Cashback isn’t just for groceries and retail. Thanks to apps like Ibotta and Rakuten, you can now earn real money back on fast food purchases—both online and in-store. Whether you’re ordering through your favorite delivery service or placing a mobile pickup order, here’s how to use Ibotta and Rakuten for fast food and actually see the rewards add up.
Using Ibotta for Fast Food
Ibotta works by giving you cashback on qualifying purchases made through partner apps, physical stores, or linked offers. For fast food, Ibotta’s offers usually fall into two categories:
- Brand-specific offers: Occasionally, Ibotta will run promotions for restaurants like Burger King, Domino’s, or Panda Express. These offers may be available for in-app ordering or through third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
- Gift card cashback: Ibotta’s gift card section includes many popular restaurants. You can buy a gift card directly through Ibotta and earn cashback at the time of purchase. Then simply use the card to pay at the restaurant or in their app.
Using Rakuten for Fast Food
Rakuten is best known for online shopping cashback, but it also works for fast food when ordering through certain food delivery apps or restaurant websites. Here’s how:
- Link through Rakuten before ordering: If you’re placing an order through Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Postmates, start your session on Rakuten, search the delivery app, and click through to earn cashback.
- Check Rakuten browser extensions: When you visit a partner site (like Papa John’s or Pizza Hut), the extension will automatically prompt you to activate cashback before you complete checkout.
Rakuten also occasionally partners directly with restaurants’ online ordering platforms, so it’s worth checking for new cashback offers each week.
Stacking with Rewards Programs and Coupons
One major benefit of using Ibotta and Rakuten is that they don’t interfere with existing discounts. You can still:
- Apply coupon codes from fast food apps
- Earn loyalty points through rewards programs like Wendy’s Rewards, Chipotle Rewards, or Taco Bell Rewards
- Combine with other savings like free delivery or app-exclusive pricing
If you want to go further, you can also buy discounted gift cards from a cashback platform like Fluz. For example, you can earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card or get rewards with a Subway gift card, then use those gift cards alongside Ibotta or Rakuten savings for a stacked deal.
To get started with gift card cashback, download Fluz.
Tips for Maximizing Cashback Across All Three Platforms
- Use Ibotta or Rakuten to start your order or buy a gift card
- Pay with a discounted digital gift card from Fluz
- Log in to the restaurant’s app or loyalty program to earn points
- Combine all three for triple-layered savings
