Grabbing a drink after work or meeting friends at your favorite bar doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. With the right combination of rewards apps, digital gift cards, and payment methods, you can earn cashback on every round—yes, even that last-minute beer at the bar. Whether you’re out for happy hour or splitting a tab at a sit-down spot, the secret to smarter bar spending is stacking cashback across multiple platforms.
Start with a digital gift card that pays you back
Before you tap your card or hand over cash, check if your destination is partnered with any cashback platform. Many popular chain bars and restaurants—like Chili’s, Dave & Buster’s, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Buffalo Wild Wings—allow you to earn cashback with a digital gift card via platforms like Fluz.
You can get rewards with a Chili’s gift card or earn cashback with a BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse gift card and use it to pay your bar tab directly—no waiting, no receipts to scan.
Combine payment methods for even more value
Stacking savings is where rewards apps really shine. After purchasing a digital gift card with cashback, use a credit card that also earns points on dining or entertainment. Some cards offer 2–5% back at bars and restaurants, which you can combine with the cashback you already earned from the gift card.
Additionally, if you’re paying in person, consider using a Fluz virtual card with Apple Pay or Google Pay, which can provide up to 1.5% cashback even if the bar isn’t listed in the Fluz merchant directory. It’s a low-effort way to keep earning in situations where digital gift cards aren’t accepted.
Don’t forget app-based loyalty and third-party deals
Some bars and restaurants also run their own rewards programs, offering free drinks or discounts after multiple visits. Be sure to sign up for brand-specific programs like:
You can also layer in third-party cashback portals like Rakuten or Ibotta for food delivery, alcohol delivery, or even Uber and Lyft rides to and from the bar. These platforms offer cashback on services related to your night out, helping you save before you even arrive.
Real-world example: The stack in action
Let’s say you’re heading to Buffalo Wild Wings for game night. You could:
- Buy a digital gift card through Fluz and earn cashback with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card
- Use a dining rewards credit card to fund the gift card purchase.
- Earn loyalty points by scanning your receipt with the bar’s rewards program.
- Take an Uber to the bar while earning cashback via Rakuten or Ibotta.
- Pay the tab with your Fluz-purchased gift card and enjoy your earnings stacking up.
The smarter way to spend socially
Maximizing cashback on bar tabs isn’t about drinking less—it’s about spending intentionally. By combining Fluz, credit card perks, and loyalty apps, you turn everyday outings into low-key financial wins. The trick is to build the habit: before your next bar visit, check which tools you can use to get paid to party smarter.
