Best Credit Cards for Bars, Cocktail Lounges, and Nightlife
Yes, bars count as dining on credit cards. Most bars, pubs, and cocktail lounges code as MCC 5813 (drinking places), which qualifies for dining bonus rates on nearly every major card. Here is how to maximize your nightlife spending.
Bar Earning Rates by Card
| Card | Bar/Pub Rate | Entertainment Rate | Annual Fee | Includes MCC 5813? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Gold | 4x (7.2%) | 1x | $325 ($85 net) | Yes |
| Capital One Savor | 4% | 4% | $95 | Yes |
| Capital One SavorOne | 3% | 3% | $0 | Yes |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 3x (5.1%) | 1x | $95 | Yes |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Go | 4x | 1x | $0 | Yes |
| Wells Fargo Autograph | 3x | 1x | $0 | Yes |
MCC 5813: What Qualifies as a "Drinking Place"
Edge Cases
Wineries with tasting rooms: Usually code as 5813 if they have a tasting room. Bottle purchases from the retail section may code as 5921 (package liquor stores), which typically does not earn dining bonuses.
Concert venues: The bar tab at a concert venue usually codes under the venue's MCC (7922, entertainment), not as 5813. Capital One Savor/SavorOne still earns 3-4% due to the entertainment category.
Hotel bars: Hotel bars sometimes code under the hotel's MCC (7011, lodging) if you charge to your room. Pay separately with your dining card to ensure the 5813 coding.
The Capital One Savor Advantage for Nightlife
The Capital One Savor earns 4% on both dining and entertainment. If your nightlife includes both bar tabs (dining, 4%) and concert/event tickets (entertainment, 4%), the Savor covers your entire night out at the top rate. No other card matches this combo.
The SavorOne (no annual fee) earns 3% on both categories. For most people, the SavorOne is the better deal since the extra 1% only saves $95/year at $9,500 in combined dining + entertainment spend.
Nightlife Optimization Tips
- Pay the bar tab yourself: Offer to put the group tab on your rewards card and have friends Venmo you. You earn the points on the full amount.
- Pay bar tabs separately from venue cover: If a venue charges a cover separately, the bar tab should code as dining (5813) while the cover may code as entertainment.
- Tip on the card: Tips earn the same bonus rate as the purchase. A generous tip on a $100 bar tab means more rewards.
- Use Amex Offers: Amex occasionally offers statement credits at bars and nightlife venues. Add the offer before going out.
FAQ
Do bars count as dining on credit cards?
Yes. Bars code as MCC 5813 (drinking places), which is included in the dining bonus category on the Amex Gold (4x), Chase Sapphire (3x), Capital One Savor/SavorOne (4%/3%), U.S. Bank Altitude Go (4x), and virtually every other card with a dining bonus. This includes pubs, cocktail lounges, wine bars, and brewery taprooms.
Do breweries count as dining for credit card rewards?
Most breweries with taprooms code as MCC 5813 and earn dining bonus rates. If the brewery primarily sells packaged beer to go, it may code as a liquor store (5921) instead. When in doubt, check your statement after your first visit.
What is the best card for bars and nightlife?
The Amex Gold earns the highest effective rate at bars (4x at 1.8cpp = 7.2%). The Capital One Savor earns 4% at bars plus 4% on entertainment (concerts, clubs). For a free card, the SavorOne at 3% on dining + 3% on entertainment is the best nightlife all-rounder.
Do nightclub cover charges count as dining?
Usually not. Nightclub cover charges often code as entertainment (MCC 7922) rather than dining (5813). Your drink purchases inside the club should code as 5813 if paid at the bar. The Capital One Savor/SavorOne earns bonus rates on both entertainment and dining, covering both the cover and the bar tab.
Related Guides
Updated 9 April 2026