Best Credit Cards for Restaurants of December 2024
Updated: Nov 19, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
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. Federal data says the average household spent about $70 a week on "food away from home" in 2022, the most recent year available. When paying for those meals with a card that earned 3% on restaurant spending, the rewards would top $100 — enough for a few more meals.
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NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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. Federal data says the average household spent about $70 a week on "food away from home" in 2022, the most recent year available. When paying for those meals with a card that earned 3% on restaurant spending, the rewards would top $100 — enough for a few more meals.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Show More
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. Federal data says the average household spent about $70 a week on "food away from home" in 2022, the most recent year available. When paying for those meals with a card that earned 3% on restaurant spending, the rewards would top $100 — enough for a few more meals.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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. Federal data says the average household spent about $70 a week on "food away from home" in 2022, the most recent year available. When paying for those meals with a card that earned 3% on restaurant spending, the rewards would top $100 — enough for a few more meals.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Restaurants of December 2024
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for 3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending
American Express® Gold Card: Best for Travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Travel rewards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for 3% dining and grocery rewards
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for 3X on dining and much more
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for 3% dining rewards
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Up to 5% cash back
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Customizable rewards
American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for Small business
Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for 3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Credit Cards for Restaurants From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for 3% dining and grocery rewards | $0 | 1%-8% | $250 | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Chase Freedom Unlimited®Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for 3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending | $0 | 1.5%-5% | Up to $300 | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Wells Fargo Autograph℠ CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for 3X on dining and much more | $0 | 1x-3x | 20,000 points | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 Chase Freedom Flex®Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for 3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Chase Sapphire Reserve®Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Travel rewards | $550 | 1x-10x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 American Express® Business Gold CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Small business | $375 | 1x-4x | 100,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardApply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Travel rewards | $95 | 1x-5x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Citi Custom Cash® CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Up to 5% cash back | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 American Express® Gold CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Travel rewards | $325 | 1x-4x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for 3% dining rewards | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Customizable rewards | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
3% dining and grocery rewards
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card pays unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services, and 1% back on other purchases.
Our Take
Like to go out? You earn unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants and entertainment. Like to stay in? You also earn 3% cash back at grocery stores and on select streaming services. Plus, get 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; and 1% on other purchases. With a nice bonus offer, a 0% intro APR period and a $0 annual fee, it's a winner.
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.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card pays unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services, and 1% back on other purchases.
3% dining rewards + high rate on other spending
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%.
Product Details
- 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 Travel℠, 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 travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 19.99% - 28.74%.
- 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, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
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 who apply through NerdWallet get a bonus offer that becomes more valuable the more you use the card in the first year.
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.
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%.
3X on dining and much more
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards at restaurants and in a host of other common spending categories.
Product Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card earns unlimited 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, as well as on travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The bonus offer is outstanding for a $0-annual-fee card, and you even get a introductory APR period.
The rewards rate at restaurants isn't the highest available, but the other bonus categories could more than make up for it for many users.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards at restaurants and in a host of other common spending categories.
3% dining rewards + rotating bonus categories
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.
Product Details
- 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 Travel℠, 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 19.99%-28.74%.
- 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.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
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 snag a strong sign-up bonus, too.
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.
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.
Travel rewards
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's portal, you can earn even more: 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals and 5 points per dollar on air travel.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 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.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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.
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's portal, you can earn even more: 10 points per dollar on Chase Dining, hotel stays and car rentals and 5 points per dollar on air travel.
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.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
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 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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®.
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 American Express® Gold Card comes with big rewards, including 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $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. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
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; 2 points per dollar on select travel; 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, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations.
The annual fee is $325. 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.
The American Express® Gold Card comes with big rewards, including 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide.
Small business
For entrepreneurs with clients to wine and dine, the $375-annual-fee American Express® Business Gold Card could be a perfect fit.
Product Details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
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.
The annual fee of $375 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.
For entrepreneurs with clients to wine and dine, the $375-annual-fee American Express® Business Gold Card could be a perfect fit.
Up to 5% cash back
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include restaurants.
Product Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 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 18.49% - 28.49%, 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- 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.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
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.
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.
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include restaurants.
3% dining rewards
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.
Product Details
- $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.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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 Take
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.)
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.
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.
Customizable rewards
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.
Product Details
- $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 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 and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 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 18.74% - 28.99%.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
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 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
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.
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.
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.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
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.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
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 on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: 3% dining rewards
Some credit cards reward you well for going out, others for staying in. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card that does both. It offers a terrific cash-back rate not only on dining and entertainment but also at grocery stores and on popular streaming services. Toss in a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and this card is a winner. (see rates and fees). Read our review.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Our pick for: 3X on dining and much more
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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 bonus. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Flex®
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 an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
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.
American Express® Gold Card
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.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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.
DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®
Our pick for: DoorDash delivery
If you're regularly ordering from DoorDash and its sibling service Caviar, the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® could deliver significant value, with up to 4% cash back and special offers that can save you even more. 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 and EV charging (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 $65 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.
• • •
To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, see this page.
The information related to the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard® has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Last updated on November 19, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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