Best Credit Cards for Restaurants of May 2022
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ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2022 || Best cash back credit cards || Best credit cards for groceries || Best travel credit cards
Turn restaurant meals, including takeout and delivery, into serious rewards by paying with a credit card that offers extra cash back or points on spending at restaurants. According to federal consumer expenditure data, the average U.S. household spent $2,375 on "food away from home" in 2020, the most recent year available. When paying for those meals with a card that earned 3% on restaurant spending, the rewards would top $70 — enough for a few more free meals, depending on the dining establishment.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2022 || Best cash back credit cards || Best credit cards for groceries || Best travel credit cards
Turn restaurant meals, including takeout and delivery, into serious rewards by paying with a credit card that offers extra cash back or points on spending at restaurants. According to federal consumer expenditure data, the average U.S. household spent $2,375 on "food away from home" in 2020, the most recent year available. When paying for those meals with a card that earned 3% on restaurant spending, the rewards would top $70 — enough for a few more free meals, depending on the dining establishment.
Best Credit Cards for Restaurants From Our Partners
| Credit Card | NerdWallet Rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Apply now on Chase's website | Best for 3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending | $0 | 1.5%- Cashback | $300 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Up to 5% cash back | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for 3% dining and grocery rewards | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Travel rewards | $95 | 1x- Points | 80,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
American Express® Gold Card Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Travel rewards | $250 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on American Express's website |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for High rewards + no annual fee | $0 | 1x- Points | 20,000 Points | Apply now on US Bank's website |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for 3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Chase's website |
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%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706 |
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for Customizable rewards | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on US Bank's website |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Travel rewards | $550 | 1x- Points | 50,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express's website | Best for Small business | $295 | 1x- Points | 70,000 Points | Apply now on American Express's website |
Our pick for
3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback
$300
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%.
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%.
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 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.
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 15.24% - 23.99%.
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.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
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Our pick for
Up to 5% cash back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include restaurants.
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include restaurants.
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.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 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 14.74% - 24.74%, 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.
Our pick for
3% dining and grocery rewards
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-8%
Cashback
$200
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. You'll also get 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
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. You'll also get 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
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 $500 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.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 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 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
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
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; 15.24% - 25.24% variable APR after that
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
Our picks for
Travel rewards
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
80,000
Points
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.
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.
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 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 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®.
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
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on American Express's website
on American Express's website
$250
1x-4x
Points
60,000
Points
The American Express® Gold Card comes with big rewards, including 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
The American Express® Gold Card comes with big rewards, including 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
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, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed and participating 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.
Rose Gold is here to stay. Card Members can choose between a Gold or Rose Gold Card.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
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: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $250.
Terms Apply.
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Our pick for
High rewards + no annual fee
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1x-4x
Points
20,000
Points
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.
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.
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.
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 15.74% - 24.74%.
No Annual Fee
Points never expire
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Terms and conditions apply.
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Our pick for
3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
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.
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.
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.
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 15.24% - 23.99%.
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.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Get Pre-Qualified
Our pick for
3% dining rewards
on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
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.
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.
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.
$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 up to 5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 14.24% - 24.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) 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.
Our pick for
Customizable rewards
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
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.
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.
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.
New! $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 Travel 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 purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.74% - 24.74%
No Annual Fee
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Travel rewards
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$550
1x-10x
Points
50,000
Points
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.
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.
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 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening..
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.
Earn 50,000 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®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on air travel 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, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
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
Our pick for
Small business
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
$295
1x-4x
Points
70,000
Points
For entrepreneurs with clients to wine and dine, the $295-annual-fee American Express® Business Gold Card could be a perfect fit.
For entrepreneurs with clients to wine and dine, the $295-annual-fee American Express® Business Gold Card could be a perfect fit.
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.
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.*
AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per 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
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.
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.
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.
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 elsewhere). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.
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.
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 and others. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
Last updated on May 20, 2022
Methodology
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