If you’re someone who loves dining out and saving money while doing it, cashback apps can be a game-changer. But with several platforms promising rewards, which one truly delivers the most value? In this guide, we compare four major players in the dining cashback space—Fluz, Rakuten, Ibotta, and Seated—to help you decide where your money (and your meals) go furthest.

Comparison of Fluz, Rakuten, Ibotta, and Seated
Fluz stands out for offering instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards before paying at restaurants. It works seamlessly at major chains like Chipotle, Panera Bread, and The Cheesecake Factory, often delivering between 2% to 20% cashback. Rakuten, by contrast, is best used for food delivery platforms like DoorDash or Grubhub—offering between 1% to 10% cashback when you place an order through their portal. The cashback usually arrives a few days after the purchase, making it a more passive savings tool.

Ibotta takes a different approach. It requires users to activate offers before a purchase, then scan receipts afterward. Its restaurant coverage is limited, but it excels in the grocery category and occasionally features restaurant gift card offers with modest rebates. Seated is built for upscale city dining, rewarding users with 15% to 30% back in the form of gift cards when they dine at partner restaurants and upload a receipt. However, its availability is limited to select metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles.

User experience and best use cases
Fluz is best for diners who frequent popular chains and want immediate savings they can reinvest in their next meal. Its interface is clean, rewards are instant, and savings can be stacked with restaurant loyalty programs. Rakuten is ideal for users who order food online and want to earn passively with minimal effort. Ibotta appeals to deal-seekers who enjoy combining multiple rebate opportunities, though it’s better suited for groceries. Seated is perfect for those who enjoy discovering new restaurants in larger cities and don’t mind submitting receipts to earn generous rewards.

Final verdict
For casual, frequent restaurant-goers, Fluz delivers the most consistent and user-friendly cashback experience. Download Fluz to get started, and turn your everyday dining into instant rewards. Combine it with Rakuten or Ibotta for even more layered savings when ordering delivery or picking up groceries.