Gift card bonus offers for 2021– buy a gift card and get a free bonus card

Once again, gift cards are at the top of many people’s wish list this holiday season. Gift cards are always an efficient and convenient way to check off your holiday shopping list. Best of all, it pays to give gift cards because of all the bonus offers this time of year.

Most of the gift cards must be purchased by December 31st in order to receive the bonus — some promos end earlier, so check first.

In addition, some bonuses are available online or in-store only, while others are available either way. (For true savings, it’s better to buy the gift cards in-store, rather than pay any potential shipping charges.) However, always check first, especially if you’re ordering gift cards online. Once you hit the “buy” button, you may be out of luck.

In addition, there may be local deals, so stop by your favorite neighborhood spot and ask. Plus, review our tips at the end of the list  on how to maximize the promos.

Much of the content of this post, especially the helpful information for understanding and maximizing gift card deals, is from This list was compiled by Living on the Cheap and is used with permission. 

We might include deals for chains that aren’t in the Triangle, in case you’re shopping for people who live elsewhere.

Tips for getting the best holiday gift card deals

Here are some more things to look for as you review the best gift card bonus offers:

The gift card bonuses are available at participating locations, while supplies last. 

Most of the gift card bonus offers are available through December 31st. However, some of the promotions end earlier, so check first.

Most bonus offers are either available online or in-store only. However, some may be available both online and in-store. If you’re ordering online, be sure it qualifies for the bonus offer. Once you click “buy,” you may be out of luck as most gift card sales are final. (For maximum savings, purchase gift cards in person, so as to avoid any potential online shipping charges.) 

National and regional chains aren’t the only businesses in the gift-giving mood. You may find local restaurants or businesses in your neighborhood with bonus gift card offers, so stop by your favorite spots for more potential savings. Gift card purchases are a great way to support local businesses.

As with any promotion, bonus card offers may have limits or restrictions. Therefore, do the math first. You may get more bonuses by breaking down a large purchase. For example, if the bonus is for a $25 (or more) gift card and you’re buying a $50 gift card, why not purchase two $25 gift cards in separate transactions instead? You just doubled your bonus. However, many businesses give you a bonus for each gift card purchased at a specified amount (usually $25 or $50.) As a result, there may be no need for multiple transactions. 

Finally, review Living on the Cheap’s tips on how to maximize the value of your gift cards.

Restaurant gift card deals for 2021

These restaurants are offering extra gift card bonuses for gift card purchases:

Restaurant: Minimum Gift Card Purchase = Bonus Offer

Alpaca Chicken: $50 = $10 bonus card (ask about offer in restaurant)

Applebee’s: $50 = $10 bonus card

BurgerFi: $25 = $5 bonus card (purchase through app)

Bonefish Grill:$50 = $10 bonus card

Bruegger’s Bagels: $25 = $5 bonus card

Buca di Beppo: $50 = $10 reward card

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: $50 = $10 eBonus Card 

Cheesecake Factory: $50 = $15 bonus card (starting November 22nd, 2021)

City Barbeque: $25 =$5 bonus card

Chili’s: $50 = $10 E-Bonus card

Cold Stone Creamery: $50 = $15 Bonus e-Card

Denny’s: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: $25 = $5 bonus card

Fleming’s: $100 = $20 bonus card

Logan’s Roadhouse: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

Maggiano’s Little Italy: $100 = $20 bonus card

Metro Diner: $50 = $10 bonus card

Moe’s Southwest Grill: $25 = $5 in Moe Rewards

Noodles & Company: $25 = $5 Bonus Gift Card

On the Border: $50 = $10 Bonus Card

Outback: $50 = $10 bonus card

Panera Bread: $50 = $10 bonus card

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen: $25 = $5 Bonus Card

Red Lobster: $50 = One $10 coupon to be used for dine-in or to go orders of $30 or more in January and February

Red Robin: $25 = $5 bonus card

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: $200 = $40 bonus card

Shake Shack: $25 = FREE shake

Subway: $25 = free 6″ sub

Taco Bell: $25 = free combo meal Details of promotion

T.G.I. Fridays: $50 = $10 bonus card

Tijuana Flats: $25 = $5 Bonus Bucks; $50 = $15 Bonus Bucks

Retail gift card deals for 2021

These popular retail establishments are offering extra savings on gift card purchases:

Business: Minimum Gift Card Purchase = Bonus Offer

Children’s Place: $50 = $10 gift coupon; $75 = $15 gift coupon; $100 = $20 gift coupon

Target: $75 specialty gift card = $10 gift card

True Rest Float Spa: $89 gift card = $89 gift card (BOGO)

Gift card fine print

Remember, price and participation may vary by location. Review the fine print for limitations, including minimum purchase requirements, date restrictions, or exclusions first. Also, many businesses don’t allow you to combine multiple bonus cards in a single transaction. Most (if not all) bonuses are not valid until January 1st, 2022.

Looking for more gift card tips? Read these articles: 

Maximize the value of your gift cards

Using gift cards to budget (and to save even more money)

5 ways to get gift card deals and discounts

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