Saving money on groceries doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes—just smarter tools. With inflation impacting everything from eggs to frozen meals, using cashback apps can help you earn rewards for purchases you already make. Whether you’re meal prepping on a budget or feeding a family of five, here are the best cashback apps that help cut your grocery costs.
Rakuten: Online Shopping With Grocery Extensions
Rakuten excels at giving cashback for online purchases, including grocery pickup and delivery. It partners with stores like Walmart and Instacart, and works best when you start your shopping trip through the Rakuten app or browser extension. Cashback rates vary, but users regularly see 1%–5% back on eligible grocery orders.
Ibotta: In-Store and Online Grocery Rewards
Ibotta lets you activate specific offers before shopping—then earn cash back by scanning your receipt or linking your loyalty account. With hundreds of rotating deals, Ibotta works at stores like Kroger, Albertsons, and Safeway. It’s ideal for people who want savings on brand-name items or frequent major grocery chains.
Fluz: Instant Cashback on Gift Card Payments
Fluz stands out by giving you cashback when you pay with gift cards—before you even start shopping. Rather than waiting for rewards to process, you earn immediately. For example, you can buy a Kroger gift card online or get cashback at Albertsons, then use that card at checkout just like cash. Fluz also works for stores like Safeway, CVS, and many others. This method stacks especially well with loyalty programs and apps like Ibotta.
Upside: Local Cashback Beyond Gas
Upside is primarily known for fuel discounts, but it also offers grocery cashback in select regions. After activating an offer, you shop normally and get rewarded by uploading a receipt. It’s especially useful for savings at smaller grocers or convenience stores that aren’t supported by other apps.
Tips to Maximize Your Grocery Cashback
- Combine platforms: Use Fluz to buy a gift card, activate Ibotta offers for in-store rewards, and shop via Rakuten for delivery—this allows you to triple stack savings.
- Track your store rotation: Different apps offer higher cashback at different times—keep an eye on weekly deal updates.
- Link accounts where possible: Ibotta allows loyalty card linking for faster redemption, and Fluz provides instant payout at checkout.
When used together, these apps don’t just shave a few cents—they return real cash over time. For families, students, and anyone who shops regularly, cashback apps are a smart addition to your grocery routine.
