Originally Posted by the_traveler
The 250 bonus that IceTrojan mentioned has to do with the airline that your idine account is with. For example: AA has a $25 minimum to get the 250 mile bonus, DL has a $15 minimum but UA has NO minimum for their bonus promotion. Either way, a $2 or $3 charge would get you mileage and count as a "dine", even though you may not qualify for that program's promotion.
I use the UA promotion, so I am only currently concerned about getting 8 dines. Right now (to me) I am not concerned about getting a minimum charge. But if I was in (say) the AA or DL programs, I'd be sure to buy 2 or 3 drinks to get to the $15 or $25 minimum.
Also don't forget that your tax and tip get mileage also. Make sure your total adds up above the next level.
AA's minimum is $15 not $25. As noted, I've seen an even dollar tab rounded down a penny more than once so if you see $14.99 online on a $15.00 check, you'll have to send the receipt to Miami, with an explanation that you want the $15 minimum for the promo. Better to round it up to $15.20 (for dining elites) or $15.34 (for regular diners).
DL's current promo has no "minimum" per-vist, but needs $150 total spending (each) for August and September: 30 x $5 would work fine with them.