1.American Express Cobalt® Card
American Express
- 5%Points on dining and groceries
- 3%Points on streaming
- 2%Points on travel and gas
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card.
Earn 5x points on dining/groceries, 3x on streaming, 2x on travel/gas, and 1x elsewhere.
The American Express Cobalt® Card stands out as the top choice because of its exceptional earning rates on dining and groceries, making it ideal for food lovers. With flexible redemption options and a robust rewards structure, it offers significant value for those who frequently spend in these categories.
Pros:
- High earning rates on food and groceries
- Flexible points redemption options
Cons:
- Monthly fee for non-Quebec residents
- Requires a higher spending to maximize rewards
2.Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Scotiabank
- 5%Points on groceries, dining, and entertainment
- 3%Points on gas and daily transit
- 1%Points on all other purchases
30,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 15,000 points upon meeting spending requirements within the first year.
Earn 5x points on groceries, dining, and entertainment, 3x on gas and daily transit.
What sets the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card apart is its high earning potential on everyday spending categories like groceries and dining, combined with no foreign transaction fees. This card is particularly appealing for frequent travelers and those who enjoy dining out.
Pros:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
Cons:
- Annual fee may be a drawback for some
- Requires a good credit score for approval
3.CIBC Costco Mastercard
CIBC
- 3%Cash back on restaurants and Costco gas
- 2%Cash back on other gas and Costco.ca
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Spend $3,000 or more within 120 days of opening the account.
Earn 3% on restaurants and Costco gas, 2% on other gas and Costco.ca, and 1% on other purchases.
The standout feature of the CIBC Costco Mastercard is its high cash back rates on dining and gas, making it an excellent choice for Costco members who frequently spend in these categories. The lack of an annual fee adds to its appeal, although cash back is only issued once a year.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on gas and dining
Cons:
- Requires a Costco membership
- Cash back is issued annually
- 5%Points on eligible purchases
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days.
Earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
This card shines for its high earning potential across a wide range of purchases, making it a versatile option for those looking to maximize rewards. The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard offers flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to choose how they want to use their points.
Pros:
- High earning potential on various purchases
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Annual fee may deter some users
- Requires a higher income for approval
Final Words
As you consider your options for the best restaurant credit cards this April 2026 in Canada, remember to evaluate your spending habits and the rewards that align with your lifestyle. Take time to compare the features and benefits of each card to make an informed decision that maximizes your dining rewards and enhances your financial strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express Cobalt® Card offers a welcome bonus of Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card. Additionally, you can earn 5x points on dining/groceries, 3x on streaming, 2x on travel/gas, and 1x elsewhere.
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 30,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 15,000 points upon meeting spending requirements within the first year. You earn 5x points on groceries, dining, and entertainment, and 3x on gas and daily transit.
The CIBC Costco Mastercard provides a welcome bonus if you spend $3,000 or more within 120 days of opening the account. You can earn 3% on restaurants and Costco gas, 2% on other gas and Costco.ca, and 1% on all other purchases.
To choose the best restaurant credit card, consider your spending habits, particularly how much you spend on dining and groceries. Look for cards that offer higher reward rates in these categories and compare welcome bonuses to maximize your rewards.
Yes, many restaurant credit cards come with annual fees that can vary significantly. It's essential to weigh the benefits and potential rewards against these fees to determine if a card is worth it based on your spending patterns.
When earning rewards with credit cards, pay attention to the reward rate details and how points are accumulated based on your spending categories. Many cards offer bonus points for specific categories, such as dining or groceries, so knowing where you spend the most can help you maximize your rewards.
Yes, in many cases, you can combine rewards from different credit cards, especially if they are part of the same rewards program. Check the terms and conditions of each card to see how points can be pooled or transferred for greater value.
