Which business credit card is best for dining expenses?
We often delve into discussions about the top credit cards for various earning categories, featuring comprehensive articles on the best credit cards for gas, supermarkets, cruises, and beyond. Additionally, we have a dedicated guide for the best credit cards for dining.
What all these articles share is their emphasis on consumer (personal) credit cards.
What about business credit cards? Are there any options available for small-business owners that provide additional rewards for restaurant expenses during client meetings or for takeout and delivery when catering lunch at the office?
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Let’s explore the top business credit cards for dining expenses by evaluating their rewards-earning potential.
Top business cards for dining
Before diving into detailed reviews of each card, here’s a summary of the options we considered. The value of the rewards and return rates are based on TPG's August 2024 valuations.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Earning rate on dining | Value of the rewards | Rate of return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Business Gold Card | $375 (see rates and fees) | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle (on up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar) | 2 cents apiece | 8% |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | $0 (see rates and fees) | 2 points per dollar (on the first $50,000 in purchases on the card each year, then 1 point) | 2 cents apiece | 4% |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95 (see rates and fees) | 2 miles per dollar | 1.85 cents apiece | 3.7% |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | $195 (see rates and fees) | 5 points per dollar on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year (then 3 points per dollar) | 0.6 cents apiece | 3% |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | $125 (see rates and fees) | 4 points per dollar | 0.85 cents apiece | 3.4% |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi (see rates and fees) | $0, but a Costco membership is required | 3% back | 1 cent apiece | 3% |
Evaluating your card choices
If you aim to maximize your dining expenses while using a single business credit card for simplicity, American Express occupies the top two positions.
The Amex Business Gold earns valuable Membership Rewards points. Cardholders receive 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories each billing cycle (on up to $150,000 in bonus category spending annually, then 1 point per dollar thereafter).
Dining and restaurant expenses qualify as one of the available categories, which means you could accumulate 600,000 points by fully utilizing this category each year if you have substantial restaurant spending for client dinners or group gatherings.
Even if your spending is considerably lower, earning 4 points per dollar offers a noteworthy return on your expenses.
MIXMEDIA/GETTY IMAGESIf you prefer a card with no annual fee, the Blue Business Plus earns 2 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on all purchases (for the first $50,000 spent each year, then 1 point per dollar). Maximizing this earning potential could result in 100,000 points annually.
The straightforward nature of this card eliminates the need to track spending categories; it's equally effective for dining expenses as it is for shipping, advertising, and other business costs.
Beyond American Express, Capital One miles offer strong value and flexibility. The Spark Miles for Business card boasts a 3.7% return rate, based on TPG's August 2024 valuations, and provides access to quality transfer partners. It also emphasizes simplicity, allowing you to earn 2 miles for every dollar spent across all purchases, including dining.
WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGESAlthough the return rates on cards that earn Hilton and Marriott points are appealing, consider if you're comfortable earning points that can only be redeemed within a single program — instead of earning transferable points or cash back, which give you more flexibility in using your rewards.
These earning statistics also do not factor in the welcome offers available with these cards. Welcome bonuses are the quickest way to accumulate a substantial number of points and miles. Some credit cards even feature welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more currently.
Consider these offers when determining which business credit card is best for your dining expenses.
Final Thoughts
The ideal business credit card for dining expenses will depend on several factors. Do you spend enough in this category to require unlimited earning potential?
Is there a card that provides your preferred points at an elevated rate, or will you have to explore different types of point earnings? Are you open to paying an annual fee for better earning rates, or do you prefer a no-annual-fee option?
In addition to these factors, consider what other benefits these cards provide. Do you require a card that offers travel protections, cellphone insurance, lounge access, or elite status? Earning fewer points per meal might be worthwhile if the card includes valuable perks and benefits that suit your needs.
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Evaluation :
5/5