Commuting in the city doesn’t have to drain your wallet—especially if you’re using the right cashback apps. Platforms like Ibotta and Rakuten can help urban travelers earn money back on everyday transportation-related purchases, from rideshares to parking services. Whether you’re booking a trip or paying for your usual daily commute, these apps unlock easy savings across the board.
Start with Ibotta: Activate and Ride
Ibotta is a cashback app that gives you rewards when you activate offers before making purchases. While most people associate it with grocery shopping, it also features transportation deals. You can often find offers for rideshare services, airport transfers, or travel add-ons like snacks and parking at convenience stores.
To maximize your savings:
- Open Ibotta before booking any travel-related service.
- Search for active offers tied to rideshare platforms, fuel stops, or mobility services.
- Pay with a linked card or follow Ibotta’s in-app directions to earn cashback automatically.
Use Rakuten for Rideshare and Travel Perks
Rakuten partners with a wide range of travel brands—including rideshare services, car rentals, airport parking apps, and even hotels.
Urban commuters can benefit from:
- Cashback on prepaid Lyft or Uber credits (when available via Rakuten’s gift card hub or linked sites).
- Deals on parking through services like SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
- Discounts for mobile-first travel accessories like chargers and car organizers, available through Rakuten-linked stores.
Where Commuters Miss Out
Many riders forget that everyday travel expenses go beyond the ride itself. You can stack cashback on:
- Mobile phone accessories for car use
- Luggage or commuter bags from retailers on Rakuten
- Travel snacks, water, and even gas station purchases via Ibotta
By combining apps like Rakuten and Ibotta—and adding platforms like Fluz for taxi gift cards and fuel savings—you can build a complete cashback stack for your urban travel routine.
