1.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Cash back on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Cash back on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards points on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
The American Express® Gold Card stands out as the top choice because it offers exceptional rewards for dining and groceries, making it ideal for foodies. With the potential to earn significant annual credits, it effectively offsets its annual fee for those who maximize its benefits.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries
- Annual credits can offset the fee
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Enrollment required for some benefits
- 5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Cash back on dining
- 2%Cash back on other travel
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on other travel.
19.24%-27.49%
What sets the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card apart is its robust travel rewards structure, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers. With valuable point transfers and a generous welcome bonus, it provides significant value for those who travel often.
Pros:
- Strong travel rewards
- Flexible point transfers
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Requires good credit
3.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Cash back on Chase Travel
- 4%Cash back on direct flights/hotels
- 3%Cash back on dining
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn 8x points on Chase Travel, 4x on direct flights/hotels, and 3x on dining.
19.49%-27.99%
The standout feature here is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®'s premium rewards structure, which offers unparalleled value for frequent travelers. With extensive travel benefits and a high welcome bonus, it is designed for those who want to maximize their travel experiences.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel and dining
- Comprehensive travel benefits
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
4.Capital One Savor One Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 3%Cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming, plus 1% on everything else.
28.99%
This card shines for its straightforward cash back rewards, particularly for those who frequently dine out or enjoy entertainment. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it is an excellent choice for everyday spenders.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on everyday spending
Cons:
- High APR
- Limited travel rewards
5.Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
American Express
- 6%Cash back on Marriott stays
- 4%Cash back on dining, gas, shipping, and wireless services
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 6X points on Marriott stays, 4X on dining, gas, shipping, and wireless services.
19.49%-28.49%
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is particularly valuable for small business owners who frequently stay at Marriott properties. With the potential for free nights and elite status, it offers significant rewards for loyal customers.
Pros:
- Free night awards
- Automatic Gold Elite status
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Requires significant spending for rewards
6.U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank
- 4%Cash back on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
- 2%Cash back on groceries, gas, EV charging, and streaming services
Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days.
Earn 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery, and 2X points on groceries, gas, EV charging, and streaming services.
17.49%-27.49%
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is designed for those who want to earn rewards on everyday spending without an annual fee. Its strong dining rewards make it an attractive option for food lovers.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on dining
Cons:
- Limited travel rewards
- High APR
7.American Express® Green Card
American Express
- 3%Cash back on travel, transit, and restaurants
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 3X points on travel, transit, and restaurants worldwide, plus 1X on everything else.
19.49%-28.49%
The American Express® Green Card is a solid choice for travelers and foodies alike, offering a competitive rewards structure and valuable credits. It provides a great balance of benefits without the high fees of premium cards.
Pros:
- Good rewards for travel and dining
- Annual credits can offset the fee
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited bonus categories
8.Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
American Express
- 12%Cash back on Hilton purchases
- 6%Cash back on U.S. dining, gas, and groceries
Earn 130,000 to 155,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 12X points on Hilton purchases, 6X on U.S. dining, gas, and groceries.
19.49%-28.49%
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is tailored for frequent Hilton guests, offering substantial rewards on hotel stays and dining. Its combination of elite status and annual credits makes it a valuable asset for loyal customers.
Pros:
- Automatic Gold status
- Annual statement credits
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Requires significant spending for rewards
Final Words
As you explore the best restaurant credit cards this February, remember to focus on your spending habits and rewards preferences. Take time to compare the options available to you, ensuring that you make an informed decision that maximizes your dining experiences and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express® Gold Card offers a welcome bonus of Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months. You can earn 4X Membership Rewards points on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, making it an excellent choice for food lovers.
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. The card offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on other travel purchases.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a welcome bonus of Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. It provides 3x points on dining, along with 8x points on Chase Travel and 4x on direct flights/hotels, making it a versatile option for frequent diners and travelers.
Yes, many restaurant credit cards do charge annual fees, which can range widely depending on the card. It's important to evaluate whether the rewards and benefits you receive from the card will outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
To choose the best restaurant credit card, consider your spending habits, the rewards structure, and any associated fees. Look for cards that offer high rewards rates on dining and additional perks that align with your lifestyle.
Restaurant credit cards typically offer points, cash back, or miles for every dollar spent on dining. Many cards also provide bonuses for specific spending categories, such as supermarkets or travel, enhancing your overall rewards potential.
Yes, many restaurant credit cards feature attractive welcome bonuses that can provide significant rewards after meeting a spending requirement within a specified timeframe. This can be a great way to kickstart your rewards accumulation.
