Many American Express Gold cardholders are drawn to the card’s enticing benefits, particularly the monthly dining credit. This credit is designed to offset the annual fee and reward cardholders for dining at select restaurants. Among these restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory stands out as a popular choice. However, a common question arises: Can you purchase Cheesecake Factory Gift Cards to trigger this valuable dining credit? Let’s delve into this question and explore the nuances of using the Amex Gold dining credit at The Cheesecake Factory.
The Amex Gold card offers a monthly dining credit when you spend at specific restaurants. While The Cheesecake Factory is often listed as a participating restaurant, the terms and conditions are crucial. American Express explicitly states in the fine print that purchases of gift cards do not qualify for the dining credit. This is a standard exclusion across many rewards programs aiming to incentivize actual dining experiences rather than gift card purchases.
Despite this official stance, some cardholders have wondered if purchasing gift cards in-store at The Cheesecake Factory might bypass this online restriction. The logic is that in-store purchases might be coded differently, potentially triggering the credit. However, anecdotal evidence suggests this is not a reliable workaround. Amex’s system is generally sophisticated enough to identify gift card purchases, regardless of where they are bought.
For those looking to utilize the dining credit, dining at The Cheesecake Factory is the intended method. Alternatively, other restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steak House are also options within the Amex dining credit program. However, as some cardholders have noted, restaurants like Ruth’s Chris can be significantly more expensive. While the $10 credit can help, it might feel less impactful if you end up overspending to use it. The value proposition diminishes if the credit forces you to dine at places that don’t align with your dining preferences or budget.
Ultimately, while the idea of using Cheesecake Factory gift cards to easily utilize the Amex Gold dining credit is appealing, it doesn’t appear to be a viable strategy. The Amex terms are clear, and user experiences suggest in-store purchases offer no loophole. To maximize the Amex Gold card’s dining credit, cardholders should plan to dine at participating restaurants and consider if these options genuinely fit their spending habits to realize the full benefit of the card.
