Americans spend $3,500/year dining out — date nights, lunch runs, family meals, delivery. Restaurant bonuses (3-5%) save $100-175 annually. Broad dining category includes chains (Olive Garden, Chipotle), independents, fast casual, bars, delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats).

Amex Gold dominates foodies with 4x at restaurants + $120 dining/Uber credits offsetting fee. Citi Custom Cash hits 5% if dining tops monthly spend. Ongoing 3% from Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom Flex. Delivery often codes perfectly; bars qualify as restaurants.

Factors: worldwide coverage, delivery coding, statement credits, concierge reservations. The Points Guy (April 2026). Frequent diners ($300+/mo) love premium cards; casual use no-fee options. Back to creditstud.io or full rewards tool.

Maximize: Dining bonus primary + flat backup. Link offers, use Amex Offers. Pay full — restaurant tips amplify interest costs.