Booking a table can be the least exciting part of a night out. However, the platform you use to do it can now earn you rewards worth anything from a few cents to a delicious discount on your bill.
OpenTable, DoorDash and Seated all reward you for dining out, though each takes a different approach. Unlike OpenTable, which awards points with a variable redemption value, DoorDash and Seated offer rewards in dollars, making it easier to understand what you're earning.
As with your favorite coffee chain's loyalty program or a food delivery app subscription, the best option depends on where, how often and how much you eat out. Whichever you choose, you'll generally still earn rewards on eligible restaurant purchases when paying with a dining credit card, making your meal even sweeter.
In this guide, we compare what each program earns, what those rewards are worth and the fine print to watch so you can decide which one deserves a seat at your table.
OpenTable, DoorDash and Seated compared
| OpenTable Regulars | DoorDash Reservations | Seated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to join | No fee | No fee (DoorDash DashPass is optional and costs $9.99 per month or $96 per year) | No fee |
| How you earn rewards | 100 points per eligible completed reservation booked directly on OpenTable while signed in; select reservations earn up to 1,000 points | $10 in DoorDash credits per completed eligible reservation ($12 for DashPass members) | Up to 30% back in Seated rewards on eligible food and beverages (before tax and tip) with activation; the app also advertises 5% back at participating restaurants without activation |
| Where it operates | Participating restaurants across the U.S.; points can also be earned and redeemed in Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Australia and Germany | 16 U.S. cities (plus select international markets) | Participating restaurants in select U.S. cities |
| Status levels | Gold (after six completed reservations within 12 months) | None, though DashPass members earn more and get access to exclusive tables | None |
| Cheapest redemption | 1,000 points for an $8 experience credit | Credits toward eligible DoorDash delivery or pickup orders, excluding taxes, fees and tips | Gift cards in the app (minimum varies by brand) |
| Expiration | After 12 months without earning or redeeming points or three years after points are earned, whichever comes first | Six months after credits are issued, unless the offer says otherwise | After 30 days without account activity |
| Program partners | Chase, Uber and Visa | Chase (complimentary DashPass with select credit cards) and Lyft | Airbnb, Amazon, Dunkin', Nordstrom, Sephora, Starbucks, Target and Uber |
| Redemption value | 0.8 cents per point toward dining or experience credits | $1 per $1 in DoorDash credits | $1 per $1 in Seated rewards redeemed for eligible gift cards |
Related: This overlooked dining program is one of the most generous and gets you $25 off your very first meal
OpenTable Regulars
OpenTable Regulars is free to join, and you'll earn 100 dining points for each reservation you book directly on OpenTable while signed in to your account and then complete. Reservations made through restaurant websites or third-party booking partners generally don't qualify. Points are posted only after you've dined, so canceled reservations and no-shows earn nothing.
Some restaurants in the program also offer bonus-point reservations worth 500, 750 or even 1,000 points at certain times. To find them, turn on the "bonus points filter" under special features in the OpenTable app.
Once you have at least 1,000 points, you can redeem them in the app's "Rewards" section at the following rates for U.S. members:
| Points | Dining credit | Experience credit | Amazon gift card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | N/A | $8 | N/A |
| 2,000 | $16 | $16 | $10 |
| 5,000 | $40 | $40 | $25 |
| 10,000 | $80 | $80 | $50 |
As for the redemption rate you'll get for each, they're:
- Dining credit: 0.8 cents per point
- Experience credit: 0.8 cents per point
- Amazon gift card: 0.5 cents per point
That means a standard 100-point reservation is only worth 80 cents toward a future meal, and you'll need 20 of them to earn a $16 dining credit, which isn't very rewarding.
Dining credits work at participating OpenTable restaurants (look for the "Dining Credit Accepted" filter). After you redeem your points, you can add the credit to a reservation, which provides a digital Mastercard you can use toward eligible bills. Experience credits work similarly but only apply to certain prepaid experiences, such as prix-fixe menus and cocktail classes. Dining credits expire 12 months after you redeem them.
If you complete six reservations on OpenTable within 12 months, you'll then unlock Gold status for a year. Gold members get priority notifications when tables open up, six months of complimentary Uber One membership (not available to current Uber One members) and access to "Gold Tables," which promises harder-to-book tables at more than 500 participating restaurants in over 50 U.S. cities.
OpenTable also partners with Chase, Uber and Visa. Uber One members can book Uber One Exclusive Tables, eligible Visa cardholders can access tables and special events through the Visa Dining Collection and select Chase cardholders get exclusive tables and statement credits (more on that below).
Make sure you're actually turning up for your bookings, though. OpenTable will close your Regulars account and cancel all your points if you record four no-shows within 12 months. Your points also expire after 12 months of inactivity or after 3 years from the date you earn them, whichever comes first.
Related: Earn even more rewards when dining out with OpenTable
DoorDash Reservations
DoorDash is best known for delivery, but it now offers the option to book reservations in 16 U.S. cities: Austin; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.
Rather than earn points, you earn promotional DoorDash credits when you book and complete an eligible reservation in the DoorDash app or on its website. The program generally advertises $10 in credits for standard customers or $12 for DashPass members, although individual offers can vary. Check the reward amount and any limits shown when you book; not every reservation will be eligible.
Credits are posted after you've paid for your meal and can be used toward eligible future DoorDash delivery or pickup orders. They typically can't be used to pay for taxes, fees or tips, expire six months after they're issued unless the offer says otherwise, have no cash value and can't be used to buy gift cards or alcohol.
Since the reward is a fixed amount, you don't earn more rewards for a higher food bill. A $12 credit is a 12% return on a $100 dinner but just 4% of a $300 tasting menu. That makes DoorDash Reservations especially appealing for smaller restaurant bills if you already use DoorDash.
DashPass members get $2 more per reservation, plus access to exclusive prime-time tables and discounts on Lyft Black rides. That extra $2 won't cover the $9.99 monthly fee unless you complete at least five reservations a month (or 48 a year on the $96 annual plan), but many Chase cardholders already have a complimentary DashPass membership they could activate.
Check the restaurant's cancellation policy when you book. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur fees set by the restaurant, and DoorDash says excessive no-shows can result in suspension of your access to reservations.
Outside its reservation cities, DoorDash's "Going Out" tab also lists in-store offers at certain restaurants, with DashPass members earning extra rewards for repeat visits in some locations.
Related: Your complete guide to Chase and DoorDash
Seated
What is unique about this program is that you don't need to book through Seated: You link an eligible credit or debit card, then tap to activate the restaurants where you want to earn a higher reward rate before paying with your linked card. Eligible rewards then post automatically, with no receipts to upload.
Activations last until the end of the calendar month, and you can activate up to 25 restaurants per month (plus any monthly specials). Seated's app also advertises 5% back at participating restaurants, even without an activation, provided you open the app at least once every 30 days. Higher reward rates generally require activation, so it's worth activating your favorites at the start of each month and checking the offer terms in the app.
Rewards vary by restaurant but can be up to a generous 30% back, with the rate shown on each restaurant's page before you choose to activate it. Rewards are calculated on your eligible food-and-beverage total before tax and tip, so a restaurant offering 10% back would earn you $10 in Seated rewards on a $100 meal. Since each diner earns on the share they pay with their own linked card, splitting the bill doesn't cost anyone their individual rewards.
Seated partners with more than 2,500 restaurants in certain U.S. markets. Availability varies by city and neighborhood, so check the app for participating locations and current rewards before dining instead of relying on a fixed city list.
You can then redeem Seated rewards for gift cards in the app's store tab, with available brands to choose from including Airbnb, Amazon, Dunkin', Nordstrom, Sephora, Starbucks, Target and Uber. Because rewards can then be converted to eligible gift cards at face value, TPG values them at $1 per $1 redeemed, provided you choose a brand you'd spend with anyway and meet any minimum redemption requirement.
The catch is that Seated rewards may expire after more than 30 days without qualifying account activity, so check the app's activity and expiration rules rather than assuming opening it alone preserves your balance. Seated also says its rewards can't be combined with other restaurant promotions, third-party deals (such as those available through Groupon) or discount offers.
If you're a new member, keep an eye out for a first-meal bonus offer of up to $10 through an eligible referral link or promotional offer, though this is not guaranteed for every member.
Related: Rove adds dining and in-store rewards in major platform expansion
What each platform earns you on a $100 meal
Because OpenTable and DoorDash reward reservations with a fixed amount while Seated pays a percentage of your bill, the best option depends on how much you spend. Here's a comparison for $100 in food-and-drink purchases (before tax and tip), assuming the advertised offers apply and you can use the full value of the DoorDash credits on a later order:
| Platform | Rewards earned | Value | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenTable (standard reservation) | 100 points | 80 cents | 0.8% |
| OpenTable (1,000-point reservation) | 1,000 points | $8 | 8% |
| DoorDash Reservations (eligible standard offer) | $10 in DoorDash credits | $10 | 10% |
| DoorDash Reservations (eligible DashPass offer) | $12 in DoorDash credits | $12 | 12% |
| Seated (eligible restaurant, advertised 5% without activation) | $5 in Seated rewards | $5 | 5% |
| Seated (restaurant offering 10% back) | $10 in Seated rewards | $10 | 10% |
| Seated (restaurant offering 30% back) | $30 in Seated rewards | $30 | 30% |
If you spend $200 on a meal rather than $100, the OpenTable and DoorDash rewards stay the same, while the Seated rewards as a percentage of spending will quickly increase.
Seated can be the most rewarding option for larger restaurant bills, especially at restaurants that offer higher reward rates. However, its value depends on the percentage offered, and DoorDash's fixed credits may still provide you with a better return on smaller bills or at restaurants that offer lower Seated rewards.
Related: The dining statement credits that save me over $1,000 every year
How to stack credit card rewards with reservation rewards
Certain restaurant purchases can also earn credit card rewards in addition to the benefits provided by these platforms. Combining these apps with a card that earns bonus points at restaurants can be an easy way to double-dip and earn more rewards. Some of the best options currently available include:
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 4 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining. Eligible cardholders can also receive up to $300 in annual statement credits ($150 from January through June and $150 from July through December) for qualifying dining purchases at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants, plus a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership when they activate by Dec. 31, 2029. DashPass generally increases eligible DoorDash Reservations credits from $10 to $12. Enrollment and offer terms apply.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining, plus a complimentary DashPass membership for at least 12 months when you activate by Dec. 31, 2029. The membership may be renewed at the then-current rate after the complimentary period, unless canceled.
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 Citi ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible restaurant purchases through Citi Nights℠ when transactions are authorized from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, Eastern time (but 3 points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases at other times).
But it gets even better. Savvy diners keen on maximizing their rewards may be able to triple-dip by booking an eligible Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurant through OpenTable and paying with their Sapphire Reserve card. Doing so will allow you to earn OpenTable Regulars points plus 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on the eligible dining purchase, even if you later receive a statement credit. Qualifying purchases at participating restaurants can also trigger the separate Sapphire Reserve dining credit, worth up to $150 per half-year.
Related: Can I earn points and miles from 2 dining rewards programs simultaneously?
Which dining rewards platform is best?
DoorDash Reservations comes out on top for many everyday meals. The $10 credit ($12 with DashPass) gives you a 10% to 12% return on a $100 dinner. The catch is that reservations are only available in 16 U.S. cities, and the credits are worth less if you rarely use the app or cannot use the credits before they expire.
Seated is the platform that is best for bigger dining bills. A restaurant offering 15% back would earn you $30 in rewards redeemable for gift cards on a $200 dinner, more than double the typical DoorDash credit. However, higher rates generally require monthly activation, and you'll need to keep your rewards account active.
OpenTable is the least rewarding of the three for most reservations, with a 100-point booking worth just 80 cents at the best U.S. redemption rate. Still, it's by far the most widely available and offers plenty of extras: bonus-point tables, Gold perks like access to Gold Tables and six months of Uber One for new members. There's also a separate benefit of up to $300 in annual statement credits for qualifying Sapphire Reserve cardholders dining at eligible restaurants.
Related: Don't overlook Resy: How to maximize dining experiences and save money with this Amex benefit
Bottom line
There's no single best dining rewards platform for everyone, as the right choice depends on where you live, how much you spend and how often you dine out.
DoorDash Reservations can offer the best return on everyday dining if you live in one of its participating cities, book an eligible table and already order on DoorDash, especially if you have DashPass.
Seated is the winner for those who spend more on meals and can plan in advance, since its rewards increase as the cost of your check does and can be redeemed for gift cards from popular brands like Amazon and Uber.
OpenTable is less rewarding, but its nationwide coverage, Gold perks and Chase partnership can make it worth considering, especially when you travel.
Since all three cost nothing to join, you may as well sign up for them all so you are ready the next time you want to book a meal. Just remember to show up for reservations or cancel within the restaurant's deadline, as no-shows can cost you points, credits or even access.
That's some food for thought before your next night out.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.