AARP Online Community and Discussion Forums - Re: 🤔 Seeking "feedback" on Panera - thanks!!!

SummerOnTheWay1 · ‎06-21-2026

Hey All!!!

Hope everyone is well.

I have NEVER gotten Panera eGiftcards, but "thinking" of trying my luck with a few.

(1) Anyone used them at a Panera LOCATION? I have one down the hill from me here in Virginia. I want to "go" to location and order. Maybe eat there or take home. Lol, depends on how busy they are.

(2) If YES, is there a LIMIT on how MANY we can use for ONE purchase?

(3) Any TIPS to pass my way would be greatly APPRECIATED. I am getting to be a "pro" with all this finally. So far have redeemed for Amazon, Staples and Bath & Body Works. GRATEFUL the "experience" was POSITIVE as I was a "nervous" wreck going to Staples and Bath & Body Works. BOTH times a "boss" was nearby as CASHIER had NO idea how to process the eGiftcards. Geez, hope one will be present IF I do decide to visit Panera. Still debating, but tempting. Their selection is delicious. 👍

Thank you SO MUCH,

Nicole 🤗💛

MariaK113398 · ‎06-21-2026

Hi Nicole!!

I have had good luck redeeming gift cards at Panera, the most I ever used at once was 2 or 3. No barcode on the gift card so they have to enter all the numbers by hand. That being said I usually wait til I get a "reward" or discount sent to me (make an account if you don't already have one) because I feel they are overpriced (esp the baked goods). I love the orange scones though, very good.

dantheman63 · ‎06-26-2026

I went to the Panera up the street for the first time with a $5 card in the morning when only a few were there and no line. It was a good new experience, but I wouldn't pay full price and certainly not go at their busy lunch hour.

SummerOnTheWay1 · ‎06-26-2026

[6/26/26] Thank you SO MUCH for your feedback Dan @dantheman63 !!!

I will keep in mind NOT to go during their "lunch" time.

I am guessing the same advice for AFTER work people arrivals & weekends. 😱

Take care,

Nicole!

➡️[*** DAN @dantheman63 wrote:
I went to the Panera up the street for the first time with a $5 card in the morning when only a few were there and no line. It was a good new experience, but I wouldn't pay full price and certainly not go at their busy lunch hour.

SummerOnTheWay1 · ‎06-21-2026

[6/21/26] Thanks Maria @MariaK113398 , I DONOT have an account. Will set one up as you suggested. YES, their prices are HIGH!!! 😱 I will do like you are doing and wait for a "reward" or discount from them. Thank you for that TIP my friend.

Lol, now to HOPE I can "snag" at least 3 eGiftcards. 🤞

HAPPY Sunday All,

Nicole 💛🤗

➡️[*** MARIA @MariaK113398 wrote:
Hi Nicole!!
I have had good luck redeeming gift cards at Panera, the most I ever used at once was 2 or 3. No barcode on the gift card so they have to enter all the numbers by hand. That being said I usually wait til I get a "reward" or discount sent to me (make an account if you don't already have one) because I feel they are overpriced (esp the baked goods). I love the orange scones though, very good.