Groceries are a recurring expense in nearly every household, but thanks to a growing list of cashback apps, you don’t have to pay full price every time you shop. Whether you’re scanning barcodes, clipping digital offers, or buying gift cards before checkout, the right app can put real money back in your pocket.
Below, we break down the top cashback apps for grocery shoppers—Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta—highlighting their key features, strengths, and the best ways to combine them for maximum savings.
- Fluz: Instant Cashback When You Pay with Gift Cards
Fluz offers instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards through their app. It works with major grocery retailers including Safeway, Whole Foods Market, and more! You simply buy a gift card in the app and use it like cash at checkout—earning cashback with every transaction.
Pros:
- Cashback is instant
- Can pre-buy to budget or purchase at the register
- Works even with in-store discounts and coupons
Cons
- Limited to participating stores
Best For: Shoppers who frequent the same grocery stores and want guaranteed, upfront savings.
- Rakuten: Passive Cashback on Online Grocery Orders
Rakuten offers cashback when you shop through their portal or use their browser extension. It’s best for online grocery platforms like Walmart Grocery, Instacart, and Sam’s Club.
Pros:
- Easy browser integration
- Frequently features double cashback events
- No prepayment needed—just click and shop
Cons:
- Mostly online-only for grocery categories
- Cashback takes time to post (and can be missed if you forget to click through)
Best For: Online grocery shoppers who place recurring orders through major chains.
- Ibotta: Redeem Offers by Scanning Receipts or Linking Loyalty Accounts
Ibotta is one of the most popular cashback apps for groceries. You activate offers before you shop, then scan your receipt or link your store loyalty card to earn cashback on qualifying products.
Pros:
- Includes fresh produce, dairy, and name-brand items
- Works at nearly every grocery store
- Frequently has “free after offer” deals
Cons:
- Must activate offers before purchase
- Requires receipts or linked accounts for redemption
Best For: Deal-hunters who are willing to plan ahead and scan receipts after shopping.
How to Stack Rewards for Bigger Savings
The real magic happens when you combine these apps:
- Use Fluz to buy a Safeway gift card,
- Activate an Ibotta offer on that same trip,
- And shop through Rakuten if ordering groceries online.
This creates a “cashback stack” that saves you across payment, product, and platform.
