Best Cards for Dining & Restaurants

Our assessment of cards ranked by effective return percentage. We calculate points × redemption value to show you the estimated earning potential.

Rankings and valuations reflect PayWithThis’s own editorial methodology. PayWithThis is independent and not affiliated with any issuer. Verify current terms with the issuer before applying.

1
American Express® Gold Card
$325/year•Membership Rewards

4x points at restaurants worldwide

8.00%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
2
American Express® Business Gold Card
$375/year•Membership Rewards•$150,000 cap

4x on the 2 categories where your business spends the most in each billing cycle

8.00%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
3
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
$95/year•Chase Ultimate Rewards

3x points on dining worldwide

6.00%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
4
American Express® Green Card
$150/year•Membership Rewards
6.00%
effective return
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5
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
No Annual Fee•Chase Ultimate Rewards
6.00%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
6
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
$795/year•Chase Ultimate Rewards

3x on dining worldwide

6.00%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
7
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
$95/year•ThankYou Points
5.70%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
8
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
$595/year•ThankYou Points

6x on Friday and Saturday from 6 PM - 6 AM ET

5.70%
effective return
DetailsLearn More
9
Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card
$95/year•Wyndham Rewards Points
5.50%
effective return
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10
Discover it® Cash Back
No Annual Fee•Cash Back•$1,500 cap

Requires Activation

Rotating (Quarterly)
5.00%
effective return
DetailsLearn More

Our Methodology

We rank cards by effective return percentage, calculated as:

Effective Return = Category Multiplier × Base Point Valuation

This normalizes points, miles, and cash back into a single comparable metric.