I have to admit that I spend a lot of money eating out, probably more than I should. I also love cooking at home, so my grocery spending is significant as well. Here are some of my favorite credit cards to rack up a ton of travel points while filling your tummy.

Discover the Dining Rewards Royalty: American Express® Gold Card

If you love eating out and splurging on gourmet groceries, the American Express® Gold Card might be your golden ticket. This card is designed for food enthusiasts who appreciate top-notch dining rewards and can make the most of its annual perks.

With a $250 annual fee the American Express® Gold Card offers some of the best rewards for food lovers. You earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per year), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. According to NerdWallet, points are generally worth about 1 cent each, making your rewards valuable. (see rates and fees)

Key perks include a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership, up to $120 in annual dining credits (given as $10 monthly credits on select dining purchases), and up to $120 in Uber Cash per year ($10 monthly) for Uber rides or Uber Eats.

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed in various ways, but to maximize their value, consider using them for travel or gift cards. Points can be worth even more when transferred to other loyalty programs, making this a strategic choice for frequent travelers.

The Amex Gold Card also includes two helpful features for managing your payments: Plan It® and Pay Over Time. Plan It® lets you set up a payment plan for eligible purchases and pay a monthly fee instead of interest, while Pay Over Time lets you finance eligible purchases over a term with interest, though there's a limit to the amount you can finance.

Traveling abroad? The American Express® Gold Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great companion for international adventures.

Verdict:

The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for high-spending foodies. With robust rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, along with valuable dining and Uber credits, it stands out as a top choice for those who love to indulge in culinary experiences. Before you apply, make sure to review the terms and conditions to ensure it aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. For more details on rates and fees, visit the American Express® Gold Card page.

Amex disclosure: Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for Foodies

One of my top picks is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. You earn three times the points for all your dining worldwide, whether it’s a fast-casual meal or a sit-down dinner for a special occasion. This is the card to earn those valuable Ultimate Rewards points.

New Welcome Bonus Offer

In addition to these incredible protections, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card now offers an updated welcome bonus that provides even more value for travelers:

• Get up to $750 in Chase Travel℠ Value - Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠ 

• Earn rewards quickly: Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, and 1x on all other purchases. Additionally, you get a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

• Enhanced redemption value: Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travel. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.

• Top-tier travel protections: Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance, and more.

• Exclusive perks: Get complimentary access to DashPass, unlocking $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.

The flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points is unmatched, allowing transfers to numerous travel partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt. For families wanting a large suite at a nice hotel, you can transfer points to Hyatt Hotels. If you’re looking for economy tickets for the whole family, transferring these valuable points to Southwest Airlines is a great option. This flexibility makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card an incredibly valuable tool for family travel, especially with its $95 annual fee.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: The Easy Choice

Capital One designed the Venture Rewards Credit Card for simplicity. It offers 2x miles on all purchases, eliminating the need to label your cards or wonder if you’re using the right points and miles card for each purchase.

When you get the Capital One Venture card and spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, you’ll earn 75,000 miles, equivalent to $750 for travel. Earning miles is straightforward with 2x miles on every purchase and 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars when using the Capital One Travel Portal.

The perks don’t stop there. You can transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs, providing more options and better deals for family trips. Plus, this card covers the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with a $120 credit, helping you get through airport security faster.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to make their family vacations more affordable and enjoyable. Start earning those miles and get ready for some amazing adventures!