Eating out is one of life’s greatest pleasures—but that doesn’t mean it has to drain your wallet. Whether you’re a casual diner or a self-proclaimed foodie, cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta can help you enjoy your favorite meals while staying within budget. With the right strategies, you can layer multiple rewards to save on everything from fast-casual lunches to upscale date nights.

The Best Cashback Apps for Dining Savings

1. Fluz:
   Fluz allows users to earn instant cashback when they pay with digital gift cards at participating restaurants. You can buy a gift card for the exact amount due, often while standing at the register or placing your online order. Fluz partners with restaurants like Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Shake Shack, letting you earn cashback in seconds without altering how you dine.
   
2. Rakuten:
   Rakuten provides cashback when you click through its site before making purchases at select restaurant delivery platforms and meal services. You can also use it to stack savings on gift card websites and delivery platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats when offered.
   
3. Ibotta:
   Ibotta is most often associated with grocery savings, but its restaurant offers include rebates for chains, alcohol purchases, and combo deals when you scan your receipt. It’s an easy way to get cash back on meals and drinks with minimal effort.
   
4. Restaurant Loyalty Programs:
   Brands like MyPanera, Starbucks Rewards, and CAVA Rewards offer their own point systems. These can often be used with cashback platforms like Fluz—doubling your rewards potential.
   

How to Layer Rewards for Maximum Savings

Here’s how a savvy diner might combine multiple platforms on a single meal:

• Buy a discounted Panera Bread gift card using Fluz and earn cashback.
  
• Apply your MyPanera loyalty number at checkout to collect points.
  
• Use a rewards credit card to pay for the Fluz gift card purchase, adding another 1–2% in bank rewards.
  
• If you placed an online pickup order via Rakuten’s portal, you may also receive additional cashback.
  

The result? One meal, four layers of savings.

Real-World Example:

Let’s say you spend $20 at Chipotle:

• Use Fluz to buy a $20 gift card and earn 5% cashback = $1 back
  
• Add your Chipotle Rewards info and get a free entrée after a few visits
  
• Pay with a 2% cashback credit card = $0.40 back
  
• Total value earned = ~$1.40 back plus loyalty progress
  

Repeat this weekly, and you’re saving over $70 a year—without changing your habits.

Eat Smarter Without Eating Less

Cashback apps make it easy to be budget-conscious without giving up good food. Whether you’re treating yourself to dinner or grabbing a midday bite, combining Fluz, Rakuten, Ibotta, and loyalty perks turns every meal into an opportunity for savings. Start by downloading Fluz and syncing it with your go-to restaurants and delivery apps to build your own cashback routine.