Flipping the Cost of Dining Out on its Head
It may appear that dining out is the opposite of frugality, as the cost of eating at a restaurant once can be equal to your weekly grocery bill. However, using rewards points and strategizing with credit cards can change this dynamic and allow you to enjoy meals out at a similar cost to home-cooked meals.
Top Credit Cards for Dining Out
Here are some credit cards that can help you maximize rewards and save money while dining out:
- The American Express® Gold Card offers 4x Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants, as well as 4x points for U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $25,000 annually) and 3x points on flights. The annual fee is $250. Terms apply.
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets cardholders earn 3% cash back in a category of their choice, with dining being one option. There is no annual fee.
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers 1.5 points per $1 spent on every purchase, which can be redeemed for statement credit towards travel or dining purchases. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Taking Advantage of Rewards for Dining Out
Preparing meals at home can save a significant amount of money, but everyone deserves a break from cooking and cleaning. By using available discounts, coupons, and the best credit cards for dining out, you can enjoy guilt-free meals while maximizing your rewards and keeping your budget in check.
