Glossary of Marketing Terms
View GlossariesWhat are dining rewards?
Dining rewards are benefits that you can earn through certain credit cards or restaurant rewards programs. These rewards are typically earned when you make dining purchases at restaurants.
What are the types of dining rewards programs?
The types of dining rewards programs are
1. Credit card dining rewards
- Cash back: Certain credit cards offer cash back for spending at restaurants. For example, a card might give 2-5% cash back on dining purchases.
- Points/miles: Other cards allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar spent at restaurants. These points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits.
- Bonus categories: Some cards have rotating or fixed bonus categories where dining earns extra rewards compared to other spending categories.
2. Restaurant loyalty programs
- Points for visits/purchases: Many restaurants have their own loyalty programs where you earn points for every visit or dollar spent. Accumulated points can be redeemed for free meals, discounts, or other perks.
- Membership tiers: Some programs offer tiered membership levels, where higher spending can unlock additional benefits such as exclusive offers, priority reservations, or complimentary items.
3. Third-party dining rewards networks
- Online platforms: Programs like OpenTable or Yelp Reservations might offer rewards points for making reservations through their platforms. These points can often be redeemed for gift cards or discounts at participating restaurants.
- Dining networks: Programs like the American Airlines AAdvantage Dining or the Delta SkyMiles Dining program allow members to earn miles for dining at participating restaurants.
How to maximize dining rewards?
Here are some ways to maximize your dining rewards:
1. Credit card strategy:
- Choose the right card: Look for cards with high rewards rates for dining, especially if you eat out often. Some cards offer bonus points in specific spending categories like restaurants, which can be a big boost.
- Pair your card with rewards programs: Link your dining rewards credit card to restaurant loyalty programs whenever possible. This lets you earn double rewards – points from the credit card and points from the restaurant program.
- Consider annual fees: Some cards with high rewards rates have annual fees. Do the math to see if the rewards you'll earn outweigh the annual fee.
2. Dining program tactics:
- Enroll in restaurant programs: Sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite restaurants and any places you frequent. These programs often offer bonus points for signing up, trying new menu items, or visiting on certain days.
- Look for bonus point opportunities: Some programs offer extra points for completing surveys, writing reviews, or referring friends. Take advantage of these opportunities to rack up points faster.
- Pay attention to expiration dates: Make sure you use your rewards before they expire!
3. Stacking rewards:
- Combine credit card rewards with other offers: Look for restaurants that offer discounts or promotions alongside your credit card rewards and loyalty program points. You can stack these offers to maximize your savings.
- Use online ordering platforms strategically: Some online platforms offer additional points or cash back for ordering through their app. See if you can place your order through a platform that offers rewards without any additional fees.
4. General tips:
- Be mindful of spending: Don't overspend just to earn rewards. Only dine out when you would normally do so, and stick to your budget.
- Plan your meals: If you know you're going to be eating out, see if there are any restaurants offering special promotions or bonus points that you can take advantage of.
When do dining rewards expire?
Dining reward expiration policies vary depending on the program you're using. Here's a breakdown of how expiry typically works:
- Credit card rewards: Generally, points earned through credit cards don't expire as long as your account remains active. However, some cards may have inactivity fees that could potentially cause your points to be forfeited. Check your card's program terms and conditions for details.
- Restaurant loyalty programs: These programs often have expiration dates for rewards points. The expiry window can range anywhere from a few months to a year or even two years of inactivity. Some programs may even cancel your account entirely if there's no activity for an extended period.
- Third-party dining apps: Similar to restaurant programs, these apps may also have expiration dates for the rewards you earn. The expiry window can vary depending on the app, so be sure to consult their terms and conditions.
Here are some tips to avoid losing your hard-earned rewards:
- Track your rewards: Most programs allow you to check your balance and expiry details online or through their app. Keep an eye on them to avoid any surprises.
- Stay active: Make sure to dine at participating restaurants or use your credit card for restaurant purchases every once in a while, to reset any inactivity timers.
- Use it or lose it: If you know some rewards are nearing expiry, plan your spending accordingly to redeem them before they disappear.
What are the benefits of dining rewards?
Dining rewards programs offer a number of benefits for both you, the customer, and the restaurants themselves. Here's a breakdown of the advantages:
For you, the diner:
- Save money: Earning discounts, free meals, or cash back through rewards programs can significantly reduce your dining expenses.
- Increased value: Many programs offer additional perks beyond just discounts, like exclusive menu items, priority reservations, or special birthday treats.
- Personalized experience: Some programs tailor rewards to your preferences, encouraging you to try new dishes or visit during off-peak hours.
- Enhanced convenience: Many programs use mobile apps to streamline the rewards process, allowing you to track points, manage your account, and redeem rewards easily.
For the restaurants:
- Customer loyalty: Rewards programs incentivize repeat business, building a strong customer base and increasing revenue over time.
- Valuable customer data: Programs can track customer spending habits and preferences, allowing restaurants to tailor their offerings and promotions more effectively.
- Improved marketing: Rewards programs can be a powerful marketing tool to attract new customers and keep existing ones engaged.
- Positive brand image: Offering rewards demonstrates customer appreciation and can help build a positive brand reputation.
How can I redeem my dining rewards?
How you redeem your dining rewards depends on the specific program you're using. Here's a general guide to the redemption process for the most common reward types:
1. Credit card rewards:
- Typically, you won't redeem points directly at the restaurant. Instead, you'll log in to your credit card issuer's website or app and choose how to redeem your points. Options may include statement credits, travel vouchers, gift cards, or transferring points to a dining program partner.
2. Restaurant loyalty programs:
- Redemption options can vary depending on the program. Many allow you to redeem points for discounts on your bill, free meals, appetizers, or desserts. Some programs might offer merchandise or experiences.
- The redemption process often involves presenting your loyalty program card or app to your server when you pay your bill.
- You might also be able to redeem points online for takeout orders or gift certificates.
3. Third-party dining apps:
- Similar to restaurant programs, redemption options can vary by app. You might be able to redeem points for cash back, gift cards to restaurants or other retailers, or discounts on future meals.
- The redemption process typically happens within the app itself. You might have the option to transfer your points balance to your bank account or redeem them for a gift card code to use online or in-store.
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