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

You have a list of restaurants to try that’s a mile long. When you plan a vacation, the first thing you do is research the local food scene.

If any of that rings true, you might be curious about a card that lets you earn extra rewards on food and fun, including eating out. Dining cards are a type of card designed for those who want to earn rewards for dining out. But there’s a lot more to dining credit cards than that. Find out more about how these cards work and how to decide if one is right for you.

What you’ll learn:

• Dining credit cards let cardholders earn rewards for dining out. 

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

• Dining rewards programs may include additional perks and benefits, such as access to exclusive restaurant reservations, events and more.

• Savor from Capital One is a dining credit card that lets you earn cash back on food and fun.

Typically, dining rewards credit cards reward cardholders for dining-related spending, such as:

• Eating at restaurants

• Ordering takeout

• Spending at bars 

There may be other cardholder perks and benefits focused on dining too.

While they may be referred to as dining cards, other types of purchases made with the card may also earn rewards. There may even be an elevated rewards rate for dining-related spending. But each card has its own rules on how you can earn and redeem rewards.

The Savor card is a dining credit card that lets cardholders earn cash back on food and fun. With Savor, you can earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.¹ And you’ll earn 1% cash back on all other qualifying purchases. And new cardholders can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once they spend $500 on purchases within three months of opening their account. 

But the Savor card offers more than just rewards and bonuses. 

One example is Capital One Dining. Eligible cardholders can access reservations at sought-after restaurants and enjoy unforgettable dining experiences curated in partnership with experts like the MICHELIN Guide, the James Beard Foundation and Chef José Andrés.²

Dining rewards credit cards generally work the same as other rewards cards. As you spend with the card, you earn back a percentage of qualifying purchases as cash back or points.

Each dining card has its own program that may include rewards and other benefits.

Here are some of the perks that Savor cardholders can enjoy: 

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus as a new cardholder by spending $500 on purchases within three months of opening an account.

• Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. 

• Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

• Get access to exclusive reservations and events with Capital One Dining.

• Earn 8% cash back on unforgettable experiences across sports, music, dining and more with Capital One Entertainment.³

• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

• Pay no foreign transaction fees or annual fees. View important rates and disclosures.

• Benefit from Capital One card security features to help keep your account safe.

If you love eating out or exploring new cuisine, a dining rewards credit card may be something to consider. You can reward yourself while trying the newest restaurant in town or visiting your favorite local spot. 

And with Savor, you also earn cash back on every purchase you make. Plus, you’ll have access to exclusive reservations and culinary experiences to delight your inner foodie.

Want to know more? Here’s additional information about dining credit cards.

Ready to explore dining rewards credit cards? You can compare Capital One dining and entertainment credit cards to see if there’s one that suits you. And before you apply, you can see if you’re pre-approved for potential card offers. Pre-approval is quick and won’t hurt your credit scores.