Swagbucks launched a Dining program called Swagbucks Local which allows us to earn cash back in the form of Swagbucks when dining out.
What’s especially interesting is that the earning rates are very competitive. Most restaurants earn 10x (worth 10% back via Paypal), and some earn 15-25%.
As a matter of comparison, United and AAdvantage dining programs earn a maximum of 5 miles per dollar; many will prefer 10% cash versus 5 miles. Check out your favorite restaurants to see if Swagbucks Local is offering a competitive rate.
A couple of major limitations to the Swagbucks Local program:
- They haven’t yet launched the Android app so it’s iOS only for now (“Android coming soon”)
- Only available currently in the following areas: San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Ventura County, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington DC, Phoenix, Houston, Denver, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Cincinnati, Seattle, Fort Lauderdale and Chicago. Â New cities added on a regular basis.
- Only works with Visa and Amex, not Mastercard or Discover
Another interesting thing to point out is that there’s no reference on Swagbucks to the popular Rewards Network which powers most dining programs. It might be possible to double-dip by registering a Visa or Amex card with both the Swagbucks program and one the many Rewards Network programs (United, AA, Delta, Alaska, etc.), and getting the cash back from Swagbucks plus the miles from the Rewards Network. Let us know if you try it out.
Also note that there is a 100 Swagbucks bonus ($1) for linking your first card to the program even without making any purchase.
[Here is my Swagbucks referral link, my appreciation if you use it to signup.] You can also now read our full review of Swagbucks by clicking here.
Hat tip to rybosworld on Reddit
