It is common for grocery credit cards to offer 2% to 3% cash back or 2X to 3X points per dollar on grocery purchases. However, some cards help you maximize your reward-earning potential by offering even better cash back/reward rates. For instance, our top pick, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, offers 6% cash back on grocery purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year). So, if you spend $7,000 on grocery purchases in a year, you get $360 as cash back for the first $6,000, and you get 1% cash back for the $1,000 you spend over the limit, which amounts to an added $10. Plus, the card comes with other bonus categories too.
Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2024
You can earn cash back, reward points or miles when you pay for groceries with a rewards credit card. We've ranked the top rewards credit cards to help you find the best one for you.
Updated: November 7, 2024
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More about grocery rewards credit cards
Spending on groceries is a staple across all American households, and the bigger the family, the higher the expense. By using the right credit card to pay for these expenses, you get to maximize your reward-earning potential. A credit card for groceries may offer either a flat earn rate across all purchases or a higher earn rate on spending toward groceries.
MoneyGeek has narrowed down on the best grocery store credit cards after accounting for factors such as reward earn rates and fees. We present the information we’ve put together through charts, tables and tips to simplify your search.
Narrowing down on the best credit card for groceries requires paying attention to your individual spending patterns and requirements. We’ve selected the top of the lot after considering aspects such as credit scores required to apply, reward earn rates, annual fees, APRs and additional benefits. For more recommendations, please scroll further down the page.
Credit Card | Best for | Annual Fee | Avg. Rewards Rate |
---|---|---|---|
A strong cash back card for gas and groceries | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95* | Earn 1% – 6% cash back On Issuer's Site | |
A great rewards card for groceries, dining and flights | $325 | Earn 1X – 4X Membership Rewards® Points On Issuer's Site | |
A great no annual fee gas rewards card | $0 | Earn 1X – 5X points On Issuer's Site | |
An excellent travel rewards card for international use | $95 | Earn 1X – 10X points On Issuer's Site | |
An excellent no-annual-fee rewards card with a 0% introductory APR offer | $0 | Earn 1X–5X ThankYou® Points On Issuer's Site | |
A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back | $0 | Earn 1%–5% cash back On Issuer's Site | |
Solid dining rewards card with no annual fee | $0 | Earn 1X – 4X points On Issuer's Site | |
The best 2% unlimited cash back credit card to date. | $0 | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards On Issuer's Site | |
5% cash back on your highest qualifying spend category up to $500 per month | $0 | Earn 1%–5% cash back On Issuer's Site |
The links in the table above and some of the links on this page will take you to one of our partner's sites, where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.
On This Page:
Best Grocery Credit Cards in 2024
Experts at MoneyGeek have reviewed and compared the best cards for groceries across parameters such as reward earn rates, annual fees, interest rates and added perks. If we feel there’s a possible drawback you need to know of, we mention it upfront.
When selecting a grocery credit card that offers rewards, think about how much you'll spend each year. For some, it is better to pick a card with a lower bonus rate and no fee, instead of a card with a high bonus rate and an annual fee. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com
Best Grocery Credit Cards for Cash Back
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express - Great for earning cash back on groceries, streaming subscriptions, transit and gas purchases in the U.S.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express lets you earn 6% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 in purchases per year. That's up $360 as cash back on grocery purchases up to this limit, after which you still earn 1% cash back. It also offers 6% cash back on payments made toward select U.S. streaming subscriptions. It comes with 3% cash back on transit and on gas at U.S. gas stations. You can also earn 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.All other purchases earn 1% cash back. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. While American Express waives this card’s annual fee for the first year, you need to pay $95 per year going forward.
Citi® Double Cash Card - Good for earning cash back on everyday purchases without paying annual fees
The Citi® Double Cash Card gives you the ability to earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you make your payments on time. There is no limit to how much cash back you may earn. So, if you spend $10,000 in a year and make all your payments on time, you'll earn $200 as cash back. This card comes with no annual fee.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card - Ideal for earning rewards on groceries, dining, streaming services and at gas/EV charging stations
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers 4X points per dollar on dining (including takeout and delivery). Grocery store, grocery delivery, streaming service, gas station and EV charging station purchases earn 2X points per dollar. All other purchases earn 1X points per dollar. Let’s say you spend $2,000 per year on dining and around $6,000 combined on the other bonus categories. In this case, you’ll earn a total of 20,000 points (8,000 + 12,000), which translates to $200 as cash back. This card charges no annual fees.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card - Good for earning cash back on all purchases
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, which means there is no need to keep track of bonus categories. So, if you spend a total of $10,000 in a year, you will get $200 in cash back. This card does not charge any annual fees.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card - Perfect for earning cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment and streaming services
The Savor Rewards Card from Capital One earns unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. It also offers 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases*, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), All other purchases earn 1% cash back. If your combined spending across all the bonus categories stands at $9,000 per year, you can expect to receive $270 as cash back. You pay no annual fee for this card.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card - Perfect for earning high cash back on categories that can change from one month to the next
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers 5% cash back on up to $500 spent on your highest eligible spend category each month. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. Categories through which you may earn 5% cash back include grocery stores, restaurants, select streaming services, live entertainment, gas stations, select travel, select transit, home improvement stores, drugstores and fitness clubs. If you receive 5% cash on $500 spent toward a bonus category each month, it amounts to $300 in a year. This card comes with no annual fees.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Blue Cash Preferred® is a family-friendly card that rewards 6% on spending at U.S. supermarkets (for the first $6,000 annually) and U.S. streaming plus 3% cash back U.S. gas stations and transit expenses. If you spend in these everyday categories, this card is a great portfolio credit card that combines with a flat rate card to let you earn over 2% over your entire portfolio. You'll need to spend more in these categories to make it worth the annual fee of $95 after the first year. See rates and fees.
- PROS
- High cash back on supermarkets and streaming
- Unlimited cash back on gas and transit
- Intro APR for purchases and transfers
- High customer satisfaction
CONS- Annual fee after first year
- Spending caps and exclusions on supermarket purchases
Introductory Offer Details
- Enjoy a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 after that.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months.
- Benefit from 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 18.49%-29.49% applies. See rates and fees
Cash Back Details
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 3% cash back on transit, including taxis/rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Cash back is provided as Reward Dollars, redeemable as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Other Benefits
- Earn a $84 Disney Bundle Credit: Spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription with your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card to receive a $7 monthly statement credit. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Terms apply.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Citi Double Cash is one of the best cards for straightforward cash back. It lets you earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay—without an annual fee.
- PROS
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Accepts fair credit
CONS- Penalty APR
- No intro APR on purchases
Introductory Offers
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After this period, the APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points, equivalent to $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay off the purchase.
- Get 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2025.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- Balance transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on purchases unless the entire balance, including transfers, is paid by the due date each month.
- There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for transfers made within the first four months. After that, the fee is 5% (minimum $5).
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card offers a terrific rewards rate on dining purchases without a pesky annual fee. The card has a sizable bonus with a fairly low spend threshold, which is a great way to kickstart to your rewards balance.
- PROS
- Impressive 4X points on dining and restaurants
- Intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
- Annual bonus for streaming services
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- No transfer options for points
- Fairly short APR period
- No special travel perks
- Four points per dollar spent on dining (including takeout and delivery)
- Two points per dollar spent on grocery, gas and streaming service purchases
- One point per dollar on all other spending
- Earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles (18.24%–29.24% variable APR after)
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- Get a $15 credit once a year when you use your card to pay for eligible streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Music
- Redeem your reward points for online shopping, a statement credit, travel through the Altitude Rewards Center and more
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card delivers with unlimited 2% cash back, a $200 welcome bonus after $500 spent in three months, and no annual fee. Designed for seamless everyday rewards, it also includes a 12-month 0% intro APR, though its 3% foreign transaction fee may deter international travelers.
- PROS
- Unlimited 2% cash back
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable APR of 19.74% to 29.74% after
CONS- Foreign transaction fees
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.
- Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 19.74% to 29.74% applies.
Rewards
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
- No categories to track and cash rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and a 3% fee. After that, a balance transfer fee of up to 5% (minimum $5) applies.
- No annual fee.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
- Earn up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card, subject to a $25 deductible.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Whether you prefer to eat out or enjoy home-cooked meals, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card grants you savings. It provides unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants, grocery stores, streaming and entertainment for no annual fee. However, superstores like Walmart® and Target®t are excluded from the bonus rewards.
- PROS
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Earn a $250 welcome offer
- Offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74% after that.
CONS- Use of Capital One Travel required to get high cash back rate
- Excludes cash back at superstores like Walmart and Target
Introductory Offers
- For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first 3 months.
Rewards
- Earn 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and streaming services.
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- No annual fee.
Perks & Benefits
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed for rewards.
- Cash back rewards do not expire.
Best Grocery Credit Cards to Earn Rewards
American Express® Gold Card - Great for people with considerable dining and grocery expenses
The American Express® Gold Card offers 4X points per dollar on spending on U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 annually, then 1X points. Spending at restaurants globally, as well as on delivery and takeout in the U.S., also comes with 4X points per dollar, up to $50,000 per calendar year. After that, earn 1X points. You earn 3X points per dollar on flights booked with AmexTravel.com or directly with airlines. If you spend a combined $25,000 on groceries and dining each year, you get 100,000 points. When redeemed through Amex Travel, this can amount to a $1,000 airline ticket. This card comes with a $325 annual fee.
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card - Great for earning rewards on groceries and other bonus categories without paying annual fees
The Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers 5X points per dollar on gas and EV charging station purchases. Purchases at supermarkets (including most Walmart and Target locations), at restaurants, and on streaming, cable, TV and radio services earn 3X points per dollar. All other purchases earn 1X points per dollar. Let’s say you spend an average of $3,000 on gas and $7,000 at supermarkets and restaurants in a year. This gets you 36,000 reward points (15,000 + 21,000). When redeemed for flights or hotel stays, these can be worth up to 1.7 cents per point, amounting to a total of $612. This card does not charge any annual fees.
Citi Strata Premier® Card - Ideal for earning rewards at supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and on travel
With the Citi Strata Premier® Card, you earn 3X points at supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants, as well as on air travel and hotel stays. If you spend a total of $10,000 on these bonus categories in a year, you earn 30,000 Thank You points. If you redeem these to cover the cost of airline, hotel or cruise purchases or as cash or gift cards, you can expect to receive a value of roughly 1 cent per point, or $300. Transferring your points to participating airline loyalty programs may offer higher value. This card comes with a $95 annual fee.
Citi Rewards+® Card - Ideal for earning rewards at supermarkets and gas stations without needing to pay an annual fee
This is another card from Citi that makes it to the list of the best credit cards for groceries and gas, given that it has no annual fees. It lets you earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 you spend each year. If you spend an average of $10,000 on these categories each year, you receive a total of 16,000 Thank You points (12,000 + 4,000). If you choose to redeem these in the form of cash or to purchase gift cards, you get a value of 1 cent per dollar. It’s the same if you use your points to cover hotel stays or airfares. In all these cases, 16,000 points translate to $160.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The American Express® Gold Card has outstanding features and benefits. Its generous rewards program allows cardholders to earn substantial points on dining and groceries, making it easy to get rewarded for everyday expenses. Additionally, you'll enjoy entertainment perks, like a dining credit at eligible restaurants and access to presale event tickets. Overall, the American Express Gold Card is a great card for both ordinary and extraordinary spending.
- PROS
- Top-tier rewards on dining and groceries
- Great annual bonus credits
- Transfer points to multiple airline partners
- No foreign transaction fees See Rates and Fees
CONS- High annual fee
- Limited premium travel perks
- No rewards on hotel stays or car rentals
Introductory Offers
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 annually, then 1X points.
- Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 annually, then 1X points.
- Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X points on prepaid hotels and eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Receive $120 Uber Cash annually for Uber Eats or rides in the U.S. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No foreign transaction fees. See Rates and Fees
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- Annual fee is $325. See Rates and Fees
- Know if you're approved for a card with no impact on your credit score. Accepting the card may impact your score.
- Terms apply.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers exceptional value, especially for those who regularly spend on gas, dining and groceries. With a rewarding bonus just for starting and no annual fee, it provides an immediate kickstart to your rewards journey. Additionally, those looking to consolidate their debt will find the promotional balance transfer rate appealing. While it requires a higher credit standing and PenFed membership, the benefits are tailored for discerning cardholders who prioritize savings and rewards in their financial toolkit.
- PROS
- No annual fee
- With welcome bonus
- Potentially high rewards for everyday expenses
- 0% promo APR for balance transfers
CONS- High credit requirement
- With balance transfer fee
- Must be a PenFed member
- No annual fee
- Enjoy a bonus of 15,000 points after spending $1,500 within the first 90 days
- Receive 5X points for gas and EV charging station expenses
- Get 3X points at supermarkets, including most Target and Walmart stores, as well as restaurants and various media services
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases
- Benefit from a 0% promo APR for balance transfers for the first 12 months; a 3% transaction fee applies
- Regular APR: 17.99% variable
- Must be a PenFed member to qualify
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Travelers eager to accumulate points for their next journey may find value in the Citi Rewards+® Card. It has a unique roundup feature that pushes the rewards you earn to the nearest 10, making it perfect for small purchases. It also provides a special offer of 5X ThankYou points for travel bookings through Citi (December 31, 2025) and 2X ThankYou points for supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year).
- PROS
- 5X ThankYou on travel purchases through Citi Travel until December 31, 2025
- 2X ThankYou on supermarkets and gas stations
- Points round up to the nearest 10 on every purchase
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within three months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.74%–28.74% variable APR after that
CONS- Low earnings potential compared to other cards
- $6,000 yearly spending cap for supermarkets and gas stations
- 5X points will end after December 31, 2025
- Points are less valuable if redeemed as statement credit and cash
Introductory Offers
- Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points after spending $1,500 in the first three months, redeemable for $200 in gift cards.
- Enjoy a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of first transfer and on purchases from the date of account opening.
Rewards
- Earn 5 ThankYou Points per dollar on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com until December 31, 2025.
- Earn 2X ThankYou Points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, then 1X thereafter.
- Earn 1X ThankYou Points on all other purchases.
- Automatically round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- After the intro period, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Intro balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for the first 4 months, then 5% (minimum $5) thereafter.
Perks & Benefits
- No annual fee.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
We feel the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great alternative for travelers not just because of its generous sign-up offer but also because it lets you transfer your reward points to different airline loyalty programs.
As a new cardholder, you may earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 in the first three months. You earn 3X points per $1 for spending on flights and hotels, at restaurants, at supermarkets and at gas stations. All other purchases come with 1X points. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® points per dollar spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.
Transferring your points to popular frequent flyer programs such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, JetBlue TrueBlue and Emirates Skywards is an option, and you pay no extra fee.
Having to pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card outside of the U.S. is great. You also get $100 off a single hotel stay that costs $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) once every year. You may offset the card's $95 annual fee by using this benefit alone.
Getting additional cards for authorized users comes at no extra cost and gives you the ability to earn points faster.
- PROS
- Opportunity to earn a sizeable sign-up bonus
- 3X points for travel purchases and on a few other categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer points to popular frequent flyer programs or redeem them in other ways
- $100 hotel savings benefit each year
CONS- Annual fee of $95
- No complimentary insurance
- No purchase protection
- Cash advance and balance transfer fees
- Penalty APR may apply in case of a late or returned payment
Introductory Offers
- For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Rewards
- Earn 10 ThankYou Points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 points per dollar on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas, and EV charging stations.
- Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Perks & Benefits
- Enjoy a $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Get $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more once per calendar year when booked through CitiTravel.com.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases.
- Points do not expire and there's no limit to the amount you can earn.
Top Cards from Our Sponsors
How We Rank Grocery Credit Cards
Our lists of the best credit cards are based on publicly available data from card issuers and other reputable sources like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB).
We review each card's fees, interest rates, rewards, benefits, and more to assign a rating for each feature. These ratings are stack ranked and weighted for each card category to determine our top selections for each type of user.
Because card details change regularly, we revisit our data each month to update our ratings, recommendations, and other card information as needed. Learn more about our data collection and ranking process.
Top Rating Criteria for Grocery Credit Cards
Credit Average Reward Rate on Gas
Annual Fee
APR
Quick Tips for Comparing Grocery Credit Card Offers
Comparing grocery credit cards requires paying attention to multiple aspects. For instance, getting a credit card with reward miles might limit your options when it comes to redeeming your miles for rewards.
- Creditworthiness: The best credit cards for groceries are typically made available for people with good to excellent credit scores. However, people with average/fair credit also get options from which to choose. These include the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa® Card.
- Reward earn rate: While some cards offer higher cashback/reward earn rates on grocery shopping, you need to determine if they come with annual limits. For example, the 6% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express applies only to the first $6,000 in grocery purchases each year. All the money you spend after this limit comes with 1% cash back. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, on the other hand, lets you earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores.
- Annual fee: This aspect requires your attention if you don’t see yourself spending too much on groceries throughout the year. For example, if a 2% cash back card comes with a $99 annual fee, you’ll need to spend at least $4,950 on eligible purchases through the course of the year just to offset the fee. You'll have to spend even more to catch up to other cards that don't charge an annual fee.
- APR: You need to look at a card’s annual percentage rate (APR) if you don’t plan to pay off your balances in full each month. If you’re going to keep revolving balances in your account, you might be better off focusing on low APR cards instead of a rewards credit card. (APR vs. APY: What's the Difference?)
- Introductory offers: The best grocery credit cards tend to come with spending-based introductory offers that let you earn reward points, miles or cash back. For example, a card might offer 20,000 reward points if you spend $1,500 on purchases within three months from account opening.
- Added perks: Added perks that you may expect from different grocery rewards and cash back cards include statement credits toward payments to specific service providers, free additional cards, complimentary insurance coverage, travel-related benefits and extended warranties.
>>MORE: Flexible Points vs. Miles: Which Credit Card Reward is Better?
How Do Grocery Credit Cards Work?
Grocery credit cards give cardholders the ability to earn points, cash back or miles when they spend on groceries. In many such cases, cards list groceries as a bonus category, through which you get to earn higher-than-usual rewards/cash back.
Some grocery cards place caps on maximum spending amounts that qualify for higher earn rates per quarter or year. Depending on the card you get, it might come with other bonus categories such as gas, dining, entertainment and travel.
If you get a co-branded grocery card, the higher earn rate might apply only when you make purchases at the store in question.
For example, the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers 5% cash back at Walmart.com; 2% cash back at Walmart stores, travel and restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This is also the case with Costco credit cards by Citi which offer higher earn rates on Costco purchases than at other big-box retail or grocery stores.
While redeeming the cash back you earn through a grocery credit card is fairly simple, this is not necessarily the case with points or miles. For instance, if you get a co-branded credit card, you might have to redeem your rewards through the merchant in question.
What Stores Are Considered a Grocery Store for Credit Cards?
Stores that are considered grocery stores for credit cards vary based on any given card’s issuer. For instance, while American Express excludes warehouse clubs and superstores such as Costco from the grocery store category, this is not the case with Bank of America cards.
- American Express: U.S. supermarkets that offer food and household products
- Bank of America: Supermarkets, grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- Capital One: Supermarkets and grocery stores; meat locker, freezer and dairy product stores; and specialty markets
- Chase: Supermarkets, grocery stores and stores that offer extensive lines of grocery products
- Citi: Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Discover: Supermarkets and grocery stores
- American Express: Convenience stores, specialty stores, superstores and warehouse clubs
- Capital One: Superstores
- Chase: Warehouse clubs, discount stores, drugstores, stores that specialize in a limited number of grocery products, grocery purchases made at gas stations and delivery service merchants
- Citi: General merchandise/discount superstores, warehouse clubs, wholesale clubs, markets, freezer/meat locker stores, dairy product stores, miscellaneous food/convenience stores, drugstores, specialty vendors, meal kit delivery services and some online supermarkets
- Discover: Warehouse clubs, superstores, discount stores, convenience stores, gas stations and purchases made via third-party payment apps/accounts
CONSIDERED
NOT CONSIDERED
Are Grocery Store Credit Cards Worth It?
According to data released by Statista, the average U.S. household food expenditure stood at $7,316 in 2020. If you were to use a grocery credit card with 3% cash back, spending the average amount would earn you $219.48 as cashback. If you pay no annual fee toward this card and pay off your balances in full each month, all the cash back you earn is a bonus.
If you favor any one particular chain of stores over others, you might consider getting a co-branded grocery card to maximize your reward-earning potential. In such a scenario, you may benefit by using a cash back card with a flat or high earn rate for all other purchases.
If you wish to earn higher rewards on gas purchases, too, you may look for a grocery card that also includes gas as a bonus category. The Citi Strata Premier® Card fits the bill of a good credit card for gas and groceries, given that it offers 3X points on both categories.
If you plan to get a grocery credit card with an annual fee, it would be worth your while only if you earn enough rewards/cash back to offset its cost. Grocery credit cards, like other rewards cards, tend to come with higher APRs than cards without rewards. As a result, if you plan to maintain revolving balances in your credit card account, you might benefit more by getting a low APR card.
How Can Points or Cash Back Earned from Grocery Purchases Be Used?
How you get to redeem the points or cash back you earn through a grocery credit card depends not just on your card provider but also on the specific card.
For instance, the Citi Strata Premier® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card let you redeem your points for gift cards, travel rewards and for shopping online at Amazon.com or BestBuy.com. However, while you may transfer the points you earn through the Citi Strata Premier® Card to partner airline frequent flyer programs, this is not an option with the Citi Rewards+® Card.
Citi lets you redeem the cash back you earn through the Double Cash Card as a statement credit, a direct deposit or a check, and also lets you convert it to points. However, with the same bank’s Costco Anywhere Visa Card, you may get the cash back you earn as an annual credit card reward certificate. This certificate can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at Costco Warehouses in the U.S., including Puerto Rico.
You may redeem the cash back you earn through the Savor Rewards Card from Capital One in the form of a statement credit or a check. Setting up automatic redemptions is possible and is a convenient way to redeem cash back rewards. You may also use your cash back to shop at Amazon.com or via PayPal.
FAQs About Grocery Credit Cards
Learning the answers to other commonly asked questions about grocery credit cards will help you easily select the card that works well for you.
The best credit cards for groceries are ones that offer high earn rates on cash back, points or miles when you spend money toward grocery purchases. Our top picks include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, the Discover It Cash Back Credit Card, the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card and the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card. Most of the top cards from this segment also offer high cash back/reward rates on other bonus categories such as gas, dining, travel and online streaming services.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card lets you earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases each quarter in bonus categories you activate. It offers 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and on drugstore purchases. All other purchases come with 1% cash back.
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card, you earn 1.5% cash back on all grocery purchases through its standard cash back rate. You get 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and on drugstore purchases. All other purchases come with 1.5% cash back.
Our top picks for earning high cash back/rewards on groceries and gas include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card, the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card, the Citi Premier® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card.
The best credit cards for earning rewards on online shopping include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card.
Yes, you may use a credit card at a grocery store, provided it accepts credit card payments.
Issuers of non-co-branded grocery credit cards typically do not consider warehouse clubs and superstores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart as grocery stores.
Credit card issuers typically do not consider Walmart to be a grocery store. However, you may consider getting a co-branded Walmart credit card from Capital One. This card offers savings at Walmart.com, Walmart stores and its partner gas stations.
Stores with their own credit cards that sell groceries in varying degrees include Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, Home Depot and JCPenney.
Qualifying for the top grocery store credit cards typically requires that you have good or excellent credit. However, you may qualify for some cards easily even if you have less-than-perfect credit, including the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa® Card.
Now that you know how grocery credit cards work, consider your spending habits and individual preferences before narrowing down on one that might work best for you. While you need to pay attention to the rewards or cash back you stand to earn, you also need to take into account factors such as annual fees, APRs and added benefits.
Next Steps
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- Capital One. "Capital One Walmart Rewards Card." Accessed November 7, 2024.
- Statista. "Average annual household food expenditure in the United States from 2000 to 2020." Accessed November 7, 2024.
- Chase. "Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card." Accessed November 7, 2024.
- Chase. "Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card." Accessed November 7, 2024.
- Target. "RedCard." Accessed November 7, 2024.
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