Let’s be real — the tab adds up fast when you’re out for drinks. One round turns into three, someone orders a round of espresso martinis, and suddenly you’re questioning your bank statement (and your judgment). But what if you could shave a few bucks off your night without sacrificing the fun? That’s where cashback apps come in — sneaky little tools that let you sip smarter and keep your wallet from going dry.

Here’s how to use Fluz, Rakuten, Ibotta, and a little planning to turn your next night out into a financially clever one.

Buy Bar or Delivery Gift Cards with Fluz

If you’re hitting up a bar or restaurant that’s part of a national chain — think Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, or even ordering via Grubhub or Uber Eats before the pregame — open Fluz first.

With Fluz, you can buy digital gift cards in seconds and get instant cashback, often between 2–15%. That means you’re getting a little bit of your drink money back just by pre-paying. You can even buy a gift card at the bar if they accept digital gift cards at checkout (many do).

For example:

• Buy a $25 gift card for Buffalo Wild Wings on Fluz
• Earn up to $3 back instantly
• Pay using the gift card at the bar
• Reinvest that savings into another round — or into tomorrow’s hangover bagel fund

Stack with Rakuten for Reservations or Delivery

Rakuten is your friend if you’re making a reservation online or ordering food. Sites like OpenTable, Resy, and Groupon often offer bonus cashback through Rakuten — especially if you’re booking a prepaid experience like a tasting flight or cocktail class.

Going the delivery route? Rakuten frequently runs deals on Uber Eats, Seamless, and DoorDash, offering up to 10% cashback during promotions. Activate the cashback in the Rakuten app or browser extension before placing your order, and you’re good to go.

Ibotta for Mixers, Snacks, and Hangover Prevention

If your night out starts at home, use Ibotta to earn cash on your bar cart staples. Ibotta partners with stores like Walmart, Target, and CVS, offering rebates on mixers, sparkling water, chips, and even pain relievers for the next morning.

Pro tip: they often have brand-specific deals on things like Red Bull, Canada Dry, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

You simply upload your receipt or link your store loyalty account — and the cash rolls back to you post-party.

Combine for Maximum Impact

Here’s a real-world scenario:

• Pre-game at home using Ibotta to get cashback on mixers and snacks
• Head out with a Fluz gift card to your favorite bar or restaurant
• End the night by splitting a Grubhub order activated through Rakuten

Is this overkill? Maybe. Is it kind of genius? Definitely.