Best credit card for restaurant owners for 2024

Managing a restaurant means juggling countless expenses, from inventory to utilities. Finding the right corporate card can make a significant difference in managing these costs effectively.
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Choosing the best card for your restaurant involves understanding the types of cards available and how they can benefit your business. Whether you're looking to earn cashback, accumulate travel rewards, or take advantage of 0% APR offers, there's a card out there that fits your needs.

Top corporate cards for restaurants in 2024

Here are some options worth considering:

Ramp

Ramp stands out as the top choice for restaurant owners in 2024. This card offers a seamless integration of expense management and financial tools, making it easier to track and control spending. With unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases, you can maximize your rewards without worrying about spending categories. The platform also provides real-time visibility into expenses, helping you manage your budget more effectively.
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Ramp's advanced features include automated receipt matching and expense categorization, reducing the time spent on manual bookkeeping. You can issue virtual and physical cards to employees, each with customizable spending limits and controls. This ensures that your team can make necessary purchases while staying within budget.
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Additionally, Ramp offers robust integrations with accounting software, streamlining your financial operations. The platform's user-friendly interface and comprehensive reporting tools make it easy to monitor spending patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities. For restaurant owners looking to simplify their financial management and maximize rewards, Ramp is an excellent choice.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The American Express® Business Gold Card offers substantial solid rewards for restaurant owners. You earn 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide for those who spend heavily on food and beverages. Additionally, you get 25% points back when you book flights using points.
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However, some users have noted that the card's annual fee can be a drawback, especially for smaller establishments. The card also requires a good to excellent credit score for approval, which may not be accessible for all restaurant owners. Despite these considerations, the rewards structure makes it a valuable option for those who can leverage its benefits.

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers 2% cash back at restaurants on the first $25,000 spent annually.The card also has no annual fee, which helps minimize costs for smaller restaurants.
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One downside is the cap on cashback earnings, which may limit its appeal for larger establishments with higher spending. Additionally, some users have reported issues with customer service and the complexity of redeeming rewards. Despite these drawbacks, the no annual fee feature and straightforward cashback rewards make it a solid choice for many restaurant owners.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Capital One Spark Cash Plus provides 2% cash back on every purchase, offering simplicity and consistency in rewards. The card also includes free employee cards, which can help streamline expense.
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However, the card comes with an annual fee, which might be a consideration for smaller businesses. Some users have also mentioned that the card's customer service could be more responsive. Despite these issues, the straightforward 2% cashback on all purchases makes it a reliable option for restaurant owners looking to maximize their rewards.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card offers 3% cash back on restaurant purchases. Additionally, you can earn a $500 welcome bonus after meeting the spending requirements.
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On the downside, the card has an annual fee after the first year, which may be a consideration for cost-conscious businesses. Some users have also reported that the rewards redemption process can be cumbersome. Despite these concerns, the high cashback rate on restaurant purchases and the welcome bonus make it a competitive option for restaurant owners.

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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.

Types of corporate cards for restaurant owners

Cashback rewards cards

Cashback rewards cards offer a straightforward way to earn money back on your business expenses. These cards typically come in two varieties: flat-rate cashback and bonus category cashback.
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• Flat-rate cashback cards provide a consistent percentage back on all purchases. For example, a card might offer 2% cashback on every purchase, regardless of the category. This simplicity makes it easy to understand and maximize rewards without worrying about spending in specific categories.
• Bonus category cashback cards, on the other hand, offer higher cashback percentages on specific types of spending. For restaurant owners, this might include higher cashback rates on dining, groceries, or business supplies. While these cards can offer more significant rewards, they require more attention to spending patterns to maximize benefits.
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When considering cashback rewards, it's essential to understand why choose a business credit card over a personal one. Business credit cards often come with higher cashback rates and better expense management tools, making them more suitable for restaurant operations.

Travel rewards cards

Travel rewards cards are ideal for restaurant owners who frequently travel for business or leisure. These cards allow you to earn points on your spending, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as airfare and hotels.
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• Earning points on dining spend is a common feature of travel rewards cards. Many of these cards offer bonus points for dining purchases, making them a great choice for restaurant owners who spend a lot on food and beverages. Accumulating points quickly can lead to significant travel savings.
• Redeeming points for airfare and hotels is another key benefit. Travel rewards cards often partner with airlines and hotel chains, allowing you to redeem points for flights and accommodations. This can be especially valuable if you travel frequently for business conferences, supplier meetings, or personal vacations.

0% intro APR cards

0% Intro APR cards are beneficial for restaurant owners who need to finance large purchases or manage existing debt. These cards offer an introductory period with no interest on purchases or balance transfers, providing a window to pay off expenses without accruing interest.
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• Financing large purchases becomes more manageable with a 0% Intro APR card. Whether you're buying new kitchen equipment, renovating your dining area, or investing in marketing, these cards allow you to spread out payments over time without the burden of interest.
• Balance transfer offers can help consolidate existing debt. If you have high-interest debt on other credit cards, transferring the balance to a 0% Intro APR card can save you money on interest and simplify your payments.

Cards with no annual fee

For smaller restaurants or those looking to minimize costs, cards with no annual fee are an attractive option. These cards provide essential benefits without the added expense of an annual fee, making them a cost-effective choice.
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• Minimizing costs for smaller restaurants is crucial. No annual fee cards ensure that you can access rewards and benefits without an additional financial burden. This can be particularly beneficial for new or smaller establishments working with tight budgets.

How to choose the right corporate card for your restaurant

Understanding your unique financial needs is the first step to finding the perfect card. Here's how to get started:

Assess your spending habits

Start by categorizing your monthly business expenses. Break down your spending into categories such as food and beverage supplies, utilities, payroll, marketing, and equipment. Understanding where your money goes each month helps you identify which credit card rewards will benefit you the most. For instance, if a significant portion of your expenses is on dining and supplies, a card that offers higher cashback or points in these categories would be advantageous.
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Next, calculate potential rewards based on your spending patterns. Look at how much you spend in each category and match that with the rewards offered by different cards. This helps you estimate the total rewards you could earn annually. For example, if you spend $10,000 a month on restaurant supplies and a card offers 3% cashback on these purchases, you could earn $300 in rewards each month.

Understanding the benefits of business credit cards can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

Consider card fees and interest rates

When evaluating credit cards, consider the fees and interest rates. Look for no annual fee options if you want to minimize costs, especially if you run a smaller restaurant. No annual fee cards can save you money while still providing valuable rewards and benefits.
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Pay attention to the regular APR if you carry balances. A lower APR can save you money on interest payments, making it easier to manage cash flow. If you plan to carry a balance, choose a card with a competitive APR to avoid high interest costs. Some cards also offer 0% introductory APR periods, which can be useful for financing large purchases or managing existing debt without accruing interest for a set period.
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For those structured as LLCs, understanding business credit cards for LLCs can provide additional insights into the best options available.

Compare rewards and benefits

When comparing rewards, consider whether you prefer cashback, points, or miles. Cashback cards offer straightforward rewards that can be used to offset expenses directly. Points and miles can provide more value if you travel frequently or if you can redeem them for high-value rewards like flights and hotel stays.
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Evaluate the perks offered by each card. Look for benefits like free employee cards, which can help you manage expenses across your team without additional costs. Expense tracking tools can also be valuable, helping you monitor spending and streamline bookkeeping. Some cards offer integrations with accounting software, making it easier to manage your finances.
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By carefully assessing your spending habits, considering fees and interest rates, and comparing rewards and benefits, you can choose the best corporate card for your restaurant. This ensures you maximize rewards and manage expenses effectively.

What makes a great corporate card for restaurants?

Every restaurant has unique needs, and the right card should address those directly.

Rewards on restaurant-related purchases

A top-tier corporate card for restaurant owners should offer significant rewards on restaurant-related purchases. Look for cards that provide high cashback percentages or points on dining, food supplies, and other relevant expenses. This feature ensures that your everyday spending directly contributes to your rewards, making it easier to reinvest in your business or enjoy personal benefits.

No foreign transaction fees for international dining

If you travel internationally or source ingredients from overseas, a card with no foreign transaction fees is invaluable. These fees can add up quickly, especially if your business involves frequent international transactions. A card that waives these fees allows you to save money and streamline your expenses, making international purchases more cost-effective.

Competitive APR for carrying balances

A competitive APR is crucial if you plan to carry a balance on your credit card. High-interest rates can quickly erode the benefits of any rewards you earn. Look for cards with low regular APRs to minimize interest expenses. Some cards also offer introductory 0% APR periods, which can be beneficial for financing large purchases or managing cash flow during slower business periods.

Expense management tools

Effective expense management tools are a must-have for any business credit card. These tools help you track spending, categorize expenses, and simplify bookkeeping. Features like automated receipt matching, real-time expense tracking, and integration with accounting software can save you time and reduce errors. Additionally, the ability to issue employee cards with customizable spending limits ensures that your team can make necessary purchases while staying within budget.
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A great corporate card for restaurant owners combines these features to provide maximum value and convenience. By focusing on rewards, minimizing fees, offering competitive interest rates, and providing robust expense management tools, the right card can significantly enhance your business's financial efficiency.

Take control of your restaurant's finances with Ramp

At Ramp, we understand the unique financial challenges restaurant owners face. Our corporate charge cards and comprehensive expense management tools are designed to simplify your financial operations, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your restaurant.
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With Ramp, you get unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases, real-time expense tracking, and automated receipt matching. Our platform integrates seamlessly with your existing accounting software, providing you with the tools you need to manage your finances efficiently.
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For those looking to enhance their financial operations, Ramp offers some of the best FinOps tools available, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Ramp's innovative sales-based underwriting method also provides tailored credit solutions, making it easier for restaurant owners to access the financial support they need.
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Ready to streamline your restaurant's finances and maximize your rewards? Get started with Ramp today!