Are credit card dining perks worth it for frequent diners?

[SanyaSays]

When looking at credit card perks such as HDFC's 1+1 buffet option, HSBC's 10% cashback on groceries and dining, and ICICI’s deals with Zomato and Swiggy, how can someone who often eats out assess these different advantages to identify the best choice for their needs?

[Siddarth]

When picking the right card, think about how the rewards match up with what you usually spend money on. If you eat out a lot, choose cards that offer more cashback or discounts at your favorite restaurants. Don't forget to consider factors such as reward limits, where you can use the rewards, and how long they last. Additionally, make sure to compare any annual fees with the perks you receive to see if it truly fits your lifestyle and how often you eat out.

[Sarthak]

If dining out is a regular expense, should the decision focus more on actual monthly savings, usage caps, and partner availability in your city, rather than headline offers that may not be equally beneficial in real-life spending?

[SanyaSays]

@Siddarth I'm seeing so many "dining" credit cards, but are they actually worth it? With the spending caps, restaurant rules, and high annual fees, am I genuinely saving money or just paying for unused perks?

[Siddarth]

@SanyaSays It really depends on how often you dine at restaurants. Those dining cards are awesome if you hit the milestones, but otherwise, the fees can eat up your rewards pretty quickly.

You should check your average monthly spending first , if the perks outweigh the cost, go for it. If it’s a close call, a basic no-frills card might actually save you more in the long run.