Dining out doesn’t have to derail your budget. With cashback apps designed for food lovers, you can enjoy your favorite meals while earning rewards with every bite. This guide compares the top cashback platforms—Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta—and shows how to stack your savings for maximum value.
Fluz: Instant Cashback with Restaurant Gift Cards
Fluz lets you earn cashback instantly when you purchase digital gift cards before eating out. Instead of paying a restaurant directly, you buy a gift card through Fluz, use it to pay, and earn cashback on the spot. For example, you can get Chipotle at a discount, earn cashback at Shake Shack, or save money on Panera Bread.
Popular restaurants on Fluz include:
You can download Fluz to start stacking savings at restaurants you already visit.
Rakuten: Get Paid to Order Food Online
Rakuten works a little differently. It gives cashback when you start your order from their site and complete it on a partner platform. This is especially useful for food delivery apps like Doordash and GrubHub.
- Cashback is paid quarterly through PayPal or check.
- New users may receive a welcome bonus after their first purchase.
- Best for frequent takeout and delivery orders.
Rakuten is ideal if you’re already using delivery platforms and want to automate cashback without gift cards.
Ibotta: Dining + Grocery Cashback in One App
Known for grocery rebates, Ibotta also offers dining cashback through gift card purchases and linked card deals. For example, buying a Chili’s gift card via Ibotta before dining in earns you a percentage back. You can also activate restaurant deals if your debit or credit card is linked.
Ibotta stands out for:
- Offering both in-store and online cashback
- Combining restaurant savings with everyday grocery deals
- Regular bonus opportunities when you complete offer bundles
How to Stack Savings at Restaurants
Want to maximize your cashback? Try this strategy:
- Use Fluz to purchase a gift card before you dine out.
- Order takeout using Rakuten to earn cashback through delivery platforms.
- Activate restaurant offers in Ibotta and link your card for passive earnings.
- Pair with loyalty programs like MyPanera or Dine Rewards.
- Use a rewards credit card for layered points or cashback.
With just a little planning, you can turn every meal into a money-saving opportunity. Whether you prefer sit-down dining, takeout, or delivery, there’s a cashback option tailored to how you eat.
