The Rakuten American Express® Card is the best card for The Meltdown — it earns 10x and 10x on Rakuten Dining.
Updated May 2026
Best Credit Card for The Meltdown
Compare the top credit cards to maximize your rewards every time you shop at The Meltdown.
Dining is a premium bonus category, with top cards earning 3–5x at restaurants, bars, and cafes. Spending $400/month on dining with the right card can generate $250–$400 in extra annual rewards. The Meltdown orders typically code as dining or fast food, qualifying for these bonuses.
Top Pick
More Good Options
Citi ThankYou PointsCiti Strata Elite6xpts/dollar9.0%return6x on Restaurants (Citi Nights)
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American Express Membership RewardsAmerican Express Gold Card4xpts/dollar8.0%return4x on Restaurants (Worldwide)
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Common Questions
What is the best credit card to use at The Meltdown?
The Rakuten American Express® Card is currently the top pick at The Meltdown, earning 10x points per dollar — an effective 20.0% return. 10x on Rakuten Dining
How many points do I earn at The Meltdown per dollar spent?
Top cards earn between 4x and 10x at The Meltdown. Leading options include: Rakuten American Express® Card (10x), Bilt Palladium Card (6x), Citi Strata Elite (6x).
Does The Meltdown count as restaurants for credit card rewards?
The Meltdown typically falls under the Restaurants category for credit card reward purposes. Cards with a restaurants spending bonus will earn an elevated rate here. Dining is a premium bonus category, with top cards earning 3–5x at restaurants, bars, and cafes. Spending $400/month on dining with the right card can generate $250–$400 in extra annual rewards. The Meltdown orders typically code as dining or fast food, qualifying for these bonuses.
Is there a no-annual-fee card that earns well at The Meltdown?
Yes — the Rakuten American Express® Card has no annual fee and earns 10x at The Meltdown (20.0% effective return). 10x on Rakuten Dining
Is a premium card worth the annual fee for The Meltdown spending?
The Bilt Palladium Card ($495/yr) earns 6x at The Meltdown. If you spend $344/month or more there, the category rewards alone offset the annual fee — before counting travel credits and other perks that often exceed $500 in value on premium cards.
Which card earns the most if I spend $500 per month at The Meltdown?
Rakuten American Express® Card: $1200/yr, Bilt Palladium Card: $720/yr, Citi Strata Elite: $540/yr. The Rakuten American Express® Card earns the most at $500/month.