Credit Cards
16 Best Dining Credit Cards of November 2026
By
Stephanie Stevens
Stephanie Stevens
Credit cards writer
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
and
•Ben Smithson
Ben Smithson
Senior writer
Ben Smithson is a senior writer for TPG and is based in London. Originally from Australia and a qualified lawyer with a financial services background, he has almost a decade of experience writing about a broad range of travel and loyalty topics.
Edited by
•Madison Blancaflor
Madison Blancaflor
Managing editor
Madison Blancaflor is the managing editor for TPG's content operations team. She focuses on helping TPG's broader editorial team bring news, features and advice to readers. She has nearly six years of experience covering the credit cards and travel industries.
Reviewed by
Paige Balcom
Paige Balcom
Compliance associate
Compliance associate Paige Balcom joined TPG in 2022 and has spent her time working in the credit card industry reviewing content across sites such as CNET, CreditCards.com and Bankrate. She has used her knowledge to train new writers and other compliance members on the intricacies of compliance across multiple brands and partners.
Most of the cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you approve through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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.
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for the well-traveled foodie
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card: Best for earning AAdvantage miles without flying
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for beginners
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for flexible rewards earning
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for premium travel rewards for value
- Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: Best for travelers
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Best for Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists
- The Brand New IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card: Best for IHG loyalists who want valuable hotel perks
- Citi Strata Premier® Card: Best for starter travel
- American Express Platinum Card®: Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
- Bilt Obsidian Card: Best for earning rewards on dining, groceries and everyday essentials
- Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card: Best for unlimited point earning
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for Hilton loyalists
- Air France KLM Visa Signature® credit card: Best for Air France-KLM loyalists
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best for small businesses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for foodies with no annual fee
Comparing the best dining cards
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 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. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 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.
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent to Good
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 statement credit, plus 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 makes 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
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 12X | Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com. |
| 6X | Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com. |
| 6X | Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time. |
| 1.5X | Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus Points
Annual fee
$595
Regular APR
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is a premium travel card that balances premium benefits alongside flexible lifestyle perks. It offers elevated earning rates on Citi Travel bookings, a generous mix of travel and lifestyle statement credits and exclusive 1:1 point transfers to American Airlines AAdvantage — something no other issuer currently provides. With unique benefits like four Admirals Club passes and elevated weekend dining rewards, the card delivers strong value for those who fly American Airlines a few times a year or frequently book through Citi’s travel portal. While the $595 annual fee is steep, the credits and perks can easily outweigh the cost for the right cardholder.
Pros
- The only major issuer with American Airlines as a travel partner
- Four Admirals Club passes annually
- Up to $1,100 in combined lifestyle and travel statement credits
- High earning potential through Citi Travel and weekend dining
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Limited travel bonus categories outside of Citi Travel
- Limited lounge access compared to other premium travel cards
- Authorized user fee of $75
- Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
- Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
- Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 5x | Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x on dining, vacation homes at top brands, gas & EV charging, top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs). |
| 2x | Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | Earn 1x on all other purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
75,000 bonus points.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Excellent/Good
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the easiest travel rewards cards to recommend because it has elevated rewards across everyday spending categories, valuable travel protections, useful statement credits and an approachable annual fee. Whether you're new to points and miles or already maximizing transfer partners, it offers a rare combination of flexibility and long-term value for both beginners and experienced travelers alike.
Pros
- Earn elevated rewards in popular categories, including travel, dining, gas, EV charging and vacation home stays at top brands
- Premium travel protection benefits include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
- Versatile airline and hotel transfer partners
- Features up to $100 in annual hotel credits through Chase Travel℠
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- No airport lounge access
- Transfers to Hyatt at a lower rate than other Sapphire cards
- 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, 3x on vacation homes at top brands, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation, and more.
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
- Complimentary DashPass membership, a $120 value for 12 months. Enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, plus exclusive Chase savings on grocery, everyday essentials, and more. Activate by 12/31/29.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Member FDIC
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.* |
| 1X | Earn 1X on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$375
Regular APR
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent to Good
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the Amex Business Gold card.
Pros
- You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each billing cycle (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Cons
- Hefty $375 annual fee.
- There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
- As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at Grubhub, Office Supply Stores, and shipments at UPS.com. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Gold Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. purchases with Squarespace on the Business Gold card. Subscription purchases subject to auto-renewal.
- Get up to a $12.95¹ statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Business Gold Card. ¹Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- Terms Apply
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 8x | Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠. |
| 4x | Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on dining worldwide. |
| 1x | Earn 1x points on all other purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 bonus points.
Annual fee
$795
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the most rewarding travel credit cards thanks to its elevated earning rates on both Chase Travel℠ and direct hotel and airline purchases. Cardholders also gain access to more than $3,000 in potential annual value through premium perks like lounge access, hotel status, lifestyle credits and flexible travel credits.
With its strong earning structure and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking both luxury and long-term value.
Pros
- Automatic $300 annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- Earn 8 points per dollar spent on Chase Travel purchases and 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked direct
- Over $3,000 in total annual cardmember value, including credits for StubHub, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and DoorDash
- $300 annual dining credit (split up as two semiannual $150 credits) for Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables restaurants
- Access to Chase’s 14 hotel and airline travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Complimentary IHG Platinum Elite status (through Dec. 31, 2027)
Cons
- Steep $795 annual fee, plus a $195 fee per authorized user
- Some credits are split biannually, requiring careful tracking to maximize value
- Some credits require enrollment or specific platforms, which may make it more difficult to maximize value
- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases.
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, a statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Get up to $150 in statement credits from January through June and again from July through December for a maximum of $300 annually when you dine at restaurants part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $324 annually.
- Member FDIC
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 $8,000 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 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $325 | ||||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | earning AAdvantage miles without flying | Earn 75,000 bonus Points Open Intro bonus Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. | 1.5 - 12X points Open Rewards rates
| $595 | ||||||||||||
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. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | flexible rewards earning | As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 1 - 4X points Open Rewards rates
| $375 | ||||||||||||
at Chase's secure site | premium travel rewards for value | 100,000 bonus points. Open Intro bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 8X points Open Rewards rates
| $795 |
How we rate
Dining is an important bonus category where it's common to spend frequently. We rated the best cards to use at restaurants based on several factors, including earning rates, the annual fee associated with holding the card and additional benefits. To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
Earning ratesWe included cards with strong earning rates when dining out to utilize on purchases at restaurants.
Annual feeOur top picks range from no-annual-fee cards to those with higher fees and additional benefits to suit various budgets.
Welcome bonusThe cards selected include generous welcome offers that can be met at various spending thresholds, depending on your unique spending habits.
Redemption optionsWe selected cards that earn across a variety of currencies, such as transferable points and miles, cash back and hotel points. These open up various redemption options for your spending on dining and restaurants.
Added benefitsMany of the dining cards we picked come with additional benefits, such as credits and travel protections.
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.
This information was collected via opt-in surveys of TPG’s roughly 900,000 daily newsletter subscribers in May-June 2024. All data is anonymous and aggregated; you can view our full methodology for collecting and utilizing data here.
Ask our experts
What's your favorite dining credit card — and why?
How to choose a dining credit card
Look for a credit card offering attractive rewards or cash back for dining expenses. Consider the earning rate and whether it works with your dining spending habits. Some cards may offer higher rewards for dining, such as 2 or 3 points per dollar spent, allowing you to earn more points more quickly.
Ensure the card is accepted at your favorite restaurants, cafes and bars, then evaluate the annual fee associated with the card. Compare the benefits and rewards offered against the fee to determine if it provides sufficient value.
Finally, check if the card earns other benefits you may also value, such as travel or ride-hailing service credits.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing 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
Can you earn with a dining rewards program and credit card? - The Points Guy
Get rewards for eating at restaurants
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.