CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARDSBEST CREDIT CARDS FOR RESTAURANTS OF JUNE 2023
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Best Credit Cards for Restaurants of June 2023

NerdWallet Jun 1, 2023
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NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Restaurants of June 2023

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Best Credit Cards for Restaurants From Our Partners

Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeRewards rateIntro offerLearn more
Chase Freedom Unlimited® card image
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
5.0/5
Best for 3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending

$0

1.5%-6.5%

cashback

$300

Apply Now
on Chase's website
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Best for 3% dining and grocery rewards

$0

1%-10%

cashback

$200

Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card card image
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
Rates & Fees
Best for Up to 5% cash back

$0

1%-5%

cashback

$200

Apply Now
on Citibank's application
American Express® Gold Card card image
American Express® Gold Card
Apply Now
on American Express' website
Best for Travel rewards

$250

1x-4x

points

60,000

points
Apply Now
on American Express' website
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card card image
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
Best for High rewards + no annual fee

$0

1x-4x

points

20,000

points
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for Travel rewards

$95

1x-5x

points

60,000

points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card card image
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
Best for 3X on dining and much more

$0

1x-3x

points

20,000

points
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card card image
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
Best for Customizable rewards

$0

1%-5%

cashback

$200

Apply Now
on US Bank's website
Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for Travel rewards

$550

1x-10x

points

60,000

points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
American Express® Business Gold Card card image
American Express® Business Gold Card
Apply Now
on American Express' website
Best for Small business

$295

1x-4x

points

70,000

points
Apply Now
on American Express' website
Chase Freedom Flex℠ card image
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for 3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories

$0

1%-5%

cashback

$200

Apply Now
on Chase's website
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card card image
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706
Best for 3% dining rewards

$0

1%-3%

cashback

$200

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706
DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® card image
DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Best for DoorDash delivery

$0

1%-4%

cashback

$100

Apply Now
on Chase's website
Our pick for

3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending

Chase Freedom Unlimited® card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

5.0
NerdWallet rating
Chase Freedom Unlimited® card image
NerdWallet rating
5.0/5
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5%-6.5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$300

Recommended Credit Score

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® isn't the only card that pays 3% back at restaurants. But it's the only one that pays 3% at restaurants AND pays 1.5% on spending outside its bonus categories, rather than the standard 1%.

Product Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Pros
  • This card earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1.5% on other purchases. New cardholders who apply through NerdWallet can snag this sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Cons
  • There just aren't a lot of drawbacks to this card. But if you prefer to cook at home as much as eat out, keep in mind that groceries earn only the base rate of 1.5% cash back.

Why We Like It

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® isn't the only card that pays 3% back at restaurants. But it's the only one that pays 3% at restaurants AND pays 1.5% on spending outside its bonus categories, rather than the standard 1%.

Our pick for

3% dining and grocery rewards

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card card image
Apply Now
on Capital One's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-10%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — the $0-annual-fee version of Capital One's popular dining card — pays unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services, and 1% back on other purchases. And for a limited time (through Nov. 14, 2024), the card also earns 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats, making it ideal for those who frequently have their food delivered. Terms apply.

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • 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; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
Pros
  • Though it offers a lower rewards rate on dining and entertainment than its annual-fee-bearing big brother, this card is a better choice for people who eat out less often. The sign-up bonus is smaller, but still quite nice: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Cons
  • If you're a one-card kind of person rather than someone with a card for every occasion, you might get more value from a card that pays 1.5% or 2% cash back on every purchase.

Why We Like It

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card — the $0-annual-fee version of Capital One's popular dining card — pays unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services, and 1% back on other purchases. And for a limited time (through Nov. 14, 2024), the card also earns 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats, making it ideal for those who frequently have their food delivered. Terms apply.

Our pick for

Up to 5% cash back

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card card image
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
4.7
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card card image
NerdWallet rating
4.7/5
Apply Now
on Citibank's application

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include restaurants.

  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • You earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent per month in your top eligible category, and 1% on other spending. You don't have to select or "activate" your category; it's automatic, so you'll always earn 5% in the category where it makes you the most money. This card also offers newcomers a terrific bonus offer and a nice 0% intro APR period.

Cons
  • Note the $500 monthly spending cap for the 5% rewards rate, which means the most you can earn per month in bonus rewards is $25. Also note the low rewards rate outside of your lone bonus category for the month.

Why We Like It

The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include restaurants.

Our pick for

Travel rewards

American Express® Gold Card card image
Apply Now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

$250

Rewards rate

1x-4x

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

The American Express® Gold Card comes with big rewards, including 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $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.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • In addition to to dining rewards, you get 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 a year in spending; 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines and amextravel.com; and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Cardholders can also enroll to receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits when they use the card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations.

Cons
  • The annual fee is $250. Frequent travelers can make up for the fee with the card's travel perks. If you don't travel much, this card isn't for you.

Why We Like It

The American Express® Gold Card comes with big rewards, including 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$95

Rewards rate

1x-5x

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

The $95-annual-fee Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card delivers a lot of value for cards in that price range, such as triple rewards on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), as well as some valuable perks that recur annually.

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Pros
  • Aside from earning 3 points per $1 spent on dining, the card also features bonus rewards on a host of other popular spending categories including travel, eligible online grocery purchases and select streaming services. Those points are worth 1.25 cents when you redeem them for travel through Chase, or you can transfer them to multiple hotel and airline travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. There's also a large sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Cons
  • Keeping track of this card's various and sundry bonus rewards categories and perks can take some maintenance. And it lacks some of the premium travel perks of its more expensive sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Why We Like It

The $95-annual-fee Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card delivers a lot of value for cards in that price range, such as triple rewards on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), as well as some valuable perks that recur annually.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$550

Rewards rate

1x-10x

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® made its name with a treasure trove of travel benefits, but restaurant connoisseurs will also appreciate its first-rate dining rewards. It offers an unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on dining and travel and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. If you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can earn even more: 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals and 5 points on air travel.

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • $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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
  • 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
Pros
  • Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase at a value of 1.5 cents each. The card also comes with a sizzling sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Cons
  • The annual fee is a whopping $550. However, the $300 annual travel credit and other benefits of this card can make up for the fee — but only if you travel regularly.

Why We Like It

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® made its name with a treasure trove of travel benefits, but restaurant connoisseurs will also appreciate its first-rate dining rewards. It offers an unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on dining and travel and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. If you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can earn even more: 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals and 5 points on air travel.

Our pick for

High rewards + no annual fee

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card card image
Apply Now
on US Bank's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1x-4x

Points

Intro offer

20,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

Few if any cards on the market offer what the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card provides: namely, huge ongoing rewards on dining with a $0 annual fee. Other cards that match or exceed its rate at restaurants cost anywhere from about $100 to nearly $500 a year to carry.

  • Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
  • 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
  • 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
  • 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 19.99% - 28.99%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Points never expire
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • Earn quadruple points per $1 spent on dining purchases, which includes takeout and delivery; 2X points at grocery stores (including grocery delivery), gas stations, EV charging stations and streaming services; and 1X points on other eligible purchases. There's also a bonus, an intro APR period and an annual credit on eligible streaming services.

Cons
  • It doesn't earn rewards on "entertainment" spending, so it's not as comprehensive as other products for a night on the town.

Why We Like It

Few if any cards on the market offer what the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card provides: namely, huge ongoing rewards on dining with a $0 annual fee. Other cards that match or exceed its rate at restaurants cost anywhere from about $100 to nearly $500 a year to carry.

Our pick for

3X on dining and much more

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card card image
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1x-3x

Points

Intro offer

20,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards at restaurants and in a host of other common spending categories.

  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
  • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • The card earns unlimited 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, as well as on travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The bonus offer is outstanding for a $0-annual-fee card, and you even get a introductory APR period.

Cons
  • The rewards rate at restaurants isn't the highest available, but the other bonus categories could more than make up for it for many users.

Why We Like It

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards at restaurants and in a host of other common spending categories.

Our pick for

Customizable rewards

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card card image
Apply Now
on US Bank's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose and unlimited 2% cash back on your choice of one everyday spending category. All other non-bonus-category spending earns 1% cash back. Fast food has been an option for a 5% category, and restaurants have been an option for the 2% category.

  • $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% - 29.49%
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • This card's customizable rewards mean that if you decide to cut back on your restaurant spending to save money, you can change your bonus categories and keep getting good value from the card. The card also features a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

Cons
  • This is a pretty high-maintenance card: You have to choose your own categories each quarter and keep track of them. Some people enjoy that kind of control; others don't have the time for it. For similar rotating bonus categories with less to keep track of, consider the Discover it® Cash Back. Restaurants are regularly among the bonus categories on that card.

Why We Like It

The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose and unlimited 2% cash back on your choice of one everyday spending category. All other non-bonus-category spending earns 1% cash back. Fast food has been an option for a 5% category, and restaurants have been an option for the 2% category.

Our pick for

Small business

American Express® Business Gold Card card image
Apply Now
on American Express' website

Annual fee

$295

Rewards rate

1x-4x

Points

Intro offer

70,000

Points

Recommended Credit Score

For entrepreneurs with clients to wine and dine, the $295-annual-fee American Express® Business Gold Card could be a perfect fit.

  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases.**
  • **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
  • PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
  • *Terms Apply
  • View Rates & Fees
Pros
  • This card has no preset spending limit and gives you 4X Membership Rewards points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month, including restaurants, and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Terms apply.

Cons
  • The annual fee of $295 is steep when compared with alternatives. And if your spending doesn't align with the six areas that are eligible for bonus rewards, you're better off with a different option.

Why We Like It

For entrepreneurs with clients to wine and dine, the $295-annual-fee American Express® Business Gold Card could be a perfect fit.

Our pick for

3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories

Chase Freedom Flex℠ card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a slew of bonus categories — some permanent, some that rotate — including 3% cash back at restaurants. If you don't mind putting in a little effort, it could be a rewards maximizer's dream.

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Pros
  • In addition to 3% cash back at restaurants, this card earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in categories that change every three months (online activation required); 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% at drugstores; and 1% on other purchases. New cardholders can earn this bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Cons
  • Activating the quarterly bonus categories can be a hassle. And while dining used to be a regular 5% category for Chase, it's been out of the quarterly lineup for a while (and might be out for good now that restaurants are a permanent 3% category). That might make a rotating category card a less appealing choice to some.

Why We Like It

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a slew of bonus categories — some permanent, some that rotate — including 3% cash back at restaurants. If you don't mind putting in a little effort, it could be a rewards maximizer's dream.

Our pick for

3% dining rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card card image
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-3%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you choose which purchases earn the highest 3% cash-back rate. Restaurants are among the options.

  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
  • 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
  • The bonus offer is rich for a no-fee cash-back card. You'll earn 3% cash back in a category you choose and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 per quarter in combined spending in those categories. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. (The 3% options are dining, gas, travel, online shopping, drugstores or home improvement and furnishings; you can change your choice once a month.)

Cons
  • The rewards structure is somewhat complicated. Because the amount of spending eligible for the 3% and 2% rewards is capped, you might earn more rewards with a simple flat-rate card that pays an unlimited 1.5% or 2% on everything.

Why We Like It

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you choose which purchases earn the highest 3% cash-back rate. Restaurants are among the options.

Our pick for

DoorDash delivery

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® card image
Apply Now
on Chase's website

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1%-4%

Cashback

Intro offer

$100

Recommended Credit Score

If you're regularly ordering from DoorDash and its sibling service Caviar, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® could deliver significant value, with up to 4% cash back and special offers that can save you even more.

  • With the NEW DoorDash Rewards Mastercard get a FREE year of DashPass ($96 value) and $100 limited time bonus offer.
  • 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders. Enjoy this benefit on every type of DoorDash order, including restaurants, groceries, pet supplies, retail items, and more. No earning caps.
  • 3% cash back on dining when purchased directly from a restaurant. No earning caps.
  • 2% cash back on purchases from grocery stores, online or in person. 1% cash back on all other purchases. No earning caps.
  • Get a complimentary DashPass membership ($96 value) every year with $10k in annual card spend. DashPass members enjoy $0 delivery fees & reduced service fees on every eligible order.
  • No annual card fee, just cash back on every purchase.
  • As an exclusive Cardmember benefit, get 10% off one Convenience, Grocery, Alcohol or DashMart order on DoorDash each month. Maximum discount of $15 per order. Offer expires 8/31/23.
  • As an exclusive Cardmember benefit enjoy $25 off your first two orders of at least $100 with DoorDash. Nationwide Shipping - offer expires 12/31/23.
Pros
  • You earn 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders, including restaurants, groceries, pet supplies and more; 3% back on spending directly with restaurants; 2% back on purchases directly with grocery stores; and 1% back on other spending. You get a complimentary DashPass membership your first year; after that, you can earn free DashPass membership by spending $10,000 on the card in a year. The annual fee is $0.

Cons
  • Although this card still rewards you pretty well (3% cash back) for ordering directly from a restaurant rather than going through DoorDash, it's not a good pick if you use multiple delivery services. Orders through Uber Eats, GrubHub and other competitors earn just 1% cash back.

Why We Like It

If you're regularly ordering from DoorDash and its sibling service Caviar, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® could deliver significant value, with up to 4% cash back and special offers that can save you even more.

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR RESTAURANTS

Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: High rewards rate + sign-up bonus

If a night out is more than a once-in-a-while proposition for you, consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. You get a best-in-class cash-back rate on dining, entertainment and eligible streaming services, plus bonus rewards at grocery stores. The sign-up bonus is one of the best you can get on a cash-back card. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: High rewards rate + no annual fee

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is perhaps the most cost-effective restaurant card on the market, earning a whopping 4 points per dollar on dining purchases including takeout and delivery. You can find higher rates on dining, but not on cards with no annual fee. Read our review. 

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Our pick for: Up to 5% cash back

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: 3% dining rewards

Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: 3X on dining and much more

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Our pick for: 3% dining rewards

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: 3% dining rewards

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet cash bonus. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Our pick for: 3% dining rewards

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and a 0% intro APR period, too. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Customizable rewards

If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Travel rewards

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

Our pick for: DoorDash delivery

If you're regularly ordering from DoorDash and its sibling service Caviar, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® could deliver significant value, with up to 4% cash back and special offers that can save you even more. Read our review.

OTHER OPTIONS

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

If you like your shopping carts like your dining rewards — extra large — the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is your card. It offers bonus rewards in several categories, including:

  • 4% cash back on gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 per year, then 1% after that).

  • 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases.

  • 2% back at Costco stores and Costco.com.

  • 1% back on all other purchases.

It doesn’t have a sign-up bonus. Its annual fee is $0, but it requires a Costco membership, which starts at $60 per year.

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

After using this card to fill up on gas at the pump, you'll want to tap it to fill up on daily specials at your favorite restaurant. The Sam's Club® Mastercard® gets you:

  • 5% cash back on gas bought at Sam's Club, Walmart and other gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year).

  • 3% back on dining.

  • 1% back on all other purchases.

  • Extra rewards for Sam's Club purchases if you have a "Plus" membership.

The annual fee is $0. It requires a Sam's Club membership, which costs at least $45 a year.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, see this page.

Last updated on June 1, 2023

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

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