimal thresholds
- Works at gas stations and grocery stores
Cons:
- Grocery coverage is still expanding
- Requires physical receipts for validation
- Rakuten: Online Portal Cashback for Grocery Orders
Rakuten functions more like a cashback search engine for online orders. It rewards users for clicking through their portal before shopping at participating merchants—ideal for pickup and delivery services like Instacart, Kroger, or Walmart Grocery.
Best for:
- People who shop for groceries online
- Delivery or pickup users
Pros:
- Works on top of store promotions
- Seamless checkout through partner portals
- Quarterly cashback payments
Cons:
- No in-store support
- Must start each session through Rakuten
Which App Is Right for You?
| App | Best For | Type of Reward | Extra Notes |
| Fluz | Instant cashback via gift cards | Immediate | Great for consistent weekly savings |
| Ibotta | Brand-specific grocery items | Rebates | Best if you enjoy browsing weekly offers |
| Upside | Regional stores + gas | Variable by location | Solid for combo trips |
| Rakuten | Online grocery orders | Percent back | Ideal for curbside pickup or delivery |
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—because every shopper is different. Whether you prefer digital gift cards with Fluz, receipt-based savings with Ibotta, gas and grocery combos through Upside, or online cashback with Rakuten, each app brings something unique to the table. The real savings come when you know which one to use—and when to use them together.
