How Dining Credits Work
Dining credits come in several forms:
- 🍽️ **Restaurant Credits** - Statement credits for qualifying dining purchases
- 🚚 **Delivery Credits** - DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub credits
- 🥤 **Merchant-Specific** - Credits for specific chains (Shake Shack, Cheesecake Factory, etc.)
Activation & Usage
For Restaurant Credits:
- Use your card at qualifying restaurants
- Credit posts automatically within 1-2 billing cycles
- Check eligible merchant categories (usually MCC 5812 and 5814)
For Delivery Credits:
- Link card to delivery app (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.)
- Credits auto-apply at checkout
- Use before monthly expiration
For Merchant-Specific Credits:
- Enroll the benefit in your card account (if required)
- Make qualifying purchase at the specific merchant
- Credit posts within 8-10 weeks typically
Popular Credit Programs
DoorDash Credits (Chase, Amex):
- Monthly credit ($10-$15 typical)
- Includes DashPass subscription costs
- Can use for pickup orders too
- Must have DashPass membership
Grubhub Credits (Amex Gold):
- Part of the $10 monthly dining credit
- Combine with Grubhub+ membership
- Includes pickup orders
- No delivery fee with membership
Shake Shack Credit (Amex Gold):
- Monthly $10 credit
- In-store or app purchases
- Credit posts automatically
- Must enroll in Amex Offers
Maximizing Your Credits
💡 **Stack Multiple Credits:**
- Use dining credit + credit card rewards points
- Combine with restaurant loyalty programs
- Use delivery apps during promo periods
💡 **Monthly Credits Strategy:**
- Set phone reminders for month-end
- Use for groceries via delivery apps
- Gift food to friends/family if not needed
💡 **Plan Ahead:**
- Schedule date nights around credit reset dates
- Use for team lunches or group orders
- Consider takeout if dining out isn't convenient
Credit Expiration
⚠️ Most dining credits are use-it-or-lose-it:
- Monthly credits don't roll over
- Set calendar reminders
- Credits typically reset on the 1st or card anniversary
- Plan usage at the start of each month