Diners are the heart of comfort food culture—think stacked pancakes, patty melts, meatloaf, and bottomless coffee refills. But enjoying these classics doesn’t mean you have to overspend. With the right cashback apps, you can eat at your favorite restaurants and still keep your budget intact. Here’s how to use Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta to save money while indulging in comfort food favorites.
- Fluz: Instant Cashback on Diner Meals
Fluz lets you buy digital gift cards for restaurants and use them immediately at checkout to earn instant cashback. It works perfectly for diners and casual chains that serve nostalgic, home-style meals. Just open the app, purchase a gift card for the amount on your bill, and pay using that card.
Here are some great options where you can earn cashback:
- Get savings at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse for upscale diner staples like steak and mashed potatoes
- Get cashback at Applebee’s for classic diner-inspired dishes like burgers, fries, and chicken tenders
- Save money at Chili’s with sizzling fajitas, comfort food plates, and shareable desserts
- Earn rewards with BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse gift cards for hearty portions and deep-dish classics
- Shop discounted Red Lobster gift cards for coastal comfort meals like shrimp platters and clam chowder
Fluz is especially useful because it doesn’t require receipt uploads or pre-activation. The cashback is applied instantly after the gift card purchase.
- Rakuten: Dining Through Online Portals
Rakuten offers cashback for dining primarily through food delivery apps and online orders. While it may not cover small-town diners, many national chains and casual spots that serve diner-style meals are included when ordering through platforms like Grubhub or DoorDash via Rakuten’s site. Always click through Rakuten before placing an order to activate cashback.
This method is ideal for those who prefer delivery or want to support their favorite comfort food spots from home.
- Ibotta: Add Offers, Upload Receipts
Ibotta provides savings through offer-based cashback. You’ll need to activate offers in the app before dining, and then upload your receipt afterward to receive credit. Occasionally, Ibotta includes promotions for restaurant gift cards or discounts on food delivery services that partner with diners or casual restaurants.
It’s best for diners who plan ahead and are already using Ibotta for grocery savings.
Bonus Tip: Combine Cashback with Loyalty Programs
Many diner-style chains offer their own loyalty programs. Pairing these with cashback apps can boost your total rewards. For example:
- My Chili’s Rewards for free chips & salsa, points, and perks
- Red Lobster Rewards for dining discounts and member-only offers
Final Thoughts
Cashback apps offer a simple way to keep your diner visits rewarding—literally. Whether you’re paying with a digital gift card from Fluz, ordering online via Rakuten, or uploading a receipt through Ibotta, the savings stack up. And the best part? You don’t have to change your favorite comfort food traditions to do it.
