Best dining credit cards of November 2024
If you’re a foodie who spends a lot of time dining out, you should use one of our picks for the best dining credit cards to maximize your rewards and score other great benefits such as access to hard-to-get reservations and more.
Some cards not only offer generous cash back and rewards points on dining out but also have you covered when you order takeout and delivery when you’re short on time or not up to cooking. Plus, some of the options on this list also double as great entertainment and travel cards, too, making it even easier to quickly rack up rewards.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for beginners
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for the well-traveled foodie
- Bilt Mastercard®: Best for renters
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for foodies with no annual fee
- American Express® Green Card: Best for Best lower annual fee Amex for foodies
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for Hilton loyalists
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for premium travel rewards for value
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best for elevated dining rewards with no annual fee
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: Best for Hilton loyalists
Best for beginners
| 5x | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | 1x on all other purchases. |
Year after year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card wins at the TPG Awards for Best Travel Rewards Card. In exchange for a $95 annual fee, you’ll gain access to the incredible Ultimate Rewards program — unleashing tons of potential value for award travel. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Pros
- Earn multiple points per dollar on things like travel and dining
- The current welcome bonus on this card is quite generous.
- Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage reimbursement
Cons
- The card comes with a $95 annual fee
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Best for the well-traveled foodie
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, plus it added an up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this make it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Best for renters
| 3X Points | 3x points on dining |
| 2X Points | 2x points on travel |
| 1X Points | 1x points on other purchases |
| 1X Points | Earn 1x points on rent without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points in a calendar year. When you use the card 5 times each statement period using your Bilt Mastercard, you'll earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases. |
The Bilt Rewards Mastercard is a credit card that allows renters to earn one point per dollar on their rent payments, without incurring transaction fees. In addition, you can earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel (must make five transactions per statement period to earn points). Bilt Rewards points are transferable points and can be transferred to 14 airline partners and three hotel partners. Despite having no annual fee, the Bilt Rewards card features great travel and dining benefits like Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and World Elite Mastercard Concierge Service. Read more about the Bilt Rewards card here.
Pros
- Earn points on rent with no transaction fees
- Multiple bonus categories
- Transfer points to multiple travel partners
- Variety of travel benefits
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Must make five purchases per statement period to earn points
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining
- Earn 2x points on travel
- Earn 1x points on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- Rates & Fees. Rewards & Benefits.
Best for foodies with no annual fee
| 8% | 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 5% | 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services |
| 1% | 1% Cash Back on all other purchases |
With this card, you can maximize your purchases on four popular categories from dining, entertainment, popular streaming services to grocery stores. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Earning 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores, like Walmart and Target) is a great return for a no-annual-fee credit card
- This card is great for beginners
- The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase.
Cons
- If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential
- The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn)
- For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Best for Best lower annual fee Amex for foodies
American Express® Green Card
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Decent earning rates across popular spend categories
- Annual Clear Plus credit
- Annual LoungeBuddy credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $150 annual fee
- May not offer much value if you’re not a frequent traveler
The American Express® Green Card* is a solid pick for a great dining rewards card. It earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide, making it a great option for foodies who love to dine out locally and internationally. The card also earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit, all of which can be transferred to any of Amex’s transfer partners. Additionally, it offers no foreign transaction fee and annual statement credits for CLEAR and LoungeBuddy. Read our full review of the American Express Green Card.
Best for Hilton loyalists
| 12X | Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. |
| 6X | Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. |
If you’re looking to become a loyal Hilton guest and want a way to quickly achieve Hilton Gold status, consider applying for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card that gives you complimentary status. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
Pros
- 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases, 6x at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, 4x on U.S. online retail purchases 3x on all other eligible purchases
- Hilton Honors Gold status with an upgrade to Diamond by spending $40,000 in a calendar year
Cons
- No chart to redeem points at Hilton properties
- Ties you to Hilton properties
- Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
- Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
- Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
- Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
- Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
- Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $150 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for premium travel rewards for value
| 10x | Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠. |
| 5x | Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. |
| 1x | Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a no-brainer card for those who are looking to up their reward earnings to the highest level. Chase Ultimate Rewards are one of the most valuable points currencies. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Pros
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- Access to Chase Travel hotel and airline travel partners
- Unlimited 3x points on the broad category of travel and dining
- 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Broad definitions for travel and dining bonus categories
Cons
- Steep $550 annual fee
- May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
- You must spend the $300 travel credit before earning 3x points for travel and dining
- No automatic hotel elite status
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for elevated dining rewards with no annual fee
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
| 4X | 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery. |
| 2X | 2X points on streaming services and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores and wholesale clubs effective September 9, 2024). |
| 2X | 2X points at gas stations and EV charging stations (excludes discount stores and wholesale clubs effective September 9, 2024). |
| 1X | 1X point on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- No annual fee
- Multiple bonus categories
- Several redemption options available
Cons
- Minimum redemption requirement
- Charges foreign transaction fees
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* card comes packed with multiple bonus categories, an easy-to-earn welcome bonus and no annual fee. This card earns 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants, which makes it a great option for foodies that love dining out.
Best for Hilton loyalists
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
| 14X | 14X points on hotels and resorts For eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. |
| 7X | 7X points on select travel Including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. |
| 7X | 7X points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. |
| 3X | 3X points for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Automatic Diamond status
- Free-night certificate every year upon account renewal
- 14 points per dollar spent at eligible Hilton properties
- Various statement credits for select purchases
Cons
- High annual fee
- Many perks are limited to Hilton properties
The Hilton Amex Aspire* is a solid credit card for fans of the Hilton Honors loyalty program who frequently stay at Hilton properties. This card comes with elevated earning rates for multiple bonus categories, including 7 points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. Additionally, the card comes with automatic Diamond status and a free night certificate every year — which can make the hefty annual fee that comes with this card worth it.
Comparing the best dining cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | beginners | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 5X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | the well-traveled foodie | 60,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 4X points | $325 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bilt's secure site | renters | N/A | 1 - 3X points | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | foodies with no annual fee | $250 Cash Back Open Intro bonus $250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1 - 8% cash-back | $0 |
American Express® Green Card * *The information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 09/20/2024 | Best lower annual fee Amex for foodies | Earn 40,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points
after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1 - 3X points | $150 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | Hilton loyalists | Earn 165,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. | 3 - 12X points | $150 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | premium travel rewards for value | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 10X points | $550 |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card * *The information about the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 09/24/2024 | elevated dining rewards with no annual fee | 20,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 20,000 bonus points. Just spend $1,000 in eligible Net Purchases in the first 90 days. | 1 - 4X points | $0 |
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire * *The information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 11/11/2024 | Hilton loyalists | Earn 175,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. | 3 - 14X points | $550 |
More details on the best dining credit cards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards on the market — and for good reason. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its low annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s valuable airline and hotel partners.
Anyone looking for generous earning rates on travel and dining and a great list of redemption options, all for a low annual fee.
“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements made over the years, it's hard to compare any other mid-tier rewards card. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert.” — Madison Blancaflor, managing editor
If you prefer Capital One, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is your best bet. The card offers bonus miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. The welcome bonus is on par with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and you’ll pay the same annual fee (see rates and fees).
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. The American Express Gold Card packs a real punch, offering generous bonus points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. There are also fantastic benefits, such as a monthly dining credit for select merchants, a monthly Uber Cash credit and more. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, whether dining out, ordering takeout or cooking for yourself. Enrollment required for select benefits.
Anyone who eats out regularly and would like to earn lots of valuable Membership Rewards points while dining and grocery shopping will benefit from adding this card to their wallet.
“I spend a lot dining out and on groceries, so this is probably my most frequently used card. Earning 4 points per dollar spent on these categories helps boost my Membership Rewards balance, which is my preferred flexible points program. Whilst the up to $10 monthly dining credit isn't huge, it helps to offset the annual fee (enrollment required; see rates and fees) and I have a recurring reminder in my calendar to use the credit every month. This card is a good complement to The Platinum Card® from American Express, which I also have in my wallet.” — Matt Moffitt, senior editor
If you want to earn on dining and travel with a lower annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards on dining and travel purchases, and Chase Travel℠ has a great slate of transfer partners. Plus, with an annual fee below $100, it’s a low-maintenance card to have in your wallet.
The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points on your rent, generally a large monthly expense, without transaction fees. In addition, you can earn elevated rewards on travel and dining. The Bilt Mastercard is a great way for renters to get cash back on their largest expenses, and the card comes with many travel benefits and no annual fee!
Renters who are looking for a way to earn travel rewards on their rent, without transaction fees, can find a lot of benefits in this card.
The Bilt card can be a great addition to your wallet because no other card lets you earn on rent as widely. In addition, it comes with travel and Cellular Telephone Protection while featuring no annual fee — making this card a no-brainer for any renter’s wallet.
Unfortunately, there is no other credit card like the Bilt Mastercard. If you are looking for a simple cash-back card and your landlord takes credit cards without charging a transaction fee, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) which earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill).
The Capital One Savor is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are all high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three.
Foodies, travelers and frequent concertgoers looking to dip their toes into the world of rewards or who just want generous cash back on regular expenses.
This is a great card to have if dining, travel and entertainment are major spending categories for you. Rewards can be maximized if you also have a card that earns Venture miles.
If you want a simpler earnings rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and an easy-to-hit welcome bonus. You'll earn a flat 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses outside the Savor's bonus categories.
The Amex Green* is packed with elevated earning rates, annual statement credits and no foreign transaction fees. For a fair annual fee of $150, the Amex Green is a solid dining card.
*The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Amex Green* earns 3 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide which are fully transferable with any of Amex’s transfer partners, making it a great option for foodies who love local and international food.
If you’re looking to earn Amex Membership Rewards points but don’t want to commit to a hefty annual fee, the Amex Green* can be a good addition to your wallet.
If you love Amex Membership Rewards and don’t mind a slightly higher annual fee, consider the American Express® Gold Card. It has an annual fee of $325 but earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year) and restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year). In addition, the card comes with up to $424 in annual statement credit for Grubhub, Uber Eats, Resy, Dunkin’ and more. Enrollment is required. (see rates and fees)
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It has elitelike perks at a reasonable annual fee (see rates and fees) while still earning on dining.
Anyone who is a fan of the worldwide Hilton group and wants to supercharge their Hilton Honors points earnings, both from travel and everyday spending, to redeem at thousands of Hilton properties.
Even if you only stay with Hilton a few times a year, having the Hilton Surpass Card can be worth it. It offers solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status — all for a low annual fee. Hilton Gold is one of the best mid-tier hotel statuses as it gets you complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits and space-available room upgrades.
If you want more perks, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is Hilton's premium card, offering top-tier Diamond status as an automatic benefit. The card's annual fee is significantly higher, but TPG values Diamond status at more than $2,000 annually. You'll receive great perks like free night rewards, airline fee statement credits, Hilton resort and on-property credits, and more.
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a sizable annual travel credit, generous earning rates on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card.
If you have an excellent credit score and want premium travel benefits, the Sapphire Reserve could be a great option.
“I've had the Sapphire Reserve for years, and it's going to stay in my wallet for the near future. I get $300 off travel every year, great earning rates on travel and dining (3 points per dollar), and varied travel protections that can reimburse me when things go wrong. And by leveraging other cards in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, I'm able to maximize the earnings across all of my purchases.” — Nick Ewen, senior editorial director
If you want a premium travel card with a lower annual fee, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers access to Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Capital One lounges but has a lower annual fee (see rates and fees). You'll also enjoy insurance protections and earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases plus an annual travel credit.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* card features no annual fee, elevated rewards earning on dining out and a solid welcome bonus.
*The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* is a solid pick for people who are interested in a no-annual-fee card that earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining out, which makes it a good fit for regular restaurant goers.
If you’re interested in a no-annual fee with elevated dining out rewards earning, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature®* could be a good fit for your wallet.
If you’re a foodie who loves dining out — or ordering in — and doesn’t mind a higher annual fee, consider the American Express® Gold Card. It earns 4 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter).
The card offers premium earning rates and semi-annual credits that can be used at Hilton properties and for travel, which helps to offset the card’s annual fee.
*The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Hilton Aspire* is great for travelers who frequent Hilton properties. The card’s benefits and perks are best maximized by regular Hilton guests.
The Hilton Aspire* card comes with a hefty annual fee but even heftier benefits. If you are a regular Hilton guest, the card’s elevated earning rate, elite status and free-night certificate will make it a great addition to your wallet.
If you’re looking for a cobranded hotel card with no annual fee, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees). Although it features less perks than the Aspire, it still earns 7 Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton properties.
How we rate
Ask our experts
What's your favorite dining credit card — and why?
What TPG readers have to say about their top pick for best dining credit card
We asked our readers which cards they’re bringing along when dining out at restaurants to earn the most back for their spending. From bonus categories to statement credits, here is what TPG readers love about their credit cards for dining.
Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
“It's a low annual fee with lots of benefits. I get a free Doordash DashPass*, which is one of my favorite benefits because I order a lot of food delivery. I love the extra points on dining.” – TPG reader via a TPG newsletter survey
*Through December 31, 2027.
American Express® Gold Card
“The 4x multiplier on food and groceries [restaurants and U.S. supermarkets]* earn me the most points.” – Abby M via a TPG newsletter survey
*4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants on up to $50,000 per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar).
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
“Best overall benefits and points bonus for dining, grocery, gas.” – Bob H via a TPG newsletter survey
How to choose a dining credit card
- Seek out a card for dining that comes with a generous sign-up bonus. The reward you earn from meeting the bonus-earning threshold can be used for future travel or to pay down a balance, in the case of cash-back cards. Be sure you pick a card with a spending threshold that you can reach and with a currency you'll find valuable.1Sign-up bonus
- The dining cards featured come with various annual fees — from the higher end to the lower end. However, cards with higher annual fees often also offer strong protections on shopping and travel, in addition to other benefits. If you aren't interested in paying annually for your dining credit card, we included options for that as well.2Annual fee
- The best cards to use for dining will typically earn bonus points, miles or cash back for eating out at restaurants. However, many of these cards also earn more in other bonus categories, such as supermarkets, travel or entertainment. Work to find a card that will maximize your earnings across the categories where you spend most frequently.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of dining credit cards
Pros
- Using dining credit cards can help boost your credit when used responsibly
- A credit card that earns more at restaurants can help you quickly earn rewards to use toward travel and more
- Many credit cards for dining also have bonuses for other spending, such as travel and entertainment
- Credit cards often provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
Cons
- Dining credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance on your credit card for restaurants can negatively impact your credit score
- Some dining credit cards do not earn bonus rewards in all categories, so you may need other credit cards to boost your earnings in other categories
- Some credit cards for dining require a good credit score, which means those who haven't had a credit card before (or have a low score from past spending) may not be approved
Frequently asked questions
To maximize your rewards for eating out and food delivery, as well as saving you money on dining-related and other travel expenses, these are the best credit cards for dining:
- American Express Gold Card: Best overall dining card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for dining and travel
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card: Best for Hilton loyalists
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Chase Ultimate Rewards
Most rewards credit cards categorize traditional sit-down restaurants, cafes and fast food establishments as dining for rewards purposes. The categorization of restaurants can vary depending on the credit card issuer and the merchant category codes they use to classify transactions.
To determine whether a specific restaurant qualifies as dining for rewards on your credit card, you can check the credit card's terms and conditions or contact the issuer directly. It can provide specific information on categorizing dining expenses and which restaurants are eligible for rewards or benefits.
Generally, if a bar primarily focuses on serving food and offers a dining experience, it is more likely to be categorized as a restaurant for credit card purposes. However, suppose a bar primarily serves alcoholic beverages and does not offer a significant food menu or dining experience. In that case, some credit card issuers may not classify it as a restaurant.
To determine whether a specific bar is considered a dining establishment for your credit card, you can check with the credit card issuer or review the merchant category code associated with the bar's merchant account.
Credit card dining rewards often apply to takeout and delivery purchases. As the popularity of takeout and food delivery services has increased, credit card issuers have recognized this trend and expanded their dining rewards to include these types of transactions. However, it's important to note that each credit card's terms and conditions may vary.