Now there's another dining benefit for Citi AAdvantage Executive Card holders. Cardmembers can now earn $200 per year in dining credits via InKind, a dining app that can save them money on a restaurant meal.

Let's take a look at how the credit works, how you can activate it, and why it can make sense for a card that has a large annual fee.

How the Credit Works

This is semi-annual, with the up to $200 given in two installments. Cardmembers will be eligible for $100 from January 1 through June 30, and another $100 from July 1 through December 31. It's a continuing benefit and is not on a set schedule yet. It is also open to both new and existing users of InKind.

The credit is divided into two half years, thus, if a window is missed, it is lost credit. It's best to plan ahead for at least half a year because if not used within that time frame, by June 30 it does not roll over to the next.

You receive the credit upon completion of your meal at an InKind restaurant and pay its bill via the InKind app using your connected card. That is easy, there will be no receipts to upload, and no special claim forms to fill out.

How to Activate It

There are just a few first steps to get going:

• Download and sign up to the InKind app first. 
• It's suggested to use a refer a friend link, as it will provide you $25 off your first meal.
• To use InKind, download the app and register.
• Use your Citi AAdvantage Executive Card to pay for your InKind purchases.
• Check the new section in the app for this benefit.
• Enjoy a meal at a restaurant that takes part in InKind and use the app to pay with the card linked to your account.
• The credit is then given.

When the card is added, you will instantly know that you have a new section in the app as it will appear on the screen. If you don't see it, check to see if it is saved as a payment method.

InKind's rationale for its use

The original author has been using InKind everyday and admits that it's probably more than half of their dining out these days. They believe it is far superior to any other dining app, and cite some of the reasons.

Within there's a bit of variation, but there are many very good restaurants, and InKind has even led the writer to find new restaurants to love.

• InKind provides 20% (or more) back for dining with InKind credit.
• InKind is a restaurant credit that is frequently sold at 30% to 45%, so that is a huge savings opportunity at these restaurants.
• This is simple, there is no hassle and only a transaction fee to pay in the App, which saves time.

The combination makes the application more than just a payment instrument. These rewards and the credit given will really add up, and the new card credit will be on top of that. Those who already dine out can make a seamless transition to InKind for some of their outings.

What This Means for the Card

This is an important enhancement to Citi’s AAdvantage Executive Card. The writer owns it and notes that the annual fee is $695, but that it's no worse for someone who flies American as their main carrier, and enjoys booking flights and lounge visits with the airline.

The card’s most basic benefit is the membership in the Admirals Club that the primary member earns, worth to the writer more than the annual fee. It's just the start of the benefits and if there are additional expenses such as $200 worth of dining credits, the better.

If you’re already a cardholder and you’re fond of eating out, you’ll be able to make use of a substantial part of your annual charge. If you aren't a person who orders from numerous dining apps, it's an easy way to apply the credit, and you may even book a table within the app before you go. If several credits and benefits cover a portion of the $695 charge, then it's easier to rationalize.

Taking full advantage of the Credit

There are some tips that will help you get the maximum benefit from the credit. Sign up for a referral friend program and receive $25 for your first meal. Include your card first for the benefit area to be available immediately. Before going, be sure to verify that your restaurant of choice is participating in InKind, since only restaurants participating in InKind count.

Time is another factor to consider as well. This $100 is available for each half of the year, and with these, one large meal or two smaller ones can be consumed. The credit can be combined with the discounts that InKind provides, so your savings may be greater than the value of the credit alone.

Who Benefits Most

This feature will be best suited for cardholders who eat out frequently and are close to restaurants that participate in the program. The dining credit might be a welcome extra for cardholders of American Airlines who are members of the Admirals Club. If you don't dine at restaurants often, then the credit will be more difficult to utilize, and you might need to reconsider whether InKind is for you.

The Bottom Line

The Citi AAdvantage Executive Card now gets up to $200 in dining credits with InKind each year. It is a half-yearly credit, that is, you will receive half the credit in each half year.

To reap the benefits, use the InKind app to enter your card number, then you'll instantly have information about the benefit displayed there. Register using a refer a friend link and take advantage of $25 off your first meal. This is a convenient and helpful card for travelers who use planes already and do so regularly in the USA.