When it comes to eating out, savvy diners know there’s more to consider than just what’s on the menu. Cashback apps have made it possible to earn rewards on meals you’re already paying for—no coupons required. But not all cashback platforms are created equal. If you’re wondering whether Fluz, Ibotta, or Rakuten will save you the most on dining, here’s a side-by-side look at how each one stacks up.

1. Fluz: Instant Cashback with Restaurant Gift Cards

Fluz offers immediate cashback when you purchase a digital gift card for the restaurant you’re dining at—right before you pay. You don’t need to preload money or wait weeks to redeem earnings. Simply search the restaurant in the app, enter the amount of your check, and buy a gift card for that exact total. You can earn cashback within seconds. Popular dining partners include options to get Chipotle at a discount, earn cashback at Panera Bread, and save money at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

Pros:

• Instant cashback
  
• Stackable with loyalty programs (e.g. MyPanera Rewards)
  
• Works at point of sale and online
  
• No need to wait for payout thresholds
  

Cons:

• Only works with listed merchants
  
• Requires buying gift cards at payment time
  

2. Ibotta: Cashback After Dining

Ibotta has expanded beyond grocery stores and now includes offers for restaurants—primarily for delivery, takeout, and some dine-in chains. It works by linking your loyalty account or uploading a receipt after the meal. Ibotta partners with a rotating list of chains, which might include everything from local pizza joints to smoothie shops.

Dining offers may include:

• Cashback on select items at nationwide chains
  
• Bonus rewards for trying new eateries
  

Pros:

• Includes a broad variety of food retailers and restaurants
  
• Pairs well with delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats
  
• Receipt-based submission makes it usable post-meal
  

Cons:

• Offers vary and rotate often
  
• Delayed cashback payout
  
• Must scan receipts or link accounts
  

3. Rakuten: Cashback Through Dining Portals and Gift Cards

Rakuten primarily functions through affiliate links and shopping portals but offers dining rewards in two ways:

1. Cashback on restaurant gift cards purchased through their portal.
   
2. Dining cashback when using Rakuten’s partners like Uber Eats or Grubhub during promotions.
   

Pros:

• Easy integration with delivery platforms
  
• Can earn cashback when buying restaurant gift cards
  
• Works well for planning ahead
  

Cons:

• Limited real-time dine-in support
  
• Requires shopping through the Rakuten site or extension
  
• Cashback is often delayed until merchant confirms purchase
  

So, Which App Saves You the Most on Dining?

• Use Fluz for instant, at-the-table cashback—especially at supported chain restaurants.
  
• Use Ibotta for receipt-based rewards and delivery discounts.
  
• Use Rakuten for gift card cashback and delivery app integration.
  

Each has its strengths, and smart diners often stack them. For example, you could buy a gift card on Fluz, pay for your meal, and still scan the receipt with Ibotta—doubling your cashback potential.

Final Thoughts

Fluz stands out for its speed and ease of use at the register, making it the most reliable choice for consistent dine-in savings. But Ibotta and Rakuten provide strong supplemental value, especially for delivery and pre-planned purchases.

To start saving instantly, download Fluz and see how much cashback you can earn at your next meal.