There are a lot of credit cards on the market these days, and it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best credit cards for restaurants.
We’ve included a variety of options, including cards that offer dining rewards and cards with no annual fees. So whether you’re a budget-conscious foodie or a frequent diner, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs in these 12 cards that we recommend!
Choosing the Best Credit Card for Restaurants
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a credit card for restaurants is dining rewards. This can come in the form of cash back, points, or miles that you earn each time you dine at your favorite restaurant. Some cards also offer additional perks, such as free appetizers or discounts on certain types of cuisine.
Another factor to consider is whether the card has an annual fee, and if so, how much it is. Some cards offer generous rewards with no annual fee, making them a great choice for budget-conscious diners.
When choosing a credit card for restaurants, you should also look at things like the APR (annual percentage rate), whether there are any foreign transaction fees and what the credit limit is. These are all important factors that can impact your overall experience with the card.
The best credit card for restaurants will ultimately be the one that best suits your needs and spending habits. So take some time to consider all of the factors before making your final decision.
Take a look at some of the top credit cards to consider when it comes to wining and dining:
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card offers 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and streaming services as well as 3% cash back at grocery stores and 1% on other services. Plus, you can get a $300 bonus once you hit your first $3,000 purchase!
To apply for this card, simply visit the Capital One website and fill out an online application.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants and takeout, 2 points per dollar spent on gas and grocery stores, and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. There’s no foreign transaction fees, points never expire, and possibilities never end!
To apply for this card, you’ll need to be a U.S. citizen and fill out the form online. You can also visit a U.S. Bank branch to apply.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
The Citi Custom Cash Card can earn you 5% cash back on your highest spending category every billing cycle! After that, you get 1% cash back every month. There’s also no annual fee attached to this card.
Easily apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card online and start saving immediately!
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries along with 1% cash back on all other purchases. You also get a one-time $200 cash bonus on your first $500 purchase.
To apply for this card, simply visit the Capital One website and fill out an online application.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card boasts 3% cash back in the category of your choice plus 2% on grocery and wholesale clubs, and 1% on other spendings. Preferred Rewards members also earn more–from 25-75% more cash back on each purchase!
To apply for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, simply apply online or call your local bank to set up an appointment with a financial advisor.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, you’ll earn 5% on travel, 3% on dining, including takeout and certain delivery services, and 3% on drugstore purchases. Plus, there’s a $200 bonus and 5% cash back at gas stations when you first sign up!
To apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, simply fill out the online application. You can even apply if you use other Chase Freedom credit cards and use them in tandem.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom Flex credit card offers 5% cash back in select categories such as gas stations, grocery stores, and select online merchants. You also get 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. Best of all, there’s no annual fee!
To apply for the Chase Freedom Flex credit card, simply visit the Chase website and fill out an online application.
U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offers 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases each quarter in two categories you choose! You also get 2% cash back on one everyday category like gas stations or grocery stores and 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases with no limits.
If you apply for this card online, you’ll get a $200 cash bonus with your first $1,000 purchase!
American Express® Gold Card
This exclusive card offers a wealth of potential rewards! With a welcome offer of 10x the points, 2x the points on travel, 2x the points on everyday purchases such as gas and grocery, and 1x the points on everything else including dining and subscriptions, plus 1 additional point on Amex Travel Online and eligible hotel and car rental bookings, this card is definitely worth the $250 annual fee!
To apply for an American Express Gold Card, apply online, fill out the form, and find out if you’re eligible.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 80,000 bonus points on your first $4,000 purchase, $1,000 towards travel, and a great cash back program. Cardholders will return 5x the points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 2x the points on other travel purchases, and 3x the points on dining and takeout.
To apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, visit the Chase website to fill out an online application.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
This rewards card offers members 5x the points on flights, 10x the points on hotels and car rentals after your first $300 purchased, as well as 10x the points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards. With an annual fee of $550, this exclusive rewards card is worth every penny!
To apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, check out the online form and put in a request to begin your rewards journey.
Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
As a Sam’s Club rewards member, you’ll get 5% cash back at Sam’s Club–2% for Plus members as well as 3% for Mastercard holders. This exceptional rewards card also earns you 5% back on gas, 3% back on dining, and 1% back on other purchases. With no annual fee, this rewards card is a great way to save!
To apply for the Sam’s Club Mastercard, visit the Sam’s Club website and fill out an online application. You’ll need to be a member to apply, but membership is easy and affordable!
Other Factors You Might Want to Consider
When it comes to choosing the best credit card for your needs, it really depends on how you plan to use it. If you’re someone who dines out often, then a card that offers rewards or cash back on restaurant purchases would be ideal. Here are some other factors you’ll want to consider:
Welcome Bonuses
Most credit cards offer some type of welcome bonus or sign up offer, such as cash back or points. This can be a great way to earn extra rewards for making your first purchase with the card.
No Annual Fees
Many credit card providers offer no annual fees for their cards, which means you can use your card without worrying about paying extra fees. This is especially important if you plan to use your card regularly.
Cash Back Rewards
There are plenty of perks and rewards to be gained through credit cards! Different credit cards offer different reward systems, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs. Some cards may offer cash back on restaurant purchases or points for spending on dining out, while others might focus more on travel-related expenses.
Food Delivery Rewards
Food delivery services have become increasingly popular in recent years, and some credit cards offer rewards specifically for using these services. If you’re someone who orders food delivery often, look for a card that offers cash back or points on these types of purchases.
Dining and Takeout Rewards
There are also many dining and takeout rewards programs that provide additional benefits for using your credit card when ordering food. For example, some restaurants offer discounts or bonus points for using certain cards. So if you’re looking to maximize your dining out rewards, consider signing up for a card that offers these types of perks.
Unique Dining Experiences
Some credit cards offer unique dining experiences that you can’t get with any other card. For example, the American Express Gold Card offers access to the Amex Platinum Dining Program, which gives cardholders exclusive benefits at select restaurants around the world. If you’re someone who enjoys trying new things and exploring different dining options, this could be a great benefit to look for in a credit card.
How do Restaurant and Dining Cards Work?
Restaurant and dining credit cards work by providing rewards or cash back on purchases made at restaurants or other food-related establishments. This can include everything from fast food to fine dining, and many cards offer additional perks or benefits for using their card when ordering food online or via delivery services. Some common features of restaurant/dining credit cards include:
- Rewards or cash back on restaurant purchases
- Points or miles for spending on dining out
- Discounts at select restaurants
- Exclusive access to dining programs and events
- Complimentary or discounted food delivery
What Qualifies as Dining & Restaurant Spending?
Most restaurant and dining credit cards will earn rewards or cash back on purchases made at restaurants, cafes, bars, and other food-related establishments. This can include fast food, sit-down dining, takeout/delivery, and even grocery store purchases.
However, it’s important to note that some cards may exclude certain types of purchases, such as alcohol, from earning rewards. Each policy will differ, be that how much you can earn back, the establishment that participates in the promo, or how much you need to spend before qualifying.
Can You Earn Rewards at Bars with Restaurant and Dining Cards?
Yes, you can usually earn rewards at bars with restaurant and dining cards. While it varies by card issuer, generally speaking the dining category includes cafes, bars, lounges, fast food restaurants, takeout, and delivery. So if you’re looking to earn rewards on your bar purchases, be sure to use a card that offers rewards or cash back in the dining category. You can also check with your card issuer to see if there are any specific restrictions or benefits for using your card at bars.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to earn extra rewards on your dining purchases, consider using one of the best credit cards for restaurants. Whether you’re a frequent diner or just looking for a way to save on food-related expenses, these cards offer great rewards and benefits for anyone who loves going out to eat. So why wait? Sign up for one of these cards today and start earning rewards on your restaurant purchases!
For more information on saving money, utilizing credit cards, and reaching your financial goals, be sure to check out our FREE web class and browse through our excellent selection of courses!
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