Top Cards for Dining & Groceries: Where to Get Extra Cash Back
Eating well and saving money don’t have to be opposites. If you use the right credit card for dining and groceries, you can earn cash back, points, or miles on nearly every meal — from your weekly supermarket run to your favorite takeout spot. In 2025, several cards are competing hard for your restaurant and grocery spending, offering up to 6% back or more. Here are the best cards that reward your everyday essentials.
1. American Express® Gold Card — Best for Foodies
The Amex Gold remains the gold standard for anyone who spends heavily on food. You’ll earn 4x Membership Rewards® points on dining (including delivery and takeout) and 4x at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year. That’s equivalent to roughly 8% in value when transferred to airline partners. The card also offers up to $240 annually in combined dining and Uber credits — enough to offset its $250 annual fee if you use them strategically.
2. Capital One SavorOne® — Best No-Annual-Fee Option
If you don’t want to pay an annual fee but still love eating out, Capital One SavorOne® is a top pick. You’ll get 3% cash back on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming services. Unlike many other cards, rewards are unlimited and never expire. Plus, it comes with no foreign transaction fees — a rare bonus for a no-fee card.
3. Chase Freedom Flex® — Best Rotating Cash-Back Card
The Chase Freedom Flex® is ideal for strategic spenders who enjoy maximizing quarterly categories. Every three months, you can earn 5% cash back (up to $1,500 per quarter) on rotating categories — and dining or groceries appear frequently. You’ll also get 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases year-round. When paired with a Chase Sapphire card, your rewards can be converted into travel points worth even more.
4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express — Best for Families
For families who spend big at the supermarket, the Blue Cash Preferred® is unbeatable. It earns 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in U.S. supermarket purchases, plus 3% on transit and streaming services. The $95 annual fee easily pays for itself if you spend at least $150 per month on groceries.
5. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card — Best for Flexible Spending
The Citi Custom Cash℠ card automatically gives you 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle — including dining or groceries — up to $500 per month. It’s perfect for those whose spending changes from month to month. Just use the card most where you spend the most, and Citi handles the optimization for you.
Expert insight: Don’t mix your dining and grocery spending across too many cards — pick two and automate them. One for meals out, one for supermarket runs. You’ll earn the same rewards with half the mental load.
How to Maximize Your Cash Back
- Always pay in full: Interest cancels out rewards instantly.
- Use delivery apps smartly: DoorDash and Uber Eats count as dining on most cards — but check your issuer’s terms.
- Track bonus caps: Especially for Amex and Chase cards that limit high-earning categories.
- Stack deals: Combine your card’s offers with grocery apps (like Ibotta or Rakuten) for double cash back.
Final Thoughts
Dining and groceries are two of the easiest spending categories to turn into free money. The right credit card can earn you 3%–6% back on purchases you’re already making. Whether you prefer flexible rewards or simple cash back, these top picks for 2025 make your meals and supermarket runs work for you — not the other way around.
Not financial advice. Rewards categories, caps, and annual fees may change. Always verify current terms on the official card issuer’s website before applying or redeeming rewards.
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