How to Maximize Your Dining Rewards Credit Card

Whether you like to savor exquisite tasting menu experiences, hit up the hottest food trucks, or regularly grab takeout on the go, the right dining rewards credit cards can help you earn extra points, benefit from special restaurant partners or delivery discounts, and even gain exclusive access to reservations and dining experiences around the world. But getting the most out of these popular cards can take a bit of know-how, from understanding how they work to making sure you get the most out of additional perks and partnerships.

Dining rewards cards are a type of credit card that emphasize earning rewards on restaurant and other dining purchases. Rewards usually come in the form of points, though some cards offer cash back rewards or miles. Rewards can usually be redeemed for statement credits, travel purchases, and other expenses. Some dining rewards credit cards also give card members special discounts at specific restaurants or delivery services, dining credits, or exclusive access to dining experiences. 

When you find the best dining rewards card for you, be sure to read the terms and conditions. For one, it’s important to know what counts as dining for a credit card reward. While it’ll differ from card to card, usually all restaurant purchases – including fast food, takeout, and delivery – will earn you additional points. However, there are some exceptions. For example, some cards may exclude international purchases, although certain cards allow you to earn points on restaurants worldwide. In some cases, you may not earn bonus points for restaurants located within another establishment, such as a hotel or event venue. Likewise, some cards may exclude bars. Otherwise, the terms and conditions will lay out any other important details, such as spending limits.

Not all credit cards are built the same, and that holds true for dining rewards cards, too. The best dining rewards credit card is the one that fits your spending style and dining preferences. Consider the following common factors when choosing a dining rewards card:

• Points multipliers. These cards typically allow you to earn bonus points on dining purchases. Many dining cards also offer points bonuses in additional spending categories, such as supermarket purchases or travel. If you’re a big traveller, it might make sense to choose a card that rewards dining and travel. But if you tend to cook at home as often as you go out, a card that offers bonus rewards on dining and groceries might make sense for you.
• Dining credits and partnerships. Dining-focused credit cards might offer statement credits that can be used toward purchases at specific restaurants or delivery service partners. Cards with dining credits can be particularly useful if you frequent certain restaurants or delivery apps. Some cards also have partnerships with dining reservation apps that make it easier to get exclusive or last-minute reservations or have complimentary delivery service memberships that can save you money on delivery fees.
• Annual fees. Generally, the more benefits and perks a dining rewards card has, the higher the annual fee. Still, this varies from card to card, so make sure you compare the card’s features, benefits, and rewards when assessing different cards.
• Foreign transaction fees. While most dining rewards credit cards have no foreign transaction fees, that’s not always the case. If you’re a globe-trotting gastronome, a dining rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees might be best for you.

Apart from bonus multipliers, consider what else the card has to offer – after all, most dining rewards cards have added perks like welcome bonuses, annual dining credits, complimentary delivery service memberships, rotating deals at restaurant partners, and more. Whatever dining rewards card is best for you, knowing what it has to offer will help you get the most out of the card.

For example, welcome bonuses might include the ability to earn extra points on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants for your first several months of card membership. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to stay updated on rotating deals, if applicable. Some cards might offer higher points multipliers on certain dining expenses for a limited time, while others might provide discounts on specific dining purchases. These deals usually rotate every month, and you’ll usually have to activate or enroll in them.

If you’re all about finding the hottest new restaurants, some of the best dining rewards cards offer exclusive access to last-minute reservations and special events in addition to points multipliers. For example, Global Dining Access by Resy and American Express give The Platinum Card^® Card Members, as well as some other eligible American Express^® cards, special access to sought-after restaurants around the globe. Card Members must add their cards to their Resy profiles at the Resy Global Dining Access website to unlock benefits. Terms apply.

A tried-and-true way to get the most out of any credit card is to always aim to pay off your balance on time and in full every month. Keeping a balance leads to interest – which can build quickly, especially for cards with a higher APR. And having to pay for interest reduces the cost-saving benefits of dining rewards perks like credits.