As a seasoned retail expert and self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, I‘ve spent countless hours researching the ins and outs of gift card purchasing. And when it comes to beloved coffee chains, few inspire the same level of loyalty and enthusiasm as Dunkin‘. With over 12,500 locations worldwide and a devoted fanbase, it‘s no surprise that Dunkin‘ gift cards are a popular choice for birthdays, holidays, and everything in between.
If you‘re on the hunt for the perfect Dunkin‘ gift card, you might be wondering where to start. Can you buy them at your local CVS? Are there any tricks to scoring a discount? And what do you do with the card once you have it? Never fear, my caffeine-loving friends. I‘ve got all the answers and then some. Grab a cuppa and let‘s dive in!
Dunkin‘ Gift Card Sales and Popularity
First, let‘s talk numbers. Gift cards are big business, with total U.S. sales topping $221 billion in 2022 alone, according to research firm Incisiv. And within that massive market, restaurant gift cards are a particularly hot commodity. A recent survey by payments provider Fiserv found that 48% of consumers plan to purchase restaurant gift cards this year, up from 45% in 2022.
When it comes to the most popular restaurant gift cards, Dunkin‘ is consistently a top seller. Gift card aggregator GiftCardGranny.com reports that Dunkin‘ cards are the second most popular in the restaurant category, behind only Starbucks. And a 2021 survey by the National Retail Federation found that 12% of respondents planned to give a Dunkin‘ gift card as a holiday present.
So why the hype? As a longtime Dunkin‘ devotee myself, I can attest to the widespread appeal of the brand‘s offerings. From their signature hot and iced coffees to their indulgent donuts and breakfast sandwiches, there‘s something for everyone. And with a gift card, the recipient gets to choose their favorite treats on your dime. What‘s not to love?
Where to Buy Dunkin‘ Gift Cards
Now that we‘ve established the popularity of Dunkin‘ gift cards, let‘s get into the nitty gritty of where to snag them. The good news is, you have plenty of options! Here‘s a breakdown of the most common retailers, along with some pro tips from yours truly.
Dunkin‘ Shops
Well, duh. Of course you can get Dunkin‘ gift cards at an actual Dunkin‘! All standalone locations sell physical gift cards in any amount from $5 to $100. They typically have a few different designs to choose from, ranging from the classic orange and pink Dunkin‘ logo to seasonal themes for holidays like Christmas and Valentine‘s Day.
Pro tip: Some Dunkin‘ locations also sell digital e-gift cards that can be delivered via email. If you‘re in a pinch and need a last-minute gift, it‘s worth asking!
Dunkin‘ Website
If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your couch, head to DunkinDonuts.com. Dunkin‘s official website has a dedicated gift card portal where you can order physical or digital gift cards for delivery.
For physical cards, you can choose any amount between $5 and $100, pick your preferred design, and have the card mailed to your recipient (or yourself). Standard shipping is free, or you can select expedited options for an additional fee. Digital e-gift cards can be sent instantly via email, perfect for those "oops, I forgot" moments.
Pro tip: Dunkin‘ occasionally offers promotions like bonus rewards points or discounted e-gift cards to DD Perks members. It pays to sign up for their loyalty program before making a purchase!
Grocery Stores
Next time you‘re stocking up on snacks at your local supermarket, swing by the gift card rack. Most major grocery chains carry a selection of third-party gift cards, including Dunkin‘. Some stores where you‘re likely to find them include:
- Kroger
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Publix
- Stop & Shop
- Whole Foods
- Wegmans
Selection and denominations can vary by location, but most stores sell fixed amount cards in $25 and $50 increments. The designs may be more limited than what you‘d find at a Dunkin‘ shop, but hey, it‘s all about the coffee, right?
Pro tip: Some grocery stores run promotions like "Buy $50 in gift cards, get $10 off your next purchase." Keep an eye out for these deals to save on your gift card haul!
Drug Stores
In addition to prescriptions and toiletries, America‘s biggest drugstore chains are also a go-to destination for gift cards. Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid all sell Dunkin‘ cards as part of their third-party gift card selection.
At Walgreens, you can typically find $25 and $50 Dunkin‘ cards in the gift card mall near the front of the store. CVS carries $10, $25, $50, and $100 cards, though availability may vary by location. And at Rite Aid, the most common denominations are $25 and $50.
Pro tip: If you‘re a member of the drugstore‘s loyalty program, you may be able to earn rewards points on gift card purchases. For example, CVS ExtraCare members get 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most gift card purchases.
Big Box Stores
For a one-stop gift card shopping experience, head to your nearest big box retailer. Walmart, Target, and Sam‘s Club all carry Dunkin‘ cards in-store and online, often with a wider range of denominations than you‘ll find at other retailers.
At Walmart, you can purchase Dunkin‘ e-gift cards online in any amount from $5 to $500. They also sell physical cards in-store, typically in $25 and $50 amounts. Similarly, Target offers $15, $25, and $50 Dunkin‘ cards both in-store and online. And if you have a Sam‘s Club membership, you can snag $25 and $50 cards in-club.
Pro tip: Take advantage of your favorite retailer‘s curbside pickup or same-day delivery options to get your Dunkin‘ gift card ASAP. Many stores now offer these convenient services for free!
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Running into 7-Eleven for a quick snack? You might just stumble upon a Dunkin‘ gift card while you‘re at it. Some larger gas station and convenience store chains stock a small selection of gift cards near the registers, which can occasionally include Dunkin‘.
However, availability is much more hit-or-miss than at other retailers on this list. And you‘ll likely be limited to fixed denominations like $25 or $50. But if you‘re already filling up your tank or grabbing a Slurpee, it can‘t hurt to check!
Online Gift Card Resellers
For the savviest of shoppers, buying discount gift cards from resale websites is the ultimate power move. Sites like Raise and CardCash allow people to sell their unwanted cards – including Dunkin‘ – for less than face value.
As a buyer, you can snag these discounted cards for anywhere from 2% to 15% off. For example, as of March 2023, Raise had $25 Dunkin‘ e-gift cards on sale for $22.20, a savings of 11%. The only catch is that inventory is limited and always changing, so you might have to stalk the site for a bit to find the right card.
Pro tip: When buying from gift card resellers, always check the seller‘s reviews and ratings. Stick with reputable sites and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
How to Check Your Dunkin‘ Gift Card Balance
You‘ve scored the perfect Dunkin‘ gift card – now what? The first step is checking your balance so you know exactly how many iced lattes it‘ll get you. There are a few easy ways to do this:
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Check your receipt: Whenever you make a purchase with your Dunkin‘ gift card, your remaining balance will be printed at the bottom of the receipt.
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Ask a store employee: If you‘re at a Dunkin‘ location, simply ask the cashier to check your gift card balance. They can swipe it and let you know how much is left.
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Log into the Dunkin‘ app or website: If you have a registered DD Perks account, you can link your gift card to easily check the balance anytime. Just log in, navigate to the "Gift Cards" section, and voila!
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Call customer service: When all else fails, you can call 1-800-447-0013 and follow the prompts to check your Dunkin‘ gift card balance by phone.
Pro tip: If you have a reloadable Dunkin‘ card, consider registering it online. That way, you can easily view your transaction history, report the card as lost or stolen if needed, and even set up auto-reloads so you never run out of funds.
Is a Dunkin‘ Gift Card Right for You?
Now that you‘re fully versed on where and how to buy Dunkin‘ gift cards, you might be wondering: are they actually worth it? As a certified Dunkin‘ fanatic and experienced gift giver, I‘m inclined to say yes. Here are a few reasons why:
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They‘re versatile: With a Dunkin‘ gift card, the recipient can choose from a wide variety of food and beverage options to suit their tastes. There‘s something for everyone, from classic coffee to trendy espresso drinks to hearty breakfast sandwiches.
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They‘re convenient: Dunkin‘ has locations all over the country, so chances are there‘s one near your giftee. And with the ability to reload funds and use the card through the mobile app, it‘s a seamless experience from start to finish.
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They‘re cost-effective: Buying someone‘s daily coffee for a week or two can add up quickly. With a gift card, you can treat them to multiple visits for a set price. Plus, you might even be able to snag the card at a discount!
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They‘re customizable: Whether you opt for a physical or digital card, you can choose from a variety of festive designs to fit the occasion. You can even add a personal message or photo to e-gift cards for an extra special touch.
Of course, a Dunkin‘ gift card might not be the most creative or personal gift out there. If your recipient is more of a tea drinker or prefers to support local coffee shops, it may not be the best fit. And if you‘re looking to really wow someone, a gift card alone might not cut it. But for the devoted Dunkin‘ fan in your life? It‘s a surefire hit.
Final Thoughts
Phew, that was a lot of ground to cover! But as a true Dunkin‘ devotee, I know firsthand how much joy a simple gift card can bring. Whether you‘re surprising a friend, thanking a coworker, or just treating yourself, you really can‘t go wrong with a Dunkin‘ card.
The biggest takeaway? You have options. From drugstores to supermarkets to the Dunkin‘ app itself, there are plenty of convenient places to score a card in your desired amount. And with a little savvy shopping – like hitting up a gift card resale site or waiting for a promotion – you can even save a few bucks in the process.
So go ahead, make someone‘s day with the gift of Dunkin‘. Or better yet, grab a card for yourself and make it a coffee date. With all the delicious possibilities that await, you really can‘t lose. Happy sipping!
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