How to Buy Restaurant Gift Cards With a Bonus Card Attached
Buy the threshold in one order before the deadline, then save the bonus for its future redemption window.
To buy a restaurant gift card with a bonus card attached, buy the stated threshold amount in one transaction before the promotion deadline. The bonus is a separate limited-use certificate with its own dates and store rules, not extra value on the gift card. Several holiday offers follow that pattern this year.
Reading the threshold, exclusion dates, and redemption window first decides whether the deal fits your plans.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
How is a bonus card different?
A regular gift card holds the amount you paid. A bonus card holds a separate reward that can be used only during a fixed future period. According to The Cheesecake Factory, bonus certificates expire on a fixed date, cannot be redeemed for cash or replaced, and cannot be combined with other discounts, as shown in its gift-card terms.
That means the recipient must plan a later visit and use the bonus before it expires.
Which holiday offers fit early-November shopping?
Chili's says buyers receive a $10 bonus for each $50 gift-card purchase made by December 31, for in-restaurant use January 1 through February 13, with Hawaii excluded, as shown in the Chili's gift-cards page. The buyer gives the $50 card now and saves the $10 card for the later visit. Lettuce Entertain You says buyers receive a $25 holiday bonus for every $100 in gift cards bought through December 30, 2026, for use at participating restaurants, as shown in the Lettuce holiday post.
The extra value can be kept separately or passed to the recipient. Lawry's says buyers receive a $25 bonus with every $125 in gift cards bought November 1 through December 31, 2026, with redemption limited to two bonus cards per check January 2 through March 31, 2027, excluding DineLA, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, as shown in the Lawry's promotion.
How do you buy without losing the bonus?
Buy in a single qualifying transaction when the offer requires it. Splitting payment across orders can forfeit the reward.
- Choose the threshold before checkout.
- Complete it in one transaction.
- Buy before the listed end date.
- Save the bonus and receipt for the future window.
- Check location and blackout-date limits before giving.
When should you give each part?
Give the paid gift card for holiday use. Hold the bonus until its window opens, then use it for a separate meal. Keep the two codes apart and note the end date where you will see it.
Use the bonus early in the window to avoid conflicts with excluded dates.