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Best Capital One Credit Cards for Dining Out [2024 Review]

US citizens spend over $29 billion on eating out in a month. If you are one of them, the right credit card can help you turn your dining expenses into earnings. Take a look at our list of the best Capital One credit cards for dining out, so you can find your perfect match!

Our Top Capital One Credit Cards for Dining Out

The best Capital One credit cards for dining out offer lucrative cash back percentages on dine-in, takeout, and food delivery. Also, you can access premium restaurants and culinary events through the Capital One Dining portal. 

We have highlighted these cards’ rewards, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

  • Best altogether: Capital One Savor Rewards
  • Best for cash back: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
  • Best for students: Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards

Best Altogether: Capital One Savor Rewards

The Capital One Savor Rewards credit card is designed for consumers who love dining and entertainment. It offers high cashback rates on basic spending categories. 

Capital One Savor Rewards

Although you must pay a $95 annual fee, the cash back rewards can easily offset this cost if you dine out frequently.  It compares unfavorably to other Savor cards that don’t incur this charge. You also earn a $300 bonus if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.

You also get complimentary concierge service to assist you in case of travel and dining mishaps. Besides this, you can also get:

  • Extended warranty on eligible products
  • Travel accident insurance 
  • Emergency card replacement service
  • Access to the bank’s virtual assistant, Eno

Dining Out Rewards

You earn 4% cash back on dining, which includes restaurants, bars, and fast-food purchases. Additionally, you get a 10% return on Uber Eats purchases until November 14, 2024.

Other Rewards

Additionally, cardholders receive:

  • 4% cash back on entertainment and streaming services (like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, etc.).
  • 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.
  • 8% cash back on buying event tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
  • 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
  • 1% on every other purchase.

Pros

  • The Savor Rewards offers the highest cash back percentage on dining out.
  • You don’t incur foreign transaction fees like every Capital One card.
  • You can access exclusive dining and entertainment experiences through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment with this card.

Cons

  • Unlike other cards in this list, you must pay a high annual fee. You might find it expensive if you are not a frequent diner.
  • You don’t get a 0% introductory APR period here, which could make large payments difficult.

Best for Cash Back: Capital One SavorOne Rewards

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards is the only card in this list that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months. You can use this time to pay off big purchases or debts.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards

Dining Out Rewards

You earn 3% cash back on dining, which includes restaurants, bars, and fast-food purchases. Additionally, you get a 10% return on Uber Eats purchases until November 14, 2024.

Other Rewards

For other cash back rewards, you get:

  • 3% cash back on entertainment, streaming services (like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, etc.), and grocery stores (does not include Target and Walmart).
  • 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars.
  • 8% back on purchasing tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
  • 1% return on every other purchase.

You can also earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months. You can get this bonus easily if you spend more in the basic bonus categories.

Pros

  • You don’t pay an annual fee for this card, which makes it cheaper.
  • You get a 0% introductory APR period like several top-tier cards. You can use it to transfer your balance without incurring debt.
  • You get generous reward percentages with the SavorOne Rewards, just like the SavorOne Students card.

Cons

  • You get an average flat-rate reward percentage with this card. Some other cards offer more than just a 1% return on purchases.
  • You cannot get it if you just have an average or good credit score.
  • You can incur a maximum interest rate if you don’t fully clear your monthly dues.

Best for Students: Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards

The best thing about the Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards card is its generous cash back feature. While you can get this card even with a limited credit score, you can earn on basic categories students spend on. It compares positively to other student cards that offer flat-rate rewards only.

Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards

Dining Out Rewards

You earn 3% cash back on dining, which includes restaurants, bars, and fast-food purchases. Additionally, you get a 10% return on Uber Eats purchases until November 14, 2024.

Other Rewards

Other rewards this card offers are:

  • 3% cash back on entertainment, streaming services (like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, etc.), and grocery stores (does not include Target and Walmart).
  • 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars.
  • 8% back on purchasing tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
  • 1% return on every other purchase.

Besides a $0 annual fee, you are exempt from the foreign transaction fee like every Capital One card. However, you don’t get an introductory APR period like the SavorOne Cash Rewards here. That said, you get extra perks like extended warranty on select products. You can get travel insurance to cover potential in-flight losses, too.

Students can earn a $50 cash bonus after spending $100 in the first three months of card usage. We feel like it is an easily attainable goal due to its low spending limit.

Pros

  • You don’t incur an annual fee like every Capital One student card.
  • You get a high reward rate for dining and entertainment.
  • The reward percentages are similar to several mid-tier cards in the market.

Cons

  • You incur a maximum APR if you choose to carry a monthly balance.
  • You get a low flat-rate reward percentage compared to some other flat-rate cards.
  • You don’t get an introductory APR period. It can make huge payoffs difficult if you carry a statement balance.
Dining Out RewardsAnnual FeeAPR
Capital One Savor Rewards4% cashback on dining out$9519.99% – 29.99%
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards3% cashback on dining out$019.99% – 29.99%
Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards3% cashback on dining out$019.99% – 29.99%

Features to Consider for Capital One Credit Cards for Dining Out

When choosing a Capital One card for dining out, consider the reward percentage on dining expenditures. Also, check out the various card fees and additional benefits that may increase the card’s value.

A woman holding a credit card inserting it on a card reader

Reward Percentage

Capital One credit cards offer different reward rates on dining purchases. Some cards, like the SavorOne Students Rewards, offer cash back with dining out as a bonus category. Others might provide flat-rate rewards for spending at restaurants.

You must determine which card provides the highest return based on your dining habits. Additionally, consider whether the rewards are redeemable for travel, cash back, or other options that suit your preferences.

Card Fees

Annual fees can vary significantly between the bank’s cards. Some are no-fee cards like the SavorOne Cash Rewards, while others may charge an annual fee. Choose a card if the rewards and benefits justify the cost. In addition to the annual fee, assess potential foreign transaction fees if you travel abroad frequently. Capital One cards do not charge a foreign transaction free, making them ideal for international dining.

Additional Benefits

Look for extra perks that can add value to your dining experience. Some cards offer VIP access to events or concierge services like the Savor Rewards card. Other benefits might include monthly credits for dining or extended warranties on purchases. This can significantly increase the card’s appeal and justify higher fees.

A sleek black leather wallet with multiple card slots and a cash compartment

Related Questions

What Is Capital One Dining Exclusive?

Capital One Dining exclusive refers to a curated collection of dining experiences available only to Capital One cardholders. This program often includes priority reservations at top restaurants, exclusive chef-curated menus, and special events. The bank partners with renowned chefs and restaurants to provide unique culinary experiences, amplifying the value for consumers who enjoy dining out.

Can You Use Capital One Points for Restaurants?

Yes, Capital One points can be used for restaurants. You can redeem your accumulated rewards points to pay for dining expenses. This can be done through the Capital One Rewards Center, where you can apply points as statement credits against restaurant charges. Specific cards may also offer bonus points for dining purchases, maximizing the value when eating out.

Does Fast Food Count as Dining for Capital One?

Fast food does count as dining according to Capital One’s reward categories. Purchases made at fast food restaurants are usually included in the dining category. This allows you to earn reward points or cash back. Daily quick service meals contribute to accumulating dining-related benefits and rewards associated with designated Capital One cards.

Conclusion

We find the Savor Rewards card best for dining out because it offers the highest cash back percentage for this category. Alternatively, you can consider the SavorOne Cash Rewards if you want to avoid an annual fee. Furthermore, students who frequently dine out can consider the SavorOne Students Rewards card to fulfill their needs.