4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets make the Summit Gold one of the most rewarding cards for food spending. Monthly dining credits take most of the sting out of the $250 fee.
The bottom line
If you spend $500 or more a month on food, the Summit Gold Rewards Card can earn more than any card we track. You need to use the monthly credits to justify the fee, so it suits people who eat out regularly.
Summit Gold Rewards Card
- Annual fee:$250
- Rewards rate:1x–4x points
- Intro offer:60,000 points
- Regular APR:See issuer terms
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Pros and cons
- 4x points on dining and groceries
- $240 in yearly dining credits
- Strong transfer partners
- $250 annual fee
- Credits require monthly use
- Limited acceptance abroad
Detailed review
Food is the biggest flexible expense for most households, and the Summit Gold rewards it better than anything else. You earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 a year), plus 3x on flights booked directly with airlines.
The catch is the $250 annual fee. Summit offsets it with $20 a month in dining credits at partner restaurants and delivery apps, but you have to remember to use them every month.
Summit Gold Rewards: the basics
- Card type: Rewards
- Annual fee: $250
- Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months
- Interest rate: Pay Over Time feature; see issuer terms
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Ongoing rewards
- 4 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide
- 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 a year
- 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines
- 1 point per $1 on everything else
How much is a point worth?
Summit points are worth about 1 cent each for travel booked through Summit, and 1.5 to 2 cents when transferred to airline partners. Statement credits are worth only 0.6 cents, so avoid them.
Ledgerly tip
Link the card to your favorite delivery app first. The $20 monthly credit applies automatically there, so you never forget to use it.
Benefits and perks
- $240 in dining credits a year, at $20 per month.
- $120 in rideshare credits a year, at $10 per month.
- No foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible items.
Drawbacks and considerations
A high annual fee. At $250, you need to use most of the credits and spend heavily on food to come out ahead.
Use-it-or-lose-it credits. Unused monthly credits don’t roll over.
Compare to other cards
-
Northwind Voyager Preferred Card
75,000 bonus points
- Annual fee:$95
- Rewards rate:1x–5x points
- Intro offer:75,000 points
- Regular APR:20.24%–27.24% Variable
- Credit score:690–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Keystone Everyday Cash Card
$150 cash bonus
- Annual fee:$0
- Rewards rate:1%–3% cash back
- Intro offer:$150 bonus
- Intro APR:0% for 12 months
- Regular APR:19.99%–28.99% Variable
- Credit score:670–850 (Good–Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
-
Meridian Travel Elite Card
100,000 bonus miles
- Annual fee:$395
- Rewards rate:2x–10x miles
- Intro offer:100,000 miles
- Regular APR:21.24%–28.24% Variable
- Credit score:720–850 (Excellent)
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Is it right for you?
If dining and groceries are your biggest expenses and you will use the monthly credits, the Summit Gold Rewards Card earns rewards faster than almost anything else. Light spenders should pick a no-fee card instead.
4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, with $240 in yearly dining credits that offset most of the fee.
Rates & fees apply. Offer terms set by the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Summit Gold worth $250 a year?
If you use the $240 in dining credits and spend at least $400 a month on food, yes.
Does Walmart count as a supermarket?
No. Superstores and warehouse clubs earn 1x.
Can I transfer Summit points to airlines?
Yes. Points transfer 1:1 to 14 airline and 3 hotel partners.