If you’re looking to stretch your commuting budget, cashback apps can help offset the rising cost of transportation. While platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz all reward users for everyday purchases, each app excels in different areas. For urban commuters, choosing the right one can mean the difference between earning a few cents back and saving real money on daily travel.
What All Three Apps Have in Common
Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz are free-to-use cashback platforms that reward users with a percentage of their spending. While all three offer savings on shopping, they vary significantly in how they approach transportation and commuting expenses.
Rakuten: Best for Online Shopping and Occasional Travel Deals
Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers and travel booking sites. While not primarily focused on transportation, it can help you earn cashback on:
- Rental cars through brands like Hertz or Budget
- Booking airport taxis and rides through Booking.com or Expedia
- Buying gas gift cards from select merchants when available
That said, Rakuten isn’t designed for day-to-day local taxi rides. It’s more useful for longer trips or planning transportation as part of a vacation package.
Ibotta: Great for Gas and Occasional Ride Credits
Ibotta started with grocery store rebates but has expanded into other categories like gas and digital services. Commuters can benefit by:
- Redeeming gas station offers (e.g., Shell, Exxon)
- Earning small bonuses on rideshare-related purchases (sometimes available via promotions)
- Activating location-based deals while en route
Ibotta is most effective for those who combine commuting with other purchases—like grabbing groceries or fueling up on the way to work.
Fluz: Most Direct Value for Taxis and Urban Transportation
Fluz stands out by offering instant cashback on taxi and transit gift cards. It is particularly well-suited for commuters who use:
- Licensed taxi services
- App-based ride services that accept digital gift cards
- Monthly or weekly transportation credit for work
You can buy a taxi gift card on Fluz before your ride, use it immediately, and earn cashback—no waiting, no scanning receipts. It’s ideal for daily or high-frequency city commuting.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rakuten | Ibotta | Fluz |
| Primary Focus | Online shopping & travel | Groceries, gas, retail | Gift cards, transit, taxis |
| Commuting Use | Limited to travel bookings | Some gas & rideshare bonuses | Direct savings on taxi rides |
| Cashback Payout Speed | Quarterly | Instant (after offer verification) | Instant after gift card purchase |
| App Convenience | Best for travel shoppers | Best for multi-purpose users | Best for transportation savings |
When to Use Each App
- Rakuten: When booking business travel, vacations, or car rentals online
- Ibotta: If your commute includes gas stations, grocery stops, or errands
- Fluz: For regular taxi rides, ride-hailing services, and consistent city transport
Conclusion
Each cashback app brings something different to the table, but for city commuters who rely on taxis or app-based rides, Fluz offers the most direct and reliable way to save. If your daily routine includes multiple rides, stacking Fluz cashback with your payment method’s rewards is a practical way to lower commuting costs.
