Credit Cards and Food Delivery: Understanding Reward Rules


Have you ever wondered whether your credit card's dining rewards apply to your DoorDash order? Or if you can earn extra points using Instacart for your groceries?

Here's what you need to know about using the right credit card to save some money on food delivery.

Numerous credit cards offer bonuses for dining out or buying groceries. Whether these benefits apply to food delivery services can get a little complicated. The specifics depend on your card and the service you're using.

For a start, the American Express® Gold Card currently has an attractive offer for new users, including bonus points and dining credits. But let's dive into the broader picture.
 

Credit Cards and Food-Delivery Rewards

 
  • Amazon's Prime Visa: You get 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, including their delivery orders. However, the 2% back at restaurants won't apply to orders through third-party apps.
  • American Express® Gold Card: Earn up to 4x points on restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases, which include most food delivery services like DoorDash and Instacart, as long as the charge is from a qualifying location.
  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: This card lets you choose your top earning category, including dining and online shopping, which could cover various food deliveries.
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: These cards offer significant cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases, including those made online or through delivery services.
  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Gives you 3% back on dining, which includes food delivery, grocery stores, streaming services, and entertainment.
 

Key Points to Remember

 
  • What rewards you earn for food delivery depends significantly on how the delivery service categorizes the transaction. It's worth noting that rewards might vary based on whether a purchase is considered dining, a grocery purchase, or something else.
  • Certain cards include bonuses for specific third-party services. Therefore, understanding your card's terms and categories is crucial to maximize rewards.
  • Finally, some perks might come from the Visa or Mastercard network rather than the card issuer itself, affecting which deliveries earn you extra points or cash back.

Dig Deeper: Which Stores Let You Use EBT for Online Grocery Orders?
 

Final Thoughts


When choosing a credit card to use for food delivery to maximize your rewards, it's essential to understand the specific rules related to reward categories. With the right card, you can enjoy delicious meals and groceries delivered to your door while earning valuable cash back or points toward future treats or needs.

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Previous Article: What to Buy and What to Skip in November 2024
Category: Financial Tips


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