Canada's 8 Best Dining Credit Cards of October 2026
Published Oct 20, 2026 3:23 PM • 6 min read
Your credit card can double as the perfect date for dining out. It all comes down to what your card offers in terms of restaurant rewards or dining credits. As with any date, you’ll also want to have a few things in common. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dining contenders in a few different categories.
Data-driven rankings of 120+ credit cards using a proprietary algorithm
Comprehensive analysis using 25+ data points including terms and conditions, points programs, and more
Objective editorial approach - we strive for unbiased reviews following our editorial guidelines
FinlyWealth's credit cards content, including rankings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of engineers and writers who specialize in credit cards, banking, and personal finance. Our work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, GoBankingRates, and AOL. Our proprietary analysis systems evaluate product features, terms, and conditions to deliver comprehensive reviews and comparisons while maintaining strict editorial standards for accuracy and integrity.
8 Best Dining Credit Cards in Canada
Our choice for: Best Overall
Welcome Bonus
Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee
$191.88⁕
$15.99 Paid Monthly
⁕ For Quebec, $191.88/year
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.9/5
This card was voted one of the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible amex cobalt bonus points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Awards & Recognition
Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
2026
Pros
- Impressive optimization
- 1:1 Aeroplan point transfer
- Generous welcome bonus
- Flexible high value redemptions
- Comprehensive coverage
- Highly ranked
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Lacks valuable coverage categories
Rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 days, up to $5M (if under age 65)
Flight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$250,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
yes
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Amex Experiences™
Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Best Unique
on Neo Financial's website
Finly Special Offer
Welcome Bonus
Get your first year annual fee waived ($149 value) exclusively through us.*
Annual Fee
$149 $0
Interest Rates
19.99% - 26.99%□ / 22.99% - 28.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
This card offers some of the highest cash back rates in Canada on dining, takeout, and retail shopping. Cardholders can also boost these earn categories and more when shopping at thousands of Neo Partners. These reward opportunities are accompanied by comprehensive travel insurance and benefits, making it a well-balanced premium contender.
Pros
- High cashback rates
- Premium insurance coverage
- Airport lounge membership
- Boosted partner cashback
- Instant approval and access
Cons
- High income requirements
- Annual fee
Rewards
Earn 5% every time you dine out or order in, and 3% on retail shopping — the card built for how you actually enjoy spending.
Expect:
- 5% cash back on food & drink up to $1000 spending per month
- 3% cash back on shopping up to $1000 spending per month
- 1% cash back on everything else
- Up to 15% boosted cashback at thousands of partners across Canada - on top of base cashback rates
Eligible Cash Back Categories Explained:
- Food & drink: Fast food, restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, caterers
- Shopping: Apparel, footwear, electronics, hardware, home & garden, sporting goods, cosmetics, pets, jewellery, and more
- Amazon and wholesale purchases are not eligible for the shopping cashback rate
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
Up to $1,000,000
Trip Cancellation
$1,000
Trip Interruption
$1,000Flight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000
Car Rental Accident
$100,000 for cardholder, up to $10,000 per Spouse or Dependent ChildCar Rental Damage & Theft
Yes.svg)
Car Rental Personal Effects
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearLost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Mastercard Zero Liability Protection
Yes
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only - pay $32 USD per visit
World Mastercard Benefits
Including discounting with participating partners and DragonPass airport lounge access.
Eligibility
Credit Score
FairAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Our choice for: Best Travel
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
5/5
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Well-rounded rewards
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Flexible redemptions
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- No lounge access
- Annual fee
Rewards
- Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services*
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$1M, Up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1,000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CAD.svg)
Gas Discount2
Get up to 12¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stationsAmerican Express® Experiences
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Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
Our choice for: Best Premium
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee
$799
Interest Rates
21.99% - 30%* / N/A*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.
Awards & Recognition
Best Lounge Access Credit Card
2026
Pros
- Most premium perks
- Dining and travel credits
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Multiple redemption options
- Comprehensive coverage
- Luxurious metal card
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- High annual fee
- Limited acceptance
- Benefit limitations
Rewards
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
- 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
$2,500Flight Delay
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
YesPurchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge
Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply.svg)
Travel Credit
$200
Dining Credit
$200 at Select Restaurants
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 statement credit every 4 years
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts.svg)
Status lift
Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily parkConcierge Services
Trip and legal Assistance
American Express® Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
Our choice for: Best Customizable Cashback
on Tangerine's website
Welcome Bonus
Get $120 with a Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* and a limited time promo rate on balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.95%* / 22.95%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
While we think Tangerine World Mastercard isn't the best single credit card to own, it's still a valuable card to have in your arsenal for maximizing your rewards. It offers one of the highest cashback rates for pharmacy and recurring bill payments, areas where your other credit cards might not provide significant rewards. For no annual fees
Pros
- Customizable cashback
- No annual fee
- Unique cashback categories available
- High recurring transactions optimization
- High pharmacy purchase optimization
- Airport lounge membership
Cons
- Income requirements
- Low base earn rate
Rewards
- 2% Money-Back Rewards on your choice of two categories from the 13 offered by Tangerine (Grocery, Restaurants, Gas, Entertainment, Furniture, Hotel-Motel, Drug Store, Reccurring Bill Payments, Home Improvement, Public Transportation and Parking and more). Change them up every 90 days to match spending habits.
- Have your Money-Back Rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account and get a third 2% Money-Back Category.
- 0.5% cashback on all other eligible purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
31 days
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
Wireless Credit
FlexiRoam 1GB Global Data Roaming Plan and 15% off on purchase of Data Plans.
Mastercard On-Demand and Subscription Services
Access 50+ live-stream sports channels and save $30 on your first three months of Fubo (excludes Quebec)
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$50,000 personal or $80,000 household
Our choice for: Best No-Fee Cashback
on Simplii Financial™'s website
Welcome Bonus
Double your cash back on Resturants, Bars and Coffee Shops in your first 3 months.†
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99%* / 22.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.3/5
If you dine out a lot and don't want to pay an annual fee for your credit card, the Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card will undoubtedly be one of your best friends with its 4% cashback. Additionally, the card offers a decent cashback rate (1.5%) for gas, pharmacy, and groceries, making it one of the best no-annual-fee cashback credit cards in Canada. However, there are limits on how much you can earn in these categories. Therefore, you need to be careful not to exceed those limits; otherwise, your cashback rate will drop to 0.5% after those spending limits are reached.
Awards & Recognition
Best Dining Cash Back Credit Card
2026
Pros
- High restaurant optimization
- Decent cashback rates
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
Cons
- Basic insurance
- No benefits
- Capped rewards
Rewards
- 4% cash back on eligible restaurant, bar, and coffee shop purchases up to $5,000 spent per year†
- 1.5% cash back on gas, groceries, drugstore, and pre-authorized payments up to $15,000 spent per year†
- 0.5% cashback on all other purchases†
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$15,000 household
Our choice for: Best Mid-Tier Cashback
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$100
Interest Rates
20.90% / 21.90%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
2.9/5
The Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard stands out for its high earn rates across essential spending categories, including 4% cash back on groceries and 3% on restaurants, entertainment, and transit. Additionally, it offers a slightly lower annual fee compared to other World Elite Mastercards, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their rewards without breaking the bank. With added perks like membership to over 1,300 airport lounges and various insurance coverages, this card provides excellent value, especially for frequent travelers and everyday spenders.
Pros
- High earn rates
- Lower annual fee
- Attractive perks
- Comprehensive insurance
Cons
- Limited physical branch access
- No welcome offer
Rewards
- 4% cash back on grocery purchases (up to $400 cash back annually)
- 3% cash back on restaurant purchases (up to $180 cash back annually)
- 3% cash back on entertainment and alternative transportation purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$500 for trips up to 3 daysTrip Interruption
$1,000 for trips up to 3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$5M for trips up to 3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$5M for trips up to 3 daysBaggage Delay
$500 for trips up to 3 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$500 for trips up to 3 daysCar Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only
Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot
over 1 million Boingo Wifi hotspots worldwide
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate off Hertz car rentalCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Thrifty or Dollar rental
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Our choice for: Best Costco
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.75% / 22.49%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
2/5
The CIBC Costco Mastercard offers one of the highest cashback rates on restaurant purchases in Canada, making it an excellent choice for optimizing rewards in this specific category, especially since it has no annual fees. If you use Costco Gas or shop on Costco Online, there is a decent cashback rate as well. However, for other categories, the cashback rate is average. Notably, you will be better off using other credit cards for warehouse Costco purchases, as you will only earn 1% cashback. If you are looking for no annual fee credit cards only, this is a good card to go for.
Pros
- Decent overall reward rates
- High dining optimization
- Mobile device insurance
Cons
- Limited benefits
- No Costco warehouse optimization
Rewards
- 3% cash back on Restaurants
- 3% cash back on Costco Gas stations and 2% cash back on non-Costco Gas up to a combined maximum of $5,000 in spending (max $150 cashback per year)
- 2% cash back on Costco.ca purchases up to $8,000 in spending (max $160 cashback per year)
- 1% on everything else
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
Up to 90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$15,000 personal
From our Editors: The Full List of the Best Dining Credit Cards in Canada
Best Overall: American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card, known as one of the best credit cards in Canada, earns cardholders impressive American Express Membership Rewards points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. The card also optimizes streaming, gas, and transit expenses. This rewards program is accompanied by comprehensive insurance coverage, American Express Experiences, and a hotel-oriented travel credit. Learn more in our American Express Cobalt Card Review.
Best Unique Dining Credit Card: Neo World Elite Mastercard – Shop & Dine
Not only does the Neo World Elite Mastercard – Shop & Dine collect some of the highest cash back on dining purchases, it also uniquely optimizes shopping as its own category, a rarity among Canadian credit cards. Cardholders can boosts both of these earn categories by purchasing from Neo Partners. This lucrative rewards program is supported by comprehensive insurance and a Dragon Pass membership. Discover more in our Neo World Elite Mastercard – Shop & Dine Review.
Best Travel: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Are you a foodie who also likes to travel? Then consider the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, one of the best travel credit cards in Canada and one of best no foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada. This card collects tons of Scene+ points on dining, food delivery purchases, groceries, entertainment, gas, transit, streaming, and travel booked through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. You can even pocket excellent Scene+ points at partner grocers like Sobeys. The coverage on this card is also impressive, with protections like trip interruption, trip cancellation, hotel burglary, and travel medical insurance. For benefits, expect no foreign transaction fees, Amex Experiences, concierge services, and a discount on a Priority Pass membership. For more details, visit our Scotiabank Gold American Express Card Review page.
Best Premium: American Express Platinum Card
Luxury travellers and diners might prefer the American Express Platinum Card, one of the best perks credit cards in Canada. Not only does this contender earn you points per dollar spent on eligible dining, food delivery, and travel purchases, it also provides a generous annual dining credit at participating restaurants. This credit is accompanied by an annual travel credit, unlimited American Express Global Lounge access, complimentary hotel benefits, priority travel perks, and so much more. Just mind the high annual fee! Discover more in our American Express Platinum Card Review.
Best Customizable Cashback: Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard
Have you ever wanted to customize your credit card categories? If so, consider the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, one of the best cashback credit cards in Canada. This no-fee credit card allows you to pick two categories of the 13 offered by Tangerine, one of which being restaurants. You can even select a third cashback category when you deposit your rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account. Coverage includes valuable protections like mobile device insurance and car rental damage and theft insurance. For perks, expect a Dragon Pass membership, a FlexiRoam Global Data Roaming Plan, and Mastercard On-Demand and subscription services. See more in our Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard Review.
Best No-Fee Cashback: Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card
Another affordable cashback contender is the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card. This card earns you solid cashback on eligible restaurant, bar, and coffee shop purchases. Not to mention, cashback on gas, groceries, drugstore, and pre-authorized payments. The insurance is basic and there aren't any added benefits, so the real pull is the lucrative no-fee rewards program. Find out more in our Simplii Financial Cashback Visa Card Review.
Best Mid-Tier Cashback: Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard
If you don't mind spending a little bit of money for cashback on restaurant purchases, apply for the Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard. This card also optimizes groceries, entertainment, and alternative transportation purchases. Alongside strong insurance, cardholders receive a Dragon Pass membership, access to the Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot, and car rental discounts. Get the full scoop in our Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard Review.
Best Costco: CIBC Costco Mastercard
It may come as a surprise, but the CIBC Costco Mastercard, one of the best store credit cards in Canada, is actually a great card for restaurant purchases (also for no annual fee)! With this card, you'll earn impressive cashback rates on restaurant, Costco gas, non-Costco gas, and Costco.ca purchases. Of course, you will need to be a Costco member to apply. For more information, read our CIBC Costco Mastercard Review.
Dining Credit Card Earn Rates Compared
Here's another quick look at how the dining credit cards above compare.
American Express
4.9
Best travel points earning credit card in Canada
Neo Financial
4.6
Customers who spend heavily on dining, takeout, and retail shopping
Scotiabank
5.0
Great rewards, travel benefits and no FX fees
Limited offer
American Express
4.6
Travel Perks, Luxurious Travel, and Unlimited Lounge Access
Simplii Financial™
4.3
Annual Fee
$191.88
$149
$0 first year$120
$799
$0
$0
$100
$0
Interest Rates
Purchase
21.99%*
Cash advance
21.99%*
Rate details
Purchase
19.99% - 26.99%
Quebec: 19.99% - 23.99%
Cash advance
22.99% - 28.99%
Balance transfer
22.99% - 31.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Balance transfer
22.99%
Purchase
21.99% - 30%*
Cash advance
N/A*
Rate details
Purchase
20.95%*
Cash advance
22.95%*
Balance transfer
22.95%*
Rate details
Purchase
20.99%*
Cash advance
22.99%*
Balance transfer
22.99%*
Rate details
Purchase
20.90%
Cash advance
21.90%
Balance transfer
21.90%
Purchase
20.75%
Cash advance
22.49%
Balance transfer
22.49%
Welcome Bonus
Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points
Get your first year annual fee waived ($149 value) exclusively through us.*
Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points
Get $120 with a Tangerine® Money-Back World Mastercard®* and a limited time promo rate on balance transfers
Double your cash back on Resturants, Bars and Coffee Shops in your first 3 months.†
None
None
Rewards
$1,147.38
First year rewards
$508
First year rewards
$1,128.68
First year rewards
1x - 2x
Points
$477.86
First year rewards
$482.18
First year rewards
$409.31
First year rewards
$349.91
First year rewards
Apply with Confidence: won't impact your credit score
Apply with Confidence: won't impact your credit score
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus Details
Earn Rates
Insurance Coverage
Extra Benefits
Requirements
Pros and Cons of Dining Credit Cards
To help you decide whether a dining credit card is a good decision for you, we put together this brief list of pros and cons:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
How to Choose a Dining Credit Card
To select the right dining credit card for you, review your current spending habits and financial status.
If you have a high income and don't mind spending a premium for restaurant rewards and yearly dining credits, consider cards like the American Express Platinum Card, especially if you travel often.
Alternatively, if you're looking to avoid annual fees and collect flexible cashback on dining expenses, apply for cards like the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard or the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card.
If your restaurant spending goes hand in hand with entertainment, a few cards on our list reward both. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card earns Scene+ points per $1 on dining and on eligible entertainment, and so does the Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard. With the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, you can choose both restaurants and entertainment as your specialized cash back categories.
If you want to earn rewards on both dining and groceries, the American Express Cobalt Card and the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card are solid picks for points. Whereas the Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard and the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card are smart choices for cash back.
How to Maximize Dining Rewards
To maximize your dining rewards, first make sure that the card you're eyeing optimizes the right eateries. Some cards will have a list of eligible restaurants. To find them, simply check your card's terms and conditions.
You'll also want to consider what kind of dining you'd like to optimize. Do you tend to dine out or order in? Certain cards will optimize food delivery purchases, ideal for couch foodies.
While it may seem obvious, make sure you use your eligible card when purchasing from participating restaurants, delivery services, cafes, and bars. If you don't use the right card, you won't pocket the points or cashback.
When possible, redeem your rewards towards restaurant purchases, whether that be through cashback or designated dining redemption categories assigned to your card's rewards program.
How to Apply for a Dining Credit Card
To apply for a dining credit card, simply tap the "Apply Now" button featured below any contender above. From there, you'll be redirected to the issuer's official website to begin the application process. Credit card applications typically ask for personal information (such as your birthdate, email, and address) and financial information (like your income, when applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions
As you’ll see from the Amex cards featured in our list, American Express has some great card options for restaurant purchases, including generous restaurant reward rates, dining-related Amex experiences, and in some cases, dining credits.
On some of the cards we’ve mentioned above, you’ll see fast food listed as a category for dining rewards. To know exactly which cards offer rewards on fast food restaurants and which fast food restaurants are eligible, you’ll always want to check each individual card’s terms and conditions found on the provider’s official website.
You can absolutely pay your restaurant bill using a credit card. However, make sure your card is accepted at the establishment beforehand. For example, sometimes American Express cards aren’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
Typically, DoorDash and Uber Eats purchases fall under the restaurant or dining category on most credit cards. Look for food delivery services listed as a subcategory on select cards. In any case, you should always check your credit card's terms and conditions to see what's explicitly included under this category.
It depends on the card. Some cards on our list name fast food or coffee shops in their dining category: the Neo World Elite Mastercard – Shop & Dine counts fast food, restaurants, bars, and caterers as food & drink, the American Express Platinum Card lists restaurants, fast food, coffee shops, and food delivery, and the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card lists restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Whether a specific chain qualifies is up to the card provider, so check the terms and conditions on the provider’s official website.
Of the cash back cards on our list, the Neo World Elite Mastercard – Shop & Dine has the highest restaurant rate, followed by the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card.
On our list, the American Express Platinum Card has the most notable dining-focused benefit: a $200 dining credit at select restaurants. The American Express Cobalt Card, Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, and Platinum Card also include American Express Experiences which could entail curated dining experiences, and the Scotiabank Gold and Platinum cards add concierge services for securing reservations. Premium cards often come with higher annual fees, so compare the benefits against the cost.
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Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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