1.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Cash back on dining and U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Cash back on flights booked directly or via AmexTravel.com
- 2%Cash back on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights, and 1x on other purchases.
21.99%-28.49% Variable APR
The American Express Gold Card stands out as the top choice because it offers exceptional rewards on dining and groceries, making it ideal for food enthusiasts. With substantial credits and flexible Membership Rewards, it provides significant value despite its higher annual fee.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries
- Flexible Membership Rewards
Cons:
- High annual fee
- No airport lounge access
2.Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 8%Cash back on Capital One Entertainment
- 5%Cash back on travel via Capital One Travel
- 3%Cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries, plus 5% on travel via Capital One Travel.
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card apart is its impressive cash back rates on dining and entertainment, making it a favorite among foodies and event-goers. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it offers a compelling value proposition for those who spend significantly in these categories.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on popular spending categories
Cons:
- Requires good-to-excellent credit
- Limited to specific categories for higher rewards
3.U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank
- 4%Cash back on dining
- 2%Cash back on groceries, gas/EV charging, and streaming
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 or more in total eligible Net Purchases within 90 days of Account opening.
Earn 4X points on dining, 2X on groceries, gas/EV charging, and streaming, plus 1X on everything else.
17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
The standout feature of the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is its generous rewards structure, particularly for dining, making it an excellent choice for food lovers. With no annual fee and a straightforward points redemption process, it appeals to everyday consumers looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on dining
Cons:
- Limited to $2,000 quarterly cap on dining rewards
- Points value may vary
Final Words
As you evaluate the best restaurant credit cards this January, remember that selecting the right card can significantly enhance your dining experiences and rewards. Take time to compare the options available to you, considering fees, benefits, and your spending habits to make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Express® Gold Card offers a welcome bonus of Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. You earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights, and 1x on other purchases.
With the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, you can earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months. It provides unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries, and 5% on travel via Capital One Travel.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers a welcome bonus of Earn 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 or more in total eligible Net Purchases within 90 days of Account opening. You earn 4X points on dining, 2X on groceries, gas/EV charging, and streaming, plus 1X on everything else.
When selecting a restaurant credit card, consider the rewards rate for dining, any annual fees, and the welcome bonuses available. It's also important to assess your typical spending habits to ensure you maximize your rewards potential.
Yes, many credit cards are tailored for dining rewards, offering higher cash back or points for restaurant purchases. Cards like the American Express® Gold Card and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card are popular choices due to their generous rewards structures for dining.
Some restaurant credit cards, like the American Express® Gold Card, have an annual fee, while others, such as the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, have no annual fee. Evaluate whether the rewards you earn will offset any fees before applying.
To maximize rewards with a restaurant credit card, use it for all dining purchases and take advantage of any bonus categories offered. Additionally, pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could negate your rewards.
