Choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance your dining and drinking experiences, offering rewards, perks, and savings that can add up over time. Whether you're a frequent diner, enjoy happy hour with friends, or own a restaurant or bar, selecting a credit card tailored to these expenses can be a smart financial move. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the best credit card for your needs in 2024.
| Credit Card | Rewards on Dining & Bars | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card | 4% Cash Back | Unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and streaming services. Also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (see terms). No foreign transaction fees. |
| American Express Gold Card | 4x Membership Rewards Points | 4x points at U.S. restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x). 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Up to $120 dining credit annually (enrollment required). Up to $120 Uber Cash annually (enrollment required). High annual fee. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | 3x Ultimate Rewards Points | 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services. 5x total points on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 2x points on all other travel purchases. 1x points on all other purchases. 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Travel and purchase protections. |
| Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards | 2% Cash Back | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%). 1% cash back on all other purchases. Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 4x Points | 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and streaming services. 1x points on all other purchases. $15 streaming service credit annually (enrollment required). No annual fee. |
| Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card (No Longer Available to New Applicants) | 3x Points | 3x points on dining, travel, gas stations, and select streaming services. No annual fee. Note: This card is no longer available to new applicants, but existing cardholders can continue to use it. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). While not specifically for restaurants, it's useful for cooking at home. 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and at U.S. gas stations. 3% cash back on transit. 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | 3x Ultimate Rewards Points | 3x points on travel and select business categories. Dining doesn't earn a bonus on this card but it offers valuable rewards and travel protections for business owners who travel for dining opportunities. 1x points on all other purchases. |
| OpenTable Credit Card from Capital One | 5x Points | 5x points on OpenTable reservations and dining. 2x points on gas, grocery stores, and streaming services. 1x points on all other purchases. |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | 5x Points at IHG Hotels | 5x points at IHG Hotels. While not specifically for restaurants, it offers valuable rewards and travel protections for IHG hotel stays which may include dining. 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. 1x points on all other purchases. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | 12x Points at Hilton Hotels | 12x points at Hilton Hotels. While not specifically for restaurants, it offers valuable rewards and travel protections for Hilton hotel stays which may include dining. 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets. 3x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Detailed Explanations
Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card: This card is a top choice for maximizing rewards on dining and entertainment. Its 4% cash back on these categories is a standout feature, making it ideal for frequent diners and those who enjoy going out. The additional rewards on groceries and other purchases provide well-rounded value. The ongoing rewards and lack of foreign transaction fees make it a strong contender.
American Express Gold Card: While carrying a higher annual fee, the Amex Gold card offers substantial rewards for dining and groceries, making it worthwhile for those who spend significantly in these categories. The 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and supermarkets, coupled with valuable credits like the dining and Uber Cash credits, can offset the annual fee if utilized effectively. The flexibility of Membership Rewards points is also a major advantage.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: This card balances rewards with travel benefits. The 3x Ultimate Rewards points on dining and online grocery purchases, along with the bonus on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, make it a solid choice for travelers who also enjoy dining out. The points can be redeemed for travel at a 25% bonus, increasing their value. Its travel and purchase protections are also valuable perks.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards: This card is a good option for those seeking rewards on gas and dining without an annual fee. The 2% cash back on these categories, combined with the Cashback Match in the first year, provides a decent return on spending. It's a straightforward and accessible card for those starting their rewards journey.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: This card provides a strong focus on dining rewards with its 4x points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. The lack of an annual fee and the streaming service credit add further value. Its rewards structure is tailored to those who frequently order food or dine out.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card (No Longer Available to New Applicants): This card offered a broad range of bonus categories, including dining, travel, and gas, making it a versatile option for earning rewards. The 3x points across these categories, coupled with no annual fee, made it a popular choice. However, since it's no longer available to new applicants, existing cardholders can continue to enjoy its benefits.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: While not directly focused on restaurants, the 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets makes it a valuable card for those who prefer cooking at home. The additional rewards on streaming and gas enhance its overall value. It's a good option for balancing dining out with home-cooked meals.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card is designed for business owners and offers 3x points on travel and select business categories. While it doesn't directly reward dining, it can be useful for business-related meals and travel. The points are valuable and can be redeemed for travel or other business expenses.
OpenTable Credit Card from Capital One: This card is specifically designed for users of the OpenTable reservation platform, offering 5x points on OpenTable reservations and dining. This makes it an excellent choice for frequent OpenTable users who want to maximize their rewards when dining out.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: This card is targeted towards travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels. While the primary benefit is 5x points at IHG Hotels, it also offers 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, making it a useful card for earning rewards on dining while traveling.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: This card is tailored towards travelers who frequently stay at Hilton hotels. While the primary benefit is 12x points at Hilton Hotels, it also offers 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets, making it a useful card for earning rewards on dining while traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for dining if I don't want an annual fee? The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card and the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Rewards are good options, offering solid rewards on dining without an annual fee.
Which credit card offers the most rewards for dining? The Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card and the American Express Gold Card are top contenders, offering high rewards rates on dining.
Are there any credit cards that offer rewards for restaurant delivery services? Yes, many cards that offer bonus rewards on dining, like the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, often include restaurant delivery services in their definition of dining. Check the card's terms and conditions for specific details.
How do I choose the best credit card for my needs? Consider your spending habits, annual fee tolerance, and preferred rewards type (cash back, points, miles). Compare the rewards rates, benefits, and any associated fees to find the card that best aligns with your lifestyle.
What are the advantages of using a credit card for dining? Credit cards offer rewards, purchase protection, and the ability to build credit. Some cards also provide valuable travel and dining perks.
What should I look for in a restaurant credit card if I own a restaurant? Look for cards that offer rewards on business expenses, travel, and potentially dining. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be a good option for business owners.
How do I redeem the rewards I earn from a restaurant credit card? Rewards can typically be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, travel, gift cards, or merchandise. The redemption options vary depending on the card issuer.
Do credit cards for restaurants offer any travel benefits? Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the American Express Gold Card, offer travel benefits such as travel insurance, car rental insurance, and access to airport lounges.
What is the difference between cash back and points rewards? Cash back is a direct return of money on your spending, while points are a form of currency that can be redeemed for various rewards, such as travel, merchandise, or gift cards.
Are there any credit cards that offer discounts at specific restaurants? Some credit card issuers partner with restaurants to offer exclusive discounts or promotions to their cardholders. Check with your card issuer to see if any such partnerships exist.
Conclusion
Selecting the best credit card for restaurants and bars depends on your individual spending habits and preferences. By considering the rewards rates, annual fees, and additional benefits, you can choose a card that maximizes your savings and enhances your dining experiences.