If you dine out often, chances are you’ve been prompted to join a restaurant’s loyalty program or noticed promotions through cashback apps. Both options offer ways to save—but which one actually gives you more value? Whether you’re a casual diner or a frequent takeout fan, understanding how these rewards systems work can help you make smarter decisions every time you eat out.
Here’s a breakdown of how restaurant rewards compare to cashback apps, and how to use both to your advantage.
How Restaurant Loyalty Programs Work
Restaurant loyalty programs are designed to keep you coming back. In most cases, they’re free to join and offer perks based on your spending or visits. These perks may include:
- Points redeemable for free food or discounts
- Birthday treats or anniversary rewards
- Early access to new menu items or promotions
Some of the most popular programs include:
- MyPanera: Offers customized rewards based on your purchase history
- Chipotle Rewards: Earn 10 points per dollar and redeem for free entrées
- Blazin’ Rewards by Buffalo Wild Wings: Get points for food, drinks, and even checking in during games
- Starbucks Rewards: Unlock free drinks, food, and priority ordering with stars
Restaurant programs are ideal if you’re loyal to specific brands and want to build toward free meals over time.
What Cashback Apps Offer
Cashback apps reward you for spending, typically in the form of money returned to your account. Some apps focus on shopping portals, while others specialize in gift card purchases with instant cashback.
Platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta all offer different cashback models:
- Fluz lets you earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card or get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card at the time of purchase
- Rakuten provides cashback for online food orders when you click through their site
- Ibotta may have targeted restaurant offers or link to food delivery platforms
Unlike restaurant rewards, cashback apps provide immediate value—you save upfront rather than waiting to accumulate points.
Which Saves More?
It depends on your dining habits:
- If you regularly visit the same restaurants, loyalty programs offer cumulative benefits and surprise perks
- If you want instant savings or dine at many different places, cashback apps like Fluz provide flexible, upfront value
The smartest strategy? Use both. For example, you can save money with a Panera Bread gift card through Fluz and still earn points with MyPanera when you scan your account at checkout.
How to Stack Both for Maximum Value
- Join the loyalty program at your favorite restaurants
- Use a cashback gift card from Fluz to pay
- Earn cashback immediately and loyalty points over time
This approach works with numerous chains, including:
- Get cashback with a Chili’s gift card while collecting points through their Rewards Program
- Earn cashback with a Shake Shack gift card even if they don’t offer a loyalty program—instant savings still apply
Final Thought
You don’t have to choose between loyalty points and cashback—they complement each other when used strategically. If you want long-term perks, restaurant programs are the way to go. If you’re after fast savings, cashback apps deliver.
Start combining both today and stretch every dining dollar further. Download Fluz to access instant cashback gift cards for your favorite restaurants.
