What BJ's Restaurant Offers and How to Pay

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is a casual dining chain with locations across the United States that serves American food, appetizers, and their own craft beers. When you visit, you can pay with cash, debit card, credit card, or mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay at the table or at the register. Most locations also accept third-party delivery apps if you order for pickup or delivery rather than dining in.

The main reason to learn about BJ's beyond ordering food is their BJ's Rewards loyalty program, which tracks your spending and gives you points toward discounts on future visits. Understanding how the program works and how to link it to your payment method can save you money over time if you eat there regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • BJ's Rewards is a free membership program that earns you points on every dollar spent, which you can redeem for discounts on food and drinks.
  • You can sign up for BJ's Rewards in person at any location, online through their website, or through their mobile app.
  • Your rewards points are tied to your phone number or email address, so you do not need to carry a physical card to earn points.
  • Points typically expire after a set period of inactivity, so check your account balance before your points disappear.

How to Sign Up for BJ's Rewards

You can join BJ's Rewards for free at any of their restaurant locations by giving your phone number and email address to the server or host. The staff will enter your information into their system, and you will start earning points on that visit when ready. You do not need to provide a credit card or any payment information to join — membership is completely free.

If you prefer to sign up before your visit, go to the BJ's Restaurant website and look for the Rewards section. You will enter your name, email address, phone number, and create a password. Once you confirm your email, your account is active. You can also read the BJ's mobile app and sign up through there. Either way, your rewards are linked to your phone number, so when you dine in or order, just give that number at checkout and your points will be added to your account.

How Points Are Earned and Redeemed

BJ's Rewards members earn points on pre-tax subtotal purchases — meaning the dollar amount before tax and tip are added. The exact earning rate varies by location and can change, so ask your server or check your account online to see the current rate at your nearest BJ's. Generally, you earn points on food, drinks, and merchandise, though some promotions may earn bonus points.

Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for rewards. Common redemptions include discounts on your bill (such as $5 or $10 off), free appetizers, free entrees, or free beverages. You can view your current point balance and available rewards in the mobile app or by logging into your account on the website. When you are ready to redeem, you can either tell your server before you order, or redeem after your meal is complete at the register.

Linking Your Payment Method to Your Rewards Account

You do not have to link a specific credit or debit card to earn BJ's Rewards points. Instead, you straightforward provide your phone number at checkout, and the system looks up your account and adds the points. This means you can pay with any card, cash, or mobile payment method and still earn points as long as you give your phone number.

However, if you want the option to pay directly through the app or save your card information for faster checkout, you can add a payment method to your BJ's account in the mobile app or website. This is optional and does not affect your ability to earn points — it is just a convenience feature if you prefer not to tell your server your phone number each time.

What Happens to Unused Points

BJ's Rewards points do expire if your account is inactive for a certain period. The exact timeframe varies, but most programs expire points after 12 months of no activity. Activity includes dining in, ordering for delivery or pickup, or logging into your account online. If you have not visited in a while, log into your account to check your balance and see when your points will expire.

If your points are about to expire and you want to keep them, you can visit a BJ's location or place an order through their app or website to reset the inactivity clock. Even a small purchase counts as activity. If your points do expire, you will not be able to recover them, so it is worth checking your account balance a few times a year if you do not visit frequently.

Using the BJ's Mobile App for Rewards and Ordering

The BJ's mobile app lets you view your rewards balance, see available redemptions, and place orders for pickup or delivery. When you log in with your email and password, your rewards account is connected to the app automatically. You can browse the menu, add items to your cart, and pay through the app using a saved card or other payment method.

If you order through the app, make sure you are logged into your rewards account so that your points are added to your purchase. Some app-only promotions also give bonus points or special discounts, so it is worth checking the app before you visit or order. You can also use the app to find your nearest BJ's location, check hours, and see current promotions.

Payment Methods and Third-Party Delivery

At the restaurant, BJ's accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. When you order through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, you pay through that app's payment system, not directly to BJ's. In those cases, your BJ's Rewards points may not be added to your purchase because the transaction goes through the delivery app rather than BJ's system.

If earning rewards is important to you, ordering directly through the BJ's app or website, or dining in and providing your phone number, will may support your points are tracked. Calling the restaurant directly to place a takeout order and paying over the phone or in person will also earn you points, as long as you give your phone number when you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give my phone number every time I visit?

No, but you do need to provide it at checkout for your points to be added. If you forget, ask your server or the cashier to look up your account by phone number and add the points after the fact. Many locations can do this within a day or two of your visit.

Can I transfer my rewards points to someone else?

BJ's Rewards points are tied to your account and cannot be transferred. However, if you dine with someone else and want to combine purchases, you can ask the server to ring up both meals under one phone number so the points go to one account.

What if I lose access to my email or phone number?

Contact BJ's customer service through their website or call the restaurant directly. You will need to verify your identity with information from your account, and they can help you regain access or update your contact information.

Are there any annual fees for BJ's Rewards?

No. BJ's Rewards membership is completely free. There are no hidden fees, no minimum spending requirement, and no annual charge to maintain your account.

Can I use my rewards points and a coupon on the same purchase?

This depends on the specific promotion and location. Some coupons and rewards cannot be combined, while others can. Ask your server before you order, or check the terms of the specific coupon or reward in the app.