Dining Credit Cards for Frequent Diners and Foodies

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If you're a frequent diner or foodie, you're in luck - there are dining credit cards that can reward you for your culinary adventures. Some cards offer 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants and bars.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a $60 annual dining credit, which can be used towards dining purchases. This can be a great perk for those who frequent restaurants.

Some dining credit cards have no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international foodies. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, for example, has no foreign transaction fees.

Dining Credit Card Options

The Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card is a great option for those who crave convenience and rewards in one package. It offers 3X points on dining, including takeout and food delivery services.

This card caters to modern food enthusiasts who appreciate both dining out and staying in. It's like having your own personal chef and food critic rolled into one.

The card also serves up bonus points on other categories like travel and gas stations, making it a great all-in-one companion for everyday rewards.

Points and Rewards

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Earning points and rewards with your dining credit card can be a game-changer for your wallet. You can earn up to 5x points at U.S. restaurants with the Hilton Honors credit cards, with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offering 6x points.

Some credit cards offer bonus rewards in multiple categories, including dining. For example, the Citi Strata Premier Card earns 3x points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, hotels, and on airfare.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular choice for dining rewards, earning 3x points on all dining purchases worldwide. This card also offers a complimentary DoorDash DashPass benefit through December 31, 2027.

The American Express Gold Card earns 4x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, with a limit of $50,000 in purchases per calendar year.

If you're looking for a card that earns points on rent payments, the Bilt Mastercard is a great option, earning 3x points on dining and 1x point on rent payments.

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Here are some of the best credit cards for dining and restaurants that earn 2x points:

  • American Express Green Card
  • Hilton Honors credit cards
  • Other credit cards with bonus dining rewards

Keep in mind that each card issuer has a slightly different definition of dining or restaurants, so it's essential to check the specific rules for your card issuer.

Choosing a Card

Consider the types of rewards you like to earn, as well as your other spending habits, when choosing a dining credit card.

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is unique in that it earns 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in the eligible category you spend the most in each billing cycle, making it a good fit for those who frequently dine out.

To maximize rewards, you should also consider the welcome bonus offer - some cards currently come with record-high offers.

If you're looking for a card with a welcome bonus, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is offering a $200 cash back reward after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.

On a similar theme: Chase Sapphire Bonus Rules

How to Choose

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The best rewards credit card for your restaurant spending depends on the types of rewards you like to earn and if you'll use the card for other purchases.

Consider the welcome bonus offer - some cards currently come with record-high offers.

Think about the annual fee, benefits, and redemption options when choosing a card.

Some cards offer a high earning rate on dining but might not be a good fit for your other spending.

Others come with a decent rate of return at restaurants and additional everyday spending categories.

If you're planning to apply for a new credit card to use on restaurant spending, you should also consider the types of rewards you like to earn.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a simpler rewards structure with 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.

The Citi Custom Cash Card is unique in that cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in the eligible category they spend the most in each billing cycle.

Here's an interesting read: Visa Credit Cards Cash Back

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Restaurants are one of the eligible categories on the Citi Custom Cash Card.

The Citi Custom Cash Card is offering a welcome bonus of $200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.

For a card with a $0 annual fee, this is a good deal.

The Citi Custom Cash Card earns 1% back outside of your highest spending category each month.

Business Insider's guides and reviews aren't influenced by money in any way.

Our credit cards team will tell you when a card is a good deal.

To come up with our list of the best dining credit cards, we looked at cards that offer bonus rewards on dining.

We prioritized the cards that offer the strongest return on dining purchases.

We also considered each card's overall value by evaluating the annual fee, other rewards, and other benefits.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone.

Annual Fees

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Annual fees can be a significant expense for cardholders. Some credit cards charge as much as $450 per year, with the American Express Platinum Card being a prime example.

It's worth noting that not all cards have annual fees, and some may have waived fees for certain periods. However, for those that do, it's essential to factor this cost into your decision-making process.

The benefits of a card often outweigh the costs, but it's crucial to consider whether the rewards and perks are worth the annual fee. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a 60,000-point bonus, but it comes with a $95 annual fee.

Reviews and Comparison

The best dining credit cards offer generous rewards on food and drinks, earning you more than 1% back on anything you spend in a restaurant, bar, or similar establishment.

To maximize your rewards, look for cards that offer additional rewards in other categories beyond dining. This can help you earn even more points or cash back on your everyday purchases.

You should be able to earn more than 1% back on dining purchases, but some cards offer even more - up to 3% or 4% back in certain situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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If you're looking for a credit card with a high earn rate on dining, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers 5% back, as long as restaurants are your biggest spending category that billing cycle.

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card also offers 5% back, but you need to choose fast food as one of your 5% categories.

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card earns 4x points on dining, effectively 4% back, without the need to choose categories.

Fast-food restaurants usually count as dining, but it's always a good idea to check your specific card's terms to be sure.

Starbucks classifies itself as a restaurant and will usually code as a dining purchase on your credit card.

The American Express Gold Card earns flexible points that can be redeemed for travel, making it a great option for those who want to earn points that can be used in multiple ways.

Reviews

To get the most out of a dining credit card, you should earn more than 1% back on anything you spend in a restaurant, bar, or similar establishment.

Artistic close-up of a menu card with a fly, in black and white.
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You can find top dining credit cards that offer generous rewards on food and drinks, such as those reviewed by Business Insider's team of credit card experts.

Earning more than 1% back on dining expenses can add up to significant savings over time, making it a worthwhile consideration for frequent diners.

Business Insider's team of credit card experts recommends choosing a dining credit card that offers additional rewards in other categories, in addition to dining rewards.

Specific Cards

If you're looking for a dining credit card that lets you earn rewards on your favorite meals, consider the Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card offers 3% cash back on dining, making it a great choice for those who love to dine out.

You can also earn 5% cash back on dining with the Discover it Cash Back card, but only during specific quarterly periods. This card is perfect for spontaneous foodies who want to earn rewards on their ever-changing culinary adventures.

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If you're a frequent diner at U.S. restaurants, the Hilton Honors Credit Cards are an excellent option, offering 5x or 6x points on dining purchases. These cards also come with exclusive perks and bonuses, making them a great choice for hotel loyalty program members.

Here are some of the best dining credit cards on the market, summarized in a table:

For Foodies

If you're a foodie, you're in luck! The right credit card can make dining out a rewarding experience. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card earns 6X points on eligible purchases at Hilton properties, including dining expenses, making it a VIP pass to the world of Hilton hospitality.

For those who love dining at Hyatt hotels, the World of Hyatt Credit Card earns 9x points total on Hyatt purchases, including 4x points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels and 5x points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member.

Expand your knowledge: Hotel Business Credit Cards

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Some cards offer more dining rewards than others. The United℠ Explorer Card earns 2x points on dining and hotel stays, while the Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card earns 3% back on eating out or ordering in, with no foreign transaction fees.

The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you choose a category for 3% cash back, and dining is one of the options. The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on dining during specific periods, making it a great choice for spontaneous foodies.

Here's a list of some of the best credit cards for foodies:

Whether you're a fan of Hilton, Hyatt, or just love dining out, there's a credit card that's right for you.

Costco

Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that offers a wide range of products and services to its members.

One of the most popular credit cards offered by Costco is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, which provides rewards and benefits to cardholders.

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The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases, 3% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, and 2% cash back on Costco purchases.

Cardholders can also earn rewards on other purchases, such as 1% cash back on everything else.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi has no annual fee for the first year, and a $60 annual fee thereafter.

Card Features

Some dining credit cards come with a sign-up bonus, which can be a great way to earn rewards quickly. This bonus can range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a $60 statement credit after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, while the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card offers a $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.

Some cards, like the American Express Gold card, have a higher sign-up bonus, but may require a larger spending requirement. The American Express Gold card offers a $250 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.

The Citi Premier card offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which can be redeemed for $750 in travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dining in credit card?

A dining credit card is a special credit card that offers discounts and deals at partnered restaurants, pubs, and food chains, allowing customers to save money on their food bills. By using this card, customers can enjoy discounts ranging from 5% to 40% off their total bill.

How much do restaurants pay for credit card processing?

Restaurants typically pay 1.5% to 3.5% of each transaction's total for credit card processing fees. This fee can add up quickly, making it essential for restaurants to understand their payment processing costs.

Can you buy fast food with credit?

Yes, you can buy fast food with a credit card at participating locations. Using a rewards credit card for fast food purchases can even save you up to 6% in rewards.

Kristen Bruen

Senior Assigning Editor

Kristen Bruen is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling stories. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Her areas of expertise include cryptocurrency exchanges, where she has a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving market and its complex nuances.

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