Best credit cards for dining of April 2025
Love dining out? The best credit cards for restaurants can turn your meals into valuable rewards. CardRatings editors break down the best dining credit cards, including options for takeout and delivery, helping you maximize your spending. Earn points, miles, or cash back with every meal, whether you’re enjoying a fine-dining experience or grabbing a quick bite at your favorite fast-food spot. Many of the best credit cards for dining offer special perks like complimentary or discounted memberships to food-delivery programs like DoorDash or Grubhub, or even statement credits to use at select restaurants. What’s more, some cards extend their bonus rewards to grocery purchases, allowing you to earn extra on all your food spending, even the meals you prepare at home. Find the perfect card to fuel your foodie lifestyle!
OUR FEATURED CARD LIST
CardRatings’ top picks for the best credit cards for dining
Looking to maximize your dining rewards? Our expert-curated list features the top credit cards for dining out and ordering in. The best credit cards for restaurants offer a range of benefits, from bonus rewards on every meal to valuable perks like statement credits and complimentary memberships to food delivery services. Whether you’re a foodie, frequent diner, or just enjoy the occasional takeout, this list highlights the best credit cards to fuel your culinary experiences.
Why we like it
This is the ultimate night-out-on-the-town cash rewards credit card thanks to bonus rewards earned on both dining and entertainment purchases. Whether it's dinner and a movie, a takeout picnic and concert in the park, or a Fenway Frank and a baseball game, this card will reward you for it all.
This is the ultimate night-out-on-the-town cash rewards credit card thanks to bonus rewards earned on both dining and entertainment purchases. Whether it's dinner and a movie, a takeout picnic and concert in the park, or a Fenway Frank and a baseball game, this card will reward you for it all.
- This card makes date night a lot more exciting with bonus cash back on dining AND entertainment purchases.
- Enjoy rewards even when you decide to cook thanks to 3% earned on grocery purchases, too.
- This card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is rare for a no-annual-fee cash-back credit card. So feel free to use it whether dining at your favorite neighborhood joint or at a sidewalk cafe in Paris!
- Outside of dining, groceries, streaming and entertainment, this card only rewards 1% cash back. If you spend heavily in other categories, you might want to consider a card with more bonus options.
Why we like it
The welcome bonus for this card allows new cardholders to earn as much as 3% cash back on restaurant purchases for their first year as a cardholder – that’s a fantastic value for a no-annual-fee card!
The welcome bonus for this card allows new cardholders to earn as much as 3% cash back on restaurant purchases for their first year as a cardholder – that’s a fantastic value for a no-annual-fee card!
- Outside of the bonus categories, this card earns a flat 1.5% back on all other purchases, which is a nice step up from the standard 1% rate that most other no-annual-fee cards earn on all non-bonus spend.
- There’s an intro 0% APR offer that comes with this card, which is nice for those looking for extra time to pay off purchases.
- This card offers a generous welcome bonus for a card with no annual fee.
- The bonus rewards rates aren’t as competitive after your first year as a cardholder, but if you can plan your spending right, you stand to earn well that first year.
- This card charges foreign transaction fees so it’s not a good one to travel abroad with.
Why we like it
For many people, one of the best parts of vacation is all the great food they'll get to eat. Not only does this card offer generous travel rewards, but it also earns rewards on dining purchases, too.
For many people, one of the best parts of vacation is all the great food they'll get to eat. Not only does this card offer generous travel rewards, but it also earns rewards on dining purchases, too.
- This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so it's a good choice whether dining close to home or internationally.
- Save annually with a $50 Chase Travel Hotel credit.
- 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.
- This card is really designed for people who like to eat out and/or travel often. If you spend a lot of money in other categories or rarely dine out or travel, there are likely better card options for you.
- If you're primary online grocery shopping is with Target, Walmart or wholesale clubs, keep in mind those locations are excluded from earning the 3x points on online grocery store purchases.
- There is an annual fee so before applying, you'll want to consider whether you'll use the card enough to offset this cost.
Why we like it
Not only does this card offer bonus rewards on purchases made at restaurants, as well as bonus rewards in other popular categories, but it also offers access to Citi Concierge services, which provides 24/7 access to experts who can help with everything from booking dinner reservations to providing ideas for after-dinner activities.Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
Not only does this card offer bonus rewards on purchases made at restaurants, as well as bonus rewards in other popular categories, but it also offers access to Citi Concierge services, which provides 24/7 access to experts who can help with everything from booking dinner reservations to providing ideas for after-dinner activities.Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- The bonus offered can be worth $600 if you redeem your points for gift cards or travel rewards with thankyou.com, which is solid considering the fact that the card carries such a low annual fee.
- Whether you feel like dining out in your hometown or across the globe, you'll earn bonus rewards on it all, and save money thanks to no foreign transaction fees.
- This card offers other bonuses such as $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) through CitiTravel.com, each calendar year.
- There is an annual fee so you'll want to be sure you'll utilize the card enough to offset this cost.
- The ThankYou® Points program isn't as popular or well-known as some other rewards currency programs, but that doesn't mean it isn't valuable and worthwhile.
Why we like it
Travel rewards credit cards are known for helping you pay for flights, hotels, rental cars... basically anything travel-related, but you're generally out of luck when it comes to using rewards to offset the cost of dining out when you travel (or stay at home, for that matter). This no-annual-fee card could be just what you need to round out your travel rewards strategy. Just rack up the rewards and then redeem them to cover your restaurant purchases when you travel and, voila – you've found a way to use travel rewards to help offset vacation food costs!
Travel rewards credit cards are known for helping you pay for flights, hotels, rental cars... basically anything travel-related, but you're generally out of luck when it comes to using rewards to offset the cost of dining out when you travel (or stay at home, for that matter). This no-annual-fee card could be just what you need to round out your travel rewards strategy. Just rack up the rewards and then redeem them to cover your restaurant purchases when you travel and, voila – you've found a way to use travel rewards to help offset vacation food costs!
- Being able to use rewards to offset restaurant purchases is a rarity. This card could seriously help you pay for food while on vacation – one of those necessary vacation expenses that's difficult to cover with travel rewards.
- A nice flat earning rate means you don't have to overthink when to use this card – just use it for all your puchases!
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients could really see their rewards add up quickly given that you earn 25%-75% more on every purchase depend on your client tier.
- That 1.5 points per $1 spent is great, but flat-rate rewards cards aren't how you're going to really maximize your earning. Earning top rewards generally happens with tiered cards and strategic use.
- There aren't a ton of extra perks/features with this card, as is common with travel rewards cards. That said, this one doesn't charge an annual fee and is still a solid choice.
Why we like it
This card comes with a $120 dining credit— a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required). Plus, earn a whopping 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants (on up to $50,000 per year, then one point per $1), as well as at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases at supermarkets, then one point per $1). American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
This card comes with a $120 dining credit— a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required). Plus, earn a whopping 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants (on up to $50,000 per year, then one point per $1), as well as at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases at supermarkets, then one point per $1). American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
- This card is tailor made for folks who prefer to let others do the cooking. Cardholders can earn 4X points for every dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year), then 1X. This includes eating in, takeout and home delivery.
- If you do happen to like cooking for yourself, you can also earn 4X points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year, then 1X.
- Another tasty perk comes in the form of an annual $120 ($10 a month) dining credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required)
- This card also comes with up to $120 Uber cash annually; just add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. (when you select an American Express Card for your transaction). Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- Membership has its privileges but they come with a price tag. The annual fee is substantial if you don't plan to make regular use of the card.
- Another drawback, travel rewards must be redeemed through amextravel.com. This could be limiting for some people.
Why we like it
If you like to dine out, but also enjoy occasionally cooking meals at home, this card may be a good fit for you. Cardholders earn 3% cash back in one choice category (dining is one of these categories) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
If you like to dine out, but also enjoy occasionally cooking meals at home, this card may be a good fit for you. Cardholders earn 3% cash back in one choice category (dining is one of these categories) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- With this card you have the option to update your choice category each month. So say you know there's a month you usually eat out a lot – December, perhaps, or maybe there's a month with several birthdays to celebrate, or maybe an anniversary– but then there are months where you spend heavily in other categories and hardly eat out at all: enter the choice category. Choose dining when you've got a lot of dining dates on the calendar, and whatever else best suits you other months. Or keep it dining all year long and enjoy all the restaurant meals you want, knowing your getting rewarded for each dollar spent on dining out!
- If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member you could earn up to 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase made.
- The ability to choose a choice category is great, but remember, you can only change this category once per month.
- This offer is very competitive, but earning additional potential bonus cash back (25-75% more on each purchase) is reserved for those who are Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients.
Why we like it
This card earns 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery and 2X points on streaming services, making it a great choice for a night in. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
This card earns 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery and 2X points on streaming services, making it a great choice for a night in. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
- This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, so it's a good option for international travel.
- This card offers an introductory interest rate offer so it's a good choice for those needing a little extra time to pay off some purchases interest free.
- If you want to redeem your points as cash back, your options are limited to a statement credit or a deposit to a U.S. Bank checking or savings account. If you bank elsewhere and want cash back, this likely isn't the best card for you.
Why we like it
Trying to impress clients with a fancy meal? Heading out for a lunch meeting? Make sure you're earning rewards on these expenses by bringing along this credit card.
Trying to impress clients with a fancy meal? Heading out for a lunch meeting? Make sure you're earning rewards on these expenses by bringing along this credit card.
- No annual fee is always a good place to start with any credit card.
- This card offers a nice introductory 0% APR offer, which can save cardholders a lot of money on interest charges.
- This card is routinely among our top picks for small business credit cards without an annual fee thanks in large part to its rewards of as much as 5% cash back in popular small business spending categories.
- Be mindful of the cap on bonus cash back. If you know you'll spend more than $25,000 in the 2% and 5% categories, you might want to consider another option.
Why we like it
If you regularly use DoorDash and Caviar, you will likely enjoy this card designed specifically for your go-to delivery service. Plus, you can earn bonus rewards in other popular categories, too. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
If you regularly use DoorDash and Caviar, you will likely enjoy this card designed specifically for your go-to delivery service. Plus, you can earn bonus rewards in other popular categories, too. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
- Enjoy a complimentary 12-month DashPass membership your first year as a cardholder.
- This card offers numerous cash-back earning opportunities. Earn bonus cash back on food delivery services, dining directly at restaurants, and grocery purchases (both online and in-store). Earn standard cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- There is no welcome bonus with this card. That said, the first year of free membership to DashPass does act as a welcome bonus of sorts.
Compare the best restaurant credit cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best restaurant credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
Select up to 23 cards to compare side-by-side:
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Compare the best credit cards for dining by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Ask CardRatings’ experts
What are the benefits of using a credit card when dining out?
The best credit cards for restaurants offer points or cash back for eligible dining purchases, which can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards or travel. Some premium dining credit cards even offer annual statement credits for specific types of dining purchases, including food delivery services.
I find the best benefit of using a dining credit card is the ability to earn multiple points for what my family spends. If I'm using a new credit card, spending on dining out also helps me earn the welcome bonus sooner. Don't overlook delivery services either, as some cards classify them as dining out, allowing you to earn more.
Using a credit card when dining out can be safer than using cash. Someone could pocket the cash and say you never paid. Additionally, you have stronger liability protection with a credit card that you don’t have with other types of payments like debit cards and peer-to-peer payments. If someone fraudulently uses your card number, when you report it, the card issuer will typically reverse the charges and may even put a freeze on your card to prevent further use. With debit cards and peer-to-peer payments, if they do offer fraud protection, you’re still out of those funds until the fraud has been investigated and cleared.
How have you benefited from using credit cards for your dining purchases?
I use one of the best travel credit cards on the market today for all my dining purchases since I can earn 3X points for each dollar spent on dining worldwide. This spending adds up to a tremendous amount in rewards over time, which I use to cover airfare, hotel stays, rental cars and other travel expenses.
When dining out, my family always uses a card that earns at least 3x points on what we spend. This allows us to accrue points to fund travel, which helps us stretch our vacation budget.
I use a card that earns 3% back on dining, both in restaurants and on delivery and takeout. I’ve earned hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars’ worth of rewards over the years on this spending which I combine with my other rewards. Redeeming my points stash has allowed me and my family to take trips at a reduced cost that we never would have been able to take otherwise.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions about dining credit cards
Can you earn restaurant rewards from food delivery services?
Food delivery is booming, especially with services like Uber Eats and Grubhub. While it’s convenient, earning restaurant rewards on these purchases can be tricky. Ordering directly from a restaurant usually earns the same rewards as dining in. However, third-party services can be coded differently. One credit card might code Uber Eats as dining, earning you bonus rewards, while another might not. While popular delivery services are usually coded as dining, it’s always best to check your card’s details or contact your issuer to be sure.
What credit score do I need to qualify for the best dining credit cards?
A good credit score (usually 700+) is a key ingredient for the best dining credit cards, but it’s not the whole meal. Lenders may also consider your income, credit history, spending habits (such as low credit utilization), and overall financial picture. Even with a slightly lower score, strong financial responsibility can help you qualify. Think of it like a recipe: a good score is important, but all the ingredients matter.
What types of restaurants qualify for dining rewards?
“Dining” for rewards usually covers sit-down restaurants, cafes, bars, and even fast food. Delivery services often qualify, but check your card’s terms to be sure. Grocery store prepared foods and restaurants within hotels can be tricky. Your card’s fine print is the best guide; contact your issuer if you’re unsure.
Are dining credit cards worth it?
If you regularly dine out, then yes, dining credit cards are absolutely worth it. By putting your dining purchases on a dining credit card you can earn a percentage back on each meal you eat out (or have delivered). Just remember – like with any rewards credit card – no amount of rewards will be worth going into debt over. If you can’t pay your credit card bill in full it’s probably best to keep your credit card safely tucked away, no matter the expense. If dining expenses are in your budget, however, using a dining rewards credit card for your next meal is a deliciously smart move to make!
Meet the editorial team
Rating methodology: CardRatings experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: See Rates and Fees (CardName)
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.
