Going out for drinks doesn’t have to drain your budget. If you’re strategic about how you pay, you can actually earn money back just for enjoying a night out. Cashback apps are changing the way bar-goers save—particularly when you use digital gift cards at participating restaurants and bars.
Here’s how you can earn cashback at bars and save on cocktails, beers, and even top-shelf pours.
What are digital gift cards and how do they help you save?
Digital gift cards are e-gift cards that can be bought and used instantly. Many cashback platforms let you purchase these gift cards and reward you with a percentage of the amount back—no waiting, no extra steps. Unlike traditional credit card rewards, which often come with point systems and delays, cashback apps deliver real savings in real time.
Whether you’re using an app like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fluz, the concept is similar: buy a digital gift card through the app, pay with it at a participating merchant, and pocket the cashback.
Where can you use digital gift cards for bar purchases?
Many popular restaurant chains with active bar menus accept digital gift cards. Here are some top options where you can earn cashback with a bar gift card using Fluz:
- Earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card at the bar or table
- Get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card on game night
- Earn cashback with a Del Frisco’s gift card when ordering cocktails at the bar
- Get rewards with a Fleming’s Steakhouse gift card for wine pairings and happy hour specials
- Earn cashback with a Fogo de Chão gift card with every caipirinha
These gift cards work the same as cash—just enter the amount when paying your bill, and you’re good to go.
How to use cashback apps at the bar
- Download and sign up for a cashback app like Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta.
- Search the app for participating bar or restaurant chains.
- Buy a digital gift card in the exact amount of your tab—Fluz lets you do this right at the moment of payment.
- Use the gift card at checkout, whether you’re paying the bartender or server.
- Receive cashback, often instantly.
Some apps also offer virtual debit cards that can be used via Apple Pay or Google Pay, allowing for additional cashback even when gift cards aren’t available for a specific location.
Combine cashback with other drink deals
For maximum value, use your digital gift card during a happy hour or weekly promotion. Restaurants like BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Chili’s often run drink specials that stack nicely with your cashback savings.
Also check if the restaurant has a loyalty program—like My Chili’s Rewards—that gives you even more perks when you use a gift card.
The bottom line
Saving money at the bar doesn’t mean sacrificing your experience. By using digital gift cards purchased through cashback platforms, you can keep your favorite routines while earning something back. Whether you’re out for a casual beer or a cocktail-heavy celebration, apps like Fluz, Ibotta, and Rakuten give you tools to make smarter spending choices every time you order.
