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Marriott's Eat Around Town dining program: Earn 500 Marriott points every time you dine in June

June 13, 2024
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8 min read
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If you’re going to dine out, you might as well earn lots of points and miles. Using one of the best credit cards for dining is a good start, along with joining restaurant loyalty programs. But you can earn even more points and miles by enrolling in a dining rewards program and then dining at participating restaurants, clubs and bars.

This month, the Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy program is a particularly compelling option because all members will 500 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points every time they spend at least $75 on dining in June, and there's a new-member bonus if you haven't joined yet. Here’s what you need to know about Marriott’s Eat Around Town program.

Related: The best Marriott hotels in the world

How to join Marriott’s Eat Around Town dining rewards program

The Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy program is free to join. Go to the Eat Around Town website, where you'll find a new-member bonus. For example, if you enroll and link an eligible credit or debit card to your account by Dec. 31, you can earn up to 6,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points during your first 60 days in addition to the points you’d normally earn.

Marriott dining new member bonus
MARRIOTT.COM

To join Eat Around Town, click “Join Now” and sign in to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Once you sign in, Marriott will prefill your email address and ZIP code in a form. Check the terms and conditions box and click “Join Eat Around Town” to move to the next step.

Next, you must link at least one credit or debit card to your account. Ideally, it should be a card that earns bonus points on dining. Use this card when dining at participating restaurants, bars and clubs to earn extra Marriott Bonvoy points through Eat Around Town. If you use a debit card, you must request that it be processed as credit. That way, the transaction qualifies for earning points with Eat Around Town.

Related: The best Marriott beach hotels in the United States

How to earn points with Marriott’s Eat Around Town dining rewards program

Members earn points with the Eat Around Town dining rewards program when using an enrolled card at eligible restaurants, bars and clubs. Register a credit card (preferably one that earns bonus points on dining) and use it at a participating restaurant. You can search for eligible locations on the Eat Around Town website.

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Marriott Eat Around Town
MARRIOTT.COM

How many points you earn through Eat Around Town typically depends on your Marriott Bonvoy elite status:

  • 4 points per dollar spent for Marriott Bonvoy members without elite status
  • 6 points per dollar spent for Marriott Bonvoy elite members

But Marriott frequently offers promotions that may allow you to earn more points when you dine. For example, throughout June, all members will earn 500 bonus points every time they spend at least $75 with an eligible card enrolled in the program.

Marriott dining bonus in June

MARRIOTT.COM

You should allow one to two weeks after dining for points to appear in your Marriott Bonvoy account. And bonus points from promotions can take even longer to reach your Marriott Bonvoy account. So, while the Eat Around Town program is an easy way to earn Marriott points, it isn’t a quick way to top off your Marriott Bonvoy account for an upcoming redemption.

Related: Can I earn points and miles from 2 dining rewards programs at the same time?

Cards to use with Marriott's Eat Around Town dining rewards program

Scene at a table with a couple enjoying lunch at a vegan cafe
YAGI STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES

You can enroll almost any credit or debit card in the Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy program. However, you’ll want to enroll one or more of your best credit cards for dining to maximize your earnings. Here are some cards to consider:

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

To earn even more Marriott Bonvoy points, you may want to enroll a Marriott Bonvoy credit card in the program. You’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points from your credit card and the Eat Around Town program if you do so. Specifically, you may want to consider the following Marriott cards:

  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 4 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 4 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on up to $15,000 in combined purchases each calendar year at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (then 2 points per dollar spent).
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 in combined purchases each calendar year on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.

Of course, the rates listed above are what you’d earn from spending on your credit card. You’d also earn Marriott points from the Eat Around Town program when you dine at participating locations.

Related: How to redeem points with the Marriott Bonvoy program

Is Marriott’s Eat Around Town dining rewards program worth it?

Man using a laptop and smart phone while holding a credit card
MSTUDIOIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Even if you live in an area with few participating restaurants, it’s usually worth enrolling in a dining rewards program. After all, registering doesn’t take long, and you may periodically pick up some bonus points.

However, you can only enroll each card in one Rewards Network-operated dining rewards program at a time. So, the more critical question is whether Marriott’s Eat Around Town dining rewards program is best for you.

After all, many other loyalty programs have dining rewards programs. And some of these programs may give you a more significant return on your spending. Here are some of the other popular dining rewards programs:

Marriott’s Eat Around Town program differs from most other dining rewards programs in one crucial way: Most programs base your earning rate on how often you dine with the program and whether you’ve opted in to receive emails. But Eat Around Town usually bases your earning rate on your Marriott Bonvoy elite status. So, if you have elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s Eat Around Town program may be your best option.

Related: The best Marriott all-inclusive resorts for a perfect vacation

Bottom line

You can already earn plenty of rewards when dining out with the best credit cards for dining. However, you should also enroll your credit cards in a dining rewards program to maximize your earnings.

Since you can only enroll each card in one Rewards Network dining rewards program, it’s essential to determine which dining rewards program is best for you. Marriott’s Eat Around Town program is particularly appealing for Marriott members with Bonvoy elite status, as these members earn at the highest rate regardless of how frequently they use the program.

Featured image by D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site

Rewards

1 - 4X points

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

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.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.