Top Credit Cards for Dining and Groceries in 2025
If most of your spending goes toward food — whether dining out or stocking your fridge — the right credit card can turn those everyday meals into serious rewards. In 2025, issuers are competing hard for restaurant and grocery spenders, offering elevated cash back and bonus points. This guide breaks down the best cards for dining and groceries, who they’re best for, and how to maximize their benefits without overspending.
1. American Express® Gold Card
The Amex Gold remains one of the strongest cards for food lovers. It earns 4x Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). Add $120 in annual dining credits, and it’s easy to offset its $250 annual fee if you dine or cook often.
- Annual fee: $250
- Rewards: 4x on dining, 4x at U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
- Best for: Food enthusiasts who spend heavily on groceries or restaurants
Why it shines: It’s rare to find both grocery and dining categories at top-tier rates on the same card, especially with strong travel transfer partners for your points.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Sapphire Preferred remains a fan favorite for its flexibility. You’ll earn 3x points on dining and 2x on travel, and your points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel. Even better, you can transfer them to top airline and hotel partners.
- Annual fee: $95
- Rewards: 3x on dining, 2x on travel, 1x on all else
- Best for: Travelers who dine out often and want flexible redemptions
Why it shines: Strong travel and dining combo with no foreign transaction fees and valuable transfer partners like United, Hyatt, and Southwest.
3. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card
If you want solid rewards with no annual fee, the SavorOne is hard to beat. It earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores — with a $0 annual fee.
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: 3% on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming; 1% elsewhere
- Best for: Everyday users who want rewards without paying to play
Why it shines: No-fee simplicity and strong cash-back categories make it ideal for families or students who want consistent value.
4. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
This card automatically gives you 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500, then 1%), which can include groceries or restaurants — whichever you spend more on that month.
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: 5% on your highest category (like dining or groceries), 1% on others
- Best for: Flexible spenders who alternate between dining out and grocery shopping
Why it shines: The automation — you don’t have to activate categories or think ahead. It simply rewards your habits.
5. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If you prefer cash back over points, the Blue Cash Preferred® is unbeatable for supermarkets. It earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and 3% on transit and streaming services.
- Annual fee: $95 (waived in some offers)
- Rewards: 6% on U.S. supermarkets, 3% on transit and streaming, 1% elsewhere
- Best for: Families who spend heavily on groceries and subscriptions
Why it shines: One of the highest cash-back rates on groceries available — ideal for households and big weekly shoppers.
How to Choose Between Dining and Grocery Cards
The right card depends on your habits. If you eat out often, prioritize dining multipliers and no foreign transaction fees. If your main expense is groceries, go for cards with elevated supermarket rewards and no spending caps that limit your earning potential.
- Frequent diners: Consider the Amex Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred for top restaurant rewards and travel value.
- Grocery-focused: Blue Cash Preferred or Citi Custom Cash excel for consistent supermarket spend.
- Balanced users: A mix like SavorOne + Amex Gold covers both categories efficiently.
Expert insight: Maximizing rewards isn’t about chasing bonuses — it’s about aligning your card with your real lifestyle. The best card is the one that makes your everyday spending more rewarding without changing how you live.
Final Thoughts
Dining and grocery cards are among the most rewarding tools for everyday consumers. Whether you want premium travel points or simple cash back, 2025 offers excellent options for every budget and lifestyle. Choose one that fits how you actually spend — and watch your meals start paying you back.
Not financial advice. Credit card offers, terms, and reward structures change frequently. Always check the latest issuer information before applying or making spending decisions.
