Buying gift cards doesn’t just make for a thoughtful gift—it can also be one of the most practical ways to cut costs on your own dining expenses. Whether you’re planning a dinner date, picking up takeout, or grabbing lunch during the workweek, using discounted restaurant gift cards can shave dollars off every meal. The key is knowing when to buy and where to look.
Why Discounted Gift Cards Save You More Than Coupons
Unlike coupons, which often come with fine print, blackout dates, or minimum purchase requirements, gift cards function as direct cash equivalents. If you buy a $50 card for $42, you’ve already saved 16% before walking through the door—no promo code or extra steps needed.
Best Times to Buy Discounted Restaurant Gift Cards
- Major Holidays
Restaurant chains frequently run gift card bonus promotions during holidays. Around Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and especially in December, many brands offer bonus deals such as:
- Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus
- Get 20% off select gift card purchases
- Earn points or store credit with each card purchase
Examples include Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, and Applebee’s, which regularly offer seasonal gift card incentives. Check their official websites or newsletters for announcements.
- Restaurant Week or Seasonal Events
Local Restaurant Weeks often include discounted dining offers and occasionally tie-ins with discounted gift cards. While not always advertised up front, some restaurants will sell cards at reduced rates during these events to encourage return visits. - Back-to-School and Graduation Seasons
From late July through September, brands push value promotions targeting families and students. Keep an eye out for casual dining chains offering bonus gift card deals or bundling with student perks. - End of Fiscal Quarters
Some restaurants push sales incentives around the end of business quarters (March, June, September, and December). This is especially common in fast-casual chains aiming to hit sales benchmarks. - Cyber Monday and Gift Card Deal Days
Sites like Raise, Gift Card Granny, and CardCash offer limited-time deals on restaurant gift cards. Cyber Monday is a standout day for digital gift card sales, with some savings hitting 20% or more.
Where to Buy Discounted Restaurant Gift Cards
- Fluz (Instant Cashback & On-the-Spot Use)
Fluz offers instant cashback when you purchase digital restaurant gift cards, often usable within seconds. It works with many popular chains like:
The cashback applies immediately and can stack with loyalty rewards or store deals, making it one of the most efficient platforms for ongoing savings.
- Gift Card Marketplaces
Sites like Gift Card Spread also offer discounted restaurant gift cards, although availability and delivery times may vary. Be sure to check expiration dates and refund policies. - Warehouse Clubs
Costco and Sam’s Club regularly sell bulk gift card packs at a discount—such as $100 in cards for $80. These are typically physical cards, so they’re better for planning ahead rather than on-the-go dining. - Restaurant Websites Directly
Chains like Chili’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Texas Roadhouse sometimes sell gift cards directly at a discount, especially during peak holidays. Check their promotions pages or join their mailing lists for first access.
How to Maximize Gift Card Savings
- Stack with restaurant loyalty programs for additional rewards
- Use a cashback credit card when buying the gift card
- Monitor deal aggregation sites like Slickdeals for time-sensitive promos
- Set alerts for your favorite chains to be notified when deals drop
Final Thought
Discounted restaurant gift cards are one of the easiest, no-hassle ways to save on dining—whether you’re meal planning or just grabbing food between errands. Knowing when and where to shop for these cards can make dining out feel a lot more affordable, especially when you stack savings through platforms like Fluz and time your purchases around national deal events.
