Takeout and delivery have become essentials for busy households, remote workers, and late-night cravings. But ordering food from your favorite apps or local spots can add up fast—especially with service fees, delivery charges, and tips. The good news? You don’t have to give up convenience to stay on budget.
Here’s how to make the most of your takeout and delivery meals while keeping your spending under control.
- Use Gift Cards to Earn Cashback Instantly
One of the smartest ways to save is by paying with discounted or cashback-enabled gift cards. Instead of swiping your credit card, consider using platforms like Fluz, which let you earn rewards instantly when purchasing gift cards for popular delivery services.
You can get cashback with an Uber Eats gift card or earn cashback with a DoorDash gift card and use it right away on your next order. These cards work just like any other payment method in the app but give you a financial edge from the start.
- Stack Rewards from Delivery and Restaurant Loyalty Programs
Many food delivery platforms and restaurants offer their own loyalty programs. When you link your account or input your loyalty number at checkout, you can earn rewards even on delivery orders.
A few to check out:
- Uber Eats Rewards: Earn points toward discounts and priority delivery
- Chipotle Rewards: Get points whether you order in-store or through delivery
- MyPanera: Apply rewards even on delivery orders
Combine these with a cashback gift card and you’ll double-dip on savings.
- Tap into Cashback Apps Beyond Fluz
Cashback isn’t limited to gift cards. Other apps like Rakuten and Ibotta also offer cashback for online food orders, especially when you shop through their portals. Rakuten often provides limited-time boosts for platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, while Ibotta may have targeted restaurant offers.
Use these in combination with Fluz gift cards for maximum savings.
- Avoid Unnecessary Fees and Order Smarter
It’s easy to overlook how small fees stack up. Here’s how to keep your order efficient:
- Opt for pickup when possible to avoid delivery fees
- Group orders with friends or coworkers to save on minimums
- Choose restaurants with flat-rate or free delivery specials
- Avoid small cart fees by planning ahead and ordering full meals
Also, check restaurant websites directly—some charge less for direct delivery than via third-party apps.
- Look for Promo Codes and Limited-Time Deals
Most food apps offer discounts to new users or returning customers. These can include:
- Free delivery
- Percentage off your first order
- Daily or weekly rotating promotions
Browse deal sections in the app or visit aggregator sites like RetailMeNot and Slickdeals before checking out.
- Be Strategic About Timing
Ordering during peak hours often results in higher service fees and longer wait times. If you can, place your order early—many apps allow scheduled delivery—and avoid the dinner rush. Some platforms even offer lower delivery rates for off-peak hours or midweek orders.
Final Bite
Saving on takeout and delivery is easier than ever when you combine the right tools: cashback gift cards, rewards programs, and fee-cutting habits. With just a little prep, you can enjoy all the convenience without overspending.
Ready to make your next food order smarter? Download Fluz to start earning cashback the moment you hit “checkout.”
