Outback Steakhouse Rewards

If you love good food, juicy steaks, and that iconic Bloomin’ Onion, then dining at Outback Steakhouse is a real treat. But here’s something you might not know: every time you go, you could be earning rewards for your next meal! In this post, we’ll explore the Outback Steakhouse Rewards program—a way for the restaurant to give back to its guests with various perks, special deals, and money-saving offers. Whether you’re a regular diner or a first-time visitor, this guide will answer every question you have and help you make the most of your Outback experience.

What is the Outback Steakhouse Rewards Program?

Outback Steakhouse rewards come as part of a larger loyalty initiative known as the Dine Rewards™ program. Managed by Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.—the parent company behind Outback Steakhouse along with other popular brands like Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar—the program is designed to reward loyal diners for every qualified dollar spent.

A Multi-Concept Dining Program

The Dine Rewards program isn’t limited solely to Outback Steakhouse. It extends across multiple dining concepts including:

• Outback Steakhouse
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• Bonefish Grill
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
• And select express concepts like Outback and Carrabba’s Express

This multi-brand approach means that whether you crave a juicy steak, Italian cuisine, or fresh seafood, your dining dollars go further when you sign up for Outback Rewards.

Key Program Elements

• Earning Points: For every dollar you spend on eligible food and non-alcoholic beverages, you earn points. Typically, you get 5 points per dollar spent.
• Redeeming Rewards: Once you accumulate a set number of points, you can redeem them for rewards. Generally, earning 350 points converts automatically into a $5 reward—a saving that’s valid for your next visit.
• Additional Perks: Besides cash-saving rewards, the program also offers bonus treats such as a free Bloomin’ Onion on your next visit, complimentary birthday desserts, and exclusive offers throughout the year.

How Does Outback Rewards Work?

Understanding the mechanics of Outback Rewards is key to maximizing its benefits. Let’s break down the process into three simple steps: Eat, Earn, and Redeem.

1. Eat

Every time you dine at a participating location, you’re not just enjoying great food—you’re also setting the stage for rewards.

• Eligible Purchases: Points are earned for food and non-alcoholic beverages purchased during your visit. Note that some items such as alcohol, gift cards, taxes, tips, delivery fees, and orders from third-party platforms are excluded from earning points.
• Multiple Formats: Whether you dine in, order takeout, or use delivery services directly through the restaurant’s mobile app or website, you earn points on your purchase.

2. Earn

Here’s how you turn your meal into points:

• Point Accumulation: For every dollar spent on eligible items, you earn 5 points. That means if you spend $20 on food and non-alcoholic drinks, you’ll rack up 100 points.
• Visit Requirements: To qualify for rewards, there’s typically a minimum spend (for example, $20 at Outback Steakhouse). Make sure to ask your server to identify you as a member when dining in or enter your rewards account details when ordering online.
• Visit Limits and Bonuses: While points can be earned on nearly every visit, there are limits on how many points you can earn in a single visit (up to 15,000 points) and rules about how often you can earn rewards (for instance, one qualifying visit per day may count).

3. Redeem

Once you’ve built up enough points, the rewards come into play:

• Automatic Reward Conversion: Every time your account accrues 350 points, they automatically convert into a $5 reward. This reward is then applied as a discount on your bill.
• Validity: Your $5 rewards are typically valid for 90 days from issuance. In contrast, the points you earn expire if not redeemed within six months.
• Using Your Reward: At checkout—whether in the restaurant or online—simply inform your server or apply the reward via the app. Only one reward can usually be applied per transaction when ordering online, though in-restaurant policies might offer more flexibility.

Special Promotions and Visit Challenges

Outback occasionally runs limited-time promotions that allow you to earn bonus rewards. For example, a recent campaign might offer a $10 reward if you complete two qualifying visits within a specific promotional period. These promotions not only help boost your point balance faster but also add an element of fun and challenge to your dining experience.

The Benefits of Joining Outback Rewards

Signing up for Outback Rewards brings a host of benefits that go well beyond simply saving money on your next meal. Here are some of the top perks:

1. Instant Savings on Future Meals

Every dollar you spend on qualifying items turns into points that you can use for discounts. Over time, these savings can add up to significant discounts on your dining bills.

2. Exclusive Offers and Promotions

Members often gain access to special promotions, such as:

• Bonus point events: Extra points on certain days or for particular menu items.
• Limited-time challenges: Earn bonus rewards by completing multiple visits within a set period.
• Member-only discounts: Special pricing on select items or exclusive menu items available only to rewards members.

3. Freebies and Special Treats

As a rewards member, you might enjoy additional benefits like:

• A Free Bloomin’ Onion: Enjoy this signature appetizer on the house during your next visit.
• Free Birthday Dessert: Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary dessert, making your special day even sweeter.

4. Seamless Tracking and Redemption

Thanks to the integration with the Outback app and online account management, you can easily:

• Track your points: Monitor your progress and see how many rewards you have in your account.
• Redeem rewards effortlessly: Use your rewards in-store, via the app, or when ordering online, without the hassle of physical loyalty cards.

5. Multi-Brand Flexibility

Since the rewards program spans several restaurant brands under Bloomin’ Brands, your dining dollars count at multiple venues. Whether you’re craving a steak, pasta, or seafood, your loyalty pays off across the board.

How to Sign Up and Get Started

Getting started with Outback Rewards is straightforward and free. Follow these simple steps to join the program and start reaping the benefits immediately:

Step 1: Visit the Outback Steakhouse Website or Download the App

• Online: Go to the official Outback Steakhouse website and look for the “Rewards” or “Join Dine Rewards” section.
• Mobile App: Download the Outback app from Google Play or the App Store. The app is not only great for placing orders and finding your nearest location—it’s also fully integrated with the Dine Rewards program.

Step 2: Register Your Account

• Provide Your Details: You’ll need to enter basic information such as your name, email address, and mobile phone number. It’s important that your phone number is current because it’s used to verify your identity at the time of your visit.
• Set Up a Password: Create a secure password for your account. This will allow you to log in, check your rewards balance, and update your profile whenever necessary.

Step 3: Start Earning Points

• Inform Your Server: When dining in, always tell your server that you’re a Dine Rewards member. They will ensure your purchase is credited to your account.
• Online and App Orders: For online orders, make sure to enter your rewards account details when prompted during the checkout process.
• Keep Your Receipts: In case you forget to mention your membership during your visit, you can log into your account and add the receipt details within a specified period (typically 30 days) to receive credit for your visit.

Step 4: Monitor and Redeem Your Rewards

• Check Your Dashboard: Log into your online account or open the app to see your current points balance and reward status.
• Plan Your Visits: Use the rewards dashboard to help plan your dining schedule so you can take full advantage of bonus offers and promotions.
• Redeem Promptly: Remember, rewards expire after 90 days, so make sure to redeem them before they vanish.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Rewards

To truly make the most of the Outback Rewards program, you need a strategy. Here are some insider tips and tricks to help you earn more points, enjoy bonus offers, and redeem rewards without any hassle.

1. Visit Frequently

The simplest way to rack up points is to dine regularly. Even if you’re ordering a modest meal, every dollar counts:

• Lunchtime and Weekends: Plan to visit during off-peak hours when the restaurant is less crowded, and you can focus on accumulating points.
• Family Meals: Organize family dinners or gatherings at Outback. Not only do you get to enjoy quality time with loved ones, but a larger party means higher spending—and therefore, more points.

2. Take Advantage of Special Promotions

Keep an eye on special promotions that can boost your point earnings:

• Limited-Time Offers: Outback often runs campaigns (such as “Visit Challenges”) where completing a set number of visits within a specific timeframe earns you bonus rewards or extra points.
• Seasonal Promotions: During holidays or special events, the restaurant might offer double points or exclusive rewards that are available only for a limited period.

3. Use the Outback App

The mobile app is a powerhouse for rewards management:

• Easy Ordering: Place orders quickly and conveniently, ensuring you always enter your rewards information.
• Real-Time Updates: Receive notifications about special offers, bonus events, and when your reward is about to expire.
• Track History: Use the app’s dashboard to monitor your past orders and point accrual, so you never miss an opportunity to redeem rewards.

4. Understand the Terms and Exclusions

Being aware of the program’s fine print can save you time and frustration:

• Qualified Spend: Only spend on food and non-alcoholic beverages counts toward earning points. Avoid trying to earn points on items like alcohol, delivery fees, taxes, or tips.
• One Reward at a Time: For online orders, you might be limited to using one reward per transaction. Plan your orders to maximize the discount on higher-priced meals.
• Expiration Dates: Points expire after six months if not redeemed, and rewards expire 90 days after issuance. Mark your calendar or set reminders to use your rewards before they expire.

5. Add Missed Visits Promptly

Sometimes, you might forget to mention your rewards membership:

• Receipt Submission: If you forget to identify yourself at the restaurant, log into your rewards account and submit your receipt details. Outback typically allows you to add a missed visit within 30 days.
• Keep a Digital Copy: Store a digital copy or photo of your receipt so you have the proof handy in case of any issues.

6. Refer Friends and Family

Some loyalty programs offer additional incentives for referrals:

• Share the Love: Check if Outback Rewards has a referral bonus. Inviting friends or family to join the program might earn you extra points or even bonus rewards.
• Group Dining: Encourage group outings to Outback. This not only makes for a fun dining experience but could also help you collectively earn more rewards.

7. Stay Updated on System Changes

The digital side of rewards can sometimes have hiccups:

• Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for email notifications or newsletters from Outback Steakhouse to be informed about changes, system updates, or promotional offers.
• Follow Social Media: Many brands share tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes news on social media platforms. Following Outback Steakhouse can keep you in the loop on any adjustments to the rewards program.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

While the Outback Rewards program offers many benefits, some customers have experienced challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues—and what you can do about them:

1. Difficulty Logging In or Accessing Your Account

Issue: Some users have reported trouble accessing their rewards account or experiencing issues with password resets.

Solution:

• Reset Your Password: Use the “Forgot your Password?” feature on the website or app. Make sure you check your spam folder for the reset email.
• Update Contact Information: If you’ve recently changed your email or phone number, update your account details immediately to avoid lockouts.
• Contact Customer Support: Reach out to Outback’s dedicated customer service team at 1-877-546-7407 or via email at [email protected].

2. Rewards Not Credited or Redeemed Properly

Issue: There are reports of rewards not being applied correctly—such as rewards being partially credited or not appearing on the account.

Solution:

• Ask Your Server: When dining in, ensure you remind your server about your rewards membership.
• Keep Your Receipt: If your rewards are not credited, log into your account and submit your receipt details within the allowed time frame.
• Follow Up: If the issue persists, contact customer service with your receipt details and account information. Most issues are resolved when you provide proof of purchase.

3. App and Website Glitches

Issue: Some users have experienced slow loading times or errors when trying to place an order or check their rewards balance.

Solution:

• Update the App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Outback app installed, as updates often fix bugs and improve performance.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: If you’re accessing the website via a browser, clear your cache and cookies to ensure optimal performance.
• Try an Alternative Device: If issues persist, try logging in from a different device or using the mobile website as a temporary workaround.

4. Confusion Over Point Accrual and Rewards Redemption

Issue: There can be confusion about what purchases qualify for points and how many points you need to earn a reward.

Solution:

• Review the FAQ: Visit the Dine Rewards FAQ page for detailed information about qualifying purchases, point calculations, and redemption rules.
• Keep Track: Regularly check your rewards dashboard to see your point balance and any upcoming expirations. This helps you plan your visits and redeem your rewards effectively.

5. Customer Service Delays

Issue: A few customers have mentioned delays or frustrations with customer service responsiveness.

Solution:

• Call During Business Hours: Customer service is generally available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. Calling during these hours may result in quicker resolutions.
• Use Multiple Channels: If you’re not getting a response via phone, try emailing or even reaching out via social media channels for support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Whether you’re a frequent diner or an occasional visitor, Outback Rewards offers a great opportunity to save money while enjoying delicious food. By following the tips in this guide—keeping track of your points, taking advantage of promotions, and staying updated on any changes—you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your rewards and making your dining experience even more enjoyable.