If you’re not using cashback apps every time you order takeout or shop for groceries, you’re leaving free money on the table. Apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta make it easy to get rewarded for purchases you’re already making—whether you’re dining out, stocking up at the supermarket, or using delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. But each app has its strengths depending on how and where you spend.

This guide compares the top cashback apps for food and helps you decide which one fits your eating habits best.

Fluz: Real-Time Cashback on Gift Cards

Fluz stands out for its instant cashback model. Instead of waiting weeks for rewards, you get paid back as soon as you buy a digital gift card through the app.

Best for:

• Paying at checkout at restaurants like Shake Shack, Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Domino’s.
  
• Earning cashback on grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Kroger.
  
• Delivery services including Uber Eats and DoorDash.
  

Pros:

• Instant cashback at the point of sale
  
• Works in-person and online
  
• Lets you buy gift cards for the exact total due
  
• Stackable with loyalty programs
  

Cons:

• Cashback only applies to purchases made via Fluz gift cards or virtual cards
  
• You may need to act quickly if the merchant’s cashback rate changes
  

Rakuten: Browser-Based Cashback for Online Orders

Rakuten works through a browser extension or mobile app. It gives you cashback when you click through its site before shopping at a partner retailer, including many food delivery platforms.

Best for:

• Ordering delivery from Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats
• Shopping for kitchenware or pantry goods at stores like Walmart or Sam’s Club

Pros:

• Set-it-and-forget-it style with browser extension
  
• Cashback from hundreds of online retailers
  
• Occasional high-percentage bonuses
  
• Good for online grocery and meal kit purchases
  

Cons:

• Doesn’t support in-store purchases
  
• Payouts are only issued quarterly via PayPal or check
  
• You must remember to activate cashback each time
  

Ibotta: Cashback on Grocery Receipts and Linked Accounts

Ibotta offers cashback by uploading grocery receipts, linking loyalty accounts, or shopping directly through the app.

Best for:

• Traditional grocery shopping at chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more
  
• Buying meal prep items, beverages, and household essentials
  
• Occasional dine-in restaurant offers or gift card bonuses
  

Pros:

• Combines receipt scanning, linked loyalty cards, and in-app purchases
  
• Offers product-specific and storewide bonuses
  
• Can stack with manufacturer coupons or other discounts
  
• Frequent grocery deals and weekly promotions
  

Cons:

• Requires extra steps like receipt scanning or pre-activation
  
• Not ideal for real-time restaurant purchases
  
• Some offers expire quickly
  

Which App Should You Use?

It depends on how and where you spend:

• Use Fluz for quick meals, restaurant visits, and real-time payment at checkout. Great for foodies who want cashback now.
  
• Use Rakuten for online orders, especially delivery apps and pantry staples. Perfect for hands-off savers.
  
• Use Ibotta if you’re a traditional grocery shopper or meal planner and don’t mind uploading receipts.
  

Pro Tip: There’s no rule against using all three. For example, you can buy an Uber Eats gift card through Fluz, use Rakuten for the order, and upload a qualifying grocery receipt to Ibotta—all in one weekend.