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If your life is lived on the road—whether you’re a rideshare driver, a delivery pro, a traveling sales rep, or just someone who logs long hours behind the wheel—every mile comes with a cost. But what if every fill-up, snack stop, and roadside meal could pay you back? With the right strategy, you can earn cashback while you drive, turning everyday expenses into ongoing rewards.

Here’s how to build a smart weekly routine using top cashback platforms and optimize every drive for savings.

Best Cashback Apps for Frequent Drivers

Let’s start with the key players you need in your digital toolbox:

  1. Fluz

Fluz allows you to earn instant cashback by purchasing digital gift cards for fuel and food before you swipe your card. It’s especially valuable for drivers who rely on consistent gas station stops. Fluz partners with top brands including:

You can also earn cashback when you stop for a bite at restaurants through Fluz merchants like Buffalo Wild Wings or Papa John’s.

  1. Rakuten

Rakuten is great for planning purchases before your trip. It offers cashback through partner websites, including travel gear, hotel stays, and select auto services.

Best for: Earning on pre-trip purchases like tires, electronics, or road-ready clothing.

  1. Upside

Upside focuses on location-based cashback offers, including gas, groceries, and restaurants. Just check in at a participating business, pay with your card, and earn cashback directly into your account.

Best for: Spontaneous stops or unplanned refuels in unfamiliar areas.

Weekly Routines for Maximizing Cashback

Consistency is key to making cashback work for you. Here’s a sample routine to squeeze value from every leg of your weekly drive:

Monday

  • Load Fluz with gift cards for gas at your preferred station (e.g., Chevron or Phillips 66).

  • Use Rakuten for any work-related supply orders.

Tuesday–Friday

  • Use Upside to find the best gas prices as you go.

  • Pair Upside or Fluz with loyalty programs like Chevron ExtraMile for stacked rewards.

Lunch or Dinner Stops

  • Choose an eatery like Feast Street or Omaha Delicious for cashback and convenience.

  • Plan one rest stop at a Fluz merchant each day if possible.

Saturday or Sunday

  • Review weekly earnings.

  • Plan routes and budget gift card loads for the upcoming week.

  • Cash out Fluz rewards or apply them to your next purchase.

Combining Gas Savings with Meal and Rest Stop Rewards

Think of your stops as opportunities. You’re not just grabbing a bite or topping off the tank—you’re creating an earning cycle.

Here’s a winning combo:

Route Optimization for Better Efficiency and Cashback

Smart route planning not only saves fuel—it puts you in the best position to take advantage of cashback offers.

Tips:

  • Use Google Maps or Waze in conjunction with Upside or GasBuddy to find fuel and food deals along your path.

  • Bookmark Fluz merchants and check availability near your travel zones.

  • Incorporate rest stops that offer both performance refueling and cashback (a win for you and your vehicle).

If your route includes extended travel or work in unfamiliar cities, consider partners like Bowery Culture for strategic planning or Commute Link for efficient, fuel-aware city commuting.

Being a road warrior doesn’t mean you have to overspend on fuel or food. With apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Upside, you can earn while you drive—and stack those savings over time for serious returns. Add in smart route planning and a few loyalty hacks, and every drive becomes an opportunity to cash in.