With gas prices frequently fluctuating, combining fuel rewards with cashback apps is a smart way to stretch your budget. While many people already use gas station loyalty programs, adding apps like Rakuten and Ibotta to the mix can unlock even more savings. And if you’re looking to stack like a pro, there’s also room to integrate Fluz for additional cashback through gift cards.

Here’s how to maximize value every time you fill your tank.

Gas Stations That Support Cashback and Rewards

You might not see Rakuten or Ibotta listed directly at the pump, but several major gas stations are supported through partner programs and purchases:

• Shell: Offers its own Fuel Rewards program that lets you earn and redeem cents off per gallon. Ibotta often features in-store offers at Shell-affiliated convenience stores.
• Chevron and Texaco: These stations are connected to Safeway and Albertsons’ loyalty programs. You can earn points on groceries and redeem them for fuel discounts at the pump.
• Exxon and Mobil: Participants in the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program, and occasionally offer in-app deals through Ibotta for eligible store items.
• Circle K: While it doesn’t always show up in Ibotta, Rakuten sometimes offers cashback when you buy Circle K gift cards online.

How Rakuten and Ibotta Work with Gas Savings

Ibotta:

• Focuses on in-store grocery and convenience items.
• Offers cashback on branded products at stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Circle K—all of which contribute to fuel rewards.
• You can link your loyalty card (e.g., Safeway Club Card) so offers track automatically.
• Cashback per item ranges from $0.25 to $5, depending on the product.

Rakuten:

• Operates mostly online, offering cashback when you shop through their portal.
• Includes prepaid gift cards and reloadable gas cards for select stations (e.g., Circle K).
• Cashback rates vary by partner but often fall in the 1%–5% range.

Fluz, while not the focus here, is a great addition for advanced savers. You can shop discounted Shell gift cards or save money on Chevron and still combine those purchases with fuel points or Ibotta offers. The cashback is instant and stacks seamlessly with other programs.

Example Scenario: How the Stack Works

Let’s say you shop at Safeway and spend $100 on groceries.

• That earns you 100 fuel points, which translates to 10¢ off per gallon at Chevron or Texaco.
• Before shopping, you activate a few Ibotta offers and earn $5 cashback on items like snacks or dairy.
• Instead of using your debit card, you pay with a Safeway gift card purchased through Fluz, earning an extra percentage back instantly.
• A few days later, you load $50 to a Circle K gift card on Rakuten and earn 3% cashback.
• When you fill up, you use your fuel rewards at Chevron and then Circle K later that week with your Rakuten-linked gift card.

In this simple example, you’re stacking loyalty fuel discounts, Ibotta rebates, Fluz cashback, and Rakuten cashback—all without changing your shopping habits.

Pro Tips to Keep It Running Smoothly

• Always activate Ibotta offers before you shop, and link your store accounts for automatic tracking.
• Use Rakuten’s browser extension to catch gift card offers or fuel card deals.
• Buy gas station gift cards through Fluz right before you fuel up for the best cashback timing.
• Track your loyalty points weekly to ensure you never let a fuel discount expire.

With just a little planning, you can combine everyday rewards programs with cashback platforms and save on gas every week.