Eating on the go doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor—or your budget. For savvy travelers, cashback apps have become a game-changer, turning everyday purchases like food, transportation, and groceries into opportunities to earn rewards. Whether you’re grabbing a bánh mì in Hanoi or ordering late-night tacos from your hotel in Austin, these tools help stretch your food budget further—without cutting corners on taste.
What Are Cashback Apps?
Cashback apps reward users for spending at select retailers, restaurants, and services. You typically earn a percentage of your purchase back in the form of cash, credits, or points. Some apps require scanning receipts, while others—like Fluz—offer instant cashback when you purchase digital gift cards or pay through their platform.
Other top apps include:
- Rakuten: Great for online bookings, grocery delivery, and travel platforms
- Ibotta: Best for scanning grocery receipts or linking loyalty accounts
- Dosh: Offers automatic cashback when you link a card and spend at participating businesses
Using Fluz for Dining and Delivery
Fluz lets you earn cashback instantly when buying gift cards for major food merchants. For example, if you’re planning to order lunch with Grubhub or dinner via Uber Eats, you can buy a gift card through Fluz at checkout and receive a percentage of your purchase back—on the spot.
You can also use Fluz for chain restaurants like Shake Shack or Chipotle. Simply buy a gift card for the exact total and pay with it at the register. It’s an easy way to earn rewards while eating out—especially helpful for digital nomads, students, or frequent travelers on a budget.
Stacking Cashback for Bigger Savings
The best part? Many cashback apps can be layered. You can:
- Buy a gift card through Fluz for a food app
- Place an order through Rakuten’s site for additional cashback
- Pay with a rewards credit card for even more points
With a little planning, one meal can net you savings from three sources—all while enjoying your favorite foods.
Best Times to Use Cashback Apps for Food
- Traveling: Use Fluz for rideshare, hotel stays, and quick-service restaurants
- Food delivery: Earn back on frequent orders with gift card purchases
- Grocery runs: Use Ibotta to scan receipts or activate store-specific deals
- Dining with friends: Buy a Fluz gift card for group meals and pocket the cashback
Pro Tip: Fluz also works through Apple Pay and Google Pay with a virtual card when gift cards aren’t available—so you can still earn cashback even in a pinch.
Why It Matters for Budget Travelers
Cashback apps aren’t just for deal chasers—they’re tools that empower travelers to get more from every dollar spent. Over the course of a trip, these small savings add up: an extra coffee, another street food dish, or even a full meal covered by cashback. They make food exploration more sustainable, especially for those traveling long-term or managing tight daily budgets.
