Every minute in a taxi can be more than just travel time—it can be an opportunity to earn cashback. Whether you’re on your way to work, a meeting, or just running errands across the city, combining your route with smart stops at cashback-friendly retailers can turn your ride into a money-saving strategy.
With apps like Fluz, Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch, earning rewards is easier than ever. Here’s how to work them into your route—and how local taxi services make it even more seamless.
Plan Your Ride with Cashback in Mind
Instead of going straight from point A to B, consider adding a quick detour to a store where you can earn rewards. Many local taxis and rideshare services, including Lyft, UrbanSwift, and CribCab, allow for flexible route changes and quick stops. Use that to your advantage.
Example:
Headed downtown? Ask your driver to swing by CVS or Walgreens on the way. Both are Fluz partners and offer quick, walk-in, walk-out convenience.
Where to Stop and What to Use
Each cashback app has its strengths, and when you pair the right app with the right stop, you maximize savings.
- Fluz: For Instant, On-the-Spot Savings
Fluz offers instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards right before checkout.
Use it at:
- Starbucks for your morning coffee
- Chipotle or Panera Bread for a quick bite
- CVS or Target for essentials
- Ulta Beauty if you’re squeezing in a beauty haul on the go
Download the Fluz app here.
- Rakuten: For Online Orders Between Stops
If you’re stuck in traffic, that’s a perfect moment to browse and buy online. Rakuten offers cashback on purchases made through its app or website.
Use it at:
- Best Buy, Macy’s, or Nike for clothes and tech
- Travel bookings via Expedia, Hotels.com, or Booking.com
Start earning here: Rakuten
- Ibotta: For Everyday and Grocery Stops
Use Ibotta at grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, or CVS. Save offers in the app before you hop in the cab, and scan your receipt on the next leg of your ride.
It’s ideal for those mid-route food runs or last-minute essentials.
Explore more: Ibotta
- Fetch: For Passive Receipt Rewards
Fetch is the ultimate “no effort” cashback app. Just snap a picture of any receipt—grocery, retail, even some restaurants—and earn points.
Pair it with stores like CVS, 7-Eleven, or any Fluz-partnered merchant to double your rewards.
Download: Fetch Rewards
Sample Route-Based Cashback Stops in the City
Here’s how a smart city route might look with cashback built in:
Start: Home or hotel
Stop 1: Dunkin’ for coffee using Fluz
Stop 2: CVS for travel-size items (Ibotta + Fluz)
Stop 3: Browse and book activities using Rakuten while en route to your final destination
Final Stop: Restaurant or event
If you’re using a flexible local taxi service like Commute Link or UrbanSwift, you can easily build these stops into your trip.
Tips for Earning More Between Rides
- Pre-plan Stops: Check which stores along your route offer cashback through your preferred app.
- Stack Deals: Use Fluz to buy a gift card and Ibotta for receipt scanning at the same store.
- Stay Organized: Keep receipts, and set up notifications from your cashback apps to stay on top of offers.
Your taxi ride isn’t just a way to get somewhere—it’s a chance to earn, save, and maximize every trip. With the right apps and a little planning, your route becomes a reward in itself.
