Going out for drinks with friends is always a good time—until the bill comes. Splitting tabs, missing rewards, or overspending on group rounds can ruin the fun if you’re not prepared. The good news? There are smarter ways to manage group bar nights that help everyone save money, earn rewards, and avoid awkward Venmo requests after midnight.
Here’s how to handle group bar outings like a pro.
- Designate the points person
Every group has a planner—make that person the rewards captain for the night. If you’re heading to a bar chain like Chili’s or BJ’s, the planner can earn cashback with a Chili’s gift card or get rewards with a BJ’s Restaurant gift card by buying through Fluz and covering the initial tab. Then everyone else can pay them back with apps like Venmo or Cash App.
This strategy allows one person to maximize cashback or loyalty points while everyone still pays their fair share.
- Use apps to split bills instantly
Instead of figuring out who owes what over group text, use tools like Splitwise to divide the tab evenly. These apps allow users to track shared expenses, assign who paid, and send reminders without the awkwardness. If you want real-time repayment, use Venmo or Cash App while still sitting at the table.
- Stack rewards for food and drinks
When visiting bars tied to restaurant brands, double down by pairing gift card rewards with loyalty programs. For example, Chili’s My Chili’s Rewards or BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus offer points on food and drinks, even if you’re just there for a round.
Pair this with a Fluz gift card purchase to stack the savings. You can even buy a Dave & Buster’s gift card online for group events that include food, games, and drinks—ensuring rewards across categories.
- Rotate who earns the rewards
If you go out with the same crew often, consider rotating who pays with the rewards app or gift card. One person uses Fluz this time, someone else does it next week. Over time, everyone gets a turn at earning cashback or loyalty points on the shared tab.
- Plan around promos and drink deals
Before heading out, check platforms like Yelp or The Infatuation for happy hour deals at your chosen bar. Pairing these discounts with Fluz gift cards or loyalty programs ensures your group saves even more.
Bonus tip: Have your payment strategy ready
Avoid fumbling at the end of the night by deciding in advance how you’ll pay. Whether it’s one person covering the bill or splitting it upfront, having a plan makes checkout smoother—and leaves more time for another round.
For easy access to real-time gift cards and instant cashback, start with Fluz and make every group outing more rewarding.
