Rising prices on groceries, household goods, and school supplies have pushed families to rethink how they shop. One increasingly popular solution? Cashback apps. Whether it’s saving on paper towels, snacks, or cleaning sprays, parents are learning to stretch every dollar by getting a portion of their purchases back through platforms like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fluz.

These apps don’t require changing where you shop—they simply help you earn rewards for doing what you’re already doing.

What is a cashback app and how does it work?

Cashback apps give you a percentage of your money back after you make a purchase. Each platform works a little differently:

• Ibotta provides product-specific offers that require scanning your receipt after purchase.

• Rakuten offers cashback when you start your online shopping from their site or browser extension.

• Fluz lets you buy gift cards with cashback in real time and use them immediately at stores like Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Five Below.

This makes it easy for families to earn back a few dollars on every trip—money that can add up over the course of a month.

Why families love cashback apps

1. They work on everyday purchases
   Cashback isn’t limited to luxury buys. These apps reward you for purchasing laundry detergent, snacks, school supplies, and even pet food—items you’re already buying weekly.

2. They help with budgeting
   By tracking how much you’re getting back, families gain a clearer picture of what they’re really spending—and saving.

3. They stack with other deals
   You can combine cashback apps with store coupons, BOGO deals, and loyalty programs. For example, Dollar General often runs $5 off $25 promos, and stacking that with a Fluz gift card cashback gives you double the value.

4. They’re easy to use
   Apps like Fluz take just a few seconds to activate. You open the app, buy a digital gift card for your total, and use it to pay. Cashback is credited instantly—no receipt upload needed.

Real savings examples

• A $25 trip to Family Dollar using Fluz might give you $1.25 back

• Using Ibotta for school snacks like granola bars or juice boxes could earn you an extra $3–5 on a single grocery trip

• Shopping for holiday gifts online through Rakuten could earn 5–10% back at major retailers

Pro tips for using cashback apps

• Check for bonuses: Many apps offer welcome bonuses or referral rewards for new users

• Link your loyalty accounts: Ibotta allows you to connect store accounts for automatic crediting

• Plan your purchases: If you know you’ll be making a big run at a store, check which cashback app has the best offer that week

Is it worth it for small purchases?

Yes. Even if you’re only earning 2–3% cashback on a $10 or $15 purchase, that money adds up over multiple trips. It’s especially helpful for families managing regular shopping for multiple people.