Credit cards that offer rewards for dining purchases are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best credit cards for dining, based on their rewards programs, fees, and other benefits.
When it comes to dining rewards, some credit cards offer cash back or points for every dollar spent at restaurants, while others offer higher rewards for specific categories such as fast food or fine dining. Some cards also offer additional perks such as free food delivery or access to exclusive dining experiences. By comparing the rewards and benefits of each card, consumers can choose the one that best fits their dining habits and lifestyle.
Whether you’re a foodie who loves trying new restaurants or simply enjoy dining out occasionally, a credit card with dining rewards can help you save money and earn rewards on your purchases. Read on to discover the 10 best credit cards for dining and find the one that’s right for you.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Dining Credit Cards
When it comes to selecting the best dining credit cards, there are several factors to consider. Here are some criteria that should be taken into account:
Rewards Program
One of the most important factors to consider is the rewards program offered by the credit card. The best dining credit cards offer rewards in the form of cashback, points, or miles for every dollar spent on dining. It’s important to compare the rewards programs of different credit cards to determine which one offers the best value for your needs.
Annual Fee
Another factor to consider is the annual fee associated with the credit card. Some dining credit cards come with no annual fee, while others may charge a fee that ranges from $50 to $500 or more. It’s important to weigh the benefits of the rewards program against the cost of the annual fee to determine if the card is worth it.
Sign-Up Bonus
Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses to new cardholders. These bonuses can range from cashback to points or miles, and can be a great way to maximize the value of your spending. It’s important to compare the sign-up bonuses of different credit cards to determine which one offers the best value.
Dining Discounts
Some dining credit cards offer discounts on dining purchases at certain restaurants or chains. These discounts can range from 10% to 25% or more, and can be a great way to save money on dining expenses. It’s important to check if the credit card offers discounts at restaurants that you frequent.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you plan on using your dining credit card while traveling abroad, it’s important to consider the foreign transaction fees associated with the card. Some cards charge a fee of up to 3% on every transaction made outside of the United States. It’s important to compare the foreign transaction fees of different credit cards to determine which one offers the best value for international travelers.
Top 10 Dining Credit Cards
When it comes to dining, having the right credit card can make a big difference. From earning rewards and cash back to receiving exclusive dining perks, choosing the right card can help you save money and enhance your dining experience. Here are the top 10 dining credit cards that offer the best benefits:
Rewards and Cash Back
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – This card offers 2x points on dining and travel, and 1x point on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or cash back.
- American Express Gold Card – This card offers 4x points on dining worldwide and at US supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x point on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or merchandise.
Sign-Up Bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards – This card offers a $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. It also offers 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Citi ThankYou Premier – This card offers a 60,000 point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. It also offers 3x points on travel, including gas stations, 2x points on dining and entertainment, and 1x point on all other purchases.
Annual Fees and Charges
- Discover it Cash Back – This card has no annual fee and offers 5% cash back on rotating categories, including restaurants, up to a quarterly maximum. It also offers 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards – This card has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases.
International Dining Perks
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – This card offers 3x points on dining and travel, and 1x point on all other purchases. It also offers a $300 annual travel credit, access to airport lounges, and no foreign transaction fees.
- The Platinum Card from American Express – This card offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x point on all other purchases. It also offers access to airport lounges, a $200 annual airline fee credit, and no foreign transaction fees.
Additional Benefits
- Wells Fargo Propel American Express – This card offers 3x points on dining, gas stations, rideshares, transit, flights, hotels, homestays, and car rentals, and 1x point on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or cash back. It also has no annual fee.
- Bank of America Cash Rewards – This card offers 3% cash back on a category of your choice, including dining, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. It also has no annual fee.
Overall, these credit cards offer a variety of benefits for dining, including rewards, cash back, sign-up bonuses, and exclusive perks. Choosing the right card can help you save money and enhance your dining experience, so be sure to compare your options and select the card that best meets your needs.
How to Maximize Dining Rewards
To get the most out of dining rewards, it’s important to understand how credit card rewards programs work. Here are some tips to help you maximize your dining rewards:
- Choose a credit card that offers bonus rewards for dining. Many credit cards offer bonus rewards for dining purchases, such as 3% or 4% cash back, or 2x or 3x points per dollar spent. Be sure to choose a credit card that offers a high rate of rewards for dining purchases.
- Look for rotating bonus categories. Some credit cards offer rotating bonus categories, which can include dining. These cards may offer higher rewards rates for dining purchases during certain months of the year. Keep an eye on the bonus categories and use your card accordingly.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses. Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can include bonus rewards for dining purchases. Be sure to take advantage of these bonuses by using your card for dining purchases during the promotional period.
- Use your card for all dining purchases. To maximize your rewards, use your credit card for all dining purchases, including meals at restaurants, cafes, and fast food chains. Be sure to keep track of your spending and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
By following these tips, you can maximize your dining rewards and earn more cash back or points for every dollar you spend on dining.
Comparing Dining Credit Cards: Pros and Cons
When comparing dining credit cards, it is important to consider the various benefits and drawbacks of each card. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
Pros
- Rewards: Many dining credit cards offer rewards for dining purchases, such as cash back, points, or miles. These rewards can add up quickly, especially if you dine out frequently.
- Additional perks: Some dining credit cards offer additional perks, such as discounts on dining or travel, access to exclusive events, or concierge services.
- No foreign transaction fees: If you frequently travel abroad, a dining credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money on every transaction.
- Introductory offers: Many dining credit cards offer introductory offers, such as bonus rewards or waived annual fees, which can make them a great value in the short term.
Cons
- Annual fees: Many dining credit cards come with annual fees, which can range from $50 to $500 or more. While these fees may be offset by rewards and perks, they can still be a significant expense.
- Limited acceptance: Some dining credit cards are only accepted at certain restaurants or chains, which can limit your options when dining out.
- High APRs: Many dining credit cards come with high interest rates, which can negate the value of any rewards you earn if you carry a balance.
- Complex rewards structures: Some dining credit cards have complex rewards structures, with different rewards rates for different types of purchases or spending tiers. This can make it difficult to maximize your rewards and understand the true value of the card.
Overall, when comparing dining credit cards, it is important to consider your own spending habits and priorities, as well as the specific benefits and drawbacks of each card. By doing your research and choosing the right card for your needs, you can maximize your rewards and save money on dining out.