For savvy diners who love getting the most value from every dollar spent, cashback stacking is a powerful strategy. By combining platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta with restaurant loyalty programs, you can save on meals before you even sit down to order. Here’s how to turn your next lunch or dinner into a rewards-maximizing opportunity.

How each app functions and when to use each

• Fluz offers instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards to use at restaurants like Chipotle, The Cheesecake Factory, and Panera Bread. It’s best used at the point of payment.

• Rakuten provides cashback when you shop through their portal for food delivery or restaurant gift card purchases at participating merchants. It’s ideal when ordering online from services like Grubhub or Uber Eats.

• Ibotta works through rebates that are activated in-app before a transaction, usually offering cash back for grocery store purchases or restaurant meals when you scan receipts.

Sample savings on one meal using all three platforms
Let’s say you’re planning a takeout night through Grubhub:

• Start by activating an Ibotta offer for a Grubhub purchase

• Then go to Fluz and buy a Grubhub gift card

• Navigate to Grubhub via Rakuten to place your order

In this scenario, you earn cashback from Ibotta (as a rebate), Rakuten (as a percent of your online purchase), and Fluz (from your gift card purchase)—all in one transaction. These platforms often return 1–10% each, meaning your $30 dinner might come with up to $3–5 back depending on the active offers.

Tips for keeping track of points, cashback, and rewards

• Use a budgeting app like YNAB or Mint to categorize and track dining spend

• Create a dedicated email or folder for cashback receipts and loyalty account logins

• Regularly transfer cashback balances to your bank or PayPal to avoid leaving money on the table

• Join restaurant loyalty programs like Panera’s MyPanera or Starbucks Rewards for bonus perks

Fluz, Rakuten, Ibotta: The ultimate savings trio
Each platform plays a distinct role in maximizing savings. Fluz gets you cashback upfront, Rakuten rewards you for where you shop online, and Ibotta finishes the cycle with post-purchase rebates. When used together with loyalty rewards, these tools give you the upper hand at checkout.