Restaurant Gift Card Deals & Bonus Offers for 2026

Best Restaurant Bonus Gift Card Offers for Summer Dining & Back-to-School

Important: Updated 7/2/2026. Summer dining bonus cards are active now. Expired spring promos removed. New Costco and Sam’s Club warehouse deals added. Always verify terms on the merchant page before purchase.

One of my favorite frugal tricks for dining out is stocking up on gift cards that either came with a bonus or were bought at a discount. Our family grabs a few for our favorite spots, and when you stack those with current dining deals and kids eat free nights, the meal sometimes costs the same as — or less than — eating at home. And no dishes for mom! 😄

Gift cards are one of my favorite easy gifts — and summer is actually a great time to stock up. Many of the bonus cards from spring graduation and Father’s Day promotions are still valid right now, and a few new summer deals have popped up too. Below you’ll find every currently active restaurant gift card deal, plus where to buy discounted gift cards year-round so you never pay full price.

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Best Gift Card Deals Right Now

It’s July — which means most of the spring bonus card promos have ended, but the bonus cards themselves are still valid and spendable right now. If you bought any of these during the spring, now is the time to use them before they expire. And a few new summer offers are live too.

• Applebee’s: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card is valid through 8/2/26. Use it now!
• Chili’s: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card is valid through 7/24/26. Use it before it expires!
• Dave & Buster’s: Still active! Buy $50 in gift cards, get a $10 Bonus Card. Promo runs through 8/2/26.
• Main Event: Still active! Buy $50 in gift cards, get a $10 Bonus Card. Promo runs through 8/2/26.
• QDOBA: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card is now redeemable — valid 7/1–8/31/26.
• Red Robin: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Buck Reward is valid through 8/9/26. Use it soon!
• Subway: Spring promo ended, but the free 6-inch sub bonus is valid through 7/31/26.
• P.F. Chang’s: Bonus card valid through 9/1/26 — still a great summer dining option.

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How Bonus Gift Card Promos Work

You purchase a gift card, and the restaurant gives you a bonus card, reward card, coupon, promo card, or discount code to use on a future visit. It’s essentially a built-in discount — buy now, save later.

Most bonus cards are promotional, which means they may be single-use, may not carry a leftover balance, and may exclude taxes, gratuity, alcohol, delivery, catering, or gift card purchases. Always read the terms before you buy.

Spring and early summer promos are typically tied to graduation, teacher appreciation, and Father’s Day. Many of those purchase windows have now closed — but the bonus cards earned during those promos are still valid through July and August. The next big wave of bonus gift card promotions returns in November and December for the holidays.

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🎉 Restaurants & Casual Dining — Active Bonus Gift Cards (A–Z)

• Applebee’s: Spring promo has ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned with a $50 gift card purchase is still valid through 8/2/26. Bonus may not be redeemed on the day of issuance.
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card (on $50 purchase) or $20 Bonus Card (on $100 purchase) is valid through 8/31/26.
• Benihana: Spring promo ended, but the $20 Promotional Card (on $50 purchase) is valid through 8/31/26.
• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned with a $50 gift card is valid through 7/13/26. Use it soon!
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Spring promo ended, but the $10 bonus coupon earned on $50+ is valid through 7/31/26.
• Chili’s: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned with a $50 gift card purchase is valid through 7/24/26. Use it before it expires!
• Granite City Food & Brewery: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on $50+ is valid through 7/26/26, with possible exclusions.
• Green Mill: Spring promo ended, but the $25 Bonus Card earned on $100+ is valid through 8/31/26.
• IHOP: Spring promo ended, but the $5 Bonus Card earned with a $25 gift card is valid through 8/28/26.
• McAlister’s Deli: Spring promo ended, but the $5 Reward Card earned on $25+ is valid through 7/31/26.
• P.F. Chang’s: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on a $50 purchase is valid through 9/1/26. Still plenty of time to use it!
• Red Lobster: Spring promo ended, but the $5 off bonus coupon (earned per $25 purchased) is now redeemable — valid 7/1–8/30/26.
• Red Robin: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Buck Reward earned on a $50 gift card is valid through 8/9/26.
• Ruby Tuesday: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on a $50 purchase is valid through 8/23/26.
• Snooze A.M. Eatery: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on a $50 online purchase is valid through 8/16/26.
• Village Inn: Spring promo ended, but the $5 Bonus Card earned on a $25 purchase is valid through 7/27/26, with possible holiday exclusions.

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🥩 Steakhouses & Upscale Dining — Active Bonus Gift Cards (A–Z)

• Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings: Spring promo ended, but the $25 Bonus Card earned on $100+ is valid through 8/30/26.
• Bonefish Grill: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on $50+ is valid through 8/23/26.
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Spring promo ended, but bonus cards are still valid. The first $10 Bonus Card is valid through 8/23/26; the second $10 Bonus Card is valid 8/24–10/25/26.
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse: Spring promo ended, but the $20 E-Bonus Card earned on $100+ is valid through 8/23/26. Valid at participating Fleming’s locations only.
• Fogo de Chão: Spring promo ended, but the $50 Bonus eCard earned on $200+ is valid through 8/31/26.
• Outback Steakhouse: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on $50+ is valid through 8/23/26. Valid at any Bloomin’ Brands restaurant in the United States.
• STK Steakhouse: Buy $50 in gift cards and get $10 in bonus cards, or spend $200 and get $60 in bonus cards. Confirm current dates and redemption rules before purchase.

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🍕 Fast Casual, QSR, Pizza & Coffee — Active Bonus Gift Cards (A–Z)

• Barberitos: Spring promo ended, but the $5 reward earned on $25+ is now redeemable — valid 7/1–7/31/26. Use it this month!
• Dairy Queen: Spring promo ended, but the $5 eBonus Card earned on a $25 purchase is valid through 7/18/26. Use it soon!
• Dunkin’: Spring promo ended, but the $5 eBonus Card earned on a $25 eGift card is valid through 7/31/26.
• Flower Child: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Digital Promo Card earned on a $50 online purchase is valid through 7/31/26.
• Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh: Spring promo ended, but the $5 Bonus Card earned on a $25 purchase is now redeemable — valid 7/1–7/31/26. Use it this month!
• MOD Pizza: Spring promo ended, but the bounceback card (free MOD-size pizza or salad and a fountain drink) earned on a $30 gift card is valid through 7/31/26.
• Panda Express: Spring promo ended, but the $8 Bonus Card earned on $30+ is valid through 7/31/26.
• QDOBA: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Bonus Card earned on a $50 purchase is now redeemable — valid 7/1–8/31/26.
• Rubio’s Coastal Grill: The $5 Bonus Card earned per $25 in gift cards is valid through 7/20/26.
• Schlotzsky’s: The $5 reward earned on $25 in online gift cards must be unlocked before 7/31/26. A Schlotzsky’s Rewards account is required.
• Smashburger: Spring promo ended, but the $10 Smash Cash earned on a $25 in-store purchase is valid through 7/22/26.
• Subway: Spring promo ended, but the free 6-inch sub earned with a $25 gift card is valid through 7/31/26.
• Tender Greens: Buy $50 in eGift cards and get a $10 eGift card. Confirm current dates and redemption rules before purchase.
• Tocaya: Spend $50 on eGift cards and get a $10 eGift card. Confirm current dates and redemption rules before purchase.
• Scooter’s Coffee: Earn a $5 bonus reward when you purchase $25 in gift cards. Available in-store and in-app where offered. Confirm current availability.

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🍦 Desserts & Treats — Active Bonus Gift Cards (A–Z)

• Carvel: Receive a $5 bonus reward with a $25 gift card purchase. Confirm current dates and redemption rules before purchase.
• Cinnabon: Receive a $10 bonus reward with a $25 gift card purchase. Confirm current dates and redemption rules before purchase.
• Cold Stone Creamery: Buy $25 in gift cards and get a $5 bonus eCard. Confirm current availability — offer was valid online through 6/30/26 while supplies lasted.

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🎟️ Entertainment & Experiences — Active Bonus Gift Cards (A–Z)

• Dave & Buster’s: Buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 Bonus Card. Still active — promo runs through 8/2/26. A great summer gift for families who love games.
• Main Event: Buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 Bonus Card. Still active — promo runs through 8/2/26.

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💳 Warehouse Club Discounted Gift Cards — Costco & Sam’s Club

These are not “buy a gift card, get a bonus” offers — they’re discounted gift cards sold below face value, which can be an even better deal because you save upfront rather than waiting to use a bonus card later. Here’s what’s currently available at each club:

Costco (current offers — member pricing):

• Five IHOP $20 eGift cards ($100 value) for $79.99
• Four Domino’s $25 eGift cards ($100 value) for $79.99
• Two Dave & Buster’s $50 eGift cards ($100 value) for $79.99
• Four Smashburger $25 eGift cards ($100 value) for $79.99
• Two Potbelly $50 eGift cards ($100 value) for $74.99
• Four Krispy Kreme $15 eGift cards ($60 value) for $44.99

Sam’s Club (current offers — member pricing):

• Ruby Tuesday $75 eGift card for $56.25
• Krispy Kreme $50 eGift card for $37.50
• Landry’s $100 eGift card for $79.98

Browse all current offerings: Costco Gift Cards and Tickets | Sam’s Club Gift Cards. Inventory changes frequently — check back often.

Tip: If your favorite restaurant doesn’t currently have a bonus-card promo, check Costco and Sam’s Club first. A 20–25% upfront discount is often better than a future bonus card with restrictions and an expiration date to track.

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🛒 Buy Discounted Gift Cards Online Year-Round

Even when there’s no restaurant bonus promo running, you can often find gift cards for your favorite dining spots at 5–30% below face value on secondary marketplaces. Here’s where to look:

• Gift Card Granny: A comparison engine that aggregates listings from multiple resellers so you can find the lowest price across platforms in one search. Great first stop before buying any gift card.
• GCX (formerly Raise): One of the largest peer-to-peer gift card marketplaces. Discounts typically range from 1–30% depending on the brand. Comes with a buyer guarantee.
• CardCash: Buys and resells gift cards at up to 35% off from over 1,300 retailers. Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee — one of the best buyer protections in the industry.

Important: Always buy from reputable platforms with buyer guarantees. Verify the card balance before you use it. Gift Card Granny is a great way to compare prices across all three platforms at once.

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📅 When More Gift Card Deals Pop Up

• Back-to-school: July and August — watch for some restaurant and retail offers tied to this season
• Labor Day weekend: September — occasional flash promos
• Black Friday through Christmas: the biggest bonus gift card season of the year — most of the restaurants above will run holiday versions of these same promos, often with even larger bonuses

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💡 How to Save the Most on Gift Cards

• Use your bonus cards now: If you bought during the spring promo season, check your expiration dates — many bonus cards expire in July and August.
• Buy where you already spend: A bonus card is only useful if you’ll actually redeem it before it expires.
• Read the restrictions: Bonus cards may exclude tax, tip, alcohol, catering, delivery, or gift card purchases.
• Compare bonus vs. discount: A warehouse club or secondary marketplace discount may be a better deal than a future bonus card.
• Stack with other savings: Pair a discounted gift card with dining deals or kids eat free nights for maximum savings.
• Track your bonus: Add every expiration date to your phone calendar immediately so you don’t lose the extra value.

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🔒 Gift Card Safety (FTC)

Gift cards are for gifts — never to pay bills, fines, government fees, or “urgent fees” from someone who called you. If anyone asks you to pay with a gift card, it is a scam. Learn more and report fraud at the FTC: Gift Card Scams.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Gift Card Deals

The purchase window has closed — can I still use my bonus card?

Yes! The purchase promo ending is different from the bonus card expiring. Most spring bonus cards are valid through July, August, or even September. Check the specific redemption dates listed above for each restaurant and use your bonus cards before they expire.

When is the best time of year to buy restaurant gift cards?

There are two peak seasons: spring (April–June, tied to graduation, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day) and the holiday season (November–December). If you missed the spring deals, bookmark this page and check back in November — most of these same restaurants will run holiday versions of these promos.

What is a bonus gift card promo?

When you buy a qualifying amount in gift cards, the restaurant gives you a separate bonus card, reward card, or promo coupon to use on a future visit. The bonus is typically 10–20% of the purchase amount and comes with its own expiration date and restrictions.

Are discounted gift cards from sites like CardCash and GCX safe?

Yes, when you use reputable platforms. Stick with established marketplaces that offer a buyer guarantee — CardCash offers 45-day protection, and GCX (formerly Raise) includes a buyer guarantee as well. Always verify the card balance before using it.

Do bonus gift cards have restrictions?

Yes. Bonus cards typically cannot be used to purchase additional gift cards, and they often exclude alcohol, tax, gratuity, catering, and delivery orders. Some are single-use only and do not carry a leftover balance. Read the fine print for each restaurant before buying.

What restaurants offer bonus gift cards every year?

The most consistent programs year after year include Applebee’s, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, Panera Bread, BJ’s Restaurant, and most of the Bloomin’ Brands family (Outback, Carrabba’s, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s). These brands typically run spring and holiday promotions reliably.

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More Ways to Save on Dining Out

• Current Dining Deals and Restaurant Saving Tips
• Kids Eat Free Deals (by Day of the Week)
• Latest Deals on Fabulessly Frugal
• Holiday and Christmas Deals Hub
• Get our best deals by email

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Gift card deals change frequently. Always verify pricing, purchase windows, bonus redemption dates, and exclusions directly on the merchant’s website before buying.