Best travel credit cards for foodies in 2024: Earn points easily while unlocking amazing perks

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.

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When making the most of a meal, what's more delicious than stretching a dollar? The best travel credit cards for foodies fuse the best of good eating with significant savings and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Having a credit card that earns bonus rewards on food is a great way to save money and maximize your budget. With bonus rewards, you can earn points or cash back on purchases made at grocery stores, restaurants and other food-related establishments – allowing you to get more bang for your buck. Additionally, many credit cards offer special bonuses and reservation perks to help you eat at establishments often booked up months in advance.

When choosing the best credit card for dining, consider the rewards program associated with the card. Look for cards with bonus points or cash back for dining and grocery spending. We’ve narrowed down the best choices based on these criteria to help you find the best card. Here are our top picks for travel credit cards for foodies:

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Best travel credit cards for foodies in 2024

• Best overall for 2024: American Express® Gold Card*

• Best budget card: Citi Premier® Card

• Best for unique dining experiences: The Platinum Card® from American Express*

• Best for dining and food delivery: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Best for no annual fee: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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American Express® Gold Card: Best overall credit card for foodies in 2024

The American Express® Gold Card is the best overall card for foodies looking for perks and rewards. The Amex Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar for the rest of the year) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar for the rest of the year). The card also earns 3 points per dollar on flights (booked directly or via Amex Travel) and 1X on all other purchases. Cardholders also receive up to $10 in monthly statement credit at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required. In addition, cardholders receive up to $10 monthly Uber Cash credit, which is great for covering late-night food deliveries when you’re in the mood for takeout without stepping outside. (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.)

Welcome bonus: 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.

Rewards: The Amex Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar for the rest of the year) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar for the rest of the year). The card also earns 3 points per dollar on flights (booked directly or via Amex Travel) and 1X on all other purchases; 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel; 1X points per dollar on all other purchases.

Dining benefits:

• $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.

Other benefits: Secondary rental car coverage; baggage insurance plan*; Global Assist hotline; access to experience credits and travel perks through The Hotel Collection.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $325. See rates and fees.

Pros

• High earnings on dining and grocery spending.

• Up to $400 in annual dining credits.

• Extra savings potential on dining purchases through Amex Offers.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• The 4X earn rate at U.S. supermarkets is limited to $25,000 annually.

• Limited options for using the monthly dining credit.

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Citi Premier® Card: Best budget card

The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for foodies who want to earn generous rewards at a reasonable annual fee. The card’s $95 annual fee is offset by the $100 hotel discount, valid on stays of $500 or more booked through Citi. The card earns 3 Citi ThankYou® points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels and on air travel. This is a very generous earn rate for a card with a relatively low annual fee, and the rewards can go a long way for those who want to use them to travel.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels and on air travel; 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Dining benefits: None.

Other benefits: $100 annual hotel discounts on stays of $500 or more booked through Citi ThankYou®.

Credit score required: Good to excellent.

Annual fee: $95

Pros

• Reasonable annual fee.

• High earnings on dining, grocery and travel spending.

• Excellent rewards program with high-value redemption options.

Cons

• No purchase or travel protections.

• The $100 annual hotel savings benefit applies before taxes.

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The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for exclusive experiences

It may seem strange to put The Platinum Card® from American Express on this list. After all, the card only earns 1 point per dollar spent on dining. However, it has a valuable benefit that any true foodie can appreciate: Global Dining Access by Resy. Through this program, cardholders can snag exclusive reservations at some of the most popular restaurants worldwide.

And if you’re more of a casual diner, the up to $200 in annual Uber Cash can cover the cost of some late-night cravings. ($200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. 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.) The Platinum Card also gives you access to the exclusive Amex Centurion Lounge network (plus over 1400 Priority Pass lounges), so you’ll eat well in airports dropping into this foodie favorite. Terms apply.

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel; 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Dining benefits: Global Dining Access by Resy and up to $200 in annual Uber Cash (valid on rides and Uber Eats orders). Terms apply.

Other benefits: Over $1,000 in annual travel and entertainment credits; Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status (enrollment required); elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car; access to Amex’s Lounge Network; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation and interruption insurance*.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees.

Pros

• Global Dining Access can make getting a table at high-demand restaurants easier.

• Up to $200 Uber Cash that can partially offset the $695 annual fee.

• Exceptional travel benefits.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• Restaurants and grocery spending earn 1 point only.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for food delivery

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best cards for foodies because it offers 3 points per dollar on dining purchases, select streaming services and online groceries. Book hard-to-get tables at top restaurants and earn 10x total points when you book prepaid dinner reservations through Chase Travel℠.

Through the card’s complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, foodies can enjoy meals at upscale airport lounges and restaurants worldwide. Plus, with no foreign transaction fees, you can use your card when you travel to experience different cuisines worldwide.

The Sapphire Reserve also shines when it comes to food delivery apps. Cardholders receive 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.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: 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.

Dining benefits: 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.

Other benefits: Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, including airfare, hotels and rental cars; get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠ (For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel); Priority Pass Select membership; application fee credit towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years; travel protections including cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation. Credit score: Excellent.

Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 per authorized user).

Pros

• High earnings on dining and food delivery purchases.

• DashPass subscription can save you hundreds of dollars on food delivery fees.

• The card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Cons

• High annual fee.

• No bonus points on grocery spending.

• Approval is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule. (You might not qualify for the credit card if you've opened five or more personal credit cards in the last 24 months.)

• $75 authorized user fee.

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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best option for foodies who want to earn generous rewards on food spending at no annual fee. The card earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Rewards: Earn 3% Cash Back on dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Dining benefits: Access to exclusive reservations through Capital One Dining.

Other benefits: No foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance and a generous intro APR.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. See rates and fees.

Pros

• High earnings on dining purchases.

• Reasonable spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus.

Cons

• Low welcome bonus.

• Capital One Dining currently has a small network of restaurants.

• Points are not transferable to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

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Who should get a credit card for dining?

Whether you should get a credit card that earns bonus points on dining depends on your spending habits and goals. If you often find yourself eating out at restaurants, a credit card earning bonus points on dining could be a great way to save money or earn rewards. You can use the rewards to pay for meals, travel, or other purchases. Best of all, there are credit cards that earn rewards on food but don’t carry an annual fee.

On the other hand, if you don't spend much on food, then such a credit card may not be worth it since you won't be able to maximize the rewards potential of the card. Ultimately, you should evaluate the other benefits offered by a card that earns bonus rewards on dining. It could be worthwhile if they offer other bonus categories and perks.

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How to choose the best credit card for foodies

When choosing the best credit card for foodies, it’s important to consider the rewards offered. Many credit cards offer cash back or points for dining out, grocery shopping and ordering takeout. Look for a card that offers high rewards in these purchase categories. Additionally, look for cards that provide extra dining perks, like food delivery app subscriptions and dining statement credits. Be sure to consider any annual fees associated with these cards and if it’s worth the benefits you’re receiving.

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Credit card for foodies FAQ

What is the best card for restaurants?

The best card for restaurants is the American Express® Gold Card. It offers 4x points for every dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 annually. The card also has no foreign transaction fees and comes with various other benefits, including a $120 annual dining credit and $120 in Uber Cash every year.

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Are dining credit cards worth it?

Dining credit cards are worth it if you spend a lot at restaurants since you can earn substantial rewards. It makes sense if you can get a credit card with no annual fee that offers dining perks.

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Is it better to use debit or credit cards to buy dinner at a restaurant?

Using a credit card when buying dinner at a restaurant is generally better. Credit cards offer more consumer protection than debit cards, including fraud and return protections. Additionally, many credit cards also offer rewards and perks for restaurant spending.

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* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.