Top Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants

If you love eating out, grabbing coffee, or ordering delivery, the right credit card can turn your food budget into a powerful rewards engine. Dining cards offer some of the highest earning rates and valuable perks—if you know what to look for. This guide will help you pick the best card for your habits and maximize every meal.

Why Use a Credit Card for Dining?

• Earn cash back, points, or miles on every meal—sometimes 3x, 4x, or even 5x per dollar.
• Get access to exclusive dining credits, statement credits, or special offers.
• Enjoy purchase protections, fraud monitoring, and easier expense tracking.
• Some cards offer perks like free DashPass, Uber One, or priority reservations.

What to Look For in a Dining Card

• High earning rate: Look for at least 3% or 3x points on dining. The best cards offer 4x or 5x.
• Broad dining category: Does the card include bars, cafes, fast food, and delivery services?
• Relevant credits: Monthly or annual credits for food delivery, restaurants, or specific partners.
• Annual fee: Make sure the rewards and perks outweigh any fee.
• Other perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, or bonus categories for groceries or entertainment.

Our Top Picks

• American Express® Gold Card: 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25k/year), $120 annual dining credit, $10/month Uber Cash, and strong travel protections. Best for foodies and frequent travelers who want premium rewards and perks. Annual fee applies.
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming, and grocery stores. No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and frequent sign-up bonuses. Best for casual diners and those who want value with no fee.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 3x points on dining, takeout, and eligible delivery, plus strong travel rewards and protections. Points are flexible and can be transferred to travel partners. Best for travelers who want a versatile card for both dining and travel.
• Other Notables: Citi Custom Cash (5% on your top category, including dining), U.S. Bank Altitude Go (4x on dining, no annual fee), and more—compare based on your spending and preferences.

How to Maximize Dining Rewards

• Stack rewards by using a dining card with a food delivery subscription (e.g., DashPass, Uber One) or shopping portal.
• Pay attention to limited-time offers, bonus categories, and rotating promos.
• Use the right card for the right meal—some cards offer higher rates at specific types of restaurants or delivery services.
• Don't forget to redeem credits or statement offers before they expire.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Paying an annual fee for perks you don't use—do the math before applying.
• Missing out on credits or offers by not activating or redeeming them.
• Overspending just to earn rewards—never let points justify extra purchases.
• Assuming all dining is covered—read the fine print on what counts as "dining."

FAQs

• Do delivery and takeout count as dining? Usually yes, but check your card's terms—most include DoorDash, Uber Eats, and similar services.
• Can I earn dining rewards abroad? Some cards offer rewards worldwide, others only in the U.S.—look for no foreign transaction fees if you travel.
• Are tips included in dining rewards? Yes, tips added to your restaurant bill usually earn rewards.
• Can I combine dining rewards with other offers? Yes! Stack with coupons, loyalty programs, and food delivery subscriptions for extra value.
• What if my favorite restaurant isn't coded as dining? Contact your card issuer or check your statement—sometimes merchant coding varies.

The best dining card is the one that fits your habits and brings you the most value. Compare your options, use your card strategically, and enjoy earning rewards every time you eat out or order in!