Best dining credit cards of January 2026
If you’re a foodie who spends a lot of time dining out, you should use one of our picks for the best dining credit cards to maximize your rewards and score other great benefits such as access to hard-to-get reservations and more.
Some cards not only offer generous cash back and rewards points on dining out but also have you covered when you order takeout and delivery when you’re short on time or not up to cooking. Plus, some of the options on this list also double as great entertainment and travel cards, too, making it even easier to quickly rack up rewards.
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for the well-traveled foodie
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for beginners
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best for small businesses
- Citi Strata℠ Card: Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for foodies with no annual fee
- American Express® Green Card: Best for Best lower annual fee Amex for foodies
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for Hilton loyalists
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for premium travel rewards for value
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best for elevated dining rewards with no annual fee
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best for Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists
Comparing the best dining cards
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 1x on all other purchases. |
Year after year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card wins at the TPG Awards for Best Travel Rewards Card. In exchange for a $95 annual fee, you’ll gain access to the incredible Chase Travel portal — unleashing tons of potential value for award travel. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Pros
- Earn multiple points per dollar on things like travel and dining
- The current welcome bonus on this card is quite generous.
- Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
Cons
- The card comes with a $95 annual fee
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 6x | 6x points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4x | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2x | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
The Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business is a solid pick for small businesses that want the benefits that come with Bonvoy properties around the world. It comes with a great welcome offer and better rewards and benefits than Marriott’s consumer version.
Pros
- 6 points per dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ different airlines
- Perks include premium on-property internet access, complimentary Marriott Gold status, access to Amex Offers, and no foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- WELCOME OFFER: Earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy® Bonus Points. Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
- 6x points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
- Terms apply.
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X | Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com. |
| 3X | Earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations. |
| 3X | Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services. |
| 2X | Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants. |
| 1X | Earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases. |
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers solid reward rates and a welcome bonus of 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months from account opening — not bad for a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. Plus, the Citi Strata allows cardholders the flexibility to self-select an eligible bonus category of their choice that earns 3 points per dollar spent, making it an even more valuable prospect for potential applicants.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Solid reward rates in popular bonus categories
- Flexibility to self-select a bonus category that earns 3 points per dollar spent
Cons
- Available self-select bonus categories may not be suitable for everyone
- For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 8% | Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 5% | Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 3% | Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases |
With this card, you can maximize your purchases on four popular categories from dining, entertainment, popular streaming services to grocery stores. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Earning 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores, like Walmart and Target) is a great return for a no-annual-fee credit card
- This card is great for beginners
- The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase.
Cons
- If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential
- The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn)
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Comparing the best dining cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
at American Express's secure site | the well-traveled foodie | As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 1 - 4X points Open Rewards rates
| $325 | ||||||||||
New offer at Chase's secure site | beginners | 75,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 60,000 bonus points | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | small businesses | Earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy® Bonus Points Open Intro bonus Earn up to 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy® Bonus Points. Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases and an extra 50,000 bonus points after you make an additional $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 2 - 6X points Open Rewards rates
| $125 | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card | Earn 30,000 bonus Points Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||||||
at Capital One's secure site | foodies with no annual fee | Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus Open Intro bonus Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening | 1 - 8% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 |
More details on the best dining credit cards
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. The American Express Gold Card packs a real punch, offering generous bonus points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. There are also fantastic benefits, such as a monthly dining credit for select merchants, a monthly Uber Cash credit and more. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, whether dining out, ordering takeout or cooking for yourself. Enrollment required for select benefits.
Anyone who eats out regularly and would like to earn lots of valuable Membership Rewards points while dining and grocery shopping will benefit from adding this card to their wallet.
“I spend a lot dining out and on groceries, so this is probably my most frequently used card. Earning 4 points per dollar spent on these categories helps boost my Membership Rewards balance, which is my preferred flexible points program. Whilst the up to $10 monthly dining credit isn't huge, it helps to offset the annual fee (enrollment required) and I have a recurring reminder in my calendar to use the credit every month. This card is a good complement to the American Express Platinum Card®, which I also have in my wallet.” — Matt Moffitt, senior editor
If you want to earn on dining and travel with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards on dining and travel purchases, and Chase Travel℠ has a great slate of transfer partners. Plus, with an annual fee below $100, it’s a low-maintenance card to have in your wallet.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards on the market — and for good reason. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its low annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points for Chase Travel bookings or transfer points to one of Chase’s valuable airline and hotel partners.
Anyone looking for generous earning rates on travel and dining and a great list of redemption options, all for a low annual fee.
“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements made over the years, it's hard to compare any other mid-tier rewards card. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor, managing editor
If you prefer Capital One, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is your best bet. The card offers bonus miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. The welcome bonus is on par with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and you’ll pay the same annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is the perfect mid-tier business card for a small-business owner loyal to Marriott. It features elevated earning rates for business categories like U.S. gas stations and U.S. wireless telephone service. Plus, it comes with complimentary Gold Elite status, 15 elite night credits (which can be stacked with those from a personal Marriott card) and an annual free night certificate after your card renewal month. Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card.
Small-business owners who prioritize Marriott properties for stays should consider adding this card to their business wallet. The $125 annual fee can easily pay for itself with the annual free night certificate. Not to mention, the additional perks of elite status and elevated earning rates add to its value.
“If I had to name one credit card I’ll never cancel, I’d choose this one. I love that its elite night credits stack with those from my personal Marriott credit card, and I can get far more value from the free night award than I pay for the card’s annual fee each year. This card has a permanent place in my wallet.” — Ryan Smith, former credit cards writer
If you are looking for a business hotel credit card but find your company frequents Hilton properties, consider The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card instead. The card offers many of the same perks as the Marriott Bonvoy Business but at a slightly more affordable annual fee of $195 (see rates and fees).
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers elevated reward rates in key bonus categories that almost everyone can enjoy (think hotels, rental cars, gas, dining and more).
This card is an excellent choice for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want to earn rewards across every purchase without incurring an annual fee.
If you frequently spend money at supermarkets, on transit, gas and EV charging stations and want to earn Citi ThankYou points without having to pay an annual fee, the Citi Strata should be in your wallet. It earns solid reward rates in popular bonus categories and a flat rate of 1 point per dollar spent in non-bonus categories, so you’re earning rewards every time you tap to pay.
If you don’t mind paying an annual fee and still want to stay in Citi’s ecosystem, consider the new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card. It features a hefty annual fee of $595 but offers decent value for travelers, like an up to $300 annual hotel benefit, Priority Pass Select membership and four Admirals Club lounge passes every calendar year. The Strata Elite also earns at least 1.5 points per dollar spent in nonbonus categories, making every purchase rewarding.
The Capital One Savor is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are all high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three.
Foodies, travelers and frequent concertgoers looking to dip their toes into the world of rewards or who just want generous cash back on regular expenses.
This is a great card to have if dining, travel and entertainment are major spending categories for you. Rewards can be maximized if you also have a card that earns Venture miles.
If you want a simpler earnings rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and an easy-to-hit welcome bonus. You'll earn a flat 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses outside the Savor's bonus categories.
The Amex Green* is packed with elevated earning rates, annual statement credits and no foreign transaction fees. For a fair annual fee of $150, the Amex Green is a solid dining card.
*The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Amex Green* earns 3 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide which are fully transferable with any of Amex’s transfer partners, making it a great option for foodies who love local and international food.
If you’re looking to earn Amex Membership Rewards points but don’t want to commit to a hefty annual fee, the Amex Green* can be a good addition to your wallet.
If you love Amex Membership Rewards and don’t mind a slightly higher annual fee, consider the American Express® Gold Card. It has an annual fee of $325 (see rates and fees) but earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year) and restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year).
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It has elitelike perks at a reasonable annual fee while still earning on dining.
Anyone who is a fan of the worldwide Hilton group and wants to supercharge their Hilton Honors points earnings, both from travel and everyday spending, to redeem at thousands of Hilton properties.
Even if you only stay with Hilton a few times a year, having the Hilton Surpass Card can be worth it. It offers solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status — all for a low annual fee. Hilton Gold is one of the best mid-tier hotel statuses as it gets you complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits and space-available room upgrades.
If you want more perks, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is Hilton's premium card, offering top-tier Diamond status as an automatic benefit. The card's annual fee is significantly higher, but TPG values Diamond status at more than $2,000 annually. You'll receive great perks like free night rewards, airline fee statement credits, Hilton resort and on-property credits, and more.
The Sapphire Reserve offers exceptional value for frequent travelers through generous rewards on travel spending, flexible point transfers and over $2,700 in potential annual perks.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best suited for travelers who can take full advantage of its elevated earning rates, statement credits and wide range of luxury benefits.
If you regularly spend on travel and lifestyle purchases, and want a premium reward card that delivers both luxury benefits and long-term value, the Sapphire Reserve is a card you should consider.
If you're looking for similar premium travel benefits but are an Amex loyalist, the American Express Platinum Card® is a strong competitor. It carries an $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) and offers extensive luxury perks, including access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection for eligible card members, complimentary Hilton and Marriott elite status (enrollment is required for select benefits), and annual statement credits across categories like airfare, hotels, ridesharing services, digital entertainment and more. Its rewards are also flexible to redeem for general travel, but are mostly focused on luxury experiences.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly entry point into travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular alternative — and one of our favorite beginner travel cards here at TPG. It has a much lower fee of $95, earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and offers access to the same Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. While it lacks the premium perks of the Sapphire Reserve, it still provides solid travel protections and the ability to build up a stash of valuable points over time. It’s a great starter card for those new to travel rewards or not yet ready to commit to a premium card.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* card features no annual fee, elevated rewards earning on dining out and a solid welcome bonus.
*The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* is a solid pick for people who are interested in a no-annual-fee card that earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining out, which makes it a good fit for regular restaurant goers.
If you’re interested in a no-annual fee with elevated dining out rewards earning, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* could be a good fit for your wallet.
If you’re a foodie who loves dining out — or ordering in — and doesn’t mind a higher annual fee, consider the American Express® Gold Card. It earns 4 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter).
Exceptional hotel perks, including Hilton Diamond status, an annual Free Night Reward and generous travel credits.
Travelers who frequently stay at Hilton hotels and want luxury-level benefits without elite-qualifying stays.
The combination of high-value credits, elite status and premium travel benefits can far outweigh the $550 annual fee if you maximize them.
For Marriott loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card delivers premium hotel perks within the Marriott portfolio, including an annual free night award and automatic Platinum Elite status, with a slightly higher annual fee. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is ideal for Hyatt loyalists, providing solid value through free nights, elite status and bonus points on Hyatt stays. For a mid-tier option within the same hotel family, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides valuable Hilton perks at a more moderate annual fee.
How we rate
Cards with dining perks are a favorite among TPG readers
Among our readers, a staggering 80% have a credit card that features dining perks, including elevated earning rates on these purchases. In fact, our readers are such big fans of cards that offer dining benefits that another whopping 75% rank bonus earnings on dining purchases as a top-three priority when earning credit card rewards.
Ask our experts
What's your favorite dining credit card — and why?
How to choose a dining credit card
- Seek out a card for dining that comes with a generous sign-up bonus. The reward you earn from meeting the bonus-earning threshold can be used for future travel or to pay down a balance, in the case of cash-back cards. Be sure you pick a card with a spending threshold that you can reach and with a currency you'll find valuable.1Sign-up bonus
- The dining cards featured come with various annual fees — from the higher end to the lower end. However, cards with higher annual fees often also offer strong protections on shopping and travel, in addition to other benefits. If you aren't interested in paying annually for your dining credit card, we included options for that as well.2Annual fee
- The best cards to use for dining will typically earn bonus points, miles or cash back for eating out at restaurants. However, many of these cards also earn more in other bonus categories, such as supermarkets, travel or entertainment. Work to find a card that will maximize your earnings across the categories where you spend most frequently.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of dining credit cards
Pros
- Using dining credit cards can help boost your credit when used responsibly
- A credit card that earns more at restaurants can help you quickly earn rewards to use toward travel and more
- Many credit cards for dining also have bonuses for other spending, such as travel and entertainment
- Credit cards often provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
Cons
- Dining credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance on your credit card for restaurants can negatively impact your credit score
- Some dining credit cards do not earn bonus rewards in all categories, so you may need other credit cards to boost your earnings in other categories
- Some credit cards for dining require a good credit score, which means those who haven't had a credit card before (or have a low score from past spending) may not be approved
Frequently asked questions
To maximize your rewards for eating out and food delivery, as well as saving you money on dining-related and other travel expenses, these are the best credit cards for dining:
- American Express Gold Card: Best overall dining card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee (see rates and fees)
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for dining and travel
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card: Best for Hilton loyalists
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Chase Ultimate Rewards
Most rewards credit cards categorize traditional sit-down restaurants, cafes and fast food establishments as dining for rewards purposes. The categorization of restaurants can vary depending on the credit card issuer and the merchant category codes they use to classify transactions.
To determine whether a specific restaurant qualifies as dining for rewards on your credit card, you can check the credit card's terms and conditions or contact the issuer directly. It can provide specific information on categorizing dining expenses and which restaurants are eligible for rewards or benefits.
Generally, if a bar primarily focuses on serving food and offers a dining experience, it is more likely to be categorized as a restaurant for credit card purposes. However, suppose a bar primarily serves alcoholic beverages and does not offer a significant food menu or dining experience. In that case, some credit card issuers may not classify it as a restaurant.
To determine whether a specific bar is considered a dining establishment for your credit card, you can check with the credit card issuer or review the merchant category code associated with the bar's merchant account.
Credit card dining rewards often apply to takeout and delivery purchases. As the popularity of takeout and food delivery services has increased, credit card issuers have recognized this trend and expanded their dining rewards to include these types of transactions. However, it's important to note that each credit card's terms and conditions may vary.