dinerbonnen

Dinerbonnen are prepaid vouchers or cards that can be exchanged for meals at participating restaurants. They are primarily used as a non-cash employee benefit or as a gift, intended to encourage dining out and to simplify expense reporting for employers.

How they work: An employer or voucher provider issues the vouchers to employees. The recipient presents the voucher (or uses a linked card) at a participating restaurant; the restaurant redeems the voucher value with the issuer. Vouchers may be issued as physical coupons or as digital codes. Expiration dates and terms vary by issuer.

Regulation and tax: In the Netherlands, dinerbonnen have historically been treated as a tax-advantaged non-cash benefit under certain conditions. Tax rules and applicable limits have changed over time, and many schemes have shifted toward general gift cards or digital allowances. The exact treatment depends on current tax policy and the design of the benefit.

Acceptance and scope: Dinerbonnen are only accepted at restaurants that participate in the issuer's network, and acceptance can vary by region and provider. They remain a common component of employee benefits, but their use is more regulated and may depend on current policy. Some providers also offer digital or card-based formats that streamline use and tracking.

In summary, dinerbonnen are a form of dining-focused voucher used mainly as an employee benefit or gift, with redemption limited to participating establishments and subject to evolving regulatory rules.