Let’s talk about the most underrated move in nightlife budgeting: buying your drinks with discounted gift cards. It might sound like a hack for grocery stores or big box chains, but cashback-savvy drinkers know the real secret — apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta can help you knock dollars off your tab before you even take your first sip.
If you’re going out tonight (or this weekend, or next Thursday because it’s Thirsty Thursday), here’s how to use gift cards and cashback apps to make your night out smarter and cheaper.
Use Fluz to Buy Bar Gift Cards for Instant Cashback
Fluz is a cashback app that lets you buy digital gift cards to thousands of retailers — including restaurants, bars, and delivery services — and earn instant cashback when you do. We’re talking gift cards to places like:
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- TGI Fridays
- Applebee’s
- Grubhub, Uber Eats, and more
Here’s how it works:
- Open the Fluz app and search for your go-to bar or restaurant
- Buy a digital gift card for the amount you plan to spend (say, $25)
- Earn instant cashback (often 3–15%)
- Use the gift card at checkout — in person or online — just like a credit card
The cashback gets deposited into your Fluz wallet immediately, and you can use it to buy future gift cards or cash it out via PayPal or Venmo. If you’re heading somewhere that takes digital gift cards, this move is pure gold.
Stack with Rakuten for Online Orders or Reservations
Fluz is great for gift cards, but if you’re booking a table, pre-ordering a drink experience, or getting delivery, activate Rakuten first. Rakuten partners with brands like:
- OpenTable
- Resy
- Groupon
- Uber Eats
- DoorDash
You just activate cashback in the app or browser, complete your order as normal, and Rakuten drops a percentage back into your account later. Easy.
Ibotta for Pre-Game Supplies
Ibotta comes in handy if your night includes a pregame at home. You can score cashback on mixers (tonic, soda, juice), snacks, and even things like beer and seltzer — depending on your state. Look for deals at:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- CVS, Walgreens, and others
Just link your loyalty account or scan your receipt after checkout to claim the rebate.
Example: Your Night, Stacked
Let’s say you’re heading to Applebee’s for half-price apps and drinks:
- Buy a $25 Applebee’s gift card on Fluz → get up to $2.50 back
- Order an Uber using Rakuten for 5% cashback
- Pick up mixers and snacks using Ibotta at Target → up to $3.00 back
- Total potential savings: $7.50–$10+ without changing a thing about your plans
You don’t need to give up your social life to stay within budget — you just need smarter tools. By using Fluz gift cards and stacking savings with Rakuten and Ibotta, you can take a regular night out and turn it into a cash-efficient experience. It’s like creating your own happy hour, one rebate at a time.
