Gas prices might shift daily, but the opportunity to save money at the pump is more consistent than ever—thanks to cashback apps. With just a few taps, you can earn rewards on gas purchases, gift cards, or even your favorite snacks from the convenience store. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional driver, here’s how today’s top cashback apps—Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta—stack up when it comes to fuel-related savings.
Fluz: Best for Instant Cashback on Gift Cards
Fluz offers cashback when you purchase digital gift cards for fuel chains like:
Once you buy a gift card, you can use it to pay at the pump or in-store, depending on station policies. Fluz typically offers 1.5–5% cashback, and the process works well for those who prefer planning purchases ahead of time. It pairs nicely with programs like Shell Fuel Rewards or Kroger Fuel Points.
Rakuten: Best for Fuel-Related Retail Savings
Rakuten isn’t built around fuel purchases, but it consistently features cashback deals from major retailers that sell gas gift cards or auto supplies. For example, you can earn cashback when:
- Buying fuel gift cards from Walmart, Target, or Sam’s Club
- Purchasing auto accessories like windshield wipers or motor oil
- Shopping through partners with seasonal or holiday gas-related promos
Rakuten is a good option if you already shop at big-box stores and want to add passive savings into your fuel routine without changing how you buy.
Ibotta: Best for Gas Station and In-Store Purchases
Ibotta excels at giving rewards on everyday purchases—especially those made at gas station convenience stores. You can earn cashback on:
- In-store food, drinks, or household items from chains like Exxon, 7-Eleven, and Circle K
- Gift card purchases at participating retailers
- Select fuel purchases when partnered offers are live
Ibotta works particularly well for drivers who combine fuel stops with snack or supply runs. It’s also great for those who want savings on more than just gas.
Comparison Snapshot
| Feature | Fluz | Rakuten | Ibotta |
| Fuel Gift Cards | Yes (Shell, Chevron, etc.) | Yes (via retailers) | Sometimes (retailer-specific) |
| In-Store Offers | No | Yes (auto & general retail) | Yes (snacks, drinks, etc.) |
| Cashback Timing | Instant | Delayed (varies by partner) | Instant or next-day |
| Stackable with Rewards | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Gift card buyers | Retail shoppers | In-store gas station buyers |
Tips for Maximizing All Three Apps
- Use Fluz for prepaid gift cards when you know where you’ll be filling up
- Shop with Rakuten for fuel-related purchases at stores like Target or Sam’s Club
- Use Ibotta when stopping inside for snacks, drinks, or car essentials
- Combine each app’s rewards with fuel loyalty programs for better results
- Use a rewards credit card to layer in even more cashback
Final Thoughts
No single cashback app covers every angle of fuel savings—but together, they make a powerful trio. Fluz makes gift card-based cashback easy, Rakuten shines through retail flexibility, and Ibotta delivers value for in-store and impulse purchases. By mixing and matching based on your driving habits, you can reduce costs at the pump and keep your fuel budget leaner—all without changing where you shop or fill up.
