Finding the right credit card for food and dining can significantly boost your miles earnings. This guide breaks down the best cards for food and dining in the US based on Merchant Category Codes (MCC).
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve - Best Overall for Dining
Rewards Rate: 3x points on dining worldwide
Key Benefit: Earns 3x points on food and dining categories including:
Best For: People who want excellent rewards on dining with worldwide acceptance. No category selection required—just 3x on all dining automatically. Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners at 1:1 ratio.
Annual Fee: $550 (with $300 annual travel credit)
2. Amex Gold - Best for Foodies
Rewards Rate: 4x points on restaurants and 4x on groceries (up to $25,000 per year)
Key Benefit: Earns 4x points on the widest range of food categories including:
- Restaurants (MCC 5812)
- Fast Food (MCC 5814)
- Caterers (MCC 5811)
- Grocery stores (MCC 5411, MCC 5422, MCC 5441, MCC 5451, MCC 5462, MCC 5499)
Best For: Foodies who spend significantly on groceries and dining out. The 4x on groceries (up to $25K annually) and restaurants makes this the ultimate food card. Points transfer to numerous airline and hotel partners.
Annual Fee: $325 (with up to $240 in dining credits annually)
3. Capital One Savor - Best for Simple Dining Rewards
Rewards Rate: 4% cash back on dining and entertainment
Key Benefit: Earns 4% on:
Best For: People who prefer simple cash back over points. No category tracking, no transfer partners—just straight 4% cash back on dining and entertainment.
Annual Fee: $95
Key Differences Between Cards
Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- 3x on all dining worldwide
- Points transfer to airline/hotel partners
- Premium travel protections included
- Higher annual fee but more benefits
Amex Gold:
- 4x on restaurants AND groceries
- Highest earn rate for food purchases
- Annual dining credits offset fee
- Best for heavy grocery shoppers
Capital One Savor:
- 4% cash back on dining and entertainment
- No points to manage or transfer
- Lower annual fee
- Best for cash back preference
Go here to check which MCC gives the best miles for these cards. Or here to see what are the MCCs for a particular merchant.
Last Updated: March 2026 | This guide reflects current credit card rewards programs and MCC codes as of March 2026. Terms may change. Always check with the issuing bank for the latest rewards structure.