Restaurant
Discount Cards
Let's face it: eating out in
Hawaii can be very expensive. But since
Hawaii has some of the world's best
restaurants, it seems a shame not to take
advantage of the islands' culinary
delights as often as your wallet will
allow.
One way to stretch your
restaurant buying power is to sign up for
one of the restaurant discount cards
which seem to be proliferating. The
following is a summary of what each one
costs, what it offers, and where to call
for more information.
Bon appetit!
Rewards Network
Price: $49/year.
How it works: Eat at any
participating restaurant and charge the
cost with one of the credit cards you
have registered with the Rewards Network
(Visa, MasterCard, American Express or
Discover). Within 10 days you will
receive a credit on your credit or debit
card statement for 20% of the total cost
(including tax, tips and beverages) you
have charged.
Number of restaurants participating: Thousands
nationwide.
Advantages: Since you pay with your
regular credit card, no one has to know
you're saving money but you! In addition
to saving money in restaurants, you can
receive a 15% rebate on hotels, too.
Disadvantages: Some restaurants limit the
days/time of their Rewards Network
participation, so check the listings
carefully.
Sign up: at their website or
by calling 1-877-491-3463.
In Good Taste (IGT)
Price: 2 levels: free
or $25/year.
How it works: Eat at any
participating restaurant and charge the
cost with your IGT card. Your monthly
statement will show a discount of 25% of
the total cost of all food and beverages.
Number of restaurants participating: 2,000
in major US cities.
Advantages: No restrictions on time
or day of week. Membership also includes
savings on rental cars, magazines,
restaurant certificates, and long
distance phone calls.
Disadvantages: Not
as discreet as the Rewards Network
program since you use a special card.
Sign up: at their website or
by calling 1-800-4-IGT-USA.
A Key Consideration
The main disadvantage to
both of these programs is the constant
change among the participating
restaurants. Since each establishment
that participates must pay a high
commission to the program provider
(usually 50%), most restaurants only sign
on when they are new and trying to
attract business. Once they develop a
following, they often drop out of the
program. This constant change among
participating restaurants may not be a
problem for you if you are an adventurous
diner and enjoy trying new places all the
time. But if you sign on hoping to get a
discount at all your favorite spots, you
may be disappointed.
Other Discount Deals
Buying a discount card is
not the only source of discounts on
restaurant dining in Hawaii. You may also
want to find out if your employer makes a
discount program available, or if your
status as a student or senior citizen
brings any special savings. You may even
have access to restaurant discounts
through other membership programs, such
as AARP or AAA.
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