Holiday Gift Card Bonus Deals at Restaurants & Retail Stores

If you are shopping this Cyber Weekend, gift cards are a great holiday gift when you aren’t sure what to get somebody, including yourself. Now is a great time to buy them, because of all the bonus deals.

The extra savings make gift cards an easy and quick way to check off your holiday shopping list, while maximizing your holiday budget.

Also, some restaurants and retailers are offering a “pre-pay” for goods and services now, with a bonus to enjoy now.

Give the gift card and keep the bonus for yourself.

It’s important to note that most (if not, all) “bonus cards” are not gift cards. They have different terms and conditions, so always read the fine print, because most gift cards cannot e returned.

Unlike a gift card, bonus cards usually have a minimum purchase requirement, date restrictions and/or menu exclusions. Many bonus cards cannot be redeemed until Jan. 1, after the holidays.

More Cyber Weekend Deals

Hulu Black Friday deal - Pay only 99 cents a month for 12 months of Hulu, an 85% discount off the regular price.

Amtrak BOGO ticket deal - for travel starting January 2022.

How to Get the Best Holiday Gift Card Deals

Gift card bonus deals are available only at participating locations, while supplies last - so if you delay, you might miss the bonus deal.

Most of the gift card bonus offers are available for purchase only through Dec. 31. However, some of the bonus promotions end earlier, so check first.

Most bonus offers are either available online or in-store only. However, some may be available both online and in-store.

Always check for any additional fees online, including shipping or activation fees. The easiest and quickest way to get gift cards is to purchase digital gift cards online.

Check the terms of the purchase requirement for the bonus. In some cases, you may get more bonuses by breaking down a large gift card purchase.

For example, if the bonus is given for a gift card purchase of $25 or more and you’re buying a $50 gift card, consider purchasing two separate $25 gift cards. That way you double the bonus.

However, many businesses offer a bonus for every $25 purchase (or some other specified amount) in gift cards. As a result, there’s no need for multiple purchases — just be sure you purchase gift cards in the proper amount for the most bonuses.

National and regional chains aren’t the only businesses in the gift-giving mood. You may find local restaurants or businesses in your neighborhood with bonus gift card offers, so stop by your favorite spots for more potential savings.

Local gift card purchases are a great way to support local businesses, including local restaurants and boutiques.

Find more tips on how to maximize the value of your gift cards on sister site Living on the Cheap.

Restaurant Gift Card Deals 2021

Here’s a round-up of restaurant gift card bonus offers from popular national chains, in alphabetical order, because that’s the only fair way.

We are including chains with no New York City location, because we have followers everywhere, and because our NYC followers have family and friends everywhere.

Restaurant: Minimum Gift Card Purchase = Bonus Offer

Abuelo’s: $50 = $10 VIP Card

Another Broken Egg Cafe: $50 = $10 Bonus Gift Card

Applebee’s: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

bartaco: $50 = $10 Bonus

Benihana: $50 = $10 Promo Card / $200 = $60 Promo Card

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: $100 = $25 Bonus Card + 20% off VIP Card

Blanco: $100 = $20 Bonus Card

Bonefish Grill: $50 = $10 eBonus Card

Buca di Beppo: $50 = $10 Reward Card

Buffalo Wild Wings: $30 = Blazin’ Bonus worth $5, $15, $25 or $100

BurgerFi: $25 = $5 Bonus Gift

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: $50 = $10 eBonus Card

The Cheesecake Factory: $50 = $15 Promo e-Card

Chili’s: $50 = $10 eBonus

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Cold Stone Creamery: $50 = $15 Bonus e-Card

Del Taco: $30 = FREE small size combo meal / $100 = Four (4) FREE small size combo meals

Denny’s: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Einstein Bros. Bagels: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: $100 = $20 Bonus Card

Flower Child: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

Fogo de Chão: $125 = $25 Bonus Card / $300 = $75 Bonus Card / $400 = $100 Bonus Card

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop: $25 = $5 Bonus

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant: $50 = $10 eBonus Card

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria: $50 = $10 Bonus Card / $100 = $20 Bonus Card

Jamba: $25 = $5 Reward Card

Kona Grill: $50 = $10 Dining Dollars / $100 = $25 Dining Dollars

Logan’s Roadhouse: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

Maggiano’s Little Italy: $100 = $20 Bonus Card

Metro Diner: $50 = $10 Bonus Bucks

Modern Market: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Native Foods Cafe: $50 = $10 gift card

Noodles & Company: $25 = $5 Bonus Gift Card

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom: $50 = $10 eBonus Card

On the Border: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

Outback Steakhouse: $50 = $10 off coupon

Panera Bread: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Portillo’s: $50 = $10 Promo Card

R ed Lobster: $50 = $10 Bonus Coupon

R ed Robin: $25 = $5 Bonus Buck Reward

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: $50 = $10 eBonus Card

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: $200 = $40 Holiday Bonus Card

Seasons 52: $500 or more = 10% bonus gift card

Shake Shack: $25 = FREE shake

Snarf’s Sandwiches: $25 = $5 Bonus Gift Card

Starbucks Update: “Please know that at this time, in the United States, we have officially sold out of our offer to receive a $5 eGift Card when another eGift of $20 or more is purchased.” You can still buy the gift card, but with no bonus.

Subway: $25 = FREE 6″ sub

STK Steakhouse: $50 = $10 Dining Dollars / $100 = $25 Dining Dollars

Taco Bell: Online – $25 or more = 10% off / In-store – $25 = FREE combo meal

T.G.I. Friday’s: $50 = $15 Bonus Bites eCard

Torchy’s Tacos: $25 = $5 Bonus Card