Best Credit Cards for Dining
Ranked by effective value per dollar spent at restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Dining, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Bilt Obsidian Card
Cardless
- +3x on Dining — points worth 2.0¢ each. 3X applies only while dining is the elected 3X category (dining or grocery). Dining is the default at account opening; grocery can be chosen within 30 days of opening or each January.
- +Annual fee $95. Other listed credits: $100 of Bilt Travel Hotel credit (up to $100). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +$200 in rewards bonus (~$200 value)
American Express Gold Card
American Express
- +4x on Dining — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +Annual fee $325. Other listed credits: $120 Uber Cash (up to $10/mo). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +$120 Dining Credit (up to $10/mo); $84 Dunkin' Credit (up to $7/mo); $100 Resy Credit (up to $50/6mo) — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase
- +3x on Dining — points worth 1.8¢ each
- +Annual fee $95. Other listed credits: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS Credit (up to $120/4yr); $100 Annual Hotel Credit (up to $100/yr). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +75,000 points bonus (~$1,350 value)
Compare the Top Picks
Earn 3 ways on one dinner
Your card's dining rate, a dining program you link it to, and the reservation perks it unlocks. The dining map shows all three, restaurant by restaurant.
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Dining Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Obsidian CardCardless | 3x Bilt Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $95 | mastercard |
| American Express Gold CardAmerican Express | 4x Membership Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $325 | amex |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred CardChase | 3x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $95 | visa |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 5.1¢/$ | $95 | mastercard |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 3x Wells Fargo Rewards | 4.3¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Go® Secured Visa® CardU.S. Bank | 4x points | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | visa |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 3x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $795 | visa |
| Citi Strata Elite℠ CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 5.1¢/$ | $595 | mastercard |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 3x Wells Fargo Rewards | 4.3¢/$ | $95 | visa |
| BMO EscapeBMO | 4x points | 4.0¢/$ | $150 | mastercard |
More Options
Want to customize by spend amount, programs, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- Card StrategyDining card rewards: restaurants, delivery apps, and statement creditsDining rewards, merchant credits, and delivery perks follow separate rules. How to tell what a meal earns and whether a credit lowers what you spend.
- Card StrategyDoorDash credits versus ordering directly: calculate what you actually saveA DoorDash discount lowers the delivery price, not necessarily what you spend. Compare the same basket ordered direct, with fees, tips, and DashPass included.
- Card StrategyHow to build a two-card wallet without double-counting rewardsA second card needs a job. Assign each purchase to one card, count each dollar once, and compare the pair with the best single card after fees.