What is the best credit card for dining out?
The Amex Gold is the best overall dining card with 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide -- the highest mainstream dining rate available. Combined with $120 in annual dining credits and $120 in Uber Cash for food delivery, the effective rewards on dining are exceptional. For a no-fee alternative, the Capital One SavorOne earns 3% on all dining with no annual cost.
Does fast food count for dining rewards?
Yes, fast food restaurants typically qualify for dining category rewards. McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Chipotle, and other fast food chains all code as restaurants for credit card rewards purposes. Whether it is a sit-down restaurant, fast food chain, or food court, the dining bonus rate applies as long as the merchant is categorized as a restaurant.
Do food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats count as dining?
Yes, food delivery apps including DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart Restaurant generally code as dining or food delivery for credit card rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred specifically includes online food delivery services in its dining bonus category. Some cards may code delivery services differently, so check your statement to verify.
Do bars and coffee shops count for dining rewards?
Bars, pubs, coffee shops like Starbucks, and bakeries generally qualify for dining category rewards because they code as eating/drinking establishments. Even juice bars and smoothie shops typically earn the dining bonus rate. The key is the merchant category code (MCC) assigned by the payment processor, not what you order.
What are dining credits and how do they work?
Dining credits are monthly statement credits that automatically apply when you make qualifying purchases. The Amex Gold provides $10/month at select restaurants (Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, etc.) and $10/month in Uber Cash (usable for Uber Eats). These credits offset the annual fee and add value beyond the rewards rate. You must use them monthly or they expire.
Best no annual fee dining card?
The Capital One SavorOne is the best no-fee dining card with 3% cash back on all restaurants and food delivery. It also earns 3% on entertainment, grocery stores, and streaming services. The Chase Freedom Unlimited also earns 3% on dining with no annual fee and adds 1.5% on all other purchases.
Is the Amex Gold worth $325 for dining rewards?
For frequent diners spending $500+/month on restaurants and food delivery, the Amex Gold is absolutely worth the $325 fee. The $120 dining credit and $120 Uber Cash reduce the effective fee to $85. At 4x on $500/month dining, you earn 24,000 points/year ($360+ in travel value). The net benefit exceeds $275/year for heavy restaurant spenders.
Can I earn dining rewards on cafeteria or office food purchases?
It depends on how the cafeteria processes payments. Hospital cafeterias, corporate dining facilities, and university dining halls may or may not code as restaurants. Some use internal payment systems that do not trigger dining rewards. Standalone restaurants within office buildings or hospitals typically code correctly as dining establishments.
