Over the past several years there have been some significant improvements in consumer credit cards. Specifically, credit card issuers now provide consumers with very generous bonus point earning categories that far exceed what was offered just a few years ago. One of those categories where credit card issuers really reward card holders is dining out.
Several years ago, only the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offered 3X points on dining out. All other cards only offered 1X or 2X at best. Now however, there are a few cards that offer 4X and even 5X rewards points on dining. With those advances in credit card rewards, a lot of consumers (rightfully so) have signed up for new cards.
What that however, I suspect many of us (myself included) have forgotten to add these new cards to a Rewards Network dining program. That’s a shame because by forgetting that simple step you could be missing out on a ton of free miles and points.
What Is A Rewards Network Dining Rewards Program?
Rewards Network the largest promotional program for the restaurant industry, according to their website. Now, that doesn’t really tell you much, but essentially it’s a dining rewards program. What’s unique is that Rewards Network links to other Hotel or Airlines loyalty programs to provide members additional points when dining at participating restaurants.
So, for example, American Airlines AAdvantage Dining is a Rewards Network program. When I make a purchase at a participating restaurant I receive AAdvantage miles in addition to the points I earn with my credit card. As you dine at participating restaurants more often you receive even more miles or points.
Rewards Network currently has partnerships with several different hotel, airline, and other loyalty programs. Until writing this post, I had no idea that you could earn Uber Cash when dining out!
How To Setup Your Rewards Network Dining Rewards Profile
When signing up for a dining rewards program you must first decide where you want to credit your points or miles for dining out. Next, search for your preferred loyalty program dining rewards program and you should find a link to the program that suits you.
For the purpose of this post, I’m going to assume that I’ve signed up for American Airlines AAdvantage dining (I have). To begin, I’ll start by searching for American Airlines AAdvantage Dining program. When I reach the AAdvantage dining home page I should see a button to join. To join, you must register with a valid email address and also provide your loyalty program account number.
Once you register, you must then link credit cards to your account. You can do this by going to “manage account” and “manage cards.” To add a card, simply type your credit card account number in and check to box to accept the terms and conditions of the program. Once linked, you should receive miles or points for any purchases at participating establishments.
The only think to remember here is that you can’t double dip among programs. So, linking your card to your United account will remove it from your American account. You can only earn Rewards Network dining points with one program at a time. It sure would be nice if you could earn points with several programs at once!
What Is The Benefit Of Joining A Dining Rewards Program?
As you dine more often with participating Rewards Network establishments you’ll earn even more points. For example, in the AAdvantage Dining Program, you can earn up to 5X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent when you reach “VIP Status.” Even better, reaching VIP isn’t all that hard. To reach VIP status you only need to dine out at 11 participating establishments in a calendar year to reach VIP status.
Keep in mind, once you reach VIP, you’ll earn 5X miles in addition to any points/miles you earn from the credit card you pay with. So, if you are using the Citi Prestige card to pay, you’ll earn 5X Citi ThankYou points and 5X AAdvantage miles per dollar spent. That’s essentially at 10% return on every dollar spent at participating restaurants. Since I value both currencies at $0.015/each, the return is closer to 15%! Imagine getting 15% off every restaurant and bar bill, it’s a pretty great deal.
The thing I love most about the (insert your dining program of choice here) is that you can manage it actively or passively. For example, I rarely seek out participating restaurants. Instead, I end up surprised when I receive an email letting me know that I earned 60 points for spending $12 for lunch at a random spot in town. Even better is waking up to that email after you close out your bar tab at a participating watering hole.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been using the Citi Prestige card for about a month know and I’m kicking myself for only now just adding my card to the AAdvantage Dining program. I’ve swiped my Prestige card a few different places that I know participate, but that I haven’t received extra miles from because I didn’t add my card to my account. So, if you’ve recently opened up a credit card (even if you don’t plan on using it much) remember to add it to a dining rewards program.
Likewise, if you receive a replacement card with a different card number, make sure to go into your dining rewards account and update your account information. If you don’t, you could miss out on a few extra thousand miles a year!
