If you’re looking to cut gas costs, there are two main routes: cashback apps and fuel rewards programs. Both offer real value, but the way they work—and who they benefit most—can vary significantly. Whether you fill up once a week or once a month, knowing how to leverage cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten alongside points-based programs like Shell Fuel Rewards or Speedway Rewards can help you maximize savings every time you fuel up.
Here’s a breakdown of each system, their pros and cons, and how to combine them effectively.
Cashback Apps: Instant Savings with Flexibility
Cashback platforms like Fluz and Rakuten give users money back when they shop—often in the form of digital gift cards or rebates. These savings are straightforward and immediate.
Pros of Cashback Apps:
- Instant returns: Buy a discounted Shell gift card through Fluz and get cashback instantly.
- No loyalty requirements: No need to track activity or maintain a status.
- Flexibility: Spend where you want, when you want—often across multiple merchants.
- Stackability: Can be combined with points-based programs or credit card perks.
Cons:
- Cashback is typically tied to the purchase of gift cards (Fluz) or specific partner portals (Rakuten).
- May require more active planning, like buying a gift card before fueling up.
Points-Based Rewards Programs: Loyalty Pays Over Time
Major fuel brands like Shell and Speedway offer free loyalty programs that reward users with points or per-gallon discounts.
- Shell Fuel Rewards: Offers 5¢/gal off automatically with Gold Status and additional savings through dining and shopping partners.
- Speedway Speedy Rewards: Earn points for every gallon and store purchase, redeemable for discounts, free fuel, or in-store items.
Pros of Rewards Programs:
- Designed for frequent drivers: The more you fuel up, the more you save.
- Extra earning opportunities: Linked grocery programs, car washes, or in-store purchases boost points.
- Automatic discounts: Savings often apply at the pump without extra steps.
Cons:
- Points-based savings are slower to accumulate.
- Offers are brand-specific—you need to stay loyal to one chain.
- Less flexibility and harder to stack with non-partner platforms.
Which Option Is Right for You?
| Driver Type | Best Option | Why |
| Daily Commuters | Points + Cashback | Earn fuel points on volume, stack with cashback for bigger cuts |
| Weekend Drivers | Cashback apps | Less frequent fill-ups make points programs less effective |
| Road Trippers | Cashback apps + Shell | Use Fluz gift cards plus Shell Fuel Rewards for nationwide reach |
| Budget-Conscious | Fluz + Rakuten | Instant cashback, easy to track and redeem |
For example, if you drive 1,000+ miles per month, Speedy Rewards or Shell Fuel Rewards can pay off over time. But if you only fuel up occasionally or want flexible savings, buying a Chevron gift card on Fluz or earning cashback through Rakuten’s gift card portal might be more efficient.
How to Use Both Together for Maximum Value
The smartest strategy is to combine both systems:
- Use Fluz to buy a discounted gift card for your preferred station (e.g., save money on Speedway or Shell).
- Scan your loyalty card at the pump to apply rewards points or per-gallon discounts.
- Earn cashback upfront from Fluz and fuel savings on the backend through points.
This way, you’re earning on both ends: instantly through cashback and gradually through rewards.
