Canada's 8 Best Dining Credit Cards of January 2026

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 Exclusive: MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

For comparable MBNA Rewards points on eligible restaurant purchases, you can also apply for the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, also one of the best grocery credit cards in Canada. In addition to dining and grocery purchases, this card also optimizes digital media, membership, and household utility purchases. Alongside strong coverage, cardholders can expect benefits like car rental discounts, concierge services, price protection, and an annual birthday bonus of extra points. Note, however, that this card comes with some high annual income requirements. Read more in our MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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. Keep in mind, however, that this contender comes with some high annual fees. 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.

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:

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.

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).