There are all kinds of ways to maximize your return on dining, from using the right credit card, to taking advantage of airline and hotel dining programs. Along those lines, I just used InKind for the first time, which is an interesting app that can save you money on dining.
I don’t know what took me so long to finally download this and use it, but it’s great, so I wanted to share my experience. Long story short, I find this to be significantly more rewarding than your typical airline or hotel dining program, with the caveat that it has a smaller network of restaurants. Separately, I also shared my experience using the Seated dining app.
In this post:
What is the InKind dining app?
On the most basic level, InKind is a free app that offers a 15% discount (or more) at over 2,000 restaurants around the United States. The participating restaurants are primarily in major cities, from Chicago, to Los Angeles, to Miami, to New York, to San Francisco. So if you live in a smaller market, unfortunately this app probably isn’t for you, unless you’re traveling.
What impresses me about InKind is that the restaurants on the list are actually largely high quality and popular, unlike with many other dining rewards programs, which basically try to incentivize you to eat at crappy restaurants. For example, I live in Miami, and several of the restaurants participating on InKind are ones I’d frequent anyway, from Chug’s Diner, to Maty’s, to Michael’s Genuine, to Phuc Yea, just to name a few.
I also find it interesting that InKind’s business model is different than that of most other dining rewards programs. With most other dining rewards programs, the dining network simply takes a percentage of the bill in exchange for offering guests rewards for using a particular credit card.
InKind, meanwhile, seems to work more closely with restaurants, and has a different business relationship, whereby it provides financing to restaurants. The idea is that ordinarily when private equity firms invest in restaurants, they take a huge stake. Instead, InKind provides capital to restaurants, in exchange for dining credits.
It’s a very interesting business model. Obviously I can’t speak to it from the perspective of a restaurant owner, but I appreciate the concept that InKind is going for.
How does the InKind dining app save you money?
There are so many ways that the InKind app can save you money for dining at a participating restaurant. At a minimum, you should look at it as receiving 15% off your bill, though potentially you can get a much better return than that. Let me go through each of the ways you can save.
Get a $25 refer a friend credit on your first meal
InKind has a refer a friend program. When you’re referred by an existing user, you’ll get $25 off a bill of $50 or more, to use at a participating restaurant. Similarly, the friend who refers you can get a $25 credit as well, and each person can refer up to 20 others.
You can find my refer a friend link here, and others are welcome to leave their link in the comments section as well.
Get $10 off a meal of $30 or more monthly
Every calendar month, InKind members receive $10 off a meal of $30+. It’s that straightforward, as this is available at all restaurants across the network.
Get 15% off at InKind restaurants
If you’re going to pay with your card linked to your InKind account, then you can always receive 15% off your meal, with no maximum savings. That 15% back comes in the form of credits you can use toward future dining at InKind restaurants. Note that you don’t receive the 15% back on tips, fees, or portions of the bill covered by discounts or paid with InKind Cash.
Buy InKind Cash at a discount
The InKind dining app also lets you purchase InKind Cash at a discount. For example, in my account I can buy a $312 InKind dining credit for $250, or an $8,700 dining credit for $6,000. As you can tell, this offers anywhere from a 25% to 45% bonus.
If you go this route, then you won’t earn the 15% back, but instead you get this larger discount. Of course you should only use this if you frequent restaurants that are part of the InKind network, so I don’t recommend taking advantage of this if you’re just trying out the app.
For example, I decided to buy the $312 credit for $250, since I know I’ll spend that at participating restaurants.
Pay $9.99 per month for InKind Pass
While the standard version of InKind is free, there’s also InKind Pass, which costs $9.99 per month. This comes with two primary advantages:
- Instead of receiving 15% back, you receive 20% back; keep in mind you only get that return if you pay with a linked card, rather than with InKind credit
- Instead of receiving $10 off a $30+ meal monthly, you instead receive $50 off a $150+ meal monthly
I’d argue this is primarily worth it if you otherwise spend at least $150 per month (in a single transaction) at a restaurant participating in the program. The incremental 5% return is good as well, but you can also get a bigger discount by pre-purchasing credit.
Keep an eye out for other InKind promotions
Beyond the above, InKind often has other promotions you can take advantage of, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those. For example, sometimes there are promotions with Amex Offers and SimplyMiles, which can be stacked with the above.
Furthermore, InKind often emails members with targeted and other limited time promotions. For example, I have an offer on my account right now whereby I can get an additional 10% back if I make two InKind transactions in the near future.
How does the InKind dining app work at restaurants?
All of that sounds great, but what’s it like using the InKind dining app at when you’re actually at the restaurant? Is there confusion from the servers? Do they roll their eyes? Well, that’s what delighted me most about the experience.
When using InKind to pay, you don’t need to make a reservation in any particular way, there are no restrictions on what days or times you can dine, and you don’t even need to let the server know when you’re seated that you’ll be paying with InKind.
There’s not even any confusion, since you actually pay the bill on your end, without even interacting with the server. That’s because all InKind restaurants use the Toast platform for payments, so it’s all connected pretty nicely on the backend.
For example, this morning we went to Chug’s Diner with our son (as a party of five), and had a delicious breakfast. Miles recommends the french toast. 😉
At the conclusion of the meal, I was presented with a check, so I pulled up Chug’s Diner on the InKind app, and then clicked the “Pay Bill” button.
The app asked to enter the check number, which was clearly visible on the check.
I was then asked how much I wanted to tip. Note that the gratuity will always be charged to your card on file, and will not be taken from any balance you may have.
No matter how I paid, I could apply the $10 monthly discount. Beyond that, I had two options for how to pay. I could either use my existing InKind balance (which I acquired with a 25% bonus), or I could pay with my linked credit card, and receive 15% back, in the form of InKind credit.
I competed that all on my phone, and a minute later our server showed up, and said we were all set, without me even having to mention that I paid through InKind. It honestly couldn’t have been more seamless.
In the end, I saved $10 using the monthly credit that app users get, plus I used $95.03 from my InKind balance, which I acquired with a 25% bonus, meaning I got that credit for ~$76. In the end, I saved around $30 on a meal we would’ve had anyway. I’ll take it!
You can link any credit card to your InKind account, so I recommend using a card that maximizes your return on dining spending. For those curious, any portion of your bill paid by credit card will show the merchant as a restaurant, as usual.
Bottom line
I finally used the InKind dining app for the first time, and I can’t believe it took me this long to do so. Personally I like this a lot more than most of the dining rewards programs out there. While InKind doesn’t have the largest network of restaurants, I find them to overwhelmingly be good quality.
With InKind, you can save at least 15% every time you dine at a participating restaurant. Unlike some other dining programs, there are no restrictions on when you dine, and there are no reservations requirements.
The best part is that you can save way more than 15%, by using a refer a friend link, taking advantage of the additional once monthly savings, and even by buying credits in advance.
If you live in a major city that has restaurants you like that participate in InKind, then using the app is a no-brainer. There are several restaurants on the list that I frequent, so I’m happy to finally be using this.
If you’ve used the InKind dining app, what was your experience like?
Than you Ben for such articles. I successfully used Inkind for a restaurant visit this weekend and happily used your referral link.
Overall it provides great savings. Someone must be loosing money on this, let’s see how long it lasts.
Here is another working link to get $25 if you would like to try it.
https://app.inkind.com/refer/A7OEHODT
Does the Inkind spending and pre paid credits count as “restaurant “ for the credit card bonus categories?
Love using Inkind! Only downside is the small dining network. Seems to be the best in Big cities. Hoping they continue to grow their footprint. Otherwise can get really large savings. I buy the gift cards from Costco - usually 40% off. Heres my referral if you would like to try it:
https://app.inkind.com/refer/INLMA1AE
Here's my referral link for $25 off $50 your first purchase: https://app.inkind.com/refer/GAMJJOBH
Thanks in advance!
Love this app! Have had it for a while but thanks for the reminder to use it again.
Here is my referral link if anyone is interested (thanks in advance!)
https://app.inkind.com/refer/6R77NIWN
Thanks Ben!! These are always my favorite posts from you — practical money-saving advice. Much appreciated.
Been using this since Amex offered $100 off $100, so I got the membership which gives me 20% back (and higher additional savings offers). I have an amazing reasonably priced lunch place near me, so I frequently use the 20% back, and then use that savings on nicer dinners with friends. Using it exactly as the rest of us normal people should, and it's great. Saving on meals I would already have.
Here is my referral link: https://app.inkind.com/refer/WJTVAXD2
One final tip, if they run a Promo to spend 2 times get an additional percent back for the month. The second purchase can just be a banana at a coffee shop and doesn't have a purchase minimum.
Thanks for sharing Benjamin and thanks for the referral. Love that we both win.
I've been using InKind for 2 years or so, since the first $50 off $50 Amex offer, and the app works pretty flawlessly. I often just pay on my phone and walk out - wait staff can see on their tablets that you've already paid. Been surprised it's been going for so long but hey, not my problem!
Buy $100 in credit from Costco at $60-70 to maximize your savings.
Would appreciate it if...
I've been using InKind for 2 years or so, since the first $50 off $50 Amex offer, and the app works pretty flawlessly. I often just pay on my phone and walk out - wait staff can see on their tablets that you've already paid. Been surprised it's been going for so long but hey, not my problem!
Buy $100 in credit from Costco at $60-70 to maximize your savings.
Would appreciate it if you use my referral to sign up - https://app.inkind.com/refer/Y63PURGE
We both get $25 off. Referrals cap out at 20 friends, so I assume Ben's has capped out by now. Thanks!
Signed up- but the only place near me is the beer garden where you order and pay at the counter.
Not sure how do you use app to pay there
We have a counter service place near you. Just tell the server you'd like to pay with the inkind app. They can tell you the check number, and you can pay right there on the app.
The only restaurant near me that participates in this is a regional chain restaurant. I'd have to travel nearly three hours to find a restaurant outside that chain that participates.
So are these the people funding the 100 Mamans that popped up in NYC the last few years??!?
I've been using this for about 6 months. The discounts are great, but my problem with it is the Toast network that comes along with it. When it's time to get your check, every time I've used InKind the waiter comes up and says your total is "x dollars" . I say may I please have a check so I can have something to expense this meal? Waiter says "I'm sorry we can't print checks....
I've been using this for about 6 months. The discounts are great, but my problem with it is the Toast network that comes along with it. When it's time to get your check, every time I've used InKind the waiter comes up and says your total is "x dollars" . I say may I please have a check so I can have something to expense this meal? Waiter says "I'm sorry we can't print checks. Then the tip options presented are 20%, 25%, and 30%. I don't mind tipping 20% when service is good, but not all service is worth 20%. Yes, you can fill in a custom tip amount if you want, but I shouldn't have to do that. Toast makes its money by charging restaurants a percentage of the bill, so the incentive is get charges as high as possible. Hence - try to get the customer to not see a bill, and try to get the tip as high as possible.
Surely this is not legal in many places.
Not printing checks is a choice of the restaurant, not Toast. I've never NOT gotten a paper check when using inKind.
I always get an email receipt automatically when I use InKind and I use that for tax/expense purposes.
Their business model is legit, inKind is already profitable, so I'm not worried at all about bankruptcy or funds being lost/ stranded.
https://app.inkind.com/refer/UXJ8HODL
What about stacking with airline dining programs?
won't work because you're either paying with your InKind balance already on the app (not a credit card), or your credit card is being charged by InKind (not the restaurant).
So this is a good question, which rewards programs are stackable.
It looks like registering a card with BILT unregisters it with Dining for Miles, for example
Restaurant choices:
Great in NYC
Sucks in LA
Great in Washington DC.
I started using inKind in December of last year. Since then, I’ve received emailed inKind pass promotions of “spend $100 Sun-Thurs, get $100 off your bill.” I thought it was too good to be true (which the whole app is in my opinion), but the deal worked. I’ve even received this promo twice! My take on the app is to maximize it while I can and not keep anything in the wallet unless I am planning on using it within the next three days. Happy dining!
It works well. Actually my guests at meals sometimes ask if I need to pay the bill as I never take out a credit card and just say it was taken care of. Often the server just comes by and says thank you. Copies of the receipt are emailed.
A major issue is that with the prepaid amounts, the paid amounts are utilized first and then your bonus amounts utilized next. The app does not show the differences in the two balances.
There are a couple of restaurants in my neighborhood (I’m not in a major inKind market), so while I don’t buy those large denominations in advance, I’ll gladly use the $10 off each month or other promotions that pop up on my account or just the $ I’ve accrued in the account based on past visits. And they’re good restaurants, too, I agree.
Would appreciate it if anyone uses my referral link for $25 dining credit!
https://app.inkind.com/refer/FUNC3MAZ
Can InKind be used for carry out? Or is it for dine in only?
Yup, no problem using it for carry out.
My referral link and a few additional tips:
https://app.inkind.com/refer/8PYRQDNI
- Citi frequently offers deals like $10 off $50 or $15 off $100 of spend on InKind.
- Alternatively, you can add a SimplyMiles offer which will earn you AA miles and status points.
- In addition to the Costco gift card purchase option, sometimes you can find other prepay offers such as this one: $281 for $500 in credit. https://pass.inkind.com/checkout?ico_id=381&
So, in...
My referral link and a few additional tips:
https://app.inkind.com/refer/8PYRQDNI
- Citi frequently offers deals like $10 off $50 or $15 off $100 of spend on InKind.
- Alternatively, you can add a SimplyMiles offer which will earn you AA miles and status points.
- In addition to the Costco gift card purchase option, sometimes you can find other prepay offers such as this one: $281 for $500 in credit. https://pass.inkind.com/checkout?ico_id=381&
So, in summary:
1. Use my referral (please): https://app.inkind.com/refer/8PYRQDNI
2. Check to see if there are any Citi/SimplyMiles offers available and add them.
3. Prepurchase some credit from the link above or Costco or their frequent sales.
4. Enjoy 30%++ off every meal!
They killed off the offer you posted :(
I would recommend checking the restaurant requirements in the app. We ate at a Bluestone lane in Philly - turns out you have to order ahead to use inkind - and we only ate there to use our inkind credits. The kicker though was that they the double-charged our credit card. :(
I hope OMAAT didn't get any sponsorship for this post.
This one is printing and handing out money like it's the US government.
This will default faster than Bilt.
Yes. a VC funded Ponzi scheme.
And just an FYI, Costco sells InKind gift cards for $69.99 for $100 worth of credit.
And they are often on sale for $59.99
I've asked the restaurant owner how it all works on their end. Owner doesn't even know how InKind makes money. Only said that InKind takes a cut, but they're happy to get new customers from it.
Hey! Join inKind and we'll both get $25 to spend at amazing restaurants! https://app.inkind.com/refer/O5SFHOIA
Does anybody know if there's a limit to how many ways you can split a check?
Might as well throw my link in the ring:
https://app.inkind.com/refer/VJZL3AMR
Hey selfish d-bag, do you want this comment section to be substantive discussion, or filled with junk links that nobody will click and that benefits no one? Why would anybody use your link over the author’s in the post?
Ben put in the post for people to put their referral links. There is a 20 referral maximum, which I'm guessing Ben probably hit pretty quickly.
Hey selfish d-bag, do you want this comment section to be substantive discussion, or filled with junk links that nobody will click and that benefits no one? Why would anybody use your link over the author’s in the post?
Yooo is that CallMeCarson?!
Inkind often has a promo available on AA's simplymiles.com which may reward you with AA miles and Loyalty Points for reloading your account.
Costco often sells lower denomination inkind credits at 40% off.
Ultimately, the savings are too small for me to bother. Of course, if you’re not earning close to an 8 figure annual income as I am, your calculus may differ.
Two more things:
Please don’t feed your kid that kind of food. That’s a week’s worth of sugar in one breakfast.
Please don’t tip over 20%.
Good grief you’re needy, “Biglaw.”
Start your own fucking blog.
He really is insufferable!! Maybe he’s a reincarnation of endre, the annoying “paid first class only” client
Simply deny him the attention and don't respond. Consider the guy who *says* he has an 8-digit income yet knows that Costco (of all the places he shops) offers gift card denominations under $100 (of all the things he remembers). He's an adolescent pretender.
lots of risk this startup goes BK, and you lose your deposit.
You can use it without adding any money to your account, so you risk nothing.
Seems minimal risk if you don't buy many credits and use whatever you have quite quickly, keeping your balance low.
(But yeah, I don't see how long it can operate like this)