Best business credit cards for dining in 2024
Benchmark your company's expenses with Ramp's data.
straight to your inbox
Looking for the best business credit cards for dining in 2024? You’re in the right place. Whether it’s client dinners, team lunches, or business travel meals, the right card can maximize rewards and streamline expenses.
Best business credit cards for dining
Ramp Business Credit Card
Ramp stands out for its robust features tailored for business dining expenses. It offers cashback on purchases, including dining, with no cap. This straightforward rewards structure means you don’t have to worry about hitting limits.
Additionally, Ramp integrates seamlessly with various accounting software, making expense tracking and reporting a breeze. The card also comes with no annual fee, which is a significant advantage over many competitors. Another key feature is its real-time expense management, allowing you to monitor and control spending as it happens.
This can be particularly useful for businesses looking to maintain tight control over their budgets. With its combination of high rewards, no fees, and advanced expense management tools, Ramp is a top choice for business dining in 2024.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers solid rewards for dining and travel. You earn 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards and 3X points on other dining purchases. The card also provides a $300 annual travel credit, which can offset some of the higher costs associated with business travel. Additionally, it includes a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, giving you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
However, the card comes with a hefty $550 annual fee, which might not be justifiable for all businesses. Some users have also reported issues with redeeming points for travel, which can be a drawback for those relying heavily on this feature.
American Express® Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is good for international dining. It offers 4X points at restaurants worldwide and 25% points back on flights booked with Amex Travel. The card also has no foreign transaction fees.
However, the annual fee of $375 can be a deterrent. Some users have also noted that the rewards program can be complex to navigate, which might require more effort to maximize benefits.
Capital One Spark Cash for Business
Capital One Spark Cash for Business offers a straightforward 2% cashback on all purchases, including dining. This flat-rate rewards structure is easy to understand and doesn’t require tracking different categories. The card comes with a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year.
One downside is that it lacks some of the premium travel benefits offered by other cards, making it less attractive for businesses with significant travel expenses. Additionally, some users have reported issues with customer service, which can be a concern for businesses needing quick resolutions to problems.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is geared towards businesses that frequently fly with American Airlines. It offers 2X miles on dining, gas stations, and telecommunications services. The card also provides a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights.
However, the $99 annual fee, waived for the first year, and the focus on American Airlines might limit its appeal to businesses that don’t frequently use this airline. Some users have also mentioned that the miles can be challenging to redeem, particularly during peak travel times.
At Ramp, transparency and integrity are core values guiding our content. We believe in the exceptional value of our products, which may shape our perspective. Our methodical approach involves competitor analysis, comparison of credit cards, and frequent reviews to maintain reliability. Review our full methodology for choosing the best business credit cards.
How to choose a business credit card for dining
When choosing a business credit card for dining, focus on several key factors to ensure you get the best value. You should:
Compare business credit cards for dining
Here’s what you need to look at:
Evaluate rewards rates on dining purchases
Look for cards that offer high cashback or points on dining expenses. Some cards provide flat-rate rewards, while others offer higher rates in specific categories. Determine which structure aligns with your spending habits. For a comprehensive understanding, check out this guide to different types of business credit card rewards.
Review annual fees and interest rates
Some cards come with no annual fees, while others charge a premium. Weigh the benefits against the cost to see if the rewards justify the fee. Also, consider the card's APR, especially if you plan to carry a balance.
Compare welcome bonuses and ongoing offers
Many cards offer substantial bonuses for new cardholders who meet a spending threshold within the first few months. These bonuses can provide a significant boost to your rewards. Additionally, check for ongoing promotions that can add extra value.
Assess additional benefits like dining credits and elite status
Some cards offer dining credits, which can offset costs at specific restaurants or food delivery services. Others provide elite status with hotel or airline programs, offering perks like free upgrades and priority boarding.
Determine alignment with business spending patterns
Analyze your business's spending to see which card offers the most relevant rewards. If dining is a major expense, prioritize cards with high dining rewards. If travel or other categories are significant, consider cards that offer balanced rewards across multiple categories.
Assess your business dining expenses
Start by reviewing your past statements. Look at your dining expenses over the last six months to a year. Identify patterns in your spending—are there particular months where dining expenses spike? Do you frequently entertain clients or have regular team lunches? This historical data will give you a clear picture of your typical dining expenses.
Next, project your future spending. Consider any upcoming events, client meetings, or business trips that might increase your dining expenses. Factor in any planned changes to your business operations that could affect how often you dine out. This projection helps you estimate your future needs and choose a card that maximizes your rewards based on your expected spending.
Apply for the best card for your business
First, ensure you meet the credit requirements. Most business credit cards require a good to excellent credit score. Check your credit score before applying to avoid any surprises. If your score needs improvement, take steps to boost it before you apply.
Gather the necessary business information. You will need your business's legal name, address, and tax identification number. Additionally, provide details about your business's structure, revenue, and years in operation. Some applications may also ask for information about your personal income and credit history.
Once you have all the required information, complete the application accurately. Double-check all entries to avoid delays in processing. Submit your application and wait for approval. If approved, start using your new card to maximize your dining rewards and streamline your business expenses. For additional tips, explore these ways to maximize corporate card rewards.
Maximize your business dining rewards with Ramp
At Ramp, we understand the importance of making every business expense count. Our business credit cards and financial automation tools are designed to help you maximize rewards and streamline your financial operations. With cashback on purchases, including dining, and no annual fees, Ramp offers unparalleled value for your business.
Ready to take control of your business dining expenses and earn more rewards? Explore Ramp’s comprehensive financial solutions today and see how we can help your business save time and money.
Visit Ramp to learn more and get started.