How to Use Loyalty Programs to Celebrate Your Birthday

While many companies are cutting back, there are still some customer perks available. We've heard for years about loyalty programs for airlines and hotels, but there is a new trend starting with restaurants. To reduce the restaurant advertising costs, they are offering their customers email coupons for signing up for their email lists. You often will receive a free appetizer (or something similar) for just signing up, then occasional coupons throughout the year, and for birthdays. Even if you are not a frequent customer, the birthday offers can really add up.

TGI FRIDAY'S:

Located nationwide, TGI Friday's loyalty program is called Give Me More Stripes. In their program main benefit is a coupon for $8.50 off for each $100 you spend, they also give you a coupon for a free appetizer or desert just for joining. Additionally, they send emails with special offers and a free desert during your birthday month. You can sign up at their web site online TGI Friday's.

DON PABLO'S:

Another nationwide restaurant, Don Pablo's loyalty program is called their Habaneros Club. They offer a free Dip Sampler for joining, $10 off on your birthday, $10 off on your anniversary, and $10 off for every 10th visit. You can sign up at their web site online Don Pablo's.

FIRST WATCH:

If you are located a state that First Watch has restaurants (Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia), join the First Watch Sun eClub. Not only do they email you a coupon for free food just for signing up, I also received an email coupon for a free meal during my birthday month. You can sign up at their web site online First Watch.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Sign up for email customer lists at your favorite local restaurants also (especially if they ask for your birthday).
• Don't limit yourself to restaurants, Hallmark Crown Rewards Program sends out Birthday Cards and coupons to be used in your Birthday month. You can sign up at their web site online Hallmark Crown Rewards Program.