Top Credit Cards for Dining in India: Best Picks 2024

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Best Credit Cards for Dining in India: A Guide to Maximizing Your Dining Rewards

Dining out is not just a necessity, but also a pleasurable experience for many people. Whether it’s a casual meal with family or a fine-dining experience with friends, eating out has become a regular part of life. For those who love dining at restaurants, credit cards that offer exclusive dining rewards can help save money, earn rewards, and enjoy special perks. In India, numerous banks and financial institutions offer credit cards with fantastic dining benefits. In this blog, we will take you through the best credit cards for dining in India, highlighting their benefits and features.

Why Use Credit Cards for Dining?

Before diving into the specifics of the best dining credit cards, it’s important to understand why you should use a credit card when dining out. Here are a few reasons:

Cashbacks and Discounts: Many credit cards offer discounts or cashback on dining purchases, helping you save money on every meal.
Exclusive Dining Deals: Certain credit cards offer access to exclusive restaurants and events, making your dining experience even more special.
Reward Points: Every time you use your credit card for dining, you can earn reward points that can be redeemed for a variety of benefits, including travel, shopping, and even more dining.
Convenience: Paying for your meal with a credit card is more convenient than carrying cash. Plus, it can help you track your dining expenses easily.

Top Dining Credit Cards in India

Now, let’s look at the best credit cards for dining in India in 2024.

1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card is often considered one of the best credit cards for dining due to its high rewards rate and excellent dining benefits.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Get up to 50% off at over 3,000 partner restaurants across India.
Reward Points: Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent on dining, international spends, and other categories.
Exclusive Offers: Access to premium lounges at airports and concierge services.
Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (waived off on spending ₹5 lakh per year).

With its exclusive dining discounts and premium rewards, this card is perfect for frequent diners and people who want to enjoy luxury benefits while eating out.

2. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is another top-tier card that offers great dining rewards, along with its renowned travel benefits.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Get 10% off at participating restaurants under the ‘Dining Delights’ program.
Reward Points: Earn 1 Membership Reward point for every ₹50 spent on dining and other purchases.
Exclusive Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges globally.
Annual Fee: ₹5,900 (waived off on spending ₹1.5 lakh per year).

This card is ideal for those who want to combine dining rewards with travel benefits, offering top-notch dining discounts and other perks for frequent flyers.

3. SBI Card Elite

The SBI Card Elite is a premium card that offers fantastic dining benefits along with luxury lifestyle privileges.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Get 15% off on dining at over 2,500 restaurants across India.
Reward Points: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on dining and other purchases.
Milestone Benefits: Complimentary access to airport lounges and a range of lifestyle benefits.
Annual Fee: ₹4,999 (waived off on spending ₹10 lakh per year).

The SBI Card Elite is perfect for those looking for a combination of lifestyle privileges and dining discounts, making it an excellent option for dining enthusiasts.

4. Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card

The Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card is a great option for people who want to earn air miles while dining out.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Enjoy up to 15% off at select restaurants through Axis Bank’s dining partner program.
Reward Points: Earn 1 reward point for every ₹200 spent on dining and other categories.
Miles: Earn air miles that can be redeemed for flight tickets and upgrades.
Annual Fee: ₹3,500.

If you love dining out and also want to earn miles for your travel, this card offers a great mix of dining rewards and travel benefits.

5. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card

For those who love both dining out and traveling, the Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is an excellent choice.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Get up to 20% off at select restaurants across India.
Reward Points: Earn 10 Miles for every ₹100 spent on dining and travel.
Travel Benefits: Redeem Miles for flights and hotel bookings.
Annual Fee: ₹3,000.

The Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is a great choice for diners who also want to earn travel rewards on their restaurant spends.

6. Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum Credit Card

The Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum Credit Card offers great dining discounts, along with other lifestyle perks.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount on dining at over 2,500 partner restaurants across India.
Reward Points: Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent on dining, groceries, and supermarket purchases.
Cashback: Get cashback on dining and grocery spends.
Annual Fee: ₹999 (waived off on spending ₹1 lakh per year).

This card offers great value for money, especially for people who frequently dine out and do grocery shopping, making it a versatile choice.

7. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card

The ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card is another solid option for those seeking dining benefits along with easy accessibility.

Key Features:

Dining Benefits: Get 15% off at over 1,000 restaurants in India.
Reward Points: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on dining and other categories.
Milestone Benefits: Enjoy a free movie ticket every month.
Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived off on spending ₹50,000 per year).

With its low annual fee and great dining offers, the ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card is ideal for budget-conscious diners who still want to enjoy discounts and rewards.

How to Choose the Best Dining Credit Card?

Selecting the best dining credit card depends on several factors:

Dining Frequency: If you dine out often, cards with higher discounts or reward points for dining transactions, such as the HDFC Diners Club Black or the SBI Card Elite, are ideal.
Annual Fee: While premium cards offer fantastic benefits, they come with higher annual fees. Consider your spending habits to determine whether the card’s benefits justify the fee.
Additional Benefits: Look at the extra perks, such as airport lounge access, travel benefits, and milestone rewards, which can add more value to your card.
Dining Partners: Make sure the card you choose has tie-ups with restaurants you frequent. Some cards offer discounts only with specific chains or partners.

Conclusion

Dining out can be a more rewarding experience when paired with the right credit card. Whether you’re looking for hefty discounts, generous rewards, or exclusive access to fine-dining experiences, India offers a wide range of credit cards that cater to your culinary needs. From premium cards like the HDFC Bank Diners Club Black to budget-friendly options like the ICICI Coral Credit Card, there’s something for everyone. Choose a card based on your spending habits, dining frequency, and additional perks to make the most of your dining experiences.

Remember to always check for the latest offers, as dining benefits and partnerships can change over time, ensuring that you get the best value for your meals. Happy dining