Gift Card Basics
What is an eGift Card?
An eGift Card is an electronic or eGift Card, as opposed to a traditional plastic gift card, and can be purchased from www.benihana.com and can be redeemed at any Benihana restaurant in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not valid in Hawaii.
What are the advantages of sending an eGift Card over sending a conventional plastic card?
There are numerous advantages to using eGift Cards including the instant gratification and convenience of purchasing and using the gift card. eGift Cards are perfect for that last minute gift and can be scheduled for delivery on a specific day and time. eGift Cards are virtual so there are no delivery or handling charges. Lastly, eGift Cards are an environmentally friendly gift choice.
Do gift cards expire or have any fees?
No, Benihana's purchased gift cards do not expire or carry any fees. We do issue promotional cards that expire; however, the expiration date will be noted on the promotional card. If you have any questions regarding what type of card you have, please contact our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or (866) 216-4066 for assistance.
Is there a minimum amount and/or maximum amount I can put on a gift card?
Yes, our gift cards have a minimum value of $20 and a maximum value of $100 per card.
Buying & Sending
Are there any fees associated with purchasing an eGift Card?
There are no delivery or handling charges; you only pay for the face value of the eGift Card.
Can I change the value of my gift card purchase or cancel the transaction?
We're sorry but all gift card transactions are final. If you want to increase the gift card value, then a new transaction will be required.
Can I send myself eGift Cards since I want to give them to my friends, colleagues, and family?
Yes, you can send yourself eGift Cards. When purchasing eGift Cards, simply enter your information on the "Recipient Information" page. Once you receive the eGift Card via email, you can forward it to others or print it then share it.
How will the recipient know that I sent them an eGift Card?
The recipient of the eGift Card will receive an email and mobile notification (if you selected this option) indicating that an eGift Card has been sent to them. These notifications include any personal messages you added during the gift card purchase process.
How will I know that the recipient opened their eGift Card?
You will receive an email notification when the recipient opens the email containing their eGift Card. You can also track the status of the gift card by entering your confirmation number and email address.
How long does it take for an eGift Card to reach the recipient?
All gift cards purchased are subject to credit card and security processing. This typically occurs within 20 minutes however it could take up to 24 hours. If cards are not received within 24 hours please contact our customer support.
I recently purchased and sent an eGift Card but it has not arrived. What should I do?
Occasionally eGift Cards are intercepted by spam filters; please check with the recipient to see if their gift card is in their spam or junk folders. It is also possible that the email address was incorrectly entered at the time of purchase; please check the email address you entered for the recipient.
Can I schedule an eGift Card to be delivered at a future date and time?
This is a very popular feature if you want your gift card to arrive at that very special moment. eGift Cards can be delivered immediately (subject to credit card and security processing time) or at any future date and time.
Redeeming
Where can I use my gift card?
You may use your gift card at Benihana restaurants in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not valid in Hawaii.
Can I use a card internationally?
Benihana's gift cards are only valid in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not valid in Hawaii.
How do I use my eGift Card?
Once you have received your email or mobile phone notification, you can view your eGift Card by clicking the "Get your eGift Card here" button.
To use your gift card, simply click the "Print your gift card" button. Please be sure your printer is switched on and connected to your computer. Once your gift card has been printed, it can be used at any participating Benihanas.
How can I check the balance of my eGift Card?
To check your gift card balance, please call 1-800-242-5353.
Can I put a tip on my gift card?
Yes, if you have funds remaining on your gift card you may use them towards a tip. You will receive a slip similar to a credit card where you can write the tip amount in.
Why won’t the restaurant accept my gift card from a Third Party Vendor (excluding American Express, Augeo, CVS, Walmart, Target, Fresh Thyme and HEB)?
Benihana restaurants in the continental U.S. and Alaska do NOT accept gift cards purchased from Third Party Vendors.
Issues
The recipient never received my eGift Card. How can I resend it?
To resend your eGift Card, please contact our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or (866) 216-4066.
I sent my eGift Card to the wrong email address / mobile phone number. Can I send it to a different email address / mobile phone number?
To resend your gift card, please contact our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or (866) 216-4066.
Where is my plastic gift card order?
Online gift card orders for plastic cards received by 12pm CST are processed the following business day. Our basic shipping method is regular mail and we allow 10 business days for arrival before reissuing an order.
I didn't want to send an eGift Card, I wanted to send a plastic one. How can I send a plastic gift card?
Unfortunately, we are unable to convert an eGift Card to a plastic one. The eGift Card can be sent to you for printing and forwarding, the same way you would forward a plastic card.
I am having trouble viewing my gift card email. How can I access it?
Some email systems and browsers are set to block images and pop-ups which can prevent a recipient from receiving their eGift Card. Please click on the "via web browser" link which is located in the upper right hand corner of the email. Also, check to ensure the pop-up blocker is temporarily disabled; this is typically a yellow box of text just below the browser tabs.
I inadvertently deleted my eGift Card before I could use it. How do I request a replacement?
If you are the purchaser of the gift card, please contact our support center for assistance. Our phone number can be found at the bottom of the website where you purchased the gift card.
I lost my eGift Card print out. How do I request a replacement?
If you misplaced your eGift Card, click on the link in the original email to access it. If you no longer have the original email, please contact our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or (866) 216-4066
What should I do if my gift card is lost or stolen?
Benihana cannot be responsible for lost or stolen cards, however, if you have proof of purchase contact customer care for assistance. If we find your gift card has not been redeemed or has some remaining value, we can cancel the original and issue you a new eGift Card for that value.
I tried to use a gift card I purchased from a Third Party (excluding American Express, Augeo, CVS, Walmart, Target, Fresh Thyme and HEB), and the restaurant wouldn’t accept it.
Benihana cannot be responsible for gift cards purchased from non-approved vendors.
Benihana Payment/Purchasing a Gift Card
Where can I purchase a Benihana gift card?
Benihana gift cards can be purchased online or in person at any of our Benihana locations in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not available for purchase in Hawaii. Not available for redemption in Hawaii and International locations.
May I include a message with my gift card?
Yes, when you order online, you will be prompted during the order process to include a personalized message which will be printed on the gift card carrier.
How will I receive confirmation of my online order?
You will be prompted to include your e-mail address during the order process. Once your order has been placed, you will be sent an e-mail with your order. Once your order is processed and shipped, you will be sent another e-mail confirmation with shipping times and tracking information, if applicable.
May I ship the gift card directly to my recipient?
Yes, once you have entered your billing information, you will have the choice to ship the gift card(s) to your billing address or another address.
How is the gift card packaged?
Each Benihana gift card is packaged in a gift card carrier and envelope with the Benihana logo. You may include your own message on the carrier once you have received it or have one included during the order process if you are shipping the card directly to the recipient.
Can I return or exchange my gift card?
Gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or applied as payment on any account unless required by law.
Benihana Gift Card Delivery
How quickly will I receive my eGift Card?
eGift Card orders will be delivered within 5 minutes of an order. However, e-mail providers and other issues can delay your order. Please check your spam/junk folders. If the eGift Card is not received within 4 hours of purchase, please e-mail benihana@wgiftcard.com.
What are my delivery/shipment options for plastic gift cards?
Gift cards may be sent via USPS 1st Class Mail for $1. Gift cards shipped via USPS 1st Class Mail cannot be tracked and we request that you allow up to 12 business days for delivery. Gift cards can also be shipped via FedEx 2-Day for $15 or FedEx Next Day Air for $19.
Is there a signature required for shipments sent via UPS?
No, a signature is not required. Your package will be left at the front door or with the reception person at your place of business/residence.
Can I use a military mailing address for a billing address
Unfortunately we are unable to accept a military mailing address for a billing address.
Can I use a military mailing address for a shipping address?
If shipping by USPS 1St Class Mail, you can ship to a military address. Unfortunately, UPS does not deliver to a military address.
Will UPS delivery to a P.O. Box?
No, UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box. You will need to ship the gift card to an alternative mailing address.
When will my gift card arrive?
Gift card orders are processed and shipped Monday – Friday until 7:00PM CST. Any orders placed after 7:00AM CST will be process and shipped the following business day. Please note: if you place an order for UPS Next Day Air after 7AM CST on Thursday or Friday, your package will be delivered on the next available business day (excluding holidays).
USPS 1st Class Mail – approximately 10 business days
UPS 2-Day – 2nd business day after the order has been shipped
UPS Next Day Air – the following business day after 3:00PM
Note: UPS does not deliver on Saturday, Sunday or on holidays. Benihana is not responsible for shipping delays due to courier error, inclement weather or incorrect/incomplete addresses.
I have not received my online order, what do I do?
Please e-mail our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or call us at (866) 216-4066 (hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST) and one of our representatives will get back to you within one business day.
Using Your Benihana Gift Card
Where can I use my Benihana gift card?
Our gift cards can be used at Benihana restaurants in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not valid in Hawaii.
How do I use my eGift Card?
Print the card and present at any Benihana location in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not valid in Hawaii. eGift Cards cannot be accepted on any mobile device and MUST be printed to be redeemed.
Can I let someone else use my eGift Card?
Yes, simply sent the eGift Card directly to the recipient e-mail at the time of purchase or you can regift the eGift Card to them after your send it to yourself. Additionally, you can print the eGift Card and hand it to the recipient.
Can Benihana gift cards be used for tax and gratuity?
Yes. You may apply your gift card to the entire check including food, beverage, tax and gratuity.
Can I use more than one gift card to pay for my check?
Yes. You can use as many gift cards as you wish to pay for your meal.
What will happen if I do not use the full amount of the gift card in one visit?
The balance will remain on your gift card until the full value has been depleted.
How can I check the balance on my gift card?
For gift card balance inquiries, please call 1-800-242-5353.
Can I re-load my gift card?
Unfortunately, our gift cards cannot be re-loaded.
Do gift cards expire?
Purchased gift cards do not expire. We do not charge a maintenance or non-usage fee to your gift card. We do issue promotional cards that expire; however, the expiration date will be noted on the promotional card. If you have any questions regarding what type of card you have, please contact our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or (866) 216-4066 for assistance.
Do eGift Cards expire?
No, purchased eGift Cards do not expire. We do not charge a maintenance or non-usage fee to your gift card. We do issue promotional cards that expire; however, the expiration date will be noted on the promotional card. If you have any questions regarding what type of card you have, please contact our fulfillment center at benihana@wgiftcard.com or (866) 216-4066 for assistance.
Can my Benihana gift card be replaced if lost or stolen?
The value of the gift card will not be replaced if the card is lost, stolen, destroyed, altered or used without your permission.
Benihana $10 Promotional Cards
Where can I use my promotional card?
Promotional cards can be used at Benihana restaurants in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not valid in Hawaii.
Can promotional cards be used for tax and gratuity?
No. Promotional cards are not valid towards alcoholic beverages, gift cards, tax and gratuity.
I have a promotional gift card - does it expire?
Please refer to your card for the expiration date.
May I use the promotional card on multiple visits?
Unlike our regular gift cards, the promotional card is valid for a one time use only.
What will happen if I do not use the full amount of the promotional card in one visit?
Promotional cards are valid for one time use only. Any funds remaining on the promotional card after use will revert to Benihana.
May I use more than one promotional card per visit?
Only one card may be redeemed per person, per visit.
Will my promotional cards be issued together?
Promotional cards may arrive in multiple shipments. ALL promotional cards will be sent by USPS mail regardless of delivery method selected with your order and cannot be expedited. Promotional cards issued by e-mail may take up to 3 business days to arrive. Please check spam/junk folder.
Payment/Purchasing a Benihana "Be The Chef" Gift Card
Where can I purchase a Benihana "Be The Chef" gift card?
Benihana "Be The Chef" gift cards can be purchased online or in person at any of our Benihana locations in the continental U.S. and Alaska only. Not available for purchase or redemption in Las Vegas, Hawaii and International locations.
May I include a message with my Benihana "Be The Chef" gift card?
Yes, when you order online, you will be prompted during the order process to include a personalized message which will be printed on the gift card carrier.
How will I receive confirmation of my online order?
You will be prompted to include your email address during the order process. Once your order has been placed, you will be sent a copy of your order. Once your order is processed and shipped, you will be sent another e-mail confirmation with shipping times and tracking information, if applicable.
Do eGift Cards expire?
No. There is no expiration date on your eGift Cards.
May I ship the gift card directly to my recipient?
Yes, once you have entered your billing information, you will have the choice to ship the gift card(s) to your billing address, another address or you may split the gift cards by choosing multiple addresses.
How is the Benihana "Be The Chef" gift card packaged?
Each Benihana "Be The Chef" gift card is packaged in a gift card carrier and envelope with the Benihana logo. You may include your own message on the carrier once received or have one included during the order process if you are shipping the card directly to the recipient.
Can I return or exchange my Benihana "Be The Chef" gift card?
Benihana "Be The Chef" gift cards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or applied as payment on any account unless required by law.