Are you a foodie wondering how to maximize rewards and benefits on your credit card while dining out or ordering in? Or have you heard about exclusive bonuses for dining out on your credit card and are curious to know what counts as dining? Look no further! This Flik Eco guide will help you understand what is considered dining for credit cards, so you can earn those rewards, save money, and truly enjoy your favorite meals without any confusion.
What Is Considered Dining For Credit Cards Table of Contents
Understanding the Dining Category on Credit Cards
Credit card issuers often reward their cardholders by offering them cashback, points, or miles on specific purchase categories. One such popular category is dining. But what exactly qualifies as 'dining'?
This can sometimes be a bit tricky, as credit card companies define dining in different ways. However, to give you a clearer picture, let's look at what generally falls under this category:
Restaurants
- Fast food chains
- Fast casual dining establishments
- Fine dining restaurants
- Sit-down restaurants
- Local eateries
Food Delivery Services
- Apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Postmates
- Takeout and delivery orders placed directly through restaurants
Bars and Pubs
- Drinks, appetizers, and meals at bars and pubs usually count as dining
Cafes and Bakeries
- Small-scale cafes and bakeries where you can sit and enjoy a coffee and snack
Food Trucks
- Street food vendors and food trucks typically qualify as dining too
It's important to note that not all credit cards have the same definition of dining. To make sure what's included in your specific card, check the terms and conditions or contact your credit card issuer for clarification.
Merchant Category Codes (MCC) and Dining Rewards
So, how does your credit card company know if a purchase is considered 'dining'? The answer lies in Merchant Category Codes (MCC). MCC is a four-digit code assigned by payment networks like Visa and Mastercard to categorize merchants based on the products or services they provide. This is what determines whether your purchase will be classified as dining or not.
For your transaction to be considered dining and qualify for rewards, the merchant you are transacting with should have an MCC code associated with dining or food services. This means that buying groceries at a supermarket or food items at a convenience store usually won't count towards dining rewards, as they have a different MCC code.
What Is Considered Dining For Credit Cards Example:
Let's imagine you have a credit card that offers 4% cashback on dining purchases. Here's a real-life example of how it would work:
1. You decide to treat yourself to a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant. The total bill, including tax, comes to $100.
2. The restaurant's MCC code is classified as a dining establishment.
3. You use your credit card to pay for the bill.
4. Due to the 4% cashback on dining, you will earn $4 back on this purchase ($100 x 0.04 = $4).
By knowing what's considered dining for your credit card, you can make the most of your card benefits and save money.
Now that you know what is considered dining for credit cards, it's time to make the most of your card's rewards and benefits while enjoying your favorite foods and drinks. Don't forget to share this valuable knowledge with your friends and family so that they, too, can maximize their rewards on dining purchases. Be sure to explore more in-depth guides and articles on Flik Eco for more personal finance and investing tips that will help you navigate the world of credit cards, banking, mortgages, and more.
