Whether you’re a foodie who enjoys frequent nights on the town, or you rely on takeout to keep your family fed, a credit card that earns rewards on at restaurants can help you save on dining expenses. 

Especially in today’s inflationary environment, in which menu prices are rising alongside staples like grocery items, gas, and more. In fact, the cost of dining out rose by 7.2% between April 2021 and April 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

While a credit card is unlikely to mitigate rising prices completely, earning cash back or points on your purchases can help offset these higher costs.

Our picks for the best credit cards for dining and restaurants offer rewards on dining out, delivery, and takeout — and get access to other bonus categories and cardholder perks along the way. Like any new rewards card, it’s also helpful to search for options that reward your most frequent spending and fit within your budget.

To help you get started, these are the best cards right now for earning rewards on restaurant spending and saving with more dining-related perks:

Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants

Good for Maximum Dining Rewards: American Express Gold Card

Good for Welcome Offer: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Good for a Night Out: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Good for a Night In: U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card

Good for Dining and Rotating Categories: Chase Freedom Flex

Good for Hard-to-Get Reservations: The Platinum Card from American Express

Good for Premium Benefits: Chase Sapphire Reserve

What Qualifies as Dining?

For the most part, the dining category for popular rewards credit cards is pretty broad. However, issuers typically rely on the merchant category code (MCC) — a four-digit code that determines the type of purchase and subsequent rewards rate — used by the retailer. As a result, eligible purchases can vary slightly based on your card issuer and where you’re dining out.

For example, the Chase defines eligible restaurant and dining rewards as purchases with merchants whose “primary business is sit-down or eat-in dining, including fast food restaurants and fine dining establishments.” But it also comes down to MCCs — Chase states that merchants who sell food and drinks located within facilities like sports stadiums, hotels and casinos, theme parks, grocery and department stores will not be included in this category, for example, “unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in a restaurant category.” 

On the other hand, Capital One defines its dining category simply as “purchases at restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains and bakeries.” 

American Express’ information about what counts toward earning bonus rewards at U.S. restaurants is somewhat vague, but the issuer states “you will earn additional rewards in the U.S. restaurant category when you purchase at restaurants located in the U.S.” That said, Amex does list quite a few exclusions that won’t earn bonus rewards. For example, bars, nightclubs, convenience stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, cafeterias, caterers, theatre clubs, breweries, bakeries and meeting venues do not count.

Does Ordering Delivery Still Get You Dining Points on Your Card?

Generally speaking, you’ll earn bonus rewards on dining purchases if your food is delivered to your home. If you order pizza from Dominos, for example, you’ll earn bonus rewards on dining just as you would if you sat down to order pizza for a sit-down meal.

But this can also depend on how the merchant codes the purchase. If you order delivery and the purchases is recorded as a restaurant purchase, then it should count toward your dining rewards.

In addition, many rewards credit cards count food delivery services such as DoorDash and GrubHub as dining for the purpose of earning rewards. That’s because these food delivery services are set up with the same merchant category code (MCC) as restaurants are.

Quite a few of the best credit cards for dining also offer specific food delivery benefits and statement credit offers. For example, Chase partners with DoorDash to provide a free, limited time DashPass membership to select cardholders. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve still come with a complimentary DashPass membership, which includes $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees for over $12 and other perks. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders also qualify for $5 per month in DoorDash credit they can use.

Separately, the American Express Gold Card offers $120 in Uber Cash annually, which is accrues within your connected Uber account monthly, in increments of $10. This cash can be used for Uber rides, but it can also apply to Uber Eats purchases. And of course, you’ll still earn 4x Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent on dining, including purchases made with Uber Eats.

Are Rewards the Same for All Dining Cards?

The best credit cards for dining all offer bonus points at restaurants, but their rewards rates vary widely. And the rewards you’ll earn in other categories aren’t the same, either. For example, some offer additional bonus points on groceries or entertainment, while others focus their bonus categories on travel-related purchases.

Before you apply for a rewards credit card to maximize your dining, take time to compare all the benefits and features of the the cards you’re considering. Other rewards categories, as well as added benefits and fees that may apply can all affect the value you’ll get from the card. Also look at each card’s rewards program so you have a general idea of how you can redeem your points when you’re ready.

How to Maximize Your Points by Dining and Ordering Out

Cards with restaurant rewards are most valuable for those who already spend a significant amount on dining out each month. So the best way to maximize your rewards is to make these purchases with a card that will earn you the most points or cash back on dining. Here are a few more ways to ensure you’re getting the best value on your dining cards: 

• Use rewards cards strategically as you spend. Each time you dine out at a restaurant or pay for takeout, make sure you’re using the credit card that will give you the most bonus points on your purchase.
• Connect your rewards credit card food delivery apps. Once you sign up for a credit card that earns bonus rewards on dining, make sure to make it your preferred payment method on any food delivery apps you use. Examples include your DoorDash account, your Uber account, or any restaurant apps you order from regularly.
• Pay for dining purchases whenever you can. You can earn more rewards per meal if you offer to use your card as payment when you dine out with family or friends. Just remember to have the other diners repay you using cash or a money transfer app like Venmo or Zelle.

Choosing the Right Dining and Restaurant Card

Like any new rewards card, your spending habits and budget can help you decide on the right card for dining and restaurants.

Before you choose a credit card for dining out, take time to review your budget and the expenses you already charge to a credit card. If you spend a lot on dining and will get more value than the cost from plentiful benefits and high rewards rates, it might make sense to open a card with an annual fee. Similarly, if your spending isn’t only focused on dining, but you also spend a lot in categories like groceries or travel, you might want to prioritize cards that offer more points on these types of purchases, too.

After comparing long-term value via rewards rates and benefits, you may also want to consider each card’s welcome offer or sign-up bonus. These offers can boost your first-year value with hundreds of dollars worth of points or cash back after you meet a spending threshold. 

Finally, make sure you’re credit score is in good standing and within the recommended range for the card you want to apply for. Practicing good credit habits like paying your balance in full and on time each month can help you maintain good credit to qualify for the best credit cards available.

Even if you’re still working toward a great credit score, there are plenty of credit card options for fair credit with rewards, benefits, and incentives to help you build your score. 

While you might not get the most premium perks, you can still maximize every dollar you spend and get great value from a credit card for fair credit. What’s more, these credit cards are helpful tools for building the payment history and credit habits you need to qualify for premium travel and rewards credit cards you might want to apply for in the future.

But before you open any new credit card, take some time to compare options that fit your spending and that you’re eligible for based on your credit history. To help you get started, here are our favorite credit cards for people with fair credit, and more information about how to build a great credit score: 

Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit

Good for Little Credit History: Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card

Good for Cash Back: Capital One QuicksilverOne Credit Card

Good for Credit Building: Upgrade Visa Card with Cash Rewards

Good for Students: Discover it Student Cash Back

Good for Secured Cards: Capital One Platinum Secured

What Is Considered Fair or Average Credit?

Your credit score is a representation of the information in your credit report. It’s the number many lenders use to determine whether you’re eligible for financial products like credit cards, loans, and mortgages — and the terms you qualify for. 

Credit score calculations can vary, but in general, they fall within a range of 300 to 850 and are created using scoring models from either FICO or VantageScore. The higher your credit score on either model’s scale, the more creditworthy you may appear to potential lenders. 

Generally speaking, a FICO score that’s considered “fair” will fall between 580 and 669. A “good” credit score falls anywhere between 670 and 739, a “very good” score falls between 740 and 799 and “excellent” scores are over 800. Any score that falls below 580 is considered a “poor” credit score.

For scores based on the VantageScore model, “fair credit” falls in a similar range of 601 to 660. A “good” score is between 661 and 780 and an “excellent” score is anywhere from 781 to 850. VantageScore separates poor credit into two different categories — “poor” scores from 500 to 600 and “very poor” scores from 300 to 499.

Pro Tip: Credit scores within the fair credit range are actually lower than the nationwide average. In 2021, the average FICO credit score in the U.S. was 714, according to data from Experian.

Can I Still Get a Credit Card if I Have Bad Credit or No Credit History?

You may still be able to qualify for a credit card if you have poor credit or no credit. In fact, some credit cards are designed for people with bad credit to help build better credit.

Both credit cards for bad credit and credit cards for people with no credit history at all don’t offer the most lucrative perks and benefits, but they can help you build credit by reporting payments to each of the three credit bureaus. Here are a few types of cards geared toward building credit:

• Secured credit cards: Secured cards can be easier to qualify for than other types of credit cards because they require a refundable security deposit upon approval. This deposit is used as collateral on your account, and usually serves as your credit line. Many issuers review your account after a period of time to determine whether you’re eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card and receive your deposit back.
• Credit cards with alternative approvals: You may be more likely to qualify for this type of card with no credit because the issuers consider not only your credit score but also other financial factors when determining your eligibility. You can submit information like your banking information, regular monthly payments, and income when you apply, to help prove to the lender your creditworthiness, even without a long credit history.
• Student credit cards: These cards are aimed at college students with limited credit history. They may even come with incentives geared toward students, like credits for receiving good grades. You’ll typically have to prove your enrollment in an institution of higher education to qualify.

If you have bad credit or no credit at all and you’re approved for a new card, make sure you practice good credit habits to improve your score. Only charge what you can afford and pay your balance in full and on time each month. By using a credit card for bad credit wisely, you can build up your credit enough to qualify for a new card with better perks.

4 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Wheter you have fair credit, bad credit, or no credit history, it’s never too late to begin building a better credit score. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind as you go:

Try nontraditional credit scoring programs

Similar to the way some issuers offer alternative approvals based on self-reporting banking information, some credit bureaus and credit scoring models allow you to include information like your savings balance, utility payments, and more in your score calculations.

For example, Experian Boost can help you increase your Experian credit score by adding regular bills like your phone bill, electricity payments, and even Netflix subscription to your credit report. Just keep in mind, you can’t choose which credit report a lender will pull when you apply for a credit card or loan — these credit-building tools are often associated with a single credit bureau or scoring model, so they won’t be reflected in some scores.

Avoid late payments

While the factors that make up different credit scores vary slightly, the most important factor that affects your credit score is your payment history. The best way to increase your credit score and maintain a good score over time is to pay all your bills on time each month. And to avoid any high-interest debts, make sure you not only make the minimum payment by the time your bill is due, but also pay your balance in full. 

On the flipside, while on-time payments can help you make progress toward a great score, late payments on your credit card and other bills can damage your credit in a hurry.

Keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%

The amount of credit you’re using at any giving time compared to the total credit amount available to you — also known as your credit utilization ratio — is the second-most important factor in your credit score. You’ll see the best effects on your credit score if you maintain a utilization rate below 30%. If you have a credit limit of $10,000 on your credit card, for example, be careful ensure your balance never goes above $3,000.

If your current debts leave you with a credit utilization rate over 30%, paying down your balances can help you save money on interest and boost your credit score along the way.

Monitor your credit reports

Finally, it’s important to check and monitor your credit regularly. Keeping an eye on your credit reports can help you stay on top of any fraudulent activity or incorrect reporting that can hurt your score. If you do find errors on your credit reports, you can dispute the incorrect data to prevent unnecessary damage to your credit.

You’re entitled to access to your credit score and credit report. The easiest way to check your score is typically through your online bank or credit card account. To check your credit reports, you can use the website AnnualCreditReport.com to check all three of your credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion for free. For the time being, you can access these reports up to once per week.

Both the SoFi Credit Card and the Venmo Credit Card offer great cash back rewards and unique redemption options — including the opportunity to redeem your rewards for cryptocurrency. 

But they do have some distinct differences. To start, the SoFi Credit Card is a flat-rate cash back card that offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (as long as you redeem into an eligible SoFi account). On the other hand, the Venmo Credit Card has tiered bonus categories, with 3% back on your top spending category, 2% on your second top spending category, and 1% on all other purchases.

Here’s what else you need to know about the benefits and different uses of these cash back credit cards to pick the right one for your wallet: 

Side-by-Side Comparison 

	SoFi Credit Card	Venmo Credit Card
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Rewards	• 2% cash back on all purchases when you redeem rewards toward investing, saving, or paying down an eligible loan with SoFi.	• 3% on your top spending category • 2% on your second top spending category • 1% on all other eligible purchases and Venmo person-to-person transactions
Other Benefits	• Cell phone protection up to $1,000 • 3 free months of DashPass membership  • Lower your APR by 1% after 12 monthly on-time payments of at least the minimum payment due • World Elite Mastercard benefits, including 24/7 concierge service • Discounts on select memberships and retailers	• Travel protections • Visa Luxury Hotel Collection  • Rental car discounts  • Visa Signature benefits including 24/7 concierge service

Rewards Comparison

There are no spending caps when earning cash back rewards for either card, but your earnings depend on the type of cash back card you prefer. 

If you spend a lot within a few different spending categories, you can earn a slightly higher rate with the Venmo card, since it offers 3% on your top spending category, 2% on your second top spending category, and 1% on all other eligible purchases and Venmo person-to-person transactions. Here’s a list of the eligible categories that count toward your top spending: 

• Transportation 
• Travel 
• Grocery 
• Entertainment 
• Dining and nightlife
• Bills and utilities 
• Health and beauty 
• Gas 

If you’re looking for simpler rewards, though, the SoFi card’s 2% back on everything is tough to beat. Just be careful about how you redeem your rewards to ensure you get the full value. 

Rewards Redemptions

Both cards have a few different redemption options to help you maximize the rewards you earn. You can redeem your Venmo cash back as a statement credit, and apply it to peer-to-peer transactions. Rewards go directly to your Venmo app, and can be either used to pay off your credit card directly, or transferred out of your account with your existing Venmo account balance. With the SoFi card, you’ll only get the full 2% cash back return on your spending when you redeem rewards toward an eligible SoFi account, which includes SoFi checking, savings, and investment accounts, or payments toward student loans or personal loans with SoFi. You’ll have the option to redeem your SoFi rewards for a credit on your account, but you’ll only get 1% back on each purchase.

These cards are also unique from many cash back cards because you can redeem your rewards for cryptocurrency. 

You can use Venmo’s crypto auto-purchase feature to buy bitcoin, litecoin, bitcoin cash, and ethereum using your your Venmo balance each month. When you toggle on the feature in the app, Venmo will automatically buy crypto on your behalf without transaction fees, however, you’ll pay a fee if you sell your cryptocurrency. In order to redeem your cash back for cryptocurrency, you must have at least $1 in cash back rewards.

You can still receive the full 2% cash back with your SoFi card when you redeem rewards into a SoFi Invest crypto account, too. You can redeem cash rewards for bitcoin or ethereum, but you must have a minimum balance of 500 points (or cash back) in order to redeem. 

Benefits Comparison

Both cards come with a few added benefits, but most of their value is from the cash rewards you’ll earn.

The SoFi Credit Card is a World Elite Mastercard, which includes cell phone protection for up to $1,000; discounts on select brands such as Doordash, Fandango, Lyft, and Shoprunner; as well as travel benefits like Mastercard luxury hotel and resorts access, 24/7 concierge service, and global emergency assistance. 

Depending on your creditworthiness, you may get approved for a Visa Signature version of the Venmo Credit Card, which comes with extra perks like access to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection, rental car discounts, 24/7 concierge service, discounts with brands like Shipt and Skillshare, and more. Plus, when you open your Venmo Credit Card account, you’ll have the option to choose between five different color options.

APRs

The SoFi Credit Card has a regular APR of 13.24% to 25.24%, whereas the Venmo Credit Card has a slightly higher regular APR of 15.24% to 24.24%. Neither card has an introductory 0% APR offer on new purchases or balance transfers. SoFi does offer the chance to reduce your APR by 1% after you make 12 on-time payments of at least the minimum due, but you can avoid accruing any interest at all by paying your balance in full and on time each month. 

Fees 

The SoFi Credit Card and Venmo Credit Card don’t charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees. SoFi charges a fee of up to $39 for late or returned payments, while Venmo has a returned payment fee of up to $29, a late payment fee of $40, and a 3% fee to use your card for peer-to-peer transactions in the Venmo app. 

Deciding Between the SoFi Credit Card and the Venmo Credit Card 

If you’re debating between the SoFi and Venmo credit cards — whether for their competitive cash back rates or unique crypto redemption options — think about how you plan to earn and redeem rewards. 

For example, do you prefer the straightforward flat cash back the SoFi card offers, or would you prefer the chance to earn a bit more by tracking your bonus categories with the Venmo card? Are you focused on building your cryptocurrency portfolio with your credit card or looking to earn cash back while still learning about how cryptocurrency works before investing?

Another thing to consider is whether you already have an account with either platform. If you already invest or bank with SoFi, it can be easy to redeem your rewards into an existing account or open another account type — like a SoFi Invest or SoFi Invest crypto account — for the cash you earn. On the other hand, if you already use Venmo for peer-to-peer payments or have explored cryptocurrency on the platform, it could be easier to integrate your card into your existing Venmo account.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to how you prefer to earn cash rewards and whether you’re more comfortable using SoFi or Venmo’s platform to manage your card and rewards. If you generally spend a lot within eligible Venmo bonus categories and you already have the Venmo app on your phone, that might be a better option. But if you prefer flat cash back and don’t have a problem redeeming your rewards into a SoFi account to earn the full 2% value, the SoFi credit card can go a long way to maximize your spending. 

And if you’re considering either card for the crypto rewards options, make sure you understand the risks of investing in crypto before you redeem. Cryptocurrency is highly volatile, so you could be giving up the guaranteed value of points rewards or cash back in favor of a speculative investment. Of course, you could also use any cash back card to earn rewards on your spending, then put the cash you earn toward your crypto balance — which may give you more flexibility in the exchange you choose and coins you buy.