Best Credit Card For Restaurants

Dining out is a popular pastime, but it can quickly add up, especially if you're a frequent restaurant-goer. Fortunately, there are credit cards specifically designed to reward your dining spending, allowing you to earn significant cash back, points, or miles that can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or other perks. Choosing the right credit card for restaurants can significantly reduce your dining expenses and unlock valuable rewards.

This article explores the best credit cards for restaurants in 2024, focusing on maximizing your dining savings. We'll delve into the top cards, their rewards structures, and the key benefits they offer to help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect card to fuel your culinary adventures.

Credit Card	Key Benefit	Annual Fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	3x points on dining globally, plus travel benefits	$95
American Express® Gold Card	4x points at U.S. restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x)	$250
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card	3% cash back on dining and entertainment	$0
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card	4x points on dining, takeout, and food delivery	$0
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card	2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%)	$0

Detailed Explanations

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for its versatility and valuable rewards program. It earns 3x points on dining globally, making it a great option for both domestic and international travelers. Furthermore, the points earned can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, often at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, or transferred to partner airlines and hotels for potentially even greater value. The card also offers travel insurance and purchase protection benefits, adding extra peace of mind. With a reasonable annual fee and generous welcome bonus, it's a strong contender for anyone looking to maximize their dining rewards and travel perks.

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for dining and grocery spending. It offers 4x points at U.S. restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), making it ideal for those who frequently dine out or cook at home. The points earned are part of the American Express Membership Rewards program, which offers a wide range of redemption options, including travel, merchandise, and gift cards. While the annual fee is higher than some other cards, the potential rewards from dining and supermarket spending can easily offset the cost for frequent users. The card also includes a monthly dining credit (enrollment required), further enhancing its value.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great no-annual-fee option for those who want to earn cash back on dining and entertainment. It offers 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, as well as 2% cash back at grocery stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The cash back earned can be redeemed for statement credits, checks, or gift cards. With no annual fee and solid rewards rates on popular spending categories, the SavorOne is a valuable addition to any wallet. It is a great way to start earning rewards without the commitment of a yearly payment.

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

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is another excellent no-annual-fee option that focuses on dining rewards. It earns 4x points on dining, takeout, and food delivery, making it perfect for those who frequently order in or enjoy restaurant meals. The points earned can be redeemed for cash back, travel, merchandise, or gift cards. The card also offers a streaming service credit, adding extra value for entertainment enthusiasts. With its high rewards rate on dining and no annual fee, the Altitude Go is a compelling choice for maximizing your food-related rewards.

Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card

The Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card is a solid choice for those looking to earn cash back on gas and restaurant purchases without paying an annual fee. It offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%), as well as 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover also matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. While the 2% rewards rate is lower than some other cards, the Discover it® Chrome is a good starter card with valuable rewards and no annual fee.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card for Restaurants

When selecting the best credit card for restaurants, several factors should be considered to ensure you choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

Rewards Structure:

• Cash Back: Cash back cards offer a straightforward way to earn rewards. You receive a percentage of your spending back as cash, which can be redeemed for statement credits, checks, or direct deposits.

• Points/Miles: Points or miles cards allow you to accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards. The value of points and miles can vary depending on the redemption option.

• Bonus Categories: Look for cards that offer bonus rewards on dining and other related categories, such as takeout, food delivery, and grocery stores.

Annual Fee:

• Consider whether the annual fee is worth the rewards and benefits offered by the card. If you spend enough on dining, the rewards can easily offset the annual fee.

• If you prefer to avoid annual fees, there are several excellent no-annual-fee options available.

Welcome Bonus:

• Many credit cards offer a welcome bonus to new cardholders who meet a certain spending requirement within a specified timeframe. This can be a great way to earn a significant amount of rewards upfront.

Redemption Options:

• Evaluate the redemption options offered by the card issuer. Do you prefer cash back, travel, merchandise, or gift cards? Choose a card that offers redemption options that align with your preferences.

Additional Benefits:

• Some credit cards offer additional benefits, such as travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and concierge services. These benefits can add extra value to the card.

Spending Habits:

• Analyze your spending habits to determine how much you typically spend on dining and other related categories. This will help you choose a card that maximizes your rewards based on your spending patterns.

Optimizing Your Dining Rewards

Once you've chosen the right credit card for restaurants, there are several ways to optimize your dining rewards and maximize your savings.

Use Your Card for All Dining Purchases:

• Make sure to use your chosen credit card for all dining purchases, whether you're eating at a restaurant, ordering takeout, or using a food delivery service.

Take Advantage of Bonus Categories:

• Pay attention to the bonus categories offered by your card and make sure to use it for purchases that qualify for bonus rewards.

Redeem Rewards Strategically:

• Redeem your rewards in a way that maximizes their value. For example, if you have a travel rewards card, consider redeeming your points or miles for travel instead of cash back, as this can often provide a higher value per point or mile.

Pair Your Card with Dining Programs:

• Many restaurants and loyalty programs offer additional rewards and discounts. Pair your credit card with these programs to double-dip on rewards and maximize your savings.

Monitor Your Spending and Rewards:

• Keep track of your spending and rewards to ensure you're on track to meet your financial goals. Regularly review your credit card statements and redemption options to make sure you're getting the most out of your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best credit card for dining out?

The best card depends on your spending habits and preferences. The American Express Gold Card is great for high spenders at restaurants, while the Capital One SavorOne is excellent for no annual fee users.

How can I maximize my dining rewards?

Use your dining-focused credit card for all restaurant purchases, take advantage of bonus categories, and redeem rewards strategically for maximum value.

Are there any credit cards with no annual fee that offer good dining rewards?

Yes, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card are both excellent no-annual-fee options with solid dining rewards.

Can I use my dining rewards for travel?

Yes, many credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the American Express Gold Card, allow you to redeem your rewards for travel.

How do I choose the right credit card for my needs?

Consider your spending habits, desired redemption options, and whether you're willing to pay an annual fee. Compare different cards and choose the one that best aligns with your financial goals.

Conclusion

Choosing the best credit card for restaurants can significantly enhance your dining experiences by providing valuable rewards and benefits. By carefully considering your spending habits, desired redemption options, and the factors discussed in this article, you can select the perfect card to maximize your dining savings and unlock a world of culinary delights. Don't hesitate to compare different cards and take advantage of welcome bonuses to start earning rewards today.