Dining out is one of life’s little pleasures. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night off from cooking, eating out is a convenient and enjoyable experience. But did you know that you can also earn rewards while indulging in delicious meals? In this article, we’ll explore the best credit cards for maximizing your rewards on dining, delivery, and takeout.
Best Credit Cards for Restaurants Compared 2024
When it comes to credit cards for restaurants, not all cards are created equal. Some offer better rewards and benefits than others. Let’s take a look at the top contenders for 2024:
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- American Express® Business Gold Card
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Citi Premier® Card
- Ink Business Cash® Card
- American Express® Gold Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our Recommendations for the Best Credit Card for Restaurants
Now that we’ve compared the top credit cards for restaurants, let’s dive into our recommendations based on different categories:
Best for Sign-up Bonus: American Express® Business Gold Card
The American Express Business Gold Card offers a generous sign-up bonus, making it an excellent choice for new cardholders. With this card, you can earn bonus miles, giving you a head start on earning rewards.
Best for No Annual Fee: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
If you prefer a credit card with no annual fee, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is a great option. It offers 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, as well as 2x points on grocery purchases, streaming subscriptions, gas, and EV charging stations.
Best for Up to 5% Cash Back: Citi Custom Cash® Card
For those who love earning cash back, the Citi Custom Cash Card is an excellent choice. It offers 5% cash back on your top eligible earning category, which can include dining purchases. This card also earns 3% cash back on entertainment, grocery stores, and streaming services.
Best for Food Delivery: The Platinum Card® from American Express
If you frequently order food delivery, The Platinum Card from American Express is the perfect companion. Although this card has a steep annual fee, it offers $200 in Uber Cash as well as various other benefits such as hotel credits, airline credits, and lounge access.
Best for Fast Food: Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card
For those who enjoy fast food, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice. It offers 3% cash back on restaurant purchases, as well as 3% cash back on entertainment, grocery stores, and streaming services.
Best for 3% Dining Rewards: Citi Premier® Card
If you want to earn rewards on multiple categories, including dining, the Citi Premier Card is a strong contender. This card offers 3x points on restaurants, gas, flights, supermarkets, and hotels.
Best Business Card for Dining: Ink Business Cash® Card
For business owners who frequently entertain clients at restaurants, the Ink Business Cash Card is an excellent choice. It earns 2x points on all dining expenses, as well as 5% back at office supply stores on the first $25,000 spent.
Best for Travel Rewards: American Express® Gold Card
If you love to travel, the American Express Gold Card is a fantastic option. It earns 4x points on restaurants, groceries, and flights, as well as various other travel-related benefits.
Best for Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
If you’re a fan of Chase Ultimate Rewards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is the perfect fit. It earns 3x points on dining and delivery services, as well as 10x points on dining purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. The card also offers various other travel benefits and statement credits.
Best for Rich Perks for Low Fee: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
For a card with rich perks at a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice. It earns 3x points on dining, takeout, and delivery, as well as 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The card also offers various other benefits, although it has a lower annual fee compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for Restaurants
When choosing the best credit card for restaurants, consider the following factors:
- Bonus points: Look for credit cards that offer bonus points in the dining category to maximize your rewards.
- Statement credits: Some cards provide statement credits or discounts for restaurant purchases or meal delivery services.
- Delivery memberships: Certain credit cards offer free memberships or discounts for popular food delivery services.
- Redemption options: Ensure that the credit card’s redemption options align with your preferences and allow you to redeem your rewards for valuable benefits.
Remember, not all dining rewards cards are created equal. Take the time to choose a card that matches your spending habits and provides the best rewards for your dining expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which credit card gives you the most points for dining? The Citi Custom Cash Card allows you to earn 5% cash back on dining purchases.
- Which Amex card is best for restaurants? The American Express Gold Card is considered one of the best Amex cards for dining, as it earns 4x points on worldwide dining purchases.
- Is Chase Sapphire Preferred good for dining? Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice for dining, as it earns 3x points on all dining purchases.
In conclusion, choosing the right credit card for restaurants can help you maximize your rewards and enjoy additional benefits while indulging in delicious meals. Consider your spending habits and preferences to find the perfect card that suits your needs. Happy dining!