Best Credit Card for Dining

Are you a foodie who likes to try new restaurants or go to your favorite cafes? If so, you probably know that eating out can add up quickly. However, did you know that there exist credit cards specifically designed to maximize your food expenditures? We’ll look at the best credit cards for dining out, highlighting the best options for rewards programs, cash back offers, and other benefits.

You’ll know a lot about which card would be best for your eating habits and way of life. These choices can make your dining experiences more fun and save you money, whether you eat out a lot or just once in a while.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for those passionate about dining out. It offers a generous sign-up bonus and earns 2x points on all dining purchases. Whether you’re enjoying a fine meal or grabbing takeout, your points can add up quickly.

Benefits

• Flexible Redemption Options: Points can be redeemed for travel, cashback, or gift cards.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international dining.

• Additional Perks: Access to exclusive culinary events and experiences.

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is known for its exceptional dining rewards. It earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide, making it ideal for regular diners.

Highlights

• Annual Dining Credits: Use credits at select restaurants and services to reduce dining costs.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Enjoy meals abroad without extra charges.

• High Point Accumulation: Every meal contributes significantly to your rewards balance.

Capital One SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

This no-annual-fee card earns unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases, making it a great choice for those who love eating out and going out.

Notable Perks

• 3% Cash Back: On dining, bars, takeout, and cafes.

• Entertainment Benefits: Cash back on movies, concerts, and sporting events.

• No Annual Fee: Straightforward savings for everyday use.

Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card earns 3x points on restaurant purchases and is a great option for those who also travel frequently.

Standout Features

• Dining and Travel Rewards: 3x points on dining, 2x on hotels and entertainment.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Convenient for international food lovers.

• Flexible Redemptions: Use points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.

Discover it® Cash Back

Perfect for casual diners, this card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories (which often include restaurants) and has no annual fee.

Advantages

• Quarterly Rotating Categories: Plan to maximize rewards during dining quarters.

• No Annual Fee: Simple savings without cost.

• Cash Back Match: First-year cash back is matched dollar-for-dollar.

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

If you often dine at hotel restaurants or travel frequently, this card offers 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy properties.

Features

• 6x Points: On eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• Global Dining Access: Enjoy meals at hotel restaurants worldwide.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Saves you money while dining internationally.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

This no-annual-fee card offers 3x points on dining, gas stations, and streaming services—ideal for dynamic lifestyles.

Card Highlights

• 3x Points: On dining, fuel, and entertainment subscriptions.

• No Annual Fee: Great for budget-conscious users.

• Broad Rewards Categories: Earn across everyday essentials.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

Primarily geared toward travelers, this card also benefits diners with 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases including meals.

Why It Works

• Flat-Rate Rewards: Earn on everything, including dining.

• No Annual Fee: Keep more of your rewards.

• Redemption Flexibility: Use miles for travel or local dining splurges.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

This premium card offers exclusive restaurant partnerships and 3x points on dining, perfect for fine dining lovers who travel.

Premium Perks

• 3x Points on Dining: Including bonus rewards at partner restaurants.

• Travel Benefits: 2x points on travel and airport lounge access.

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Dine freely worldwide.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Great for families and home cooks, this card earns cashback at grocery stores and on restaurant spending.

Everyday Value

• 3% Cashback at U.S. Supermarkets: Up to $6,000 per year.

• 2% Cashback at Gas Stations and Restaurants.

• 1% on All Other Purchases: Plus special bonus offers periodically.

• No Annual Fee: Good fit for home and dining budgets alike.

FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card by U.S. Bank

Designed with restaurant spending in mind, this card helps users turn meals into airline miles.

Dining for Miles

• Enhanced Restaurant Rewards: Earn higher points per dollar at restaurants.

• Airline Mile Conversion: Turn spending into travel rewards.

• No Annual Fee First Year: Try it out before committing.

Conclusion

Eating out doesn’t have to be just about the food; it can also be about how to save money. If you have the right credit card, your trips to the restaurant, takeout orders, and gourmet vacations can all lead to real rewards, cash back, or travel benefits. No matter what kind of dining-focused credit card you want, there’s one that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a credit card good for dining?

A good dining credit card offers elevated rewards on restaurant purchases. Some cards also include perks like dining credits, exclusive culinary experiences, or no foreign transaction fees for international dining.

Do I have to dine in at restaurants to earn dining rewards?

Not necessarily. Many dining credit cards include takeout, delivery, fast food, and even food delivery platforms (like DoorDash or Uber Eats) under their dining rewards categories. Always check the issuer’s definitions to be sure.

Can I use a dining credit card while traveling abroad?

Yes, especially if your card has no foreign transaction fees. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, American Express® Gold, and Citi Premier® are popular for international travelers because they offer both dining rewards and fee-free foreign usage.

Is a no-annual-fee card better than one with an annual fee?

It depends on your spending habits. No-annual-fee cards like Capital One SavorOne® or Discover it® Cash Back are great for casual diners. Cards with annual fees (like the Amex Gold) often provide more substantial rewards or dining credits that can offset the fee if used regularly.

What’s the difference between points and cashback?

• Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or merchandise, depending on the card issuer.

• Cashback gives you a percentage of your spending back in dollars, often as a statement credit.

Choose based on how you prefer to redeem your rewards.

Can I earn rewards on groceries with these cards too?

Yes. Some dining credit cards, like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Wells Fargo Propel®, also offer bonus rewards on groceries, gas, or streaming services.

Will applying for a dining rewards card affect my credit score?

Yes, applying for any credit card results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may cause a temporary dip in your score. However, responsible use of the card (like paying on time and maintaining low balances) can improve your score over time.

Are these dining credit cards beginner-friendly?

Many of them are. Cards like Capital One SavorOne®, Discover it® Cash Back, and Blue Cash Everyday® are ideal for beginners due to their simple reward structures, no annual fees, and flexible redemption options.

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Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: Best Credit Card for Dining

https://fangwallet.com/2025/08/02/best-credit-card-for-dining/

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