Think about your spending habits. For many of us, after rent or mortgage and groceries, dining out is one of the biggest and most consistent line items in our budget.
From your quick morning coffee to a casual lunch with colleagues, or that special evening dinner, restaurant spending adds up quickly.
But here’s the crucial question: are you getting the most out of every dollar you spend at those restaurants?
Most people pay with a basic card, earning a measly 1% back, or worse—a debit card, earning nothing at all. They’re leaving serious rewards on the table with every meal.
What if every time you swiped your card for dinner, you weren’t just paying for food, but actively funding your next big trip or earning significant cash back?
The right credit card can transform a common expense into a powerful rewards generator.
This guide is for everyone who loves to dine out and wants to ensure they’re maximizing every single purchase. I’m going to show you the best credit cards specifically designed to turn your restaurant spending into a feast of points and cash back.
The Hidden Power of Your Dining Bill
Imagine two friends, both spending $500 a month on dining out. That’s $6,000 per year.
- Casual Chris: Chris uses a standard 1% cash back card. After a year, he earns $60 back.
- Strategic Sarah: Sarah uses a card optimized for dining. After a year, she earns significantly more.
Let’s look at the cards that help Sarah leave Chris’s earnings in the dust.
The Top Cards for a Dining Feast
1. The Undisputed Champion: The American Express® Gold Card
- Why I Picked It: For years, the Amex Gold has been the card for foodies. If a significant portion of your budget goes to restaurants and groceries, its earning rates are simply unmatched.
- The Rewards: Earn a spectacular 4x Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery) and 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year). These points are incredibly flexible and valuable for travel. Plus, its monthly dining and Uber Cash credits can effectively offset most of its annual fee if you use them.
The Flexible Travel Powerhouse: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Why I Picked It: This card is often hailed as one of the best starter travel cards, and its dining bonus is a huge part of its appeal. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want strong dining rewards and a broad set of travel benefits.
- The Rewards: Earn a robust 3x Ultimate Rewards® points on dining, including eligible delivery services. You also get 3x on online groceries and select streaming services, and 2x on all other travel. Ultimate Rewards are incredibly versatile, offering great value for travel booked through Chase or transferred to airline and hotel partners like World of Hyatt.
3. The No-Fee Cash Back Star: Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card
- Why I Picked It: If you love earning cash back and want to maximize your return on dining and entertainment without paying an annual fee, this card is a clear winner.
- The Rewards: Earn an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. This makes it an incredibly powerful and flexible card for a huge chunk of most people’s everyday spending, completely free of charge. It even waives foreign transaction fees.
Ben’s Insight: My rule of thumb is simple: if I’m spending money on food—whether it’s a coffee, a sit-down meal, or a grocery run—I’m reaching for a card that gives me at least 3x points or 3% cash back. Over the course of a year, that difference between 1% and 3-4% adds up to hundreds of dollars in extra rewards, enough for flights or hotel stays I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Don’t leave those points on the table!
Beyond the Swipe: Maximize Even More!
Using the right card is just the start. For the truly strategic diner, you can “triple dip” your rewards:
- Your Dining Credit Card: Use one of the cards above for its bonus category.
- Airline/Hotel Dining Programs: Link your credit card to programs like AAdvantage Dining or United MileagePlus Dining. You’ll earn extra miles for eating at participating restaurants, on top of your credit card rewards!
- Card-Linked Offers: Check your credit card’s app for “Amex Offers” or “Chase Offers” before you go out. You might find targeted deals for bonus points or cash back at specific restaurants.
Ready to Make Every Meal Count?
Your next meal out isn’t just about the food; it’s an opportunity. Take a look at your wallet and see if your current card is truly giving you the best return on your restaurant spending. A simple switch can turn your everyday dining into a delicious path to more rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do food delivery services count as dining?
Most cards with dining bonus categories, like the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred, do include eligible food delivery services (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash) in their bonus earning. Always check your specific card’s terms for clarity.
Are fast food restaurants included in “dining”?
Yes, generally. Credit card issuers typically categorize all types of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining, under the “dining” or “restaurant” category.
What about bars and nightclubs?
Most cards will also include bars, lounges, and nightclubs within their “dining” or “restaurant” bonus categories, as they share similar Merchant Category Codes (MCCs).
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.