When it comes to saving money at restaurants, two strategies dominate the conversation: cashback and coupons. While both can reduce your bill, they work in fundamentally different ways—and knowing when to use each can help you save more, more often. Whether you’re dining solo, grabbing fast food, or sitting down for a weekend dinner, here’s how to choose the right method.
How Cashback Works at Restaurants
Cashback lets you earn a percentage of your purchase back, typically by using a specific payment method or platform. This can come in the form of:
- Digital gift card platforms like Fluz, which offer instant cashback when you buy and redeem gift cards at restaurants
- Credit card programs that reward dining purchases
- Cashback apps such as Rakuten and Ibotta, which sometimes feature restaurant deals or third-party delivery offers
Pros of Cashback:
- Works on full-price menu items
- Stackable with other promotions (e.g., loyalty rewards)
- No need to search or clip a deal—just activate or pay through the platform
- Encourages flexibility: you earn no matter what you order
Cons of Cashback:
- Some offers require upfront gift card purchases
- Rewards are often a small percentage (1.5%–10%), so higher spend = more value
- May not apply to third-party delivery or partner exclusions
How Coupons Work at Restaurants
Coupons offer upfront savings by reducing the total bill, usually with terms and restrictions. You’ll find restaurant coupons via:
- Company apps (e.g., Taco Bell app, Subway app)
- Email promotions and loyalty clubs
- Paper circulars or coupon aggregators like RetailMeNot
Pros of Coupons:
- Immediate savings at the time of purchase
- Great for buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers or bundled meals
- Can often be used without changing how you pay
Cons of Coupons:
- Often limited to specific items, days, or times
- May not stack with loyalty rewards or other promotions
- Require more effort to find, clip, or activate
Pro Tip:
You can sometimes combine both. For example, buy a Panera Bread gift card online through Fluz for cashback, then apply a MyPanera coupon to your order.
Best Restaurants for Cashback and Coupon Options
- Chipotle – loyalty rewards and cashback stacking
- Buffalo Wild Wings – great for BOGO nights and cashback
- Red Lobster – feast events plus Fluz rewards
- Panda Express – frequent app coupons
- Subway – known for mobile-exclusive coupons
The Bottom Line
If you want quick, upfront savings, go for coupons. If you’re spending more or ordering from the full menu, cashback gives you a consistent return. Combine both when possible for the ultimate dining win.
