Traveler Maximizes US Restaurant Credits From Abroad Using Gift Cards

A traveler residing in Spain has developed a strategy to utilize up to $700 annually in U.S. restaurant credits from their American Express Platinum Card® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® while living abroad. These credits typically require payment at participating U.S. restaurants, posing a challenge for individuals who travel extensively or relocate internationally. The solution involves purchasing gift cards directly from the websites of restaurants that accept these credit card benefits. This method allows the statement credits to be triggered even when the cardholder is thousands of miles away and not physically present at the restaurant.

The traveler discovered this technique through UseYourCredits.com, a website that identifies restaurants participating in credit card benefit programs. This resource also highlighted that a significant number of restaurants listed on platforms like Resy and OpenTable offer their own e-gift cards for purchase online. By buying a gift card directly from a restaurant's official website, the transaction often registers as a valid purchase for the credit card benefit, mirroring the process of paying a restaurant bill. This approach has enabled the traveler to consistently redeem their credits every cycle over the past year without needing to be in the United States.

UseYourCredits.com serves as a primary tool for identifying eligible establishments. The website maps out restaurants that are part of these benefit programs. The data indicates that Resy's list comprises nearly 11,000 restaurants across the U.S. However, only approximately one-third of these establishments directly sell e-gift cards. The number of participating restaurants is expected to grow, with select Tock restaurants slated to join the program starting September 15. The American Express Platinum Card offers up to $400 per calendar year in Resy statement credits, distributed as up to $100 per quarter. To qualify, cardholders must pay with their Amex Platinum at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants, with no reservation required, though enrollment is necessary. Similarly, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers its own set of benefits, including dining credits, which can also be potentially leveraged through this gift card strategy if the restaurant participates and offers online gift card purchases.

This strategy circumvents the geographical limitation of the restaurant credits, transforming a potential loss of value into a consistent benefit. The traveler's experience demonstrates that with careful research and the use of online resources, credit card perks can be maintained even when cardholders are not physically located in the country where the benefits are primarily intended. The key lies in identifying restaurants that not only participate in the credit card programs but also offer direct online gift card sales, thereby creating a virtual dining experience that satisfies the credit card issuer's requirements for redemption. This method is particularly useful for individuals who frequently travel internationally or have moved abroad but wish to continue benefiting from their U.S.-based credit card rewards.