4 Credit Cards for Foodies

[UPDATE: Some offers mentioned below have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]

There are few pleasures in life that can be savored like a fine meal. And those who love food can spend a significant portion of their income discovering new restaurants or cooking something special at home. Therefore, it only makes sense that foodies use a credit card that offers the most rewards and benefits when they dine out and when they equip their kitchens at home.

There are two different features that foodies should look for in their credit cards. First, many premium reward credit cards include benefit programs that feature discounts at restaurants and on food-related activities, such as tours. These programs are run by payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard. In addition, there are several credit cards that offer bonus rewards for dining out, such as double points or miles. This is essential for those who regularly make charges at restaurants, especially business travelers who dine out while away from home.

The Visa Signature program offers exclusive perks for food and wine lovers — like free drinks or discounts at fine restaurants around the country, or special savings when cardholders order gourmet food delivered to their house. For example, cardholders receive a free serving of premium hot sake at Sushi Roku in Las Vegas or a complimentary glass of Prosecco at Delphine Eatery in Hollywood California.

World and World Elite MasterCard customers have access to its Priceless Cities program, which features discounts at featured destinations around the world. For instance, in Chicago cardholders can receive a 15% discount off a Chicago Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour, or 50% off a gift card to David Burke’s Primehouse.

Here are credit cards that foodies will love for their rewards offerings.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Both of these cards offer double Ultimate Rewards points for all charges at restaurants, plus triple points for charges made on the first Friday of every month. In addition, Sapphire Preferred cardholders receive a 7% annual bonus on the points earned throughout the year. Holders of the standard Sapphire card can redeem their points for travel reservations, gift cards, or cash back, while Sapphire Preferred customers can also transfer their points to several different airline and hotel programs plus Amtrak Guest Rewards. Since both Sapphire and Sapphire Preferred are Visa Signature cards, customers also have access to all of the food and wine discounts offered by this program. There is no annual fee for the standard Sapphire card and a $95 fee for the Sapphire Preferred card that is waived the first year.

Citi ThankYou Preferred

Citi’s ThankYou Preferred card offers double points for all dining and entertainment expenses. Once earned, Citi’s ThankYou points can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards or travel reservations. One point is earned for each dollar spent on all other purchases. This card is part of the World MasterCard program, so cardholders can use all of the discounts on food purchases included in the Priceless Cities program. There is no annual fee for this card.

The Williams-Sonoma Visa Signature Card from Barclays Bank

This is the card for foodies seeking benefits when they spend money to outfit their own kitchen at Williams-Sonoma stores. Cardholders receive three rewards points for every dollar spent at Williams-Sonoma stores and online, and one reward point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Customers can then redeem 2,500 points for a $25 gift card or for statement credits towards recent Williams-Sonoma purchases. Other cardholder benefits include free online shipping, a wedding registry bonus, and a 10% off coupon with every $2,500 spent on all purchases. Finally, this is a Visa Signature card so customers can use the food and wine discounts featured by this program. There is no annual fee for this card.

The United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card from Chase

Frequent business travelers will find that dining expenses add up to a substantial percentage of their travel expenses. Therefore, Chase offers double miles on dining to holders of its United MileagePlus Explorer Business card. In addition, cardholders also receive two miles per dollar spent at gas stations, office supply stores and on purchases from United. Because this is a Visa Signature card, customers can also use the food and wine discounts offered by this program. There is a $95 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year.

As always, it’s important to apply for credit responsibly, and it’s ideal to only charge an amount to your credit card that you can pay in full each month. Before you apply for a credit card, it can be helpful for you to know where your credit stands so you apply for a card that you’re more likely to qualify for. Credit.com’s Credit Report Card is a free tool that can help you monitor your credit scores and get an overview of your credit reports so you can be better informed when you shop for a credit card.

Note: It’s important to remember that prices for various products can change. As a result, the prices for products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current prices directly

At publishing time, the Chase Sapphire, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Citi ThankYou Preferred and The Williams-Sonoma Visa Signature Card from Barclays Bank are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.

More on Credit Cards:

Image: Don Bayley

Meet Our Contributors

Kaitlyn Mahoney

Nikkita Walker

Orlando Rodriguez