Best credit cards for restaurants in Canada 2024
Updated: May 07, 2024
While most rewards credit cards in Canada have bonuses for common spending categories like groceries, gas, and transportation, relatively few allow you to earn back for your spending on restaurants. We’ve compiled a list of the best cards for restaurants and dining out.
Overall best credit card for restaurants in Canada
American Express Cobalt® Card
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points
5x
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
3x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
1x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
5x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
3x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
2x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1x
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/mo
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
5x
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
3x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
1x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
Earn 5 times he points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
5x
Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
3x
Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
2x
Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1x
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/mo
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Best for dining with no foreign exchange fees
Scotiabank Gold American Express®
Earn up to $650* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Expires
Jul 2, 2024
6x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
6x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
3x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $29 for each supplementary card
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
6x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
6x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agency stores.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
3x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $29 for each supplementary card
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Best for fine dining experiences
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite
Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*
Expires
May 31, 2024
5x
the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*
10%
Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
$50
annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*
the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*
5x
Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
10%
annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*
$50
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee One Hundred And Twenty - annual fee waived in the first year
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
-
Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
-
Good earn rate in top spending categories
-
First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
-
Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
-
Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
-
Includes comprehensive travel insurance
-
Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits
Cons
-
High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
-
Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage
5x
the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*
10%
Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
$50
annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*
the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*
5x
Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
10%
annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*
$50
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee One Hundred And Twenty - annual fee waived in the first year
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
Pros
-
Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
-
Good earn rate in top spending categories
-
First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
-
Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
-
Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
-
Includes comprehensive travel insurance
-
Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits
Cons
-
High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
-
Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage
Best for no annual fee
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
about new welcome offers by email
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95%
Purchase APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 1.95% interest for first 6 months, 19.95% after that.
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
19.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
2%
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
3
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
0.5%
19.95%
Purchase APR
1.95%
Balance Transfer Rate 1.95% interest for first 6 months, 19.95% after that.
19.95%
Cash Advance APR $3.50 within Canada, $5.00 outside Canada
$0
Annual Fee $0 for additional cardholders
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
19.95%
Balance Transfer Rate
1.95%
Cash Advance APR
19.95%
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$12,000
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Best prepaid card for restaurants
KOHO Extra
Fair
about new welcome offers by email
1.5%
cash back on groceries, transportation, food, and drink
0.25%
cash back on all other purchases
5%
interest on your entire balance
5%
cash back extra at partnered merchants
30%
off Credit Building
$7
for credit building, instead of $10 (save 30%)
cash back on groceries, transportation, food, and drink
1.5%
cash back on all other purchases
0.25%
interest on your entire balance
5%
cash back extra at partnered merchants
5%
off Credit Building
30%
for credit building, instead of $10 (save 30%)
$7
0.00%
Purchase APR
$84
Annual Fee or $9 per month
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
0.00%
Annual Fee
$84
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
1.5% cash back on on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, bars, coffee shops, and transportation
-
0.25% cash back on all other purchases
-
No foreign transaction fees
-
No everyday banking fees
-
Credit Building by KOHO optional paid add-on
-
Earn interest
Cons
-
$84 annual fee
-
Deposits capped at $40,000
1.5%
cash back on groceries, transportation, food, and drink
0.25%
cash back on all other purchases
5%
interest on your entire balance
5%
cash back extra at partnered merchants
30%
off Credit Building
$7
for credit building, instead of $10 (save 30%)
cash back on groceries, transportation, food, and drink
1.5%
cash back on all other purchases
0.25%
interest on your entire balance
5%
cash back extra at partnered merchants
5%
off Credit Building
30%
for credit building, instead of $10 (save 30%)
$7
0.00%
Purchase APR
$84
Annual Fee or $9 per month
0.00%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
0.00%
Annual Fee
$84
Foreign Transaction Fee
0.00%
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
Pros
-
1.5% cash back on on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, bars, coffee shops, and transportation
-
0.25% cash back on all other purchases
-
No foreign transaction fees
-
No everyday banking fees
-
Credit Building by KOHO optional paid add-on
-
Earn interest
Cons
-
$84 annual fee
-
Deposits capped at $40,000
Best for earning Aeroplan points
The Platinum Card
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points1*
2x
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
21.99%
Purchase APR The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance.
$799
Annual Fee Includes $200 annual travel credit and $200 annual dining credit
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Pros
-
Earn 5X Rewards Points for flights and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
2x
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
21.99%
Purchase APR The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance.
$799
Annual Fee Includes $200 annual travel credit and $200 annual dining credit
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Pros
-
Earn 5X Rewards Points for flights and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Comparing the best credit cards for dining out in Canada
Credit card | Welcome bonus | Earn rate | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
American Express Cobalt® Card | Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points in the first year (conditions apply) | 5 points for every $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery | $155.88 ($12.99 monthly fee) |
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Earn up to $650* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points¹. | 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent at restaurants, bars, and on eligible fast food, groceries, food delivery, and food subscriptions | $120 |
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* | 60,000 bonus points + first year annual fee waived | 5 points for every $1 spent on dining out, groceries, food delivery, meal subscriptions, and at bars | $120 |
Tangerine Money Back | N/A | 2% on restaurants (if selected as a special money-back category) | $0 |
KOHO Extra | N/A | 2% cash back on eating & drinking | $84 (or $9/month) |
The Platinum Card® | Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points (conditions apply) | Earn rate of two points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada | $799 |
Conclusion
Whether it's enjoying meals at restaurants, subscribing to meal services, or ordering in, dining out plays a crucial role in our lives. Whether you prefer a card with no fees, low interest rates, or high rewards, one of the selections mentioned will meet your requirements. You can also check out our best rewards credit cards if you're looking for more perks.
FAQs: Best Canadian credit cards for dining out
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Jordann Brown is a freelance personal finance writer whose areas of expertise include debt management, homeownership and budgeting. She is based in Halifax and has written for publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and CBC.
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