Paying for drinks doesn’t have to be a sunk cost. With the right tools, you can actually earn rewards every time you settle the tab—whether you’re at a casual bar, a restaurant chain, or a venue that accepts mobile payments. From digital gift cards to linked reward apps and loyalty memberships, here are the best ways to pay for your drinks while earning something back.
- Use digital gift cards from rewards platforms
When heading to bar-restaurant hybrids like Chili’s, Dave & Buster’s, or BJ’s, consider paying with digital gift cards purchased through Fluz. You can earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card or buy a Dave & Buster’s gift card online and redeem it on the spot. These gift cards work just like cash and are accepted for drinks, food, taxes, and even tips in most locations.
If you frequent BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, you can get rewards with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card and stack those savings with the BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus loyalty program.
- Link your debit or credit card to rewards apps
Apps like Rakuten allow you to earn cashback when you link your card and use it at eligible restaurants and bars. Once your card is linked, any qualifying purchase will trigger automatic cashback—no scanning or uploading required.
It’s a passive way to earn rewards, particularly if you don’t want to pre-purchase a gift card or aren’t sure where the night will take you.
- Pay with a virtual card for instant rewards
If your go-to bar supports contactless payments, Fluz virtual cards offer a flexible way to earn cashback. Just add your Fluz card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, and use it like any other tap-to-pay method. This is especially useful when gift cards aren’t available for a specific bar, but you still want to earn something back on your purchase.
You can explore available merchants and see where virtual card cashback applies by visiting Fluz.
- Join the bar’s loyalty program
Many bar-restaurant hybrids offer their own rewards programs. My Chili’s Rewards gives you free chips and salsa or non-alcoholic drinks on every visit once you’re a member, while Dave & Buster’s Rewards and BJ’s Rewards both offer perks for frequent customers.
By joining these programs, you can earn points or credits every time you order—even when paying with a gift card or virtual card.
- Stack your payment methods for more value
To maximize your return, stack multiple rewards layers:
- Use a digital gift card from Fluz
- Combine it with a loyalty program
- Pay with a rewards credit card if gift cards aren’t accepted
- Scan your receipt with Ibotta if applicable
This multi-step strategy turns your bar tab into a mini rewards engine.
Conclusion
There’s no reason to miss out on rewards just because you’re paying for drinks. Whether you prefer using gift cards, virtual cards, or linked payment apps, there are several ways to earn cashback, points, or perks every time you head to the bar.
