We spend a lot of time discussing the best credit cards for various earning categories. We have entire articles dedicated to the best credit cards for gas, supermarkets, cruises and more. We also have a guide to the best credit cards for dining.
Those articles all have one thing in common: they focus on consumer (personal) credit cards.
What about business credit cards? Are there any cards for small-business owners that earn extra rewards at restaurants for client meetings or on takeout and delivery services when you’re catering lunch for the office?
Let’s look at the best business credit cards for dining purchases by comparing their rewards-earning capabilities.
The best business cards for dining
Before we look at any cards in-depth, here’s an overview of the cards we considered. The value of the rewards and rate of return are based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations.
Analyzing your card options
If you’re trying to maximize your dining purchases — and confining that spending to just one sole business credit card to keep things simple — American Express holds the top two slots.
The Amex Business Gold earns valuable Membership Rewards points. Cardmembers earn 4 points per dollar in their top two spending categories each billing cycle (on up to $150,000 in bonus category spending per year, then 1 point per dollar).
Dining and restaurants fall under an available category, meaning you could earn 600,000 points by maximizing this category each year if you have significant restaurant spending for things like client dinners or group events.
Even if you spend significantly less than that, 4 points per dollar is a significant return on spend.
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If you’re looking for a card with no annual fee, the Blue Business Plus earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases (for the first $50,000 in spending each year, then 1 point per dollar). Maximizing this earning rate would yield 100,000 points per year.
The simplicity of this card means you don’t need to keep track of spending categories; it’s just as great for your dining purchases as it is for shipping, advertising and other business expenses.
Outside of American Express, Capital One miles have solid value and versatility. The Spark Miles for Business card has a 3.7% rate of return, based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations, and provides access to quality transfer partners. It, too, offers simplicity, as you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases (including dining).
While the rate of return on cards that earn Hilton and Marriott points is interesting, consider whether you are willing to earn points that can only be redeemed in one program — rather than earning transferable points or cash back, since these allow you to decide how you’ll use your rewards.
These earning figures also don’t take into account the welcome offers available on these cards. Welcome bonuses are the best way to earn a large stash of points and miles quickly. Some credit cards even have welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more right now.
Factor these offers into the equation when deciding which business credit card you’d like to use for dining purchases.
Bottom line
The best business credit card for dining expenses for you will vary based on a few factors. Do you spend enough in this category to need unlimited earning potential?
Is there a card that earns your preferred points at a high rate, or will you need to branch out to another type of points earning? Are you willing to pay an annual fee to unlock higher earning rates from a card on this list, or do you only want a card without an annual fee?
Beyond these considerations, think about what else these cards offer. Do you need a card that offers travel protections, cellphone insurance, lounge access or elite status? Earning fewer points on each meal might be acceptable if the card offers numerous perks and benefits that you need.
Related: The best no-annual-fee business credit cards
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business card, click here.
