Summary
- Best travel credit cards for foodies in 2024
- American Express® Gold Card: Best overall credit card for foodies in 2024
- Citi Premier® Card: Best budget card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for exclusive experiences
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for food delivery
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee
- How to choose the best credit card for foodies
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Dec 29, 2023 • 12 min read
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
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When optimizing your dining experience, what could be more satisfying than extending your budget effectively? The top travel credit cards for culinary enthusiasts integrate delightful dining with significant savings and unparalleled experiences.
Possessing a credit card that generates bonus rewards on food purchases can prove advantageous for both finance management and budget optimization. By accumulating bonus rewards, you may earn points or cash back on expenditures incurred at grocery venues, dining establishments, and other food-related locations—allowing for greater value from your spending. Furthermore, many credit cards provide unique bonuses and reservation advantages, facilitating access to highly sought-after dining venues.
When determining the most suitable credit card for dining purposes, it is essential to evaluate the associated rewards program. Seek cards that offer bonus points or cash back for expenditures related to dining and grocery shopping. We have identified the most commendable options based on these factors to assist you in selecting your ideal card. Below are our top recommendations for travel credit cards tailored for culinary enthusiasts:
Best travel credit cards for foodies in 2024
American Express® Gold Card: Best overall credit card for foodies in 2024
The American Express® Gold Card stands out as the premier card for culinary enthusiasts seeking advantageous rewards. The Amex Gold Card accrues 4 points per dollar on expenditures made at restaurants globally (up to $50,000 annually, then 1 point per dollar for subsequent purchases) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually, then 1 point per dollar). Cardholders also earn 3 points per dollar on flights (booked directly or via Amex Travel) and 1 point on all other expenditures. Additionally, cardholders benefit from up to $10 in monthly statement credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, with enrollment required. Moreover, cardholders receive up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash credit, a true asset for facilitating takeout without venturing outside (this benefit is exclusive to the United States and requires the latest version of the Uber App and the eligible American Express Gold Card linked as a payment method).
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points upon spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Additionally, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible dining purchases made worldwide within the first 6 months, up to $100 back. This is a limited time offer, concluding on 11/6/24.
Rewards: The Amex Gold Card generates 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants globally (up to $50,000 annually, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually, then 1 point per dollar). The card also accrues 3 points per dollar on flights (booked directly or through Amex Travel) and 1 point on all other expenditures; 3 points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel; 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Dining benefits:
Other benefits: Secondary rental car coverage; baggage insurance plan*; Global Assist hotline; access to experience credits and travel perks via The Hotel Collection.
Credit score: Good to Excellent.
Annual fee: $325. See rates and fees.
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Citi Premier® Card: Best budget card
The Citi Premier® Card serves as an exceptional choice for culinary enthusiasts seeking substantial rewards with a nominal annual fee. With its $95 fee offset by a $100 hotel discount applicable to bookings of $500 or more through Citi, this card earns 3 Citi ThankYou® points per dollar on purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, and air travel. This impressive earning rate makes it highly advantageous for users looking to leverage their expenditures towards travel.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of new account opening.
Rewards: Earn 3X points for dining, grocery shopping, gas stations, hotel stays, and air travel; accumulate 1 point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
Dining benefits: None.
Other benefits: $100 annual discount for hotel stays of $500 or more via Citi ThankYou®.
Credit score required: Good to excellent.
Annual fee: $95
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The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for exclusive experiences
It may seem unconventional to include The Platinum Card® from American Express on this list due to its earning structure of only 1 point per dollar spent on dining. However, it offers a valuable benefit that food enthusiasts will find appealing: Global Dining Access by Resy. This feature enables cardholders to secure exclusive reservations at some of the most sought-after restaurants worldwide.
Additionally, if you prefer casual dining, the up to $200 in annual Uber Cash can offset costs associated with late-night food cravings. The Platinum Card also grants access to the exclusive Amex Centurion Lounge network (plus over 1400 Priority Pass lounges), ensuring delightful culinary experiences during your travels. Terms apply.
Welcome bonus: 80,000 points upon spending $8,000 within six months of account opening.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Travel; 1 point per dollar on all other expenses.
Dining benefits: Global Dining Access by Resy and up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (valid for rides and Uber Eats orders). Terms apply.
Other benefits: Over $1,000 in annual travel and entertainment credits; Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott; elite status with Avis, Hertz, and National rental cars; access to Amex’s Lounge Network; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation and interruption insurance*.
Credit score required: Good to Excellent.
Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees.
Pros
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for food delivery
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® ranks among the best cards for culinary enthusiasts due to its 3 points per dollar on dining expenditures, select streaming platforms, and online grocery deliveries. Secure prime reservations at top venues while earning 10x total points by arranging prepaid dinner reservations through Chase Travel℠.
With the added benefit of complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, food lovers can enjoy gourmet meals at upscale airport lounges and restaurants worldwide. Additionally, with no foreign transaction fees, you can use your card during international travels to explore diverse culinary offerings.
The Sapphire Reserve truly excels with food delivery applications, granting cardholders complimentary access to DashPass, which eliminates delivery fees and reduces service fees for at least one year upon activation by December 31, 2027.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the initial 3 months of account opening. This translates to approximately $900 toward travel when redeemed via Chase Travel℠.
Rewards: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when booked through Chase Travel℠, immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Accrue 3x points on other travel and dining expenditures, alongside 1 point per dollar spent on remaining purchases.
Dining benefits: Receive complimentary access to DashPass, eliminating delivery fees and lowering service fees for a minimum of one year upon activation by December 31, 2027.
Other benefits: Up to $300 in annual travel credit, applicable to airfare, hotels, and rental cars; enjoy 50% increased value upon redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠ (for instance, 60,000 points hold a value of $900 toward travel); Priority Pass Select membership; application fee credit applied to Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS every four years; travel protections encompassing cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation and transportation. Credit score: Excellent.
Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 for each authorized user).
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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal selection for food enthusiasts desiring substantial rewards on their culinary spending without incurring an annual fee. This card offers a 3% cash back rate on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery purchases, in addition to a 1% cash back rate on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Rewards: Earn 3% Cash Back on dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), entertainment, and popular streaming services, along with 1% on all other purchases. Furthermore, earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Dining benefits: Access to exclusive reservations through Capital One Dining.
Other benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and a generous introductory APR.
Credit score: Good to Excellent.
Annual fee: $0. See rates and fees.
Pros
Cons
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Who should get a credit card for dining?
Assessing whether to obtain a credit card that accrues bonus points on dining is contingent on one’s spending behaviors and financial objectives. For those who frequently find themselves dining out, acquiring a card that yields bonus points on food-related expenses could enhance savings or rewards accumulation. These rewards can be utilized to subsidize meals, travel endeavors, or other purchases. Importantly, numerous credit cards yield rewards for food without an annual fee.
Conversely, if dining expenditures are minimal, such a credit card may not present significant value, as the rewards potential may remain untapped. Ultimately, it is prudent to evaluate the additional benefits provided by a card that delivers bonus rewards on dining, particularly if the card includes multiple bonus categories and exclusive advantages.
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How to choose the best credit card for foodies
When selecting the most suitable credit card for culinary enthusiasts, it is imperative to consider the rewards offered. Many cards provide cash back or points for expenditures related to dining, grocery purchases, and food delivery. Seek a card that presents elevated rewards within these purchasing categories. Furthermore, prioritize cards that offer supplementary dining benefits, such as subscriptions to food delivery services and dining statement credits. Be sure to assess any associated annual fees of selected cards in relation to the benefits being provided.
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What is the best card for restaurants?
The optimal card for restaurants is the American Express® Gold Card, which offers 4x points for every dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 annually. This card also features no foreign transaction fees and comes with several additional benefits, including a $120 annual dining credit and $120 in Uber Cash yearly.
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Are dining credit cards worth it?
Dining credit cards deliver substantial value for individuals who spend significantly at restaurants, as they allow for the accrual of considerable rewards. Acquiring a credit card with no annual fee that offers dining perks can be a financially sound decision.
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Is it better to use debit or credit cards to buy dinner at a restaurant?
Using a credit card for purchasing dinner at a restaurant is generally favorable. Credit cards provide greater consumer protections than debit cards, encompassing fraud and return protections. Moreover, numerous credit cards offer rewards and benefits for dining transactions.
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* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
This article was first published Jul 31, 2023 and updated Dec 29, 2023.
