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How to save more on dining with a credit card

Eating out can be a special experience, but also expensive. This is where a dining credit card may be useful.

By unlocking the rewards and benefits of your credit card for restaurants, you can get discounts and other special offers and save money. This means that going out for dinner at a fancy restaurant and indulging in a gourmet meal doesn't have to leave a big dent in your budget. 

Find out more about how to save and make the most of your credit card rewards. 

What are dining credit cards? 

Why get a dining credit card?

How to choose the best credit card for restaurants

How to redeem dining benefits

What are dining credit cards?

A dining credit card is a type of credit card that offers special discounts, cashback and other experiences to reward foodies. You can also get rewards for dining out or ordering food online. 

Credit card providers often partner with restaurants, dining platforms and food delivery apps to offer exclusive benefits.

Why get a dining credit card?

If you're looking for the best credit card for dining, here are some factors to consider. It may also help to compare credit cards and weigh up which rewards and benefits suit you best.

Exclusive discounts

Cardholders often get discounts at partner restaurants and food outlets. These can include everything from fine dining establishments to fast food or delivery apps, so you should be covered, no matter what you're craving. 

For instance, the HSBC Live+ credit card offers at least 15% discounts at listed partner restaurants. You can also get discounts on top-rated restaurants if you use the HSBC Premier and TravelOne credit cards.

Special offers

Some cards offer complimentary meals, exclusive deals, access to food festivals or premium dining experiences, and other promotions. It's worth checking the joining offers and keeping updated about any new offers and seasonal or holiday promotions.

Cashback

You could earn cashback on your restaurant bills. This means that a percentage of your bill is credited back to your account, depending on the card's terms and conditions. The more you dine, the more cashback you can potentially earn, which brings down your overall outlay. 

Explore: RuPay Cashback Credit Card

Reward points

As with cashback, you can earn reward points for transactions at dining outlets. You may get accelerated reward points during a promotion. These points add up and can be redeemed for vouchers, hotel stays, or other rewards.

Dining platforms

Premium credit cards sometimes offer exclusive memberships to dining platforms. This gives you perks like priority reservations and discounts at fine dining restaurants.

How to choose the best credit card for restaurants

Here are some things to bear in mind when you're selecting a credit card.

Dining habits

How often do you dine out? What kinds of food do you prefer? How do you normally pay for meals? Think about these and which credit cards will be best matched to your dining style.

Rewards

Look for dining credit cards that offer the best rewards for your dining habits. Check the welcome and other offers. Based on your typical credit card and restaurant spend, you can calculate how much you can get back in rewards.

Partners

Find out which restaurants and food delivery platforms a credit card is partnered with. Are these near to you, and will you use them? It makes sense to pick a credit card for restaurants that you enjoy and will visit often.

Fees

Weigh up the annual fees of a dining credit card versus the potential rewards and benefits you'll receive. Premium credit cards charge a higher fee, but you can get better perks. Decide if the fees are justifiable.

How to redeem dining benefits

  • App: Log in to the HSBC India Mobile Banking app, select your card, 'View more', and redeem points
  • Present your card: When you're eating out, present and pay with your dining credit card
  • Check partner restaurants: Use the app to look for partner restaurants where you can make use of special offers or redeem points

Takeaway

If you enjoy dining out, it pays to do a bit of research and find the best credit card for restaurants to suit your needs. You can then enjoy your favourite meals at a discounted price while also earning cashback and rewards.

Apply for an HSBC Live+ Credit Card

Get discounts and cashback on dining and food delivery as well as other perks and privileges.

You might also be interested in

Learn all about credit card features and benefits, and how you can apply for different cards online.
Follow these tips on the best way to use a credit card and avoid falling into credit card debt.
Explore the benefits of changing your credit card and see what you can do to be eligible for an upgrade.

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