When it comes to saving money on everyday expenses, rideshare spending is often overlooked. But savvy commuters know that cashback apps like Fluz, Ibotta, and Rakuten offer real ways to reduce ride costs—if you know when and how to use them. This side-by-side comparison breaks down the pros, cons, and best-use scenarios of each platform so you can decide which cashback app saves you more on rides.

Fluz: Best for Instant Cashback on Uber and Uber Eats

Fluz specializes in digital gift card cashback. For ride-hailing, it’s one of the few platforms where you can buy Uber gift cards online and get instant cashback. You can also use a Fluz virtual debit card via Apple Pay or Google Pay to earn cashback even when gift cards aren’t available.

• Best For: Uber and Uber Eats users who want cashback right away
  
• Savings Range: Up to 5% cashback on gift cards, 1.5% with virtual cards
  
• Ease of Use: Very easy; choose exact amount and redeem instantly
  
• Downside: Limited to merchants that partner with Fluz at any given time
  
• User Reviews: Fluz on Trustpilot
  

Ibotta: Best for Stacking Grocery + Transport Savings

Ibotta is known for grocery cashback, but it also offers transportation-related deals—especially if you use ride services in conjunction with food delivery or convenience stores. While not always directly tied to Uber or Lyft, you can find savings through bundled offers or promotions tied to travel categories.

• Best For: Users who combine ride-hailing with shopping or delivery
  
• Savings Range: Varies; often $1–$5 per transaction depending on the offer
  
• Ease of Use: Moderate; requires offer activation and sometimes receipt scanning
  
• Downside: Fewer direct ride-hailing merchants
  
• User Reviews: Ibotta on Trustpilot
  

Rakuten: Best for Travel and Referral Cashback

Rakuten is less focused on rides directly, but it excels with travel portals, airport transfers, and offers that occasionally include Uber or third-party transit bookings. You’ll often find opportunities to earn cashback when booking rides as part of a vacation or business trip.

• Best For: Travelers who book transportation as part of a package
  
• Savings Range: Typically 1%–4%, sometimes higher for travel bundles
  
• Ease of Use: Very easy; click-through model
  
• Downside: Fewer real-time ride-hailing cashback offers
  
• User Reviews: Rakuten on Trustpilot

Which One Should You Use?

• Use Fluz if you ride with Uber or Uber Eats frequently and want cashback the same day.
  
• Use Ibotta if you’re stacking savings across groceries, rides, and delivery.
  
• Use Rakuten if you’re booking long-distance travel or airport transportation.
  

Each platform offers a unique path to savings. For daily Uber rides, Fluz stands out. For broader savings across lifestyle categories, Ibotta and Rakuten round out a strong cashback toolkit.