If you love dining out but hate watching your checking account shrink, cashback apps are the ultimate secret weapon. Whether you’re grabbing pasta at your neighborhood trattoria or indulging in a weekend brunch, these apps reward you for eating the way you already do. With a few simple taps, you can turn every meal into a savings opportunity—no coupons, no hassle.
Here’s how Rakuten, Ibotta, Dosh, and Fluz help food lovers earn money back on local dining.
- Rakuten Dining
Rakuten is best known for online shopping rewards, but its In-Store Dining program is a lesser-known gem. By linking your credit or debit card, you can automatically earn cashback at participating restaurants without scanning receipts or checking in.
- Works at select local and national restaurants
- Cashback averages 5%–10%
- No activation required after card linking
Check out Rakuten Dining to browse nearby offers.
- Ibotta Restaurant Rewards
Ibotta isn’t just for groceries anymore. Its dining section often features deals at casual chains, coffee shops, and even bars. Ibotta lets you scan your receipt post-purchase or connect a loyalty account when available.
- Offers change weekly—check before heading out
- Bonus cash on restaurant delivery services, too
- Great for stacking with promo codes and gift cards
Start saving at Ibotta.
- Dosh
Dosh is a passive cashback app that rewards you just for using a linked card. There’s no need to upload receipts—just pay as usual. Many local restaurants participate in Dosh, especially in urban areas.
- Automatic cashback for dining, hotels, and retail
- Notifications let you know when you’ve earned
- Ideal for casual and spontaneous meals out
Explore more at Dosh.
- Fluz: Gift Cards with Instant Cashback
Fluz takes a slightly different approach: instead of earning cashback after the meal, you buy a digital gift card through the app before you pay. You can even wait until the check arrives, calculate your total, and buy a gift card for the exact amount.
For example:
Fluz offers instant cashback on the spot, and if your restaurant isn’t listed, you can still use a Fluz virtual card via Apple Pay or Google Pay to earn up to 1.5%.
Download Fluz to start stacking savings before your next night out.
Stacking Tips: How to Maximize Savings
- Use Ibotta or Rakuten for post-meal cashback
- Pay with a Fluz gift card or virtual card for upfront savings
- Add restaurant loyalty programs to earn points or free items
- Check for double-dip opportunities (e.g., using Ibotta on a meal ordered with a Fluz gift card)
Final Bite
Dining out can be delicious and financially smart. With the right apps in your rotation, you can earn cashback every time you eat—whether it’s a date night at Carrabba’s or a quick bite at a local café. The next time you make a reservation, make sure you’re getting more than just a great meal—get your money back, too.
