How to save more on dining with a credit card
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?
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
Learn more: How to redeem credit card reward 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.
Did you find this article useful?
You might also be interested in
Disclaimer
This publication has been issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), India, Incorporated in Hong Kong SAR with limited liability, for the information of its customers only. This publication does not constitute tax or investment advice or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe to any product / investment. The information herein is derived from sources believed to be reliable and the concerned Information Provider(s) have duly authorised HSBC to use such information provided by them.
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information, HSBC and the concerned Information Provider(s) do not guarantee, or make any representation or warranty and accept no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness and shall not be liable for damages arising out of any person's reliance upon this information or any action taken or not taken as a result of any material contained in the publication. All information is subject to the relevant Act, Rules, Regulations, Policy Statements, etc., of the Income Tax Department and subject to change. Expressions of opinion are those of HSBC and the Information Provider(s) only and are subject to change without notice. HSBC has not independently verified any information provided by the Information Provider(s) or that has been derived from the sources believed to be reliable by HSBC. Opinions expressed herein do not have regard to specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this publication. This document is for circulation in India only. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written permission of HSBC. Any liability is accordingly expressly disclaimed by HSBC, its officers, directors and employees.