Since all it takes is registering a credit card, it makes sense to sign up for the Rewards Network dining rewards program. The only question is which partner to sign up with.
| Program | Member | Online Member | VIP Member | Notes / Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Mileage Plan | 0.5 miles | 3 miles | 5 miles | info 12 dines to VIP status Good value |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 1 miles | 3 miles | 5 miles | info 12 dines to VIP status Good value |
| Delta SkyMiles | 0.5 miles | 3 miles | 5 miles | info 12 dines to VIP status Good value |
| jetBlue TrueBlue | 1 point Mosaic: 2 points |
info jetBlue Mosaic status is unrelated to the number of dines Not worth it |
||
| Southwest RapidRewards | .5 points | 3 points | info Good value if you don’t dine out often (< 12 times / year) and fly Southwest |
|
| FREE SPIRIT | 0.5 miles | 3 miles | 5 miles | info 12 dines to VIP status Good value |
| United MileagePlus | 0.5 miles | 3 miles | 5 miles | info 12 dines to VIP status Good value |
| Hilton Honors | 2 points | 5 points | 8 points | info 11 dines to VIP status Good value |
| IHG Rewards Club | 1 point | 5 points | 8 points | info 12 dines to Elite/VIP status Good value |
| iDine | 5% | 10% | info earn 10% after spending $750 Best value if you spend > $750 / year |
|
| eScript | 5% | Good value | ||
| Shell Fuel Rewards | 10 cents / gallon / $50 | Not worth it | ||
| Orbitz Rewards | 5% | info Good value |
||
| Club O | 5% | info Good value |
||
| Sears Shop Your Way | 7% | Good value | ||
| Caesars Total Rewards | 1 credit 2 credits |
info Requires Total Rewards Visa to earn 2 credits Not worth it |
||
| U Promise | up to 5% | no details for earning rates available Good value |
All programs do not use the Member, Online Member, or VIP Member statuses; however these are the most common terms and the earnings are placed in the closest category.
Which program works best for you depends on which loyalty programs you belong to and how much you value the various rewards currencies. If you’re not a frequent traveler, at least signing up for the iDine program makes sense.