by Christina & Vincent
InKind App Review: How I Get 20% Cash Back at Restaurants
InKind app tested at 3 Phoenix spots: 20% cash back vs. 4% on a credit card, $42 vs. $8 on a $211 spend. Plus the Costco gift card hack.
Watch on YouTube→I just got back from dinner and earned 20% cash back on my entire bill. Not 3-4% like a good dining credit card. 20%. Here is how, and whether it is actually worth using.
This is not sponsored. I genuinely use this app to fund my food adventures.
I wanted to test the "friction factor": is it awkward to use? Do servers know how to handle it? Does it feel like handing over a Groupon? I took it to three spots around Phoenix to find out.
Test 1: Takeout at Thai Chili 2 Go
After a long day, I placed a pickup order for Massaman Curry. When I arrived, I asked for the check number. The cashier handed me a slip: "Check 26." I typed it into the InKind app, paid on my phone, and walked out. Completely seamless. Zero awkwardness.
Test 2: Date Night at The Filthy Animal
Takeout is one thing, but what about a proper sit-down dinner? I used the map and filter inside the app to find something highly rated and landed on The Filthy Animal. We ordered appetizers and entrees. Total came to $145. At the end, I asked our server for the check number, entered it into the app, and paid. She confirmed it went through instantly. No confusion, no weird looks.
Test 3: Drop Dead Gorgeous (Speakeasy)
I found out through the app that The Filthy Animal has a hidden speakeasy inside called Drop Dead Gorgeous. We went in, had some good craft drinks, and closed out the tab through InKind the same way. Smooth every time.
The Math
Total spend across all three stops: $211 (excluding tips).
| Method | Cash back |
|---|---|
| Best dining credit card (4%) | ~$8 |
| InKind app (20%) | $42 |
Turning $8 into $42 just by using a different app on your phone is a meaningful difference.
One caveat: InKind does not always offer 20% at every restaurant. Sometimes it is only for your first visit to a new spot. If you dine out frequently, the InKind Pass ($10/month or $100/year) locks in 20% cash back every time.
Two Pro-Tips for Stacking Your Savings
1. The Costco gift card hack: Costco regularly sells $100 InKind gift cards for $74.99, which is a 25% discount before you even open the app. Occasionally it drops to $64.99. Load the discounted gift card into the app and still earn your cash back on top. It compounds.
2. Referral link: Sign up with my link and get $25 in dining credit instantly:
Watch the full video
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