The open road, the windows down, and a stop at a no-frills diner with oversized portions—that’s the heart of a great American road trip. But between fuel stops and family feasts, dining out can quickly become one of your biggest travel expenses. That’s where smart cashback strategies come in. By using apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, you can enjoy your favorite road eats and keep your wallet from running on empty.
Start with Fluz for Instant Cashback
Fluz is one of the easiest ways to earn cashback during a road trip. Before paying at a restaurant, open the app and buy a digital gift card for the exact amount of your meal. You’ll get instant cashback—and the card works just like cash at the register.
These road trip staples are available on Fluz:
- Get cashback at Cracker Barrel for biscuits, country-fried steak, and hearty breakfasts
- Save on Denny’s meals, no matter the hour or location
- Shop discounted Applebee’s gift cards when you’re craving pub-style comfort food
- Earn cashback at IHOP for syrup-soaked pancakes and loaded omelets
There’s no need to pre-plan—you can buy the card at the table as you’re paying.
Use Rakuten for Online Orders and Chain Deals
If you’re placing a mobile order from a roadside chain or using a delivery app at your hotel, Rakuten can help you earn cashback. It works as a browser extension or mobile portal that activates cashback when you click through to participating restaurants and services.
You can use Rakuten to:
- Order takeout via Grubhub or DoorDash
- Access promotions at chain restaurants along your route
- Earn cashback automatically once the transaction is complete
It’s perfect for road trippers who want to plan meals from the passenger seat or hotel room.
Ibotta: A Bonus for In-Store Meals and Snacks
Ibotta is a cashback app that rewards you for uploading receipts or activating offers at select retailers and restaurants. While it’s more commonly used at grocery stores and convenience stops, Ibotta occasionally features bonuses at casual dining chains.
When stopping at a travel plaza or grabbing drinks and snacks along the way, check the Ibotta app for:
- Beverage deals at rest stops or gas stations
- Fast food or quick-service meal rebates
- Multipack snack bonuses when buying in bulk for the car
Stacking Ibotta with Fluz or Rakuten gives you even more ways to save without changing your habits.
Maximize Group Meals and Hotel Stays
Road trips often involve group dining, which makes these savings even sweeter. If you’re paying the bill for the table, you’ll earn cashback on the total amount—not just your share. You can also use Fluz to purchase discounted gift cards for hotel chains, helping reduce lodging costs.
For example, you can:
Conclusion
Big portions deserve big rewards. Whether you’re pulling into a classic diner or ordering comfort food to-go, Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta make it easy to earn cashback during every leg of your trip. With a few simple taps, you can turn your road trip meals into savings—no coupon clipping required.
