Dining credit cards: What are they, and how do they work?

Dining credit cards are a type of card designed for people who want to earn rewards on sit-down meals, takeout and food delivery. But there’s a lot more to dining credit cards than that.

What you’ll learn:

• Dining credit cards allow you to earn rewards for going out to eat. 

• Some dining credit cards also offer rewards for other kinds of spending, like entertainment and grocery store purchases.

• Dining card benefits could also include access to exclusive restaurant reservations, events and more.

• Capital One Savor and SavorOne credit cardholders can earn cash back on food and fun.

Dining credit cards might offer cash back, points or miles on restaurant purchases, takeout and food delivery. These cards may also come with benefits like dining credits, reservation access and entertainment rewards.

Key features of a dining credit card may include:

• Elevated rewards: As opposed to general rewards credit cards, dining credit cards may offer elevated rewards on dining-related purchases.

• A broad definition of dining: These cards allow you to earn rewards at venues like sit-down restaurants, fast-food establishments, cafes, bars and lounges.

• Added bonuses: Dining cards may also offer rewards for purchases related to entertainment, groceries or streaming services.

Dining rewards credit cards generally work the same as other rewards cards. And while they may be referred to as dining cards, cardholders might earn elevated rewards for other entertainment- or travel-related purchases. But each card has its own rules on how you can earn and redeem rewards.

A dining credit card could be right for you if you love eating out or exploring new cuisine. With a dining credit card, you can reward yourself while trying the newest restaurant in town or visiting your favorite local spot. Dining credit cards might also offer other benefits, including access to exclusive reservations or experiences. If a dining credit card has an annual fee, you could estimate whether you’ll use enough benefits to offset the cost.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite to eat, making your weekly grocery run or catching up with friends at a bar, Capital One dining and entertainment credit cards give you the chance to earn unlimited cash back on food and fun, including:

• 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services (While grocery stores typically aren’t considered dining, Capital One’s dining credit cards allow you to earn elevated rewards on dining, at grocery stores and more.)

• 1% cash back on all other purchases

• 8% cash back on unforgettable experiences across sports, music, dining and more through Capital One Entertainment

• 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel

Rewards redemptions depend on the specific card and issuer. But Capital One dining and entertainment cards allow you to redeem your rewards:

• For cash in the form of a statement credit or a check

• For gift cards from restaurants, retailers and more

• At Amazon.com

• Through PayPal®

• Through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Travel

Dining credit cards are designed to reward cardholders for going out to eat, ordering in and more. 

You can compare Capital One dining and entertainment credit cards to see if there’s one that fits your needs. Before you apply, you can see whether you’ll be approved. It’s quick, and it won’t hurt your credit scores.