Bar Hopping with Cashback: What Works and What Doesn’t
For anyone who enjoys bouncing between cocktail lounges, whiskey bars, and rooftop spots, bar hopping is more than a social ritual—it’s an experience. But it can also be expensive. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice quality for savings. With the right cashback tools and strategies, you can sip and save in style. Still, not every method is as effective as it sounds. Here’s what actually works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to earning cashback while bar hopping.
What Works: Digital Gift Cards from Cashback Apps
One of the most effective ways to earn while you drink is to use apps that offer cashback on digital gift cards. Fluz, for instance, lets you buy bar-friendly gift cards with instant cashback. Many well-known restaurants and bars such as BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Dave & Buster’s, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse are included in their merchant list.
Unlike traditional gift cards that must be used in one sitting, Fluz allows you to purchase a gift card for the exact amount due—even at the register. That flexibility is especially useful for bar hopping, where you’re making smaller, frequent purchases.
What Works: Cashback on Alcohol Purchases at Retailers
If your bar hopping includes a pregame or home mixology session, cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten can help. Ibotta frequently offers rebates on beer, wine, and spirits purchased at stores like Target or Total Wine. While these savings don’t apply at the bar itself, they’re great for prepping ahead or stocking your home bar.
What Works: Using a Rewards Credit Card with Dining Perks
Some credit cards offer higher cashback or reward points for dining and bar purchases. For example, cards like the American Express Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred offer bonus categories for restaurants, which often include bars. Just be sure the venue is coded correctly by your card issuer, and check for foreign transaction fees if you’re bar hopping abroad.
What Doesn’t Work: Hoping for Cashback on Local Dive Bars
While trendy restaurant bars and national chains may support digital payments or gift card redemptions, small dive bars or cash-only venues often don’t. Most cashback platforms—including Fluz—require digital payment compatibility. If a bar doesn’t accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, or gift cards from known chains, your chances of earning cashback drop significantly.
What Doesn’t Work: Overbuying Gift Cards in Advance
Buying large gift cards to “get ahead” on spending can backfire, especially when bar hopping. Not only are you locking funds into one location, but you may also run into minimum spend limits or unused balances. With Fluz, you can generate gift cards at the moment of purchase—no stockpiling required.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Bar Hopping Savings
- Check your cashback app before heading out to see which merchants are eligible.
- Use smaller gift card amounts to match your tab, avoiding unused leftovers.
- Save your receipts—some apps like Ibotta require them for alcohol rebates.
- Plan your route around venues where savings tools actually apply.
Final Call
Bar hopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With the right mix of cashback apps, smart payment choices, and pregame planning, you can enjoy the full experience with a little more left in your pocket. Just remember—strategic sipping pays off more than chasing deals that don’t deliver.
