The American Express Gold Card is a favorite among foodies and travel enthusiasts, and for good reason. One of its most valuable perks is the dining credit, which can be used at select restaurants and food delivery services, including Grubhub. If you're an Amex Gold cardholder, understanding how to maximize your Grubhub benefits can translate to significant savings and delicious meals. Let's dive into how you can make the most of this fantastic perk.

Understanding the Amex Gold Dining Credit

The Amex Gold Card comes with a dining credit that offers up to $120 per year, distributed as $10 monthly credits. This credit can be used at participating restaurants and food delivery services. Currently, these include Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and select Shake Shack locations. To fully leverage this benefit, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. The credit is use-it-or-lose-it, meaning that if you don't use the $10 credit each month, it doesn't roll over to the next month. Therefore, consistent and strategic use is key to maximizing the value.

Key Features of the Dining Credit

• Monthly Allocation: You receive $10 each month, totaling $120 annually.
• Participating Merchants: The credit is valid at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and select Shake Shack locations.
• Use-It-Or-Lose-It: Unused credits expire at the end of each month.
• Automatic Application: Once you add your Amex Gold Card to your Grubhub account, the credit is automatically applied to eligible purchases.

Understanding these features is the first step in making the most of your Amex Gold dining credit. It's not just about spending; it's about spending smart.

How to Add Your Amex Gold Card to Grubhub

Before you can start enjoying your dining credit on Grubhub, you need to add your Amex Gold Card to your Grubhub account. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Open the Grubhub App or Website:
   • Launch the Grubhub app on your smartphone or visit the Grubhub website on your computer.
2. Navigate to Your Account Settings:
   • In the app, tap on the account icon (usually located in the bottom right corner). On the website, click on “Account” in the top right corner.
3. Select Payment Methods:
   • Look for the “Payment” or “Payment Methods” option in your account settings and click on it.
4. Add a New Payment Method:
   • Click on the “Add a new payment method” button. You’ll be prompted to enter your credit card details.
5. Enter Your Amex Gold Card Information:
   • Fill in your Amex Gold Card number, expiration date, security code, and billing address. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any issues.
6. Set as Default (Optional):
   • If you plan to use your Amex Gold Card frequently on Grubhub, you can set it as your default payment method. This will make the payment process quicker and easier.
7. Save Your Information:
   • Click the “Save” or “Add Card” button to save your Amex Gold Card to your Grubhub account.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Incorrect Information: Double-check all the details you entered. Even a small error can prevent the card from being added.
• Card Not Recognized: If Grubhub doesn’t recognize your card, contact American Express to ensure there are no issues with your card.
• App Issues: Sometimes, the Grubhub app may have glitches. Try closing and reopening the app, or try adding the card through the Grubhub website instead.

Once your Amex Gold Card is successfully added to your Grubhub account, the $10 monthly dining credit will automatically apply to eligible purchases. Easy peasy!

Maximizing Your $10 Monthly Credit

Now that you know how to add your Amex Gold Card to Grubhub, let's explore strategies to maximize your $10 monthly credit. The goal is to ensure you're not letting any of that credit go to waste. Here are some practical tips and tricks:

1. Plan Your Orders

• Weekly Meal Planning: Take a few minutes each week to plan your meals. Identify one or two days when you'll order from Grubhub. This helps ensure you use your credit consistently.
• Set Reminders: Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget about your dining credit. Set a recurring monthly reminder on your phone or calendar to prompt you to use it.

2. Combine with Other Offers

• Grubhub+ Membership: Consider subscribing to Grubhub+, which offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $12 (before tax and tip). This can be a great way to save even more money, especially if you order frequently.
• Promotional Codes: Keep an eye out for promotional codes and discounts offered by Grubhub. You can often combine these with your Amex Gold dining credit for extra savings.
• Restaurant-Specific Deals: Many restaurants offer special deals or discounts on Grubhub. Look for these to maximize your savings.

3. Strategic Ordering

• Meet the Minimum: Some restaurants may have a minimum order amount for delivery. Make sure your order meets this minimum to avoid any issues.
• Group Orders: If you're ordering with friends or family, combine your orders to reach the minimum and make the most of your credit.
• Split the Bill: When ordering with others, use your Amex Gold Card to pay and have your friends reimburse you. This ensures you use your credit and earn rewards on the entire transaction.

4. Track Your Spending

• Monitor Your Amex Account: Regularly check your American Express account to ensure the dining credits are being applied correctly. If you notice any discrepancies, contact American Express customer service.
• Use Grubhub’s Order History: Keep track of your Grubhub orders to see how much you're spending and how often you're using your dining credit.

By implementing these strategies, you can consistently use your $10 monthly credit and enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Alternative Uses for the Dining Credit

While Grubhub is a popular choice, remember that the Amex Gold dining credit can also be used at other participating merchants. Diversifying your spending can help you make the most of this perk. Here are some alternatives:

1. Seamless

Seamless is essentially Grubhub under a different name, offering the same restaurants and delivery options in some areas. If you're not a fan of the Grubhub interface or want to explore different options, Seamless is a great alternative.

2. The Cheesecake Factory

• In-Restaurant Dining: If you prefer dining out, you can use your dining credit at The Cheesecake Factory. Enjoy a meal at one of their locations and have the $10 credit applied to your bill.
• Takeout Orders: You can also place a takeout order and use your credit. This is a convenient option if you want to enjoy a delicious meal at home.

3. Goldbelly

• Gourmet Food Delivery: Goldbelly offers a wide range of gourmet foods from iconic restaurants and chefs across the country. This is a great option if you want to try something unique or send a gift to someone special.
• Special Occasions: Use your dining credit to order treats or meals for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.

4. Wine.com

• Wine Purchases: If you enjoy wine, you can use your dining credit at Wine.com to purchase your favorite bottles. This is a great way to stock up on wine for personal enjoyment or to give as gifts.
• Pair with Meals: Order wine that pairs well with the meals you're ordering from Grubhub or The Cheesecake Factory for a complete dining experience.

5. Select Shake Shack Locations

• Burger Cravings: Satisfy your burger cravings by using your dining credit at select Shake Shack locations. Enjoy their delicious burgers, fries, and shakes while saving money.

By exploring these alternative options, you can ensure that you're using your dining credit in a way that best suits your preferences and lifestyle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To fully maximize your Amex Gold dining credit, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to missed savings. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Forgetting to Use the Credit

• The Problem: The most common mistake is simply forgetting to use the $10 monthly credit. Since the credit doesn't roll over, you lose it if you don't use it.
• The Solution: Set reminders, plan your orders in advance, and make it a habit to use your credit each month.

2. Not Adding the Card to Grubhub

• The Problem: You can't use the dining credit if your Amex Gold Card isn't added to your Grubhub account.
• The Solution: Follow the steps outlined earlier in this article to add your card to Grubhub. Double-check that the information is correct.

3. Not Meeting Minimum Order Requirements

• The Problem: Some restaurants have minimum order requirements for delivery. If your order doesn't meet this minimum, you won't be able to use your credit.
• The Solution: Check the restaurant's policies before placing your order. Add extra items to your cart if necessary to meet the minimum.

4. Not Combining with Other Offers

• The Problem: You're missing out on potential savings if you're not combining your dining credit with other offers, such as Grubhub+ membership or promotional codes.
• The Solution: Always look for ways to stack your savings. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts that can be combined with your Amex Gold dining credit.

5. Not Tracking Your Spending

• The Problem: You may not realize if your dining credits aren't being applied correctly if you're not tracking your spending.
• The Solution: Regularly check your American Express account and Grubhub order history to ensure everything is in order. Contact customer service if you notice any issues.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your Amex Gold dining credit.

Is the Amex Gold Card Worth It?

Considering all the benefits, including the dining credit, many people wonder if the Amex Gold Card is worth its annual fee. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Pros

• Dining Credit: The $120 annual dining credit can offset a significant portion of the annual fee.
• Rewards Points: The Amex Gold Card earns 4x points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide. These points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards.
• Travel Benefits: The card also offers travel insurance, baggage insurance, and access to the Amex Global Assist hotline.

Cons

• Annual Fee: The Amex Gold Card comes with a hefty annual fee, which may not be worth it if you don't use the dining credit or take advantage of the rewards points.
• Limited Merchant Options: The dining credit is only valid at select merchants, which may not appeal to everyone.

Conclusion

If you frequently dine out or order food delivery and can maximize the dining credit and rewards points, the Amex Gold Card can be a valuable addition to your wallet. However, if you don't typically spend much on dining or groceries, the annual fee may not be worth it.

In summary, the Amex Gold dining credit is a fantastic perk that can help you save money on delicious meals. By understanding how to add your card to Grubhub, maximizing your $10 monthly credit, and avoiding common mistakes, you can make the most of this benefit. So go ahead, treat yourself to a great meal and enjoy the rewards!