Earn JetBlue points at your favorite local restaurants with TrueBlue Dining

Editor’s note: We've updated this post with new information.

Earning points when going out to eat is an easy way to work toward your next award redemption. Fortunately, there are many ways to earn bonus rewards when dining out. For example, you can check your Amex Offers and use one of the best cards for dining purchases. But you may also want to enroll in a dining rewards program like JetBlue’s TrueBlue Dining.

Many major airlines and hotels offer a dining rewards program. But if you want to earn TrueBlue points, you should consider JetBlue’s TrueBlue Dining program. With this program, you can earn up to 3 points per dollar spent at participating TrueBlue Dining restaurants.

You likely spend thousands of dollars a year on dining. So you’re probably missing out on rewards if you haven't linked the credit cards you frequently use at restaurants to a dining rewards program. With thousands of restaurants to choose from, it shouldn’t be hard to find a nearby option that participates in the JetBlue TrueBlue Dining program and fits your tastes.

How to join

Joining the TrueBlue Dining program is relatively easy. You’ll need to sign up by providing your name, address, TrueBlue number and email, and creating a password. You’ll then need to link a credit or debit card — you won’t be able to confirm your account without doing so.

After confirming your account, you can log in and register more cards. Then, the next time you dine out at a participating restaurant and use a registered card to pay your bill, you’ll earn bonus points through the program. Remember to use your account periodically, as your membership will expire after 36 consecutive months of no dining activity.

Although the program isn't currently offering a new member bonus, it has in the past. It may be worthwhile to wait for a new member bonus, typically around 500 points, before enrolling in True Blue Dining.

If you currently have cards enrolled in other dining rewards programs, take note of the following: Most dining rewards programs are part of Rewards Network, so you can’t register the same card with multiple programs. For instance, I registered my Chase Sapphire Reserve® with TrueBlue Dining. However, I’d forgotten that I’d previously linked this card to my Marriott Eat Around Town dining rewards account. I was surprised when I instantly received an email noting the card had been removed from my Eat Around Town account.

If you have multiple rewards cards, consider registering each one in a dining rewards program. You could register each card to the same program or each to a different program. By doing so, you won’t miss out on bonus points when dining at participating restaurants.

Related: Expert stacking: How I earned $80 in cash back and rewards from one dinner

How to earn points with JetBlue TrueBlue Dining

You can use the TrueBlue Dining site to search for participating restaurants in your area.

You can earn 3 TrueBlue points per dollar spent at participating restaurants if you opt in to receive email communications from TrueBlue Dining. If you don't opt in for emails, you'll earn only 1 TrueBlue point per dollar spent at participating restaurants.

Points will appear in your TrueBlue Dining account within five days of an eligible transaction. However, you can’t use the points until they appear in your JetBlue TrueBlue account, typically occurring one to two weeks after you dine.

Related: How to earn points in the JetBlue TrueBlue program

Is JetBlue’s dining program worth it?

It's disappointing that the TrueBlue Dining program doesn't currently offer a new member bonus. So, I recommend signing up for a different program that does offer a new member bonus if you're looking to enroll in a new dining rewards program. However, it might be worth enrolling even without a new member bonus if you're focused on earning more JetBlue points.

I’ve signed up for several dining programs over the last few years. Since joining is free and you don’t have to do anything beyond registering your credit card, it’s worth joining at least one dining rewards program to earn extra points or miles. It’s a great way to earn points without even thinking about it. However, you may want to consider other dining rewards programs, such as American Airlines AAdvantage Dining, Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining or Delta SkyMiles Dining, if you don’t need more JetBlue points.

Related: 10 ways you could be earning airline miles other than credit cards

Which cards to use with TrueBlue Dining

If you’re spending a lot on dining, you should use a credit card that earns bonus points on these purchases. Here are some of the best credit cards to use when dining out:

• American Express® Gold Card: 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: 6 points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.

Of course, these cards are also excellent choices when dining at restaurants that don’t participate in the JetBlue TrueBlue Dining program. But if you enjoy earning JetBlue points, enrolling one or more of these cards in the JetBlue TrueBlue Dining program may be a good idea.

Related: Can I earn miles with a dining portal and credit card at the same time?

Bottom line

Joining a dining rewards program and eating at participating restaurants is a great way to maximize a significant spending category without much effort. The JetBlue TrueBlue Dining program is worth considering, especially if you fly the airline often. After all, thanks to frequent promotions and cheap award fares, it shouldn’t be difficult to rack up enough TrueBlue points for your next redemption.

Additional reporting by Ehsan Haque.