American Express Gold cardholders often explore ways to maximize their card benefits, and the monthly dining credit is a key perk. This credit offers up to $10 back per month when you spend at select restaurants. For those who frequent The Cheesecake Factory, a natural question arises: can you use a Cheesecake Factory Gift Card to trigger this Amex Gold dining credit?
Many users have considered this strategy, hoping to utilize the dining credit even if they don’t dine-in frequently enough to use it monthly. The idea is straightforward: purchase a Cheesecake Factory gift card and use the monthly Amex Gold credit to offset the cost. This would allow cardholders to accumulate value at a restaurant they enjoy, even for future use.
However, Amex’s terms and conditions often have specific exclusions. While anecdotal reports online might suggest in-store gift card purchases could sometimes bypass these rules, official Amex documentation typically states that gift card purchases do not qualify for the dining credit. This is a common restriction to prevent misuse of such credits.
Furthermore, even if gift cards were an option, some cardholders find the selection of eligible restaurants limiting. Besides The Cheesecake Factory, options like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, while prestigious, might not align with everyone’s dining preferences or budget. The perception that prices at higher-end restaurants are inflated can also make the $10 credit feel less impactful.
Many cardholders express a desire for more flexibility in how the dining credit is used. The current “use it or lose it” monthly structure can be restrictive. The ability to accumulate the credit or apply it more broadly would significantly enhance its value for many users.
Ultimately, while the idea of using a Cheesecake Factory gift card for the Amex Gold dining credit is appealing, it’s generally not a reliable method. Cardholders should primarily consider using the credit for actual dining expenses at eligible locations. For those whose dining habits don’t align perfectly with the current restaurant selections, the Amex Gold dining credit might be a less valuable benefit than initially anticipated.
