Why Not?! Sprinkling On a Bit More “Free” with Dunkin’ Rewards

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Dunkin’ Rewards Program

Amex is playing the same old tune with another card – the Gold.  They’re adding more time-consuming benefits for cardholders in return for an annual fee hike.  Of course, outcomes vary – in terms of who wants to bother and the simplicity of consuming these new perks.  One such benefit is the $7 monthly Dunkin’ credit.  I’m opting in since I’ve found the credits easy to trigger via app loads (for now).  And while I’m at it, I might as well take advantage of the Dunkin’ Rewards program on this “free” spend, right?  Let’s see.

Getting Started

First off, I imagine many are new to the Dunkin’ Rewards program thanks to the Amex credit.  Signing up is remarkably simple, requiring just a name, email, password, and phone number.  Those just wanting access to probably the easiest way to consume the credit – app loads – will need to create a Dunkin’ Rewards account, anyway.  (No, app loads do not earn points.)  I revived my long-dormant Dunkin’ Rewards account and triggered $28 total loads across four Golds ($7 each) within minutes.  Heads-up: Dunkin’ allows storing a maximum of five credit cards in the app.

Earning

Members earn 10 points per $1 spent in-store and within the app.  Also, members earn 3x points on purchases made the day before, on, or after their birthday.  While adding your birthday is optional during signup, it’s obviously worth it for those who’d like to maximize this benefit.

The Dunkin’ Rewards program has an elite level cleverly named Boosted status.  At the Boosted level, members earn 12 points per $1 spent.  Unfortunately, the primary thing getting boosted is your number of required trips to Dunkin’ locations.  Members unlock this status with 12 visits within a month – I got the jitters just reading that.  There’s probably no way I’m getting there even once a month, but I imagine plenty routinely visit.  On the bright side, for those obvious Dunkin’ enthusiasts, status lasts for three months.

Redeeming

Thanks to the new Amex Gold credit, Dunkin’ Rewards members – especially those holding multiple Golds – can easily stock up on more points.  That means more opportunities to redeem for Dunkin’ goodies.  Here are the types of rewards members can expect:

• 150 Points:  “Li’l Treats” like 3 munchkins or 6-count hash browns.
• 250 Points:  One classic donut.
• 400 Points:  A small, medium, or large hot or iced tea. (Go big!)
• 500 Points:  A small medium, or large hot or iced coffee, or Cold Brew.
• 600 Points:  Wrap or bagel.
• 700 Points:  S/M/L Dunkin’ Refresher, hot chocolate, hot/iced Chai Latte or Matcha Latte.
• 800 Points:  One breakfast sandwich.
• 900 Points:  Any size frozen drink or hot/iced espresso drink.

For all us normies who don’t/won’t have Boosted status, just take that last zero off.  For instance, after spending $25, members can redeem for a free classic donut, and so on.  My go-to redemption will probably be a large hot coffee after spending $50.  Personally, I have no affinity for much else on the Dunkin’ menu beyond a very-infrequent donut – they’re too bready for me.  I’m overwhelmed by the myriad drink options, but that’s certainly not unique to Dunkin’.

Other Stuff, Apparently

The Dunkin’ Rewards program provides exclusive offers, too.  Members can take advantage of “Mobile Mondays,” where ordering ahead scores an additional 100 points, and the Tuesday Deal Drop, including a medium coffee and bagel minis for $4.  Members can reach the same redemption options with lower spend when they order during bonus point promos.  I’ll probably do this while simultaneously tormenting myself on why I bother.

Dunkin’ Rewards Program – Conclusion

As I expected, rewards in the Dunkin’ program are clearly insignificant.  But they’re worth the effort for Dunkin’ addicts and Gold cardholders who participate in the program without much extra effort.  I fall into the last category.  If you fall into either (or both!), stock up on Dunkin’ points.

And I’ll end with a bit more perspective.  A dozen Dunkin’ donuts at my local spot now costs $14.99!  MtM Diamond members mentioned various rates from $11.99 to $19.99 for the same in their regions.  Whether it’s donuts or anything else there, using your Amex Gold credits first (and only) is probably the move for many of us.  Eat and drink responsibly.

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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