Dining out is a significant part of many people's lifestyles. Utilizing the right credit card can transform those dining experiences into opportunities to earn valuable rewards, save money, and unlock exclusive benefits. This guide explores the best credit cards for dining in 2024, helping you maximize your rewards and enjoy every meal even more.
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate on Dining | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 3x points | Earn 3x points on dining and 2x points on travel. Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Offers trip cancellation insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase protection. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x points | Earn 4x points at U.S. restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x). Comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments) and up to $120 in dining credits annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments). |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card | 3% cash back | Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). No annual fee. |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back | Earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent). Dining is a potential category. No annual fee. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 4x points | Earn 4x points on dining and takeout, 2x points at grocery stores, streaming services, and gas stations, and 1x point on all other eligible purchases. Comes with a $15 streaming service credit each quarter (when you spend $15 or more on eligible streaming services each month). |
| Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards | 2% cash back | Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. No annual fee. Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a strong contender for those seeking flexible travel rewards. Earning 3x points on dining, including takeout and delivery, allows you to quickly accumulate a significant number of points. The points are even more valuable when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where they're worth 1.25 cents each. Beyond dining, the card also offers 2x points on travel, making it a well-rounded option for frequent travelers. The card also includes valuable travel and purchase protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
American Express® Gold Card: The Amex Gold Card focuses heavily on dining and groceries, offering a generous 4x points at U.S. restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x). The points earned are part of the Membership Rewards program, which offers a wide range of redemption options, including travel, gift cards, and merchandise. The card also provides up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments) and up to $120 in dining credits annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments at select restaurants). This makes it a valuable card for those who frequently dine out or order in.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card: If you prefer cash back and want a card with no annual fee, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card is an excellent choice. It offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores). This makes it a versatile card for everyday spending. The cash back earned can be redeemed for statement credits, checks, or gift cards. It's a simple and straightforward way to earn rewards without having to worry about annual fees.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a unique rewards structure. It automatically rewards you with 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent). Dining is one of the eligible categories, meaning that if you spend the most on dining in a given month, you'll earn 5% cash back on those purchases. This can be a very lucrative option if your dining spending fluctuates. The card has no annual fee.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: This card is a solid option for dining enthusiasts who also want rewards on other common spending categories. It offers 4x points on dining and takeout, making it a strong contender in this category. Additionally, it offers 2x points at grocery stores, streaming services, and gas stations, and 1x point on all other eligible purchases. The card also includes a $15 streaming service credit each quarter (when you spend $15 or more on eligible streaming services each month), adding even more value.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards: The Discover it Chrome card provides 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. While the rewards rate isn't as high as some of the other cards on this list, it is a solid choice for those who are new to credit cards or who want a simple and easy-to-understand rewards program. The card has no annual fee, and Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically, essentially doubling your rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card offers the highest rewards rate on dining? The American Express Gold Card offers 4x points on dining at U.S. restaurants.
What is the best no-annual-fee credit card for dining? The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card offers 3% cash back on dining and has no annual fee.
How do I maximize my rewards on dining with the Citi Custom Cash Card? Use the Citi Custom Cash Card for dining during the billing cycle where you expect to spend the most on dining, up to $500.
Are there any credit cards that offer bonus rewards on takeout and delivery? Yes, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offer bonus rewards on takeout and delivery.
What are the benefits of using a travel credit card for dining? Travel credit cards often offer valuable travel insurance and purchase protection benefits, in addition to earning points that can be redeemed for travel.
How can I redeem my rewards earned from dining purchases? Redemption options vary by card, but typically include statement credits, gift cards, travel, or cash back.
Does the American Express Gold Card offer any dining credits? Yes, it offers up to $120 in dining credits annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments at select restaurants).
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a dining credit card? That depends on your spending habits; if you spend enough on dining to offset the annual fee with rewards and benefits, it can be worthwhile.
What is the Chase Ultimate Rewards program? Chase Ultimate Rewards is a rewards program that allows you to earn points on eligible purchases, which can then be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or merchandise.
What should I consider when choosing a credit card for dining? Consider your spending habits, desired rewards type (cash back or points), annual fee tolerance, and any additional benefits you may value.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for dining depends on your individual spending habits and preferences. If you want premium rewards and travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold Card are excellent choices. For those seeking simplicity and no annual fee, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card or Citi Custom Cash Card offer excellent value. Evaluate your needs and select the card that best aligns with your dining lifestyle to maximize your rewards.