When you’re buying in bulk, even small discounts can add up fast. Cashback apps offer a way to earn money back on purchases you already plan to make—especially at wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale, and Costco. But not all cashback platforms are built the same. Depending on your shopping habits, one app may save you more than the others.

Here’s a side-by-side look at Fluz, Ibotta, and Rakuten, specifically through the lens of wholesale club shoppers.

Where the Apps Work: Store Availability

One of the biggest factors in choosing a cashback app is whether it actually supports the retailers you use. Here’s how the three compare:

• Fluz: Offers digital gift cards with instant cashback at select wholesale clubs. You can currently buy a BJ’s Wholesale gift card or a Sam’s Club gift card through Fluz and use it immediately, in-store or online. Costco is not currently available.
  
• Ibotta: Ibotta supports Sam’s Club via online orders and has occasional offers for BJ’s. Costco participation is limited. Offers may vary based on location and season.
  
• Rakuten: Rakuten provides cashback primarily on wholesale club online orders, particularly at Sam’s Club and BJ’s. Costco is not included.
  

Cashback Timing and Method

• Fluz: Cashback is received instantly after purchasing a gift card. This lets you see your reward immediately and spend the card right away, even while checking out in the store.
  
• Ibotta: Cashback typically arrives within 24 hours after uploading a receipt or completing a linked online purchase. For wholesale clubs, offers often apply to specific items.
  
• Rakuten: Cashback is tracked via affiliate links and paid quarterly. You must start your shopping session through Rakuten’s portal for it to register.
  

Best Use Cases by App

• Fluz is ideal for shoppers who want to buy gift cards with cashback just before checking out. It’s best for bulk grocery, household items, or business supply runs where you know the total spend ahead of time.
  
• Ibotta works well for those who plan to itemize and upload receipts, especially if purchasing grocery staples that appear frequently in the app.
  
• Rakuten is strongest for online-only orders and members who prefer quarterly payouts without needing to manage receipts.
  

User Experience & Ease of Use

• Fluz: Focused, fast, and streamlined. You search for a store, buy a gift card, and use it right away. Great for in-store or on-the-go use.
  
• Ibotta: Slightly more time-intensive, especially for receipt uploads. Best for those who don’t mind hunting for eligible products.
  
• Rakuten: Seamless for online shoppers but not ideal for in-store purchases unless using linked card features (not supported at most warehouse clubs).
  

Stacking Opportunities

Savvy shoppers can often use more than one app at once:

• Use a Fluz gift card for the purchase total,
  
• Apply Ibotta offers for specific products,
  
• And start the session on Rakuten if ordering online.
  

This trifecta can significantly amplify your savings.

Final Verdict

For wholesale club shoppers focused on in-person savings, Fluz offers the most immediate value through digital gift cards and real-time cashback. Online shoppers may benefit more from Rakuten, while Ibotta suits deal hunters who enjoy tracking item-level offers.

Experiment with all three to see what combination yields the best return for your household or business budget.