At NerdWallet, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. To do this, many or all of the products featured here are from our partners. However, this doesn’t influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

Marriott International has announced a partnership with Rewards Network to launch a new dining program that helps Marriott Bonvoy members earn more points. Eat Around Town (EAT) allows Bonvoy members to earn up to 8 points per $1 spent at over 11,000 participating restaurants across the U.S.

How does it work?

The process is simple: Join EAT by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the EAT website. Link a credit card to your account, then use it to pay for your meals at EAT’s participating restaurants. For every $1 spent, you will receive up to 8 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Finding participating restaurants is also easy. The website allows you to search by location and cuisine. All you have to do is pay with the credit card you’ve linked. The points will post to your account within six to eight weeks. Points are earned on food, drinks, tax and even tips credited to the linked card.

The only troubling fine print is that some restaurants offer rewards on certain days of the week and could cap monthly earnings. These exemptions are not explicit on the website, and you may need to call the restaurant ahead of time.

» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you

Is enrolling in EAT worth it?

Marriott Bonvoy members who join and spend $30 in the first 30 days at a participating EAT restaurant will receive 1,000 bonus points. This promotion is valid through Jan. 15, 2020.

Another plus? Through Nov. 11, 2019, members earn 8 points per $1 spent. It doesn’t hurt to enroll and test out this new program with so many points up for grabs within the first month. Even when the earning rates changes on Nov. 12, members can earn substantial rewards: Bonvoy members will earn 4 points per $1 while elite members receive 6 points per $1 — still a good way to rack up points, especially if you are dining out while on the road.

» Learn more: The best dining rewards programs

Making EAT work for you

Marriott Bonvoy awards begin at 5,000 points for off-peak Category 1 hotels. So the 1,000 point bonus from EAT can go a long way, especially when you factor in additional earnings. Link your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card to your EAT account and you will receive an additional 2 points per $1 spent. This takes you to 10 points per $1 earned by Nov. 11. If you manage to spend $400 at restaurants by Nov. 11, you’ll have enough points for a free night at a Category 1 hotel. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless review: New name, same premier perks

The bottom line

If you're already dining out, why not collect more points while doing so?

How to Maximize Your Rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2020, including those best for:

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Marriott Bonvoy Bold review: Loyalty at a lower price Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies