Top Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurant Rewards in 2023

Why Dining Rewards Matter

Eating out at restaurants is a popular pastime for many Americans, and it can also be an opportunity to earn rewards. With the average American carrying around $6,580 in credit card debt and the average APR at 20.5%, it's crucial to make the most of your spending habits. Choosing the right credit card can not only help you save on dining expenses but also enhance your overall financial health. In this post, we’ll explore the best credit cards for dining and restaurant rewards that can turn your meals into valuable points or cashback.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is often at the top of dining rewards lists for good reason. Cardholders earn 2x points on dining and travel and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. With a hefty sign-up bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months, this card can offer you a great kickstart to your travel plans or cash rewards.

Points are redeemable through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where they can be worth 25% more when booking travel. This makes your dining out experience even more rewarding, as you can easily turn your restaurant bills into free flights or hotel stays. Just remember, the annual fee is $95, so make sure you’re dining out enough to justify that cost.

2. American Express Gold Card

If you love dining out, the American Express Gold Card might be your perfect match. This card offers an impressive 4x points on restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines. For those who dine out frequently, these rewards can add up quickly.

In addition to the points, the card comes with an annual dining credit of up to $120, which can be used at select restaurants. However, the annual fee is on the higher side at $250. This card is best suited for dedicated foodies who will take full advantage of the dining rewards and credits.

3. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne is a fantastic choice if you prefer straightforward cashback rewards. This card offers 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, along with 1% on all other purchases. One of the best features is that it has no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those who want to keep their costs down while still earning rewards.

Cardholders can also take advantage of a one-time bonus of $200 after spending $500 within the first three months. If you’re not into collecting points but prefer cold hard cash, this card’s simplicity and generous dining rewards make it a top pick.

4. Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex is a versatile card that offers 3% cashback on dining at restaurants. While it’s not dedicated solely to dining rewards, it has rotating categories that can include bonus rewards for grocery stores and other spending. The card also has no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option.

One of the standout features of the Freedom Flex is that it offers a $200 bonus after you spend $500 in the first three months. Additionally, it comes with 5% cashback on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. This means you could potentially earn even more rewards in categories that are most beneficial to you.

5. Discover it Cash Back

The Discover it Cash Back card is another excellent choice for dining rewards, particularly if you’re looking for cashback. This card offers 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter, which often include restaurants. The card also has no annual fee, making it accessible to many consumers.

One of the unique features of this card is that Discover matches all the cashback you earn at the end of your first year. So if you earn $300 in cashback, Discover will give you an additional $300! This makes it a compelling option for those who frequently dine out and want to maximize their rewards.

6. Citi Premier Card

The Citi Premier Card is a great option for those who want to earn travel rewards while dining out. With 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, this card can help you rack up points quickly. Plus, it offers a substantial sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

One notable feature is that the points can be transferred to various airline partners, which can provide even greater value if you travel frequently. The annual fee is $95, but if you’re a frequent diner and traveler, the rewards can easily outweigh the cost.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right credit card for dining rewards can significantly benefit your finances and enhance your experience when dining out. Whether you prefer straightforward cashback or points that can be redeemed for travel, there are options tailored to your needs. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold Card are ideal for avid diners, while the Capital One SavorOne and Discover it Cash Back cater to those who prefer simplicity and cashback. Always consider your spending habits, and make sure the rewards align with how you typically dine out. With the right card, your next meal could be more rewarding than ever!