Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining program: Earn points at local restaurants and bars
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
Earning points and miles on dining purchases can be lucrative. One way to earn more rewards on some dining purchases is by enrolling in and utilizing a dining reward program. Many loyalty programs offer dining rewards programs, but we'll discuss the Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining program in this guide.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining program is one of the easiest ways to earn Southwest points. Earning Southwest points at participating restaurants and bars may be appealing since some Southwest Rapid Rewards flight redemptions cost just a few thousand points. As such, it's relatively easy to accrue enough points to book a Southwest flight.
How to join Rapid Rewards Dining
Joining the Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining program is quick and easy. Sign up by providing your name, location, Rapid Rewards number and email address. You'll also need to create a password and confirm your account. Once you do so, log in and register one or more rewards credit cards. Then, the next time you dine at a participating restaurant or bar and pay using one of your registered cards, you'll earn Southwest points through the Rapid Rewards Dining program.
However, you can't register the same card with multiple programs since most dining rewards programs are in the same network. For example, let's say you register your Chase Sapphire Reserve with Rapid Rewards Dining and then add it to your Alaska Mileage Plan Dining profile. Your card will automatically be removed from your Rapid Rewards Dining account once you add it to another dining rewards program. As a result, you'll no longer earn points through Rapid Rewards Dining when you pay for dining at an eligible venue with that card.
How to earn points with Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining
With Rapid Rewards Dining, you will earn points every time you dine at a participating restaurant or bar and use a registered card to pay your bill. Here's a breakdown of how many points you can earn at participating restaurants and bars through Rapid Rewards Dining:
- If you opt in to receive email notifications: 3 Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent and an additional 10 points for each completed dining review
- If you opt out of email notifications: 1 point per every two dollars spent
In addition to points earned for every dollar spent, Rapid Rewards Dining members can often earn these bonuses:
- New Member Bonus: Earn 500 bonus points when you spend $25 at a participating restaurant or bar and complete an online review within the first 30 days of joining.
- First Step Bonus: Earn 500 bonus points after you earn 1,500 points from dining and completing reviews (one-time only).
- Thank You Bonus: Earn 300 bonus points each time you earn 1,000 points from dining and completing reviews.
Related: How to redeem your points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program
The best cards for Rapid Rewards Dining
When you dine at a participating restaurant or bar, you can earn rewards through a dining rewards program and the credit card you use to pay.
Since the restaurant itself is processing your charges, you should use a card that earns bonus points on dining. My favorite is the American Express® Gold Card, which earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). The Amex Gold also offers up to $10 in monthly credits valid at select restaurants (up to $120 in statement credits annually), including The Cheesecake Factory, GoldBelly, and Five Guys, once you enroll.
Other great card options for dining include the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which each earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining. Or, if you want to earn more Southwest points, you can enroll one or more Southwest credit cards in the Rapid Rewards Dining program and then use these cards to pay at participating restaurants and bars.
Related: The best credit cards for dining
Frequently asked questions
Do points earned through Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining count toward the Companion Pass?
Some points earned through the Rapid Rewards Dining program count toward earning the Southwest Companion Pass. In particular, base points earned from dining count, but bonus points don't.
How do I know which restaurants and bars participate?
To see which restaurants and bars participate in Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining, enter your zip code or city and state into the search bar on the Rapid Rewards Dining website.
Can you earn points on takeout?
You can earn points on takeout with Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining. Just provide your credit card number over the phone or pay in the store, and you'll earn points as if you're dining in. However, you won't earn points through Rapid Rewards Dining if you use a third-party booking platform or food delivery app.
Is there a limit on how many points I can earn with Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining?
Some restaurants impose a monthly limit on the number of points you can earn with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining program. Others restrict the days of the week when you can earn points.
Be sure to check the individual restaurant page on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining website beforehand if earning Southwest points through the dining rewards program factors into your dining decision.
Is Southwest's Rapid Rewards Dining program worth it?
Since joining the Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining program is free and you don't have to do anything beyond registering your credit card, it's worth doing. I signed up for various dining rewards programs — each with a different credit card — many years ago. To this day, I'll occasionally get an unexpected email notifying me I earned points dining out. It's a great way to earn points on autopilot.
Bottom line
Joining a dining rewards program is a great way to maximize a big spending category without much effort. Thanks to Southwest's low fares and the various bonuses offered to dining rewards program members, earning Southwest award flights is easier than with other airlines. Enroll now and start working toward your next award flight.
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.