If you eat out even occasionally, there’s a high chance you’re missing an easy savings hack—buying restaurant gift cards right before you pay. But this isn’t about holiday stocking stuffers or gift envelopes. We’re talking about using digital gift cards in real time to earn cashback, stack discounts, and stretch your dining budget without changing your habits.

Here’s how frequent diners are making their money work harder—often in seconds—using smart gift card strategies paired with apps like Fluz.

How It Works: Turn Your Payment into a Perk
Instead of swiping a credit card or tapping your digital wallet, purchase a digital gift card for the exact amount you owe—right before you pay. On apps like Fluz, you can instantly buy and redeem gift cards at restaurants like Chipotle, Panera Bread, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Red Robin. And while you’re eating, you’re also earning cashback.

This method has two main benefits:

1. Instant rewards (usually between 1.5%–10% cashback depending on the merchant and time)
   
2. Control over your spending, since you’re preloading only what you intend to use
   

Why It’s Better Than Traditional Restaurant Rewards
Many chain restaurants offer their own loyalty programs—like MyPanera or CAVA Rewards—which are great for earning points. But these don’t always stack with payment methods. Using a cashback-enabled gift card doesn’t cancel your loyalty benefits—in fact, you can combine both for extra value.

Example:

• Order through the Panera app and earn points
  
• Pay with a gift card purchased on Fluz
  
• Walk away with loyalty rewards and real cashback
  

Where to Use This Hack
Some of the most popular national restaurant chains support this method and are available on Fluz:

• Get Chipotle at a discount with Fluz
• Buy a Panera Bread gift card online
• Earn cashback at Red Robin with a gift card
• Get Buffalo Wild Wings gift card rewards
• Buy a Blaze Pizza gift card with instant delivery

How to Maximize This Strategy

• Use it right at checkout. You don’t have to pre-load large balances. Buy only what you need, on the spot.
  
• Watch for bonus cashback events on Fluz to earn even more—especially during holidays or national food days.
  
• Keep your loyalty apps active to continue stacking rewards.
  

Final Thought
The next time you’re about to grab lunch or dinner, check Fluz first. You might be leaving 5–10% on the table—literally.