Domino's gift card: a cheaper way to pay for pizza, with a few catches

Domino's Electronic Gift Cards (EGCs) are issued by Jubilant FoodWorks, which runs Domino's in India. You can use one card several times until the full amount is spent, as long as it's within 180 days of issue. Whatever is left after that is forfeited, and expired cards are not revalidated.

Two rules are unusual. If your order costs more than the card balance, Domino's terms say the difference can only be paid in cash, so keep cash ready for delivery or pick a card that covers your usual order. And the card is not applicable on advance orders.

Because Domino's deals don't stack with the card, compare the two before you pay. The card discount applies to whatever you order at menu price, so it wins on regular orders: a couple of medium pizzas with sides, or a large order for a group. Domino's combos and Everyday Value prices can work out cheaper on small, deal-shaped orders, such as a single pizza that is part of a promotion. If you order Domino's a few times a month, buying a card that covers about a month of orders and spending it within the 180 days gives you the full discount on all of it.

Among food brands on Subspace, Domino's usually tops the discount chart. The comparison below uses the highest rate listed on each brand page.

The card goes in at checkout, after you have built your order.

A Domino's card is a small, low-risk gift that almost everyone uses:

• Office treats such as a team lunch on a Friday or a thank-you to a support team.
• Kids' birthday parties at home, where pizza is the main event.
• Exam weeks for a student in a hostel or PG.
• Match nights with friends. For a big-screen setup in Bengaluru, pair it with a projector on rent.

If the person orders from many restaurants, a Zomato or Swiggy card gives them more choice, at a smaller discount.