One of the best ways to maximize your credit card rewards is to pick a card that offers bonus points in the categories that you spend the most in, whether that’s supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, hotels, or non-bonused categories.
In this post, I’d like to look at the best credit cards for dining & restaurant purchases. While everyone has to eat, admittedly not everyone dines out a lot. Nonetheless, odds are that most people spend a decent amount either on restaurants or grocery stores, so hopefully this is useful for many people.
I know one of the bonus categories that earns me the most rewards is the dining category, so this one is near and dear to my heart. There are lots of great credit cards offering bonuses on dining purchases, whether you want to earn cash back, transferable points, airline miles, or hotel points.
In all cases, I’ll only be looking at cards earning at least 2% back (or the equivalent of that based on my valuation of points).
Compare credit cards for restaurants
American Express® Business Gold Card
As High As 200,000 points
- Access to Amex Offers
- Redeem Amex Points Towards Airfare
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 or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.*
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- 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 $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Business Gold Card. **Up 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
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.
Capital One Venture X Business
Earn 150,000 bonus miles
- Earn 2x miles per dollar on every purchase
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions
Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Your card is designed to be paid in full. However, you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you'll be charged a 2.99% late fee
- Top rated mobile app
Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 100,000 bonus points
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
- 3x points on Dining
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
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
- 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, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are 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 $288 annually.
- Member FDIC
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 75,000 bonus points
- 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining
- 2x points on travel purchases
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x on dining
- 3x on vacation homes
- 3x on gas & EV charging
- 3x on top streaming services
- 3x on online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
- 2x on all other travel purchases
- 1x on all other purchases
- 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, 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 Collision Damage Waiver, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation and more
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for 12 months when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- 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
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card
Earn up to 115,000 bonus points
- 3x points on groceries
- 3x points on dining
- 3x points with Air Canada
Earn up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada.
Earn 3X points on travel purchases.
Earn 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations.
Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Earn up to 115,000 bonus points
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months.
- $195 Annual Fee
- Enjoy automatic 25K Aeroplan Status with benefits such as Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding (Zone 2), Additional Baggage Allowance, Star Alliance Recognition and eUpgrade Credits.
- Earn up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada. Earn 3X points on travel purchases.
- Earn 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits (delivered as up to two $50 credits semi-annually).
- Save 15% on eligible Air Canada flight redemptions as a cardmember.
- Member FDIC
Earn up to 115,000 bonus points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months.
Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card
Limited-time online offer – 70,000 bonus points
- 3 points per dollar spent on eligible Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines purchases
- Earn a Companion Award
- Free Checked Bag Benefit
Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, foreign transaction, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Limited-time online offer – 70,000 bonus points.
- Get 70,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award with this offer. To qualify, spend $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Each account anniversary, get a 25,000-point Global Companion Award for a travel companion on the same itinerary, when booking travel using your Atmos™ Rewards points.
- Additionally, receive a 100,000-point Global Companion Award annually after spending $60,000 or more on purchases each anniversary year.
- Receive 8 Alaska Lounge passes and 8 Wi-Fi passes every year (2 of each per calendar quarter).
- Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, foreign transaction, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Get 10,000 status points every year on your account anniversary and earn 1 status point for every $2 spent on purchases.
- Save up to $90 per person round-trip with a free checked bag and preferred boarding for you and up to six guests on the same reservation when you pay for your flight with your card.
- Receive an airport security statement credit up to $120 every four years in connection with the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry trusted traveler programs.
- Receive a $50 voucher for Alaska Airlines flight cancellations or departure delays of 2 hours+.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a competitive $395 annual fee.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Limited-time online offer – 70,000 bonus points.
Get 70,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award with this offer. To qualify, spend $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Earn $750
- Earn 5% Cash Back at office supply stores on the first $25k
- Earn 5% Cash Back on internet, cable TV, mobile phones, and landlines on the first $25k
- Car Rental Coverage
Earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 in combined spend
Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 spent in combined spend.
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 in combined spend
- Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 spent in combined spend.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
- Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- As a Chase cardmember, you'll be automatically checked for a credit line increase at least every 6 months.
- Complimentary three-month Instacart+ membership.
- No Annual Fee
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Earn a $200 Bonus
- Earn 3% Cash Back on Dining
- Earn 3% Cash Back at Drugstores
- Earn 1.5% Cash Back On All Other Purchases
Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
- 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 a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points
- 2x points on purchases up to $50k then 1x
- Access to Amex Offers
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.
Learn more from these OMAAT posts:
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.99% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- You've got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
$200 cash bonus
- Earn 3% cash back on dining
- Earn 3% cash back on groceries
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
What’s the best credit card for restaurant purchases?
While I’ll go into a lot more detail below, let me try to provide the simplest advice possible for figuring out which credit card is best to use for dining:
- For personal cards, if you want to earn travel rewards, it’s tough to beat the American Express® Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Citi Strata Premier® Card, or Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card.
- For personal cards, if you want to earn cash back, it’s tough to beat the no annual fee Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 3% cash back on dining globally with no foreign transaction fees
- For business cards, the American Express® Business Gold Card offers 4x points on U.S. purchases at restaurants (if it is in one of the two categories where you spend the most in a given billing cycle. While your top 2 categories may change each billing cycle based on where your business spent the most, 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 from this list each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.) Alternatively, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers 2x points on dining purchases (on the first $25,000 spent per cardmember year and then 1x), though in both cases I’d only use these cards for restaurant purchases in the United States.
I’d say those are among the best, most widely useful cards for this category. However, below I’ll cover lots of other good options.
What qualifies as dining & restaurant spending?
Before going into great detail about the best cards for dining purchases, I think it’s important to talk a bit about what qualifies as dining spending:
- While it varies by card issuer, generally speaking, the dining category includes cafes, bars, lounges, fast food restaurants, takeout, and delivery
- Typically, convenience stores, nightclubs, and restaurants located within other establishments won’t be categorized as dining & restaurants
- This also all comes down to how particular merchants choose to categorize themselves
The policies will differ based on the specific establishment, so if you frequently make a purchase with the same merchant, I recommend verifying the merchant category.
Best personal cards for dining
People have different preferences when it comes to earning rewards for credit card spending. Some people prefer to earn travel rewards that they can use towards their next adventure, while other people prefer to earn cash back, which they can redeem however they want.
So, what are the best personal credit cards for dining spending? I’ll share only the cards that are currently open to new applicants (note that the Citi Prestige is also a great option, but it’s not open to new applicants anymore).
1. American Express® Gold Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 4x Amex Membership Rewards points (which I value at 6.8%)
Card annual fee: (Rates & Fees)
Other things to be aware of: The Amex Gold has no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), and you can earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide for the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year (after the $50,000 cap is hit, you’ll earn 1x points)
Read a review of the Amex Gold, and learn more about the Amex Gold.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points (which I value at 5.1%)
Card annual fee: $95
Other things to be aware of: The Chase Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees, and you can earn 3x points at restaurants worldwide.
Read a review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
3. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points (which I value at 5.1%)
Card annual fee: $795
Other things to be aware of: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has no foreign transaction fees, and you can earn 3x points at restaurants worldwide
Read a review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, and learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
4. Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x Citi ThankYou points (which I value at 5.1%)
Card annual fee: $595
Other things to be aware of: With the Citi Strata Elite, you can earn 6x points on dining on “Citi Nights,” on Fridays and Saturdays between 6 PM and 6 AM ET (regardless of where in the world you are). Outside of those hours, you’ll earn 3x points on dining, all with no foreign transaction fees
Read a review of the Citi Strata Elite, apply for the Citi Strata Elite.
5. Citi Strata Premier® Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x Citi ThankYou points (which I value at 5.1%)
Card annual fee: $95
Other things to be aware of: The Citi Strata Premier has phenomenal bonus categories, and being able to earn 3x points at restaurants worldwide with no foreign transaction fees is awesome
Read a review of the Citi Strata Premier, apply for the Citi Strata Premier.
6. Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x Atmos Rewards points (which I value at 4.5%)
Card annual fee: $395
Other things to be aware of: The Atmos Rewards Summit Card has no foreign transaction fees, you can earn 3x points at restaurants worldwide (with a 10% bonus if you have an eligible Bank of America account), and spending can also earn you Atmos Rewards status points and a 100,000-point Global Companion Award
Read a review of the Atmos Rewards Summit, apply for the Atmos Rewards Summit.
7. Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 2x Air Canada Aeroplan points (which I value at 3%) (Through December 31, 2026, these purchases will earn 3X points per $1 spent.)
Card annual fee: $195
Other things to be aware of: The Aeroplan Card has no foreign transaction fees, and you can earn 2x points at restaurants worldwide, making it a nice credit card for dining spending
Read a review of the Aeroplan Card, learn more about for the Aeroplan Card.
8. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x Wells Fargo points (which I value at 3.9%)
Card annual fee: $95
Other things to be aware of: The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey offers 3x points on dining globally with no foreign transaction fees, and the only catch is that I don’t value Wells Fargo points as much as other transferable points currencies
Read a review of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey.
9. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 7x Hilton Honors points (which I value at 3.5%)
Card annual fee: $550 (Rates & Fees)
Other things to be aware of: While the Hilton Aspire has no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), you only earn bonus points for dining at U.S. restaurants
Read a review of the Hilton Aspire, and learn more about the Hilton Aspire.
10. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Reward for restaurant spending: 3x points (which I value at 3-5.1%)
Card annual fee: $0
Other things to be aware of: The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 3x points on dining, and those points can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points if you have it in conjunction with a card earning “premium” Ultimate Rewards points; the card has foreign transaction fees, so I wouldn’t use it abroad
Read a review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited, and learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
11. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 3% cash back
Card annual fee: $0
Other things to be aware of: The Capital One Savor has no foreign transaction fees, and you can earn 3% cash back at restaurants worldwide
Read a review of the Capital One Savor, apply for the Capital One Savor.
Best business cards for dining
As you can see above, there are lots of great personal credit cards for restaurant and dining purchases. What about business cards, though, given that wining & dining is a common business expense? Let’s take a look at the best business credit cards for dining purchases, though I’ll note there aren’t quite as many good options as you’ll find with personal cards.
1. American Express® Business Gold Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 4x Amex Membership Rewards points (which I value at 6.8%)
Card annual fee: $375 (Rates & Fees)
Other things to be aware of: The Amex Business Gold offers 4x points in the two categories you spend most in, up to $150,000 per year, and U.S. restaurants is one of those bonus categories (after the $150,000 cap is hit, you’ll earn 1x points)
Read a review of the Amex Business Gold, and learn more about the Amex Business Gold.
2. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Reward for restaurant spending: 2x Amex Membership Rewards points (which I value at 3.4%)
Card annual fee: $0 (Rates & Fees)
Other things to be aware of: While the Amex Blue Business Plus doesn’t offer a bonus category specifically for restaurants, the card offers 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent every calendar year (and then 1x), which is excellent; the card does have foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), so I wouldn’t recommend using it abroad.
Read a review of the Amex Blue Business Plus, and learn more about the Amex Blue Business Plus.
3. Capital One Venture X Business
Reward for restaurant spending: 2x Capital One miles (which I value at 3.4%)
Card annual fee: $395
Other things to be aware of: While the Capital One Venture X Business doesn’t have a bonus category specifically for restaurants, the card offers 2x Capital One miles on all purchases with no foreign transaction fees, which is an excellent return
Read a review of the Capital One Venture X Business, apply for the Capital One Venture X Business.
4. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 4x Marriott Bonvoy® points (which I value at 2.8%)
Card annual fee: $125 (Rates & Fees)
Other things to be aware of: The Marriott Bonvoy Business is one of the best hotel credit cards for restaurant purchases, as the card has no foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees), and this bonus category applies globally
Read a review of the Marriott Bonvoy Business, and learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy Business.
5. Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Reward for restaurant spending: 2x points (which I value at 2-3.4%)
Card annual fee: $0
Other things to be aware of: The Ink Business Cash offers 2x points on the first $25,000 spent per year on restaurants and gas stations, and those points can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points if you have it in conjunction with a card earning “premium” Ultimate Rewards points
Read a review of the Ink Business Cash, and learn more about the Ink Business Cash.
Maximize value by using dining rewards programs
There are several different dining rewards programs that help restaurants get extra business by offering points, miles, or cash back by using a linked credit card for your purchase. These are more prevalent in major cities where the restaurant market is more crowded, but it can still be worth joining even if you don’t live in a market that offers this — you never know when you’re going to stumble across one of these restaurants on a work trip or vacation.
Here are the best dining rewards programs available today:
- InKind — This app offers a minimum of 20% savings at many restaurants, and there’s the potential to save even more
- Seated — This app offers to give you rewards worth a certain percentage of your check, depending on where you dine
- Rewards Network — This company partners with major loyalty programs to offer a co-branded dining rewards program; you have to link your credit card to a particular program, and can then choose whether you want to earn points with an airline or hotel (ranging from Alaska, to American, to Delta, to Hilton, to United, and more (this is also a great way to keep miles from expiring!)
Bottom line
Hopefully the above list gives a card for every budget and rewards preference. From a no annual fee card earning 3% cash back, to a premium card earning 4x points, there are lots of great options to choose from for your dining spending.
If you’re looking to earn travel rewards for your personal dining spending, you really can’t go wrong with the American Express® Gold Card, Citi Strata Premier® Card, or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. If you’re looking to earn simple cash back rewards with no annual fee, you can’t beat the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: American Express® Business Gold Card (Rates & Fees), American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees), The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (Rates & Fees).
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