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If you’re not earning cashback every time you grocery shop or grab takeout, you’re missing out on easy savings. Apps like Ibotta and Fluz help you turn everyday food spending into cashback—no coupons or clipped receipts required. Whether you’re checking out at Kroger, ordering Chipotle, or stocking up on pantry essentials, these two apps offer complementary ways to get paid for purchases you’re already making.

Here’s how to use Ibotta and Fluz to save money at checkout and stretch your food budget further.

Use Ibotta for Grocery Cashback and Bonus Offers

Ibotta is a free cashback app that rewards you for purchasing specific grocery items, scanning receipts, or linking your store loyalty account. It works with major retailers like Kroger, Walmart, Safeway, ALDI, and Publix.

How to use Ibotta at grocery stores:

  1. Browse Offers Before Shopping: Open the app, tap your preferred grocery store, and activate available deals. These could be for brand-name items (like snacks or condiments) or broader categories like “any brand milk.”
  2. Link Your Loyalty Account or Submit Receipts: For stores like Kroger, you can link your account to automatically track purchases. Otherwise, upload a photo of your receipt to claim your cashback.
  3. Watch for Bonus Promotions: Ibotta frequently runs limited-time bundle bonuses—for example, buy 3 items from different brands and get an extra $1 back.

When to Use Fluz for Grocery or Takeout Purchases

While Ibotta rewards you after the purchase, Fluz gives you instant cashback when you purchase a digital gift card before you pay. You can buy gift cards for exact amounts at grocery chains and restaurants, then use them immediately.

Fluz works especially well for:

Example:
You’re at Kroger, and your total is $34.12. Instead of swiping your card, you open Fluz, buy a $34.12 Kroger gift card, and use it at checkout. Fluz gives you instant cashback—no scanning or waiting required.

How to Stack Ibotta and Fluz for Maximum Rewards

The real savings kick in when you combine both apps:

  1. Activate your Ibotta grocery offers before shopping.
  2. Pay using a Fluz gift card at checkout for instant cashback.
  3. Scan your receipt with Ibotta (if needed) to earn additional rewards.

You’re getting cashback twice—once immediately through Fluz, and again later via Ibotta.

Final Thought

Fluz and Ibotta are two of the best tools for food savings, whether you’re grabbing dinner to go or shopping for the week ahead. Use Ibotta for receipt-based rewards and product bonuses, and Fluz for instant cashback on gift card payments at both grocery stores and restaurants. Together, they’re a powerful way to reduce everyday food costs without changing your routine.