Discover the Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurant Rewards

Why Dining Rewards Matter

Dining out is a favorite pastime for many Americans, and it's no surprise that it can add up quickly. In fact, the average American spends over $3,000 a year on dining. So, why not make that spending work for you? With the right credit card, you can earn rewards that offset your dining costs, whether it's cash back, points for travel, or exclusive perks. In this post, we'll explore some of the best credit cards for dining and restaurant rewards to help you maximize your benefits.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a standout option for dining rewards. It offers 2x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery. Plus, you can earn 2x points on travel and 1 point on all other purchases. This card also comes with a generous sign-up bonus: earn 100,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s enough for a $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Another bonus? The points you earn on this card can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, making it a flexible choice for frequent travelers. However, keep in mind the annual fee of $95, which is waived the first year, so be sure to calculate your potential rewards to see if it justifies the cost.

2. American Express® Gold Card

If you love dining out, the American Express® Gold Card is tailored for you. It offers an impressive 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Plus, you’ll earn 1 point on all other purchases. With a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 6 months, you can kickstart your rewards accumulation right away.

This card also provides various dining perks, such as dining credits at select restaurants and access to exclusive events. However, the annual fee is $250, so it’s worth evaluating how much you dine out to determine if the rewards and benefits make it a good fit for you.

3. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for those who prefer cash back over points. This card gives you 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, there’s no annual fee, making it an excellent option for casual diners who want to earn rewards without worrying about paying for a premium card.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. The cash back you earn can be used however you like, whether to offset your dining expenses or for other purchases.

4. Chase Freedom Flex℠

For those who want flexibility in their rewards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card is a fantastic option. While it offers 5% cash back on rotating categories (which often include restaurants), you'll still earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout. Plus, you get 1% on all other purchases. This card has no annual fee and provides a sign-up bonus of $200 after you spend $500 in the first 3 months.

What makes the Freedom Flex card even more appealing is its compatibility with Chase Ultimate Rewards if you have another Chase card, allowing you to combine points for greater value when redeeming for travel or other rewards.

5. Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back card is another excellent choice for dining rewards. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories, which often include restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. New cardholders will appreciate the unique aspect of this card: Discover will match all the cash back you earn in your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.

With no annual fee and the ability to redeem cash back in various ways, including statement credits, gift cards, or even direct deposit to your bank account, this card is a great fit for those who want to keep things simple while earning rewards on their dining expenses.

6. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card offers a solid earning potential for dining lovers, providing 3x points on restaurants, 3x points on supermarkets, and 3x points on gas stations. Plus, you earn 1 point on all other purchases. The card comes with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for travel or transferred to various airline partners.

The annual fee is $95, but for frequent diners and travelers, the rewards can quickly outweigh this cost. Additionally, with its broad earning categories, you can maximize rewards not just on dining but on other everyday expenses as well.

7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to select your 3% cash back category, which can be dining, among other options, and 2% on grocery stores and wholesale clubs. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. If you’re a Bank of America customer, you can also benefit from an additional 10% bonus when you redeem your cash back into your Bank of America checking or savings account.

There’s no annual fee, making this card an attractive option for those who want to customize their rewards to fit their spending habits. Plus, it has a sign-up bonus of $200 after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days, giving you a nice head start on earning cash back.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right credit card for dining and restaurant rewards can significantly enhance your dining experience and help you save money. From premium options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and American Express® Gold Card to no-annual-fee choices like the Capital One SavorOne and Discover it® Cash Back, there’s a card that fits every lifestyle and spending habit. The key is to evaluate your dining frequency, preference for cash back versus points, and overall spending to find the card that will offer you the most benefit. Start maximizing your dining rewards today!