Dining out is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it’s even better when your meal pays you back. Thanks to a variety of cashback apps, you can enjoy restaurant experiences while earning rewards every time you dine. Whether it’s an impromptu lunch, a date night, or a weekend splurge, using apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta helps you stretch your dining budget further.

This guide breaks down exactly how cashback works across popular apps and how to use them together to maximize your savings at the table.

How Cashback Apps Work for Dining

Cashback apps reward you for making purchases, either by giving you a percentage back in cash or by offering points you can redeem later. Each app functions slightly differently, and understanding these differences helps you stack rewards for even more value.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Fluz: Buy gift cards through the app for your favorite restaurants and earn instant cashback.

• Rakuten: Link your card or shop through Rakuten’s platform to get cashback at participating restaurants and delivery services.

• Ibotta: Activate specific restaurant offers or purchase discounted gift cards for upfront savings.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Fluz: Instant Cashback on Gift Card Purchases

Fluz is a go-to for anyone who wants immediate rewards. With Fluz, you purchase a digital gift card for the restaurant of your choice and receive instant cashback.

For example:

• Cashback on Panera Bread gift cards typically offers around 3%, perfect for cozy café lunches.

• Cashback on Shake Shack gift cards lands around 2%, ideal for gourmet burger nights.

• Cashback on Chipotle gift cards averages 3%, making your build-your-own burrito even better.

Here’s how to maximize Fluz:

1. Open the Fluz app and search for your chosen restaurant.

2. Buy a gift card for your expected spend.

3. Use the gift card at checkout.

4. Earn instant cashback for your next meal.

If you’re new to Fluz, download the app here to start earning cashback right away.

Rakuten: Cashback with Linked Cards and Delivery Services

Rakuten is great for people who prefer paying directly with their card or ordering online. By linking your credit or debit card to Rakuten, you automatically earn cashback at participating restaurants, both in-person and online.

Rakuten frequently partners with delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, with cashback rates ranging from 3% to 10%, depending on current promotions.

Pro tip: Stack Rakuten with Fluz by using a Fluz-purchased gift card for delivery orders placed through Rakuten-linked apps.

Ibotta: Targeted Dining Offers and Gift Card Deals

Ibotta is traditionally known for grocery store savings, but it also offers cashback opportunities for dining. With Ibotta, you can:

• Activate specific restaurant offers (like cashback for ordering from a participating chain).

• Purchase discounted restaurant gift cards directly in the app, sometimes offering up to 10% instant savings.

Check the app frequently, as dining deals rotate based on promotions and seasonality.

How to Stack Rewards for Maximum Cashback

The real secret to dining cashback is using multiple apps together. Here’s an example of how you can stack rewards for a single order:

1. Buy a Chipotle gift card on Fluz for instant cashback.

2. Place your order through a Rakuten-partnered delivery service like DoorDash for additional cashback.

3. Check Ibotta for extra deals on delivery orders or available restaurant offers.

Combined, you could easily earn 10% or more in total rewards on one meal.

Turn Every Meal Into a Rewarding Experience

Cashback apps make it easy to treat yourself without overspending. Whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch or planning a special night out, Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta help you earn rewards every step of the way. The next time you dine out, open your apps before you order — your wallet will thank you, and you’ll get to savor every bite with a little extra satisfaction.