Best Credit Card For Eating Out

Eating out is a common and enjoyable part of many people's lives. Whether it's a quick lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a casual brunch, dining experiences can quickly add up. Choosing the right credit card can help you maximize your rewards on these expenses, turning your dining bills into valuable points, miles, or cash back. This article will guide you through the best credit card options for dining in 2024, helping you make an informed decision and optimize your rewards.

Detailed Explanations

This section provides detailed explanations of the key features and benefits of each credit card mentioned in the table, helping you understand which card best fits your needs.

Chase Sapphire Reserve:

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel credit card offering 3x points on dining and travel purchases. A significant benefit is the $300 annual travel credit, which effectively lowers the annual fee. It also provides Priority Pass lounge access, allowing you to relax in airport lounges worldwide. Furthermore, it offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit to expedite your airport security experience. Finally, it boasts travel insurance, providing coverage for trip delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. This card is ideal for frequent travelers who dine out often and value premium travel perks.

American Express Gold Card:

The American Express Gold Card stands out with its 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). Beyond the rewards rate, it offers a $120 Uber Cash credit annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments), which can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders. It also includes a $120 dining credit annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments), redeemable at select restaurants and delivery services. The card also provides purchase protection against damage or theft and an extended warranty on eligible purchases. This card is perfect for those who frequently dine out and spend a significant amount at U.S. supermarkets.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card:

The Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and at grocery stores. A major advantage is that it has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. It also comes with benefits like extended warranty protection and travel accident insurance. This card is a solid choice for those who want a straightforward cash-back card with a good rewards rate on dining and other everyday spending categories.

Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards:

The Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards card provides 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. A standout feature is Cashback Match – only from Discover, where Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. This card typically requires good credit for approval. This card is a good option for those who are just starting to build credit and want a simple cash-back card with a focus on gas and restaurant spending.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card:

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card earns 4x points on dining, making it a compelling option for foodies. It also offers 2x points on grocery stores, streaming services, and gas stations. The card features a $15 streaming service credit after 11 consecutive months of streaming purchases, adding extra value. Importantly, it has no annual fee. This card is excellent for those who prioritize dining rewards and want a no-annual-fee option with additional perks.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card (Not Currently Available to New Applicants):

While the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card is no longer available to new applicants, it's worth mentioning for existing cardholders and as an example of a good dining rewards card. It offered 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas stations, rideshares and transit, travel, and streaming services. It had no annual fee and included benefits such as cell phone protection and roadside dispatch. This card was a great all-around rewards card with a strong focus on dining and other common spending categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers common questions about credit cards for eating out, providing quick and concise information.

• What is the best credit card for dining rewards? The best card depends on your spending habits and preferences, but the American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve are top contenders due to their high rewards rates on dining.

• Do dining rewards cards only apply to restaurants? Generally, "dining" includes restaurants, cafes, fast food establishments, and even some bars, but always check the card's terms and conditions for specific definitions.

• How do I maximize my dining rewards? Use your dining rewards card for all your dining expenses, and consider pairing it with other cards for different spending categories to maximize overall rewards.

• Are there any downsides to using a credit card for dining? If you carry a balance on your credit card, the interest charges can negate the value of the rewards you earn. Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest.

• What should I consider when choosing a dining rewards card? Consider the annual fee, rewards rate on dining, other bonus categories, redemption options, and any additional perks or benefits offered by the card.

• Is it worth paying an annual fee for a dining rewards card? It depends on your spending habits. If you spend enough on dining to earn rewards that outweigh the annual fee, then it's likely worth it.

• What is the difference between cash back and points? Cash back is a direct refund of a percentage of your spending, while points can be redeemed for various options, such as travel, merchandise, or gift cards.

• How do I redeem my dining rewards? Redemption options vary by card issuer but typically include statement credits, cash back, travel booking, merchandise, or gift cards. Check your card's terms for specific redemption options.

• Do dining rewards cards have foreign transaction fees? Some cards do, and some don't. If you travel internationally and dine out frequently, choose a card with no foreign transaction fees.

• Can I use my dining rewards card for online food delivery services? Yes, most dining rewards cards will earn rewards on purchases made through online food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, as long as they are coded as restaurant transactions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card for dining can significantly enhance your rewards and overall financial benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Gold Card offer premium rewards and benefits, while the Capital One SavorOne provides a solid cash-back option with no annual fee. Carefully consider your spending habits and preferences to select the card that best suits your needs and maximizes your dining rewards.