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Searching for the best credit card for dining and restaurants in 2024? With dining out and ordering delivery being such an integral part of our daily lives, maximizing rewards from your spending on these experiences is crucial. Whether you're a food connoisseur or simply want an easy meal after a long day, having the right credit card can turn every dining expense into an opportunity to earn valuable rewards.
Recent data from the USDA reveals that Americans allocate a whopping 56% of their total food budget to dining out. This spending represents a golden opportunity to earn valuable credit card points or cash back by paying attention to bonus categories on credit cards. If you aren't utilizing a credit card designed to maximize rewards on dining, you could be missing out on accumulating a massive haul of points or cash back each year.
Page Contents
- How To Choose the Best Credit Cards for Restaurants and Dining Out in 2024
- Overview of the Best Rewards Credit Cards for Dining & Restaurants
- Best Restaurant Credit Card for Each Rewards Category
- Best Flexible Rewards-Earning Credit Cards for Restaurants
- Best Credit Card for Dining With No Annual Fee
- Best Credit Card for Earning Cash Back on Dining
- Best Dining Rewards Card for Small Businesses
- Best Credit Card for Dining on the First Day of the Month
- Other Great Credit Card Options for Dining and Restaurants
- Stack With a Dining Program for More Earnings
- What Purchases Are Included in the Dining & Restaurant Category?
- Final Thoughts
- Best Credit Card For Dining Purchases FAQ
- Which dining credit card is best?
- Which Amex card is best for food?
- Is it good to use a credit card for food?
- Is it better to use debit or credit cards to buy dinner at a restaurant?
- What is the best credit card for fast food purchases?
- Is Diners Club better than Priority Pass?
- Why do some restaurants not accept American Express cards, even if these cards offer excellent dining rewards?
- What is the best cash-back credit card for restaurants?
- Does buying food on a credit card build credit?
How To Choose the Best Credit Cards for Restaurants and Dining Out in 2024
Choosing the best credit card for dining out and restaurant purchases is a decision that should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Are you chasing flexible rewards points that transfer to airline or hotel partners? Or do you prefer earning fixed-value rewards to pay for other expenses? Maybe you would rather earn cash back on dining.
Several factors come into play, including your personal spending habits, travel goals, and the kind of rewards you want to earn. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best credit cards for restaurants:
- Spending habits: Examine how often you dine out and how much you spend on average. This will help you determine the potential returns you can get from a card's rewards structure and then evaluate whether these are worth an annual fee in exchange for higher earnings.
- Rewards and benefits: Are you more interested in flexible rewards points that can be transferred to airline or hotel partners? Or perhaps you're leaning towards fixed-value rewards points that you can use at restaurants or for other travel expenses like car rentals. Evaluate the rewards rates and benefits of each card.
- Fees: Always be mindful of any annual fees or other charges associated with the card. Sometimes, a card may offer great rewards, but the fees might negate the benefits.
- Cash back versus travel rewards: Decide if you'd prefer to earn cash back on dining, which offers more immediate and tangible rewards, or if you're chasing travel rewards that can lead to bigger future savings.
No matter your goal, we want to make maximizing your purchases easier. To that end, let's dive into our list of best credit cards for restaurants and dining, and see which card takes the top spot.
Related: Use These Credit Cards for Free Food Delivery Perks
Overview of the Best Rewards Credit Cards for Dining & Restaurants
We've got most of the bases covered with the cards detailed below. However, to present an even broader perspective of the category, we've created a table covering most of the major cards. For candidates to make it into this table, the card needs to provide at least a 3% return on restaurant spending.
| Credit Card | Points Earned on Dining & Restaurants | Other Bonus Categories | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Prestige® Card (no longer open to new applicants) | 5X ThankYou® Points on dining | • 5X points airfare • 3X points on hotels and cruise lines | $495 |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4X at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1X), plus takeout and delivery in the U.S | • 4X points at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year) • 3X points on airfare on a scheduled flight charged directly with the airline or amextravel.com (charter flights/private jet flights excluded) | $325 (Rates & Fees) |
| American Express® Business Gold Card | 4X points at U.S. restaurants (if it's one of the 2 eligible categories where your business spends the most in a billing cycle) | 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle including: • U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio) • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers • U.S. purchases at gas stations • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S. *4X points applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year Then earn 1 point per dollar. 3X points on prepaid airfare and hotels at AmexTravel.com | $375 (Rates & Fees) |
| Citi Strata Premier℠ Card | 3X Thankyou Points on dining | • 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com • 3X points on airfare and other hotels • 3X points on gas and EV charging • 3X points on groceries | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and takeout purchased through Ultimate Rewards) 3X points on dining elsewhere | • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase • 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase • 3X points on other travel worldwide | $550 |
| American Express® Green Card | 3X on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. | 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals, plus 3X on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways | $150 |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services | • 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in quarterly bonus categories from the Chase Freedom calendar • 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards • 3% on drugstore purchases | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 3% on dining at restaurants | • 5% on travel purchased through Chase • 3% on drugstore purchases • 1.5% on all non-bonus purchases | $0 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 3X points on dining | • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase • 3X points on eligible streaming services • 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs) • 2X points on all other travel | $95 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 4X points on takeout, food delivery, and dining (on up to $2,000 spent each quarter) | • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and gas stations | $0 |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply. | N/A | $0 (Rates & Fees) |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | 3% cash back on dining | • 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel • 3% cash back on entertainment • 3% cash back on popular streaming services • 3% cash back at grocery stores | $0 |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | 3% cash back on restaurants | • 4% cash back on gas and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 per year, then 1% after that) • 3% cash back on eligible travel purchases • 2% cash back at Costco stores and Costco.com | $0 |
| U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | 3% cash back at restaurants | • 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center • 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations • 3% cash back at office supply stores • 3% cash back at cell phone service providers | $0 |
Best Restaurant Credit Card for Each Rewards Category
Choosing the right credit card for dining and restaurants is crucial, regardless of the type of rewards you aim to accumulate. While it might seem trivial, the right dining card can elevate your dining experience, transforming every meal into an opportunity to earn substantial rewards. Whether your focus is on cash back, travel points, or premium perks, there's a card to suit your dining and restaurant spending habits, ensuring you reap the most value from each transaction.
Our detailed breakdown below guides you through this selection process, providing insights and highlighting the standout options in the crowded market of dining cards.
Best Flexible Rewards-Earning Credit Cards for Restaurants
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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 each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $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.
- $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.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked on amextravel.com
- 1X on other eligible purchases
Of the best dining cards currently open to new applicants, the American Express® Gold Card delivers the most bang for your buck at your favorite eatery over the long term. That's because it earns 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $50,000 spent each calendar year (then 1X) at restaurants — including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
The Amex Gold comes with a $325 annual fee (Rates & Fees). However, there are two valuable benefits that help offset the annual fee:
- Up to $120 annual dining credits: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Amex Gold at Five Guys, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Wine.com. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
- Up to $120 Uber Cash annually: Get $10 per month deposited into your connected Uber account, which can be used for taking an Uber ride or for Uber Eats purchases within the U.S. This credit expires at the end of each month if not used.
Amex Disclosure: To receive $10 monthly credits (up to $120 per year) in Uber Cash, you must add the American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account and select it as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction.
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Plus, with the Amex Gold, you'll earn 4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), making it the best card for both dining and groceries. This card is great for racking up points on your food bill, whether you're dining in or eating out.
Related: Amex Gold review
Considering alternatives to the Amex Gold?
While the Amex Gold delivers the best earning rates for dining and restaurants, it's not the only player in the game. For those who might find the $325 annual fee a bit steep or want to look at different reward structures to complement other cards in your wallet, there are some excellent alternatives.
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, for instance, earns 3X ThankYou® Points on dining and earns flexible rewards points, as does the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which also features a ton of high-value perks and benefits for cardholders. Another contender for flexible rewards is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, which offers a flat 2X miles on every purchase, meaning you don't need to juggle multiple cards to earn a solid return on dining spend.
Best Credit Card for Dining With No Annual Fee
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
- Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
- Earn 1.5% on all purchases
A stalwart of the Chase Ultimate Rewards stable of credit cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® sports a dizzying array of bonus categories, including 3% cash back (or 3X Chase Ultimate Rewards points) on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), making it one of the best credit cards for restaurants — especially for those wanting a card without an annual fee.
When used as a cash rewards credit card, these points are worth 1¢ each towards a selection of redemption options, including cash back. However, the value increases if you also hold the Sapphire Preferred or another Ultimate Rewards credit card charging an annual fee. If so, you can combine your Ultimate Rewards points and redeem them for an increased value towards travel. Or you can use the Ultimate Rewards transfer partners for potentially much more value.
This transforms that 3X points on dining into a potential 4.5% return, making this one of the most rewarding credit cards for dining. If you don't hold a supporting Ultimate Rewards card, you can potentially get a better return with a card that gives straight cash back on dining like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, as discussed below.
Related: Chase Freedom Unlimited review
Want to explore more no-annual-fee credit cards for restaurants and dining?
While the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an impressive return with its versatile point-earning structure and dining perks, several no-annual-fee credit cards award bonus points on dining purchases.
Other great no-annual-fee dining rewards cards include the Chase Freedom Flex℠, which also offers 3X earning on dining purchases, while the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card delivers cardholders an impressive 4X points per dollar (on up to $2,000 spent each quarter) on takeout, food delivery, and dining.
Best Credit Card for Earning Cash Back on Dining
- $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 annual fee
- 8% cash back on purchases made via the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% cash back on dining and entertainment
- 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 3% on popular streaming services
- 1% on all other purchases
If cash back on dining is your thing, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card card is a solid option. That's because the card includes the ability to earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining purchases. If you spend $3,500 a year on dining (the national average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), you'll earn $105 in cash back. That's a great return — especially since there's $0 annual fee.
Additional cash-back options for dining fans
While the Capital One Savor Cash stands out with its attractive 3% cash back on dining and no annual fee, there are other dining cards in the cash-back arena that deserve a mention:
- Citi Custom Cash® Card: Tailored for those with varied spending habits, the Citi Custom Cash automatically awards 5% cash back in your top spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1%), with dining among the eligible categories. If dining is your primary expense for a particular month, you can maximize your cash-back potential by spending up to the monthly cap for 5% earnings.
Best Dining Rewards Card for Small Businesses
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
- 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 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- Rates & Fees
- U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
- U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
For small business owners, there isn't much competition. No other card comes close to the earnings offered by the American Express® Business Gold Card — with one major caveat.
With the Amex Business Gold, you can earn 4X Membership Rewards points on up to $150,000 at U.S. restaurants. However, to accomplish that, U.S. restaurant purchases need to be one of your business' top two eligible spending categories in every billing cycle. If this matches your business's spending tendencies, then it doesn't get much better than earning 4X on $150k of spending.
Diverse business card options for dining rewards
While the Amex Business Gold is a compelling choice, other business credit cards can provide a good return on dining expenses without an annual fee:
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: For business owners seeking simple rewards structures, the Blue Business Plus is hard to beat. It offers a flat 2x Membership Rewards points on every purchase (up to the first $50,000 each year, then 1X) with no categories to track. What's more, it doesn't charge an annual fee (Rates & Fees), ensuring your rewards aren't being negated by the cost of holding the card each year.
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending on this card with no annual fee. Plus, if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards card with an annual fee, you can use your earnings as 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent, opening the door to additional redemption options.
Every business has unique needs and spending patterns. While the Amex Business Gold offers a potentially higher reward rate on dining, it's essential to consider the nuances of each card and how it might align with your business's operational expenses and habits. Whether it's a high earning rate on specific categories or a flat rate on all purchases, finding the right business card can amplify your dining rewards.
Related: How To Get a Business Credit Card
Best Credit Card for Dining on the First Day of the Month
The Bilt Mastercard® offers 3x points on dining every day of the month, on top of 2x on travel, 1x on rent, and 1x on other purchases — so long as you make at least five transactions each billing cycle. Where the rewards really add up is on the first day of the month, thanks to Bilt's Rent Day promotions.
Among rotating offers that can include a free month of rent and transfer bonuses, those with the Bilt Mastercard can earn double points on all purchases other than rent on the first day of each month. That means dining purchases on each month's first day will earn 6x points. Even better, you can pair this with ongoing 5x via Bilt Dining, which is available even if you don't have the Bilt Mastercard. But combining that 5x earning with 6x earning on Rent Day would yield 11x at restaurants once per month. That's hard to beat on a card with a $0 annual fee (Rates & Fees).
Other Great Credit Card Options for Dining and Restaurants
Outside of the top picks listed above, these next cards represent solid earning options for three of the major transferrable currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou® Points, and Amex Membership Rewards.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase credit cards are popular among those who value dining rewards. Both a traditional rewards card — like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — or a cash rewards credit card (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®) can yield extra points or cash back for dining.
The cornerstone of Chase's rewards ecosystem is the Ultimate Rewards program. You can use points from this program to book trips, get gift cards, or earn cash back, among other options. But a standout feature is transferring points to Chase airline and hotel partners like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt. This lets users get even more value, especially for things like luxury flights or hotel stays.
For dining, Chase cards offer unique advantages. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives 3X points on global dining and provides benefits like a $120 DoorDash credit and DashPass subscription (if you enroll by December 31, 2027). If you are looking for a cash rewards credit card, the Freedom Flex gives 3% cash back on dining and features rotating bonuses.
On top of earning 10X points with Chase Dining, Chase cards can provide added perks like travel insurance, car rental coverage, and special event access, making the card benefits comprehensive and varied.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 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, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
- 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
- 3X points on eligible streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
The Sapphire Preferred provides 3X points at restaurants worldwide (including eligible food delivery services and takeout). The card also offers a 10% anniversary points boost, which awards a bonus equal to 10% of your total spending in the previous year (at a rate of 1 point per dollar spent). That means the Sapphire Preferred‘s earning rate is just a little better than other cards earning 3X on dining.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
- 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
- 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on all other travel
- 3X points on dining at restaurants
- 1X points on all other purchases
The Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which earns 3X points on dining, is another great choice for those who prefer to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This card comes with a hefty annual fee of $550, so you'll need to be able to utilize the card's many benefits to make this a good choice over the Sapphire Preferred for dining.
The Sapphire Reserve also has a massive 10X bonus category on purchases made through Chase Dining, but the enhanced earning rate only applies when you prepay through the Chase Dining website. For those in an area with an ample selection of restaurants that allow you to pay through Chase, 10X Ultimate Rewards points is a huge return on dining spend.
Related: Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth $550 per Year?
Citi ThankYou® Points
Citi's credit card lineup is well-tailored for earning Citi points on dining. Notably, the Citi Strata Premier and Citi Prestige® Card bonus categories reward food enthusiasts with points every time they eat out or order in.
Citi's ThankYou® Points program offers flexibility in how you can use your earned points, allowing you to redeem them for travel bookings, gift cards, or even convert them to cash. Like Chase, the highest-value option is transferring these points to one of Citi's travel partners, leading to more valuable redemptions.
When it comes to dining, the Prestige Card has traditionally taken the lead. Cardholders earn 5X points for every dollar spent on dining worldwide; however, this card is no longer available to new applications, so the earning rates on dining purchases can only be enjoyed by existing cardholders.
Additionally, these premium Citi cards have other perks like travel credits and access to special events, further enhancing the cardholder experience.
- 3X points per $1 on airfare and hotels and at gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets
- Annual Hotel Benefit: Save $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when you book through CitiTravel.com
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
- 10X points per $1 on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
- 3X points per $1 spent on airfare, and other hotel purchases
- 3X points per $1 spent at gas and EV charging stations
- 3X points per $1 spent on dining at restaurants, including cafes, bars and lounges
- 3X points per $1 spent at supermarkets
- 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
In June 2020, Citi modified the earning rates on the Citi Strata Premier, increasing the earning rate on dining to 3X ThankYou® points. That's a solid return for a card with a $95 annual fee.
- $250 Travel Credit each calendar year
- 5X points on air travel and at restaurants; and 3X points at hotels and on cruise line purchases
- 4th Night Free when you book any eligible hotel through thankyou.com
- Complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership
- This card is no longer available to new applicants
- 5X points on air travel, travel agencies, and at restaurants
- 3X points at hotels and on cruise line purchases
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
Following Citi’s overhaul of the Citi Prestige® Card, it jumped to the top spot on our list, earning a staggering 5X ThankYou® Points on dining worldwide. Unfortunately, the Prestige Card is no longer accepting applications. If you don't already have one, this won't be an option.
Citi ThankYou® Points are worth a minimum of 1¢ each when redeemed for cash back. Even at that rate, earning 5X translates into a solid 5% cash back. But, that's just the minimum return. By utilizing Citi's transfer partners, those same ThankYou® Points could be worth much more. In fact, AwardWallet users typically redeem Citi points at 2.11¢ each. That puts 5X on dining above a 10% return on spending.
Of course, there's a catch. The Prestige Card charges a hefty $495 annual fee. You'll need to get good use out of the Prestige Card‘s many other benefits — or have exceptionally high restaurant spending — to justify the annual fee.
American Express Membership Rewards
American Express (Amex) cards, especially the Amex Gold, offer substantial dining rewards, providing 4X points at restaurants, including takeout and deliveries in the U.S. The Membership Rewards program, central to Amex, allows flexible point redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners for enhanced value.
The Amex Gold offers dining-specific perks, like a $120 annual dining credit at select restaurants and food delivery services, making it an attractive choice for regular diners.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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 each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $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.
- $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.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked on amextravel.com
- 1X on other eligible purchases
We've covered all the details for the Amex Gold in the sections above, but, it bears repeating that we think this card stands out as the premier choice for dining purchases.
The Amex Green Card is a viable alternative for those seeking a lower annual fee, still offering worthwhile dining rewards. Additionally, the Amex Green Card boasts features like lounge access benefits and annual statement credits that make travel a more rewarding experience, providing value beyond dining.
- 3x Membership Rewards® on travel
- 3x Membership Rewards® at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 3x Membership Rewards® on transit including trains, buses, ferries, subways, and more
- 1x Membership Rewards® on other purchases
American Express has a lot of great options for earning points while dining out. However, the stars of American Express — the Amex Gold and Amex Business Gold — both sport a significant annual fee. If you're willing to sacrifice one point per dollar, the Amex Green Card might be a better option at only $150 per year. The card delivers 3X points on dining and travel purchases and provides some key travel benefits that make it a viable alternative to the Gold cards.
Related: All of the Cards That Earn American Express Membership Rewards Points
Stack With a Dining Program for More Earnings
If you’re hunting even higher returns on your dining spend, don’t forget to join the numerous dining rewards programs offered by rewards programs. If you're unfamiliar with these, check out our beginner's guide to dining programs.
For example, say you agree to receive emails from Alaska's Mileage Plan Dining Program and make 12 qualifying transactions in a calendar year. Any subsequent dining purchases earn 5X Mileage Plan miles at the program's over 10,000 participating restaurants. Meanwhile, IHG Dine and Earn offers 8X IHG One Rewards points to frequent diners.
The best part of dining rewards programs is that you don't have to choose between earning credit card rewards or dining program rewards. Dining rewards programs stack these rewards on top of the points you earn when using your credit card for the same purchase!
Even better, new members can take advantage of dining rewards program welcome bonuses if they haven't already enrolled in these programs previously. Plus, some programs will periodically offer bonus points promotions. For example, Marriott Eat Around Town will periodically offer 8X points on eligible restaurant visits and/or 1,000 bonus points for every 10 dines.
What Purchases Are Included in the Dining & Restaurant Category?
The merchant category code defines purchases included in the dining category. Consequently, the merchant must code the purchase correctly for you to receive bonus points. When in doubt, we recommend using the AwardWallet Merchant Category Lookup Tool to see how purchases have coded in the past.
Chase
“…primary business is sit-down or eat-in dining, including fast food restaurants and fine dining establishments.”
“Bakeries, caterers, meal kit delivery services, and gift card merchants are not included in the category. Delivery and takeout services will be included if they classify as a restaurant merchant.”
Citi
“Includes purchases at cafes, bars, lounges and fast food restaurants. Excludes purchases at bakeries, caterers, restaurants located inside another business (such as hotels, stores, stadiums, grocery stores, or warehouse clubs) and third party dining delivery services.”
American Express
“…restaurants located in the U.S.”
Capital One
“Purchases at restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains and bakeries.”
Final Thoughts
With the Prestige Card closed to new applicants, the Amex Gold takes over as our top pick for currently available cards to earn extra rewards on dining. You'll earn 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants — including takeout and eligible delivery services in the U.S. Plus, the card's dining credit helps offset the $325 annual fee each year.
For frequent diners who'd prefer to avoid a yearly fee, the Freedom Unlimited provides a stellar return at 3% cash back on dining (or 3X Ultimate Rewards points if you hold a card that can transfer points to partners).
At the end of the day, the best card for you will depend on which rewards you want to earn and how much you spend on dining and takeout. But as long as you pick a card and use it consistently, you'll be well on your way to building your rewards balances.
Best Credit Card For Dining Purchases FAQ
Which dining credit card is best?
The best restaurant rewards card is the American Express® Gold Card. It offers a lucrative earning rate of 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Alternatives include the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card with 3X points per dollar on dining purchases and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which earns a solid 3% cash back on dining purchases and charges no annual fee.
Which Amex card is best for food?
The best Amex card for food is the American Express® Gold Card, offering 4x Membership Rewards points on dining purchases (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.). Moreover, you earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in annual purchases (then 1x). It also provides additional dining-related credits that add more value to the card. However, if the annual fee of the Amex Gold seems steep, you might consider the American Express® Green Card, which earns 3x points per dollar on dining and comes with a lower yearly cost. Both cards are excellent choices for food enthusiasts, depending on your budget and preferences.
Is it good to use a credit card for food?
Using a credit card for food can be a smart move. Many credit cards offer bonus points or extra cash back on dining purchases, allowing you to earn rewards with every meal. Beyond that, credit cards provide the convenience of easy payments, especially when splitting bills or ordering online. Credit cards can help you track your dining expenses, which can be a boon for budgeting. Some cards even come with added perks like dining credits or exclusive reservations, adding more value to your dining experience. However, using the card responsibly is crucial, paying off the balance in full each month to avoid interest and ensuring you're not overspending just for the sake of rewards.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards to buy dinner at a restaurant?
Choosing between a debit or credit card for dinner purchases depends on your goals and habits. Credit cards often provide dining rewards and better fraud protection, plus they may offer additional dining perks. However, they can lead to overspending if you're not careful. Debit cards pull cash directly from your bank account, helping to control spending, but they typically offer fewer rewards and reduced fraud protection. The best dining rewards credit card will provide better returns if you manage finances well and want to earn rewards on dining purchases.
What is the best credit card for fast food purchases?
Selecting the best card for fast food depends on your spending habits and rewards preferences. For individuals who frequently purchase fast food, a card that offers significant cash back or points on these transactions would be ideal. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a strong contender, as it provides 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on dining, including fast food purchases. Another noteworthy option is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. It offers valuable cash back on dining and entertainment and charges no annual fee, making it an excellent fast food credit card for everyday use. It's crucial to choose a card that aligns with your fast food spending patterns and offers rewards that you find beneficial — all while keeping an eye on fees and other terms.
Is Diners Club better than Priority Pass?
Given that new consumer Diners Club cards are not available in the U.S., comparing Diners Club directly with Priority Pass isn't helpful for new applicants. Existing Diners Club cardholders receive a range of travel and dining benefits, including lounge access. On the other hand, Priority Pass is primarily known for its global airport lounge access via a subscription model. Many premium travel credit cards offer complimentary Priority Pass memberships as part of their benefits. If you're chasing lounge access benefits and other travel and dining perks, these premium travel cards might be a more accessible and comprehensive option for potential cardholders without access to Diners Club.
Why do some restaurants not accept American Express cards, even if these cards offer excellent dining rewards?
While American Express cards often provide lucrative rewards for dining, some restaurants refrain from accepting American Express cards due to their traditionally higher transaction fees, which can impact smaller establishments' profits. While the acceptance gap has narrowed considerably in the U.S., Amex still has lower acceptance rates overseas. The decision for a restaurant to accept Amex depends on factors like customer demand, the cost of transactions, and operational convenience.
What is the best cash-back credit card for restaurants?
The best restaurant cash-back credit card depends on your specific needs and spending habits. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a strong contender as the best dining card for cash back, offering unlimited 3% cash back on dining and no annual fee. Consider your spending patterns, the card's annual fee, and other benefits or bonuses when choosing the best cash back credit card for restaurants.
Does buying food on a credit card build credit?
Yes, purchasing food on a credit card can help build credit, provided you practice responsible credit behavior. This includes paying your bill on time each month, keeping your credit utilization low, and maintaining a long credit history. Each time you use your credit card and subsequently pay off your balance, it positively impacts your credit history and can improve your credit score. However, using your credit card wisely is essential, avoiding overspending and going into debt, as these can negatively affect your credit score.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), American Express® Business Gold Card (Rates & Fees), American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees), and The Bilt Mastercard® (Rates & Fees)
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