Rewards Network: Free and Easy Rewards for Dining

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This afternoon I ate dinner at a burger shop in town, and after charging the dinner to my Visa card, I earned about 100 American Airlines AAdvantage Miles — 3 miles per a dollar — simply for dining at this specific restaurant. What’s the deal?

Introducing The Rewards Network

The Rewards Network (formerly known as iDine) is a program that offers cash back or frequent flyer miles for each dollar spent at participating restaurants across the United States. How does it work? After choosing an iDine program (see below) and setting up an account, you need to register at least one credit or debit card (several can be registered, though). Then, every time you use that debit or credit card at a participating Rewards Network merchant, you are automatically credited for the dine, without ever having to do anything.

Dinner Bill
Photo by Simon Davison

The best part about the program is that you can set it up and largely forget about it — you do not need to actively do anything when dining out except for using your registered credit or debit card. Obviously, to truly build rewards you need to actively go to restaurants that are in the network; however, I occasionally accidentally end up visiting a Rewards Network merchant, and since my default credit card is registered, I sometimes get surprised with rewards.

Most importantly, the program is free! No charges are ever made to your credit card — the only reason you need to register your credit card is so that they can automatically recognize your card when it is used at a participating restaurant.

Finally, there is no need to awkwardly mention the discount to the restaurant — everything is done independently and automatically when you use the credit or debit card.

List of Rewards Network Sites

Almost all of the major airlines offer a branded Rewards Network that offers frequent flyer miles. There is also a Rewards Network program for UPromise, and a standard cash-back program.

Earn Cash Back

  • Standard Rewards Network Program - http://www.rewardsnetwork.com/ (From their page: “We’ll retain the first $49 in savings you earn per year. After that, additional Cashback Rewards are automatically credited to the card you used a couple days after you dine. “)
  • UPromise Dining Rewards - http://rn.upromise.com/

Earn Frequent-Flyer Miles

Some Rewards Network Tips

Blue Bar
Photo by markhillary
  • In order to receive benefits, you have to use a credit card that has been previously registered. You can’t register after the fact!
  • Unfortunately, restaurants tend to enter and leave the Rewards Network frequently, so check carefully before visiting a restaurant to earn rewards.
  • Keep an eye out for bonus promotions that Rewards Network often runs — these can make dining even more lucrative.
  • If you dine frequently, you can eventually reach elite status in the Rewards Network program, which offers greater rewards each time you dine.
  • Pay careful attention to the details on the Rewards Network directory — some restaurants only offer rewards on certain days or for certain types of credit cards.

You won’t get rich using the Rewards Network program, but given that there really is no harm in signing up, you might find yourself slowly earning some useful rewards. What do you have to lose? You might be surprised which restaurants in your area participate — in my home town, there are very few, but around my school there are quite a few restaurants that we occasionally go to.

May 17, 2008 | Filed Under Easy Money, Everyday Strategies | 1 Comment