From project management apps to cloud storage platforms, software subscriptions are a recurring expense for most small businesses. While these tools are essential, their cumulative cost adds up quickly. Fortunately, cashback tools like Fluz, Rakuten, and Honey offer smart ways to lower your spend on services you already use—without switching providers or cutting features.
This guide will break down how cashback tools work, how to stack rewards for even more savings, and where to find the best merchant match-ups for top cloud services like Google Play, Microsoft, and Amazon.
How Cashback Tools Work
Cashback platforms reward you for making purchases through their system, usually by offering a small percentage of your spend back in the form of real cash, store credit, or points.
1. Fluz
Fluz gives you instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards through its app. You simply buy a gift card for the exact amount you plan to spend, use it to pay for your software or subscription, and earn a percentage back right away.
• Buy gift cards for merchants like Microsoft 365, Google Play, and Amazon
• Use the gift cards to pay for cloud storage, productivity tools, or software licenses
• Cashback is credited immediately to your Fluz wallet
2. Rakuten
Rakuten offers cashback when you click through their browser extension or website before shopping online. It works well for direct purchases on merchant sites like Dropbox, Box, and Microsoft.
• Install the browser extension to receive alerts when cashback is available
• Click through Rakuten’s link before completing your purchase
• Cashback is paid quarterly via PayPal or check
3. Honey
Owned by PayPal, Honey is a browser extension that automatically applies available coupon codes and also offers a cashback program called “Honey Gold.”
• Best for applying promo codes at checkout
• Earn Honey Gold points on eligible purchases
• Redeem points for gift cards (not direct cash)
How to Stack Fluz + Loyalty Rewards for Maximum Value
One of the most effective strategies is stacking—using multiple rewards programs together on a single purchase.
Example Stack:
• Buy a Google Play gift card on Fluz
• Earn up to 8% cashback instantly
• Use that card to pay for a Dropbox or Evernote subscription via the Play Store
• If you’re enrolled in Google One or Google Workspace, you may also earn loyalty perks like bonus storage or support
Stacking opportunities also exist at merchants like Amazon and Office Depot & OfficeMax, where you can use Fluz gift cards and apply store loyalty points at the same time.
Merchant Match-Ups: Where Cashback Tools Work Best
1. Google Play
• Use Fluz to buy gift cards and pay for Google One, Dropbox, Evernote, or other Play Store-based cloud apps
• Rakuten occasionally offers cashback when buying Google services directly
• Google Play balance can be used for both subscriptions and in-app purchases
2. Microsoft
• Buy a Microsoft 365 gift card through Fluz
• Redeem at redeem.microsoft.com for cloud storage or Office apps
• Rakuten offers cashback directly on the Microsoft Store during promotions
• Combine with Microsoft Rewards for additional points on activity
3. Amazon
• Use Amazon gift cards from Fluz to pay for AWS services, subscriptions (if allowed), or tech purchases for your home office
• Amazon also has its own points system and seasonal software discounts
• Rakuten occasionally supports Amazon product categories (note: not all departments are eligible)
Real-Life Example: Using Cashback to Save on Google Drive
Scenario:
• You subscribe to Google One 2TB plan: $9.99/month
• Instead of auto-paying with a card, you buy a $10 Google Play gift card from Fluz
• Fluz offers 8% cashback → you earn $0.80
• Over a year, that’s $9.60 back—enough to cover one full month
• If you’re using Google Workspace or other apps via Play Store, you can repeat the cycle for each service
Want to save even more? Track seasonal sales and promotions on the Google Store or Microsoft Store and combine those with Fluz or Rakuten for deeper discounts.
Bonus Tips
• Always check Fluz and Rakuten before renewing or upgrading software
• Time large purchases (like annual plans) with seasonal promos to maximize cashback
• Set a reminder before subscription renewals to give yourself time to buy gift cards
• Use a cashback tracker to compare real-time offers between platforms
With just a few extra clicks or steps, you can significantly lower the true cost of cloud software—without sacrificing features or switching providers.
