IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn: Snag extra points with this dining rewards program
Editor's Note
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
If you use one of the best credit cards for dining when you eat out, you already earn ample rewards at restaurants. But if you want to collect a few extra points or miles on your meals, you may also want to enroll in a dining rewards program.
Many airline and hotel loyalty programs have associated dining rewards programs, including Hilton Honors Dining, American Airlines AAdvantage Dining and Marriott Bonvoy Eat Around Town. But in this guide, we'll consider the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program.
IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn overview
The IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program allows you to earn IHG points on every dollar you spend at select restaurants and bars. These points are on top of the rewards you'd normally earn through your credit card or the restaurant's rewards program.
To get started, enroll in the program and add at least one card to your account. Then, you can search for restaurants and bars participating in the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program. When you dine and pay at these venues with a registered card, you'll earn extra IHG points.
Related: How to redeem points with the IHG One Rewards program
How to join
You can sign up online to join the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program. However, before doing so, it's worth checking whether a new member bonus is available.
As of publishing, new IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn members without a dining profile could earn 1,000 IHG points when they join the program. To earn the bonus points, new members must spend $30 or more at a participating restaurant or bar in their first 30 days with their enrolled credit or debit card, remain opted-in for emails and complete an online review within 30 days of their visit. Based on TPG's valuations, 1,000 IHG points are worth $5.
You must provide some information to join the program. First, enter your first name, last name, zip code, email address and IHG One Rewards number. You'll want to opt in for email notifications, as doing so unlocks the new member bonus and a higher earning rate.
On the subsequent pages, you'll need to enter more information, including at least one credit or debit card you'd like to link to the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program.
Related: Can I earn points and miles from 2 dining rewards programs at the same time?
How to use IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn
Even before you join the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program, you can search for participating restaurants and bars. To do so, go to this page and allow the site to use your location or type in your location.
It is worth noting that some restaurants may not offer rewards every day of the week. In the example below, El Atlacatl Salvadorean Rest Calle Ocho does not provide benefits on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can use a more advanced search to filter and sort based on certain criteria, including price, dining options and meal service. You can also use the advanced search to find eligible restaurants near a particular address or only see restaurants offering benefits on the current day of the week.
Once you find a restaurant or bar you want to try, use an enrolled card to pay for your meal or drinks. When you do so at an eligible restaurant, you'll earn bonus IHG One Rewards points on the amount paid.
IHG One Rewards points normally expire after 12 months if there's no account activity and you don't maintain IHG One Rewards elite status. However, you can create account activity by dining with an enrolled card at an eligible restaurant. So, using the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program can be a useful way to ensure your points don't expire.
Related: How to maximize redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program
Earning rates
Your earning rate through the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program will depend on whether you have elite status in the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program and whether you opt in for email notifications. Here are the associated status levels and earning rates:
| Member level | How to reach this level | Earning rate |
|---|---|---|
VIP member | Opt in for emails and complete 11 qualified transactions in a calendar year | 8 points per dollar spent |
Select member | Opt in for emails | 5 points per dollar spent |
Basic member | Join the program but opt out of emails | 1 point per dollar spent |
Once you earn VIP status, you'll keep it for the year you earn it and the following year.
As you can see, earning and then maintaining VIP member status with the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program will allow you to maximize your earning opportunities. Plus, since the earnings through this program are on top of any rewards you earn from your credit card or the restaurant's loyalty program, the return you earn from the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program is just the beginning.
Which cards to use with IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn
You'll want to use one or more of the best dining credit cards when you set up your IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn profile. Here are some cards to consider:
- American Express® Gold Card: 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: 3% cash back spent on dining
You can enroll almost any credit or debit card in the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program. If you want to quickly earn IHG points for an upcoming redemption, you might enroll an IHG One Rewards credit card. If you enroll an IHG card and use it at an eligible restaurant, you'll earn IHG points from spending on your card plus 1 to 8 points per dollar spent from the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program.
You can only enroll each debit or credit card in one Rewards Network-operated dining rewards program. So, if you plan on using multiple dining rewards programs, you'll need to use a different card for each.
Other dining opportunities for earning IHG points
You can also earn IHG points through IHG's partnership with OpenTable. Specifically, you can earn up to 500 IHG points when making an OpenTable reservation after clicking through from IHG's partner offers page.
Bottom line
Many hotel and airline loyalty programs offer the ability to earn bonus points or miles through their own Rewards Network-operated dining rewards program. Each of these programs offers distinct promotions and slightly different earning structures.
So, before going all-in on the IHG One Rewards Dine and Earn program, it's worth considering whether it's the best Rewards Network-operated dining rewards program for you. This is especially true since most dining rewards programs offer higher earning rates and bonuses for consumers who frequently use the program.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.