OpenTable Rewards Swaps Paper Certificates for Gift Cards

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This month, OpenTable announced an update to its Dining Rewards Program. Starting on August 25, 2015, members will no longer be able to redeem points for paper dining cheques, but instead will be able to redeem for gift cards valid at participating restaurants.

Members were previously able to redeem these paper cheques at most OpenTable restaurants, but now you'll have to select a gift card for a specific restaurant before ordering. Additionally, in the future, you'll have the opportunity to exchange points for Amazon gift cards (though likely at a less favorable rate), which is helpful for members residing in areas without many restaurants selling gift cards.

Using the old method, cheques could take as long as four weeks to arrive, but the new system offers an instant digital delivery of the award, making redemptions a lot easier.

To redeem these rewards, you'll need to visit OpenTable's website and follow these steps. After receiving an email with the voucher, you'll be able select a restaurant of your choice. The paper cheques should still be accepted at participating OpenTable restaurants after the deadline, but you'll probably want to inquire with individual restaurants to confirm.