If you’re looking to maximize your rewards on everyday purchases, it’s worth considering dining rewards programs. While many people are familiar with online shopping portals, fewer are aware of the benefits of dining rewards programs. In a nutshell, these programs allow you to earn extra points or miles when you use an enrolled card to pay at select restaurants, bars, and clubs.
While you can’t earn rewards from two dining rewards programs simultaneously, you may wonder if you can earn rewards from both a dining rewards program and a credit card. In this article, we’ll explore this common question and provide some insights.
Dining rewards programs are offered by many major airlines and hotel loyalty programs. These programs allow you to earn points or miles when you dine at participating restaurants, bars, and clubs using an enrolled card. Some popular dining rewards programs include Delta SkyMiles Dining, Marriott Eat Around Town, and many more.
If you haven’t already joined a dining rewards program, it’s worth considering enrolling when a program offers a new member bonus. This way, you can earn extra points or miles as you start using the program.
When you join a dining rewards program, you’ll need to link at least one credit or debit card to the program. Once linked, you’ll automatically earn points or miles through the dining rewards program when you make eligible purchases at participating establishments. The exact earning rate will vary depending on the program, but you’ll usually earn more rewards if you opt-in for emails from the dining rewards program and frequently dine at participating restaurants.
It’s important to note that Rewards Network operates most dining rewards programs and only allows you to link each credit card to one dining rewards program. This means you’ll have to choose one dining rewards program and enroll your favorite credit card with that program. Alternatively, you can register different cards with different dining rewards programs. For example, you could enroll your American Express Gold Card in Delta SkyMiles Dining and your Chase Sapphire Preferred Card in Marriott Eat Around Town.
Now, let’s address the question of whether you can earn rewards from both a dining rewards program and a credit card. The answer is yes! By enrolling your American Express Gold Card in Delta SkyMiles Dining, opting in to email communications from SkyMiles Dining, and using your Amex Gold card at a participating restaurant, you can earn:
– 3 Delta miles per dollar spent from SkyMiles Dining (or 5 miles per dollar spent if you have VIP status with SkyMiles Dining)
– 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent from your card, as the Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on takeout and delivery in the U.S.
This strategy allows you to “double dip” and increase your earning rate, ultimately earning more rewards without spending more money.
In conclusion, stacking a dining rewards program with a credit card bonus category is an excellent way to maximize your rewards. By signing up for a dining program of your choice and linking your preferred credit card(s), you can watch your loyalty program balance grow. So, go ahead and start earning more rewards on your everyday dining expenses.