When it comes to saving money on groceries, most people think of coupons, loyalty programs, or switching stores. But there’s a lesser-known strategy that’s just as effective—and often easier: stacking cashback tools at checkout.
Instead of relying on a single discount method, you can combine apps, rewards programs, and digital gift cards to save on the entire transaction. The best part? You don’t need to change what you buy or where you shop.
Here’s how this underused strategy works—and how to start using it today.
Step 1: Activate grocery offers before you shop
Apps like Ibotta let you pre-select offers for products you’re planning to buy. These can include national brands, pantry basics, and even fresh produce. Once you check out, upload your receipt or link your loyalty card to earn cashback.
For online orders, many of these offers apply through linked accounts or receipt scanning after delivery.
Step 2: Use store loyalty programs to unlock discounts
Most major grocery chains offer free membership programs that give you access to special pricing, personalized coupons, and reward points.
Top examples include:
By scanning your loyalty card or entering your number at checkout, you’ll apply automatic savings without lifting a finger.
Step 3: Pay with a cashback-earning digital gift card
This is where most shoppers miss out. Apps like Fluz allow you to purchase a digital gift card for the exact amount of your grocery bill, then use it at checkout to instantly earn cashback.
Examples include:
- Earn cashback with a Walmart gift card
- Get rewards with a Safeway gift card
- Earn cashback with a Kroger gift card
You can explore the full list of participating stores on the Fluz homepage.
This approach lets you stack three reward systems on a single purchase:
- Store loyalty pricing
- Cashback from a gift card
- Additional rewards through Ibotta or another cashback app
Step 4: Combine with a rewards credit card (optional)
If you don’t use a gift card, you can still earn points or cashback using a grocery-optimized credit card. Some of the best options include:
If you purchase a Fluz gift card using one of these cards, you can potentially earn cashback both through the card and Fluz simultaneously.
Why this strategy works so well
This method works because it rewards your total spend, not just individual products. You don’t have to hunt down specific items or wait for weekly flyers. As long as you follow the process—activate offers, use a loyalty card, pay with a digital gift card—you’ll earn money back every time you shop.
It also works for online grocery orders, which is where many shoppers spend the most without realizing there are still ways to stack savings.
Final thoughts
Most people leave money on the table when they grocery shop, simply because they aren’t combining the tools available to them. But with just a few minutes of prep—and the right mix of apps—you can stretch your food budget much further. From gift card cashback to loyalty rewards and rebate apps, this overlooked grocery strategy helps you save more without changing how you shop.
