At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for .
Why you can trust Bankrate
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly, people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you\'re well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience. Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way, we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial Integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
How We Make Money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
As the price of groceries continues to rise, many people are looking for ways to save money on everyday expenses. A credit card that rewards you for your grocery store purchases is a valuable tool that can put hundreds of dollars back in your wallet each year.
The best credit cards for groceries vary in structure and can fit the spending habits and goals of many different shoppers. Some cards carry a consistently high rewards rate on supermarket purchases and other important household purchases like gas, transit, travel and select utilities, while others give you the flexibility to choose how you earn rewards beyond the grocery store.
If you’re ready to save money on groceries, check out our top picks and our tips on how to choose the right card for you.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Fans of flexible, low-maintenance rewards cards should consider the Citi Custom Cash. It automatically rewards 5 percent cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1 percent). That’s one of the highest rates you can get in popular everyday categories like gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores without paying an annual fee.
Since it earns rewards based on where you spend the most, this card gives you much more freedom than the typical rewards card with fixed bonus categories.
Unlike most rewards cards, it offers an intro APR on both balance transfers and new purchases: 15 months of 0 percent APR, after which a 16.24 percent to 26.24 percent variable APR applies. Most competing cards only feature one or the other.
Cons
If you spend heavily in a specific category, the card’s bonus cash back spending cap could seriously limit your rewards potential. You may be better off with a card that offers a slightly lower rewards rate but no cap.
You can only earn more than 1 percent back in a single eligible bonus category, so your earning potential will be limited if you only want to carry one card in your wallet.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 16.24% - 26.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Intro offer
$350
Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.24%-26.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This is a great rewards card for families. Along with its best-in-class cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases, it earns bonus rewards on typical household purchases including at U.S. gas stations, on transit and even with select U.S. streaming services. These are all fixed-rate categories that won’t change, allowing you to earn high rewards all year long.
This card’s practical bonus categories make it easy for households to earn cash back on everyday essentials.
You can enjoy both short- and long-term value via a generous welcome offer, intro APR offer for new purchases and the Pay It Plan It® feature, which lets you split up large purchases into monthly installments.
Cons
Though the $95 annual fee applies the first year, it can be offset with card earnings, it will still eat away some of your cash back potential. Modest spenders may be better off with a no-annual-fee rewards card, even if that means settling for a lower cash back rate.
The card’s high-earning U.S. supermarket category doesn’t include wholesale clubs like Costco or big-box stores like Walmart, which often provide the best value for people on a budget. You’ll only earn 1 percent back for these purchases.
Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a fixed monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.24% to 26.24%.
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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
8%
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
3%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Whether you’re heading out for an evening or staying in with the family, the SavorOne has you covered. You’ll earn unlimited 3 percent back not only at grocery stores, but also on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. Packing such a wide variety of popular food and entertainment categories into one no-annual-fee card makes the SavorOne a standout option.
It carries one of the best rewards rates you can get on groceries and dining without paying an annual fee, making it a great fit for people who want to earn everyday rewards but don’t spend enough to justify a card with an annual fee.
The card’s “entertainment” category is very broad, including everything from movie tickets and live sporting events to aquariums, zoos and theme parks, so it could offer unexpected value even beyond everyday staples like groceries.
Cons
The card’s grocery bonus category excludes popular wholesale clubs and superstores like Walmart and Target, which may offer better prices compared to traditional grocery stores.
If you carry a balance beyond the card’s intro APR period, you may get stuck with the card’s costly high-end APR of 15.24 percent - 25.24 percent variable.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 16.49% - 26.49% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
3%
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
2%
Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
1%
Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card is a solid option if you’re looking for a customizable rewards card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. It not only lets you choose from a broad range of bonus categories, including gas, dining and home improvement but also offers fixed rewards for grocery store purchases. And unlike most grocery cards, you can even earn bonus rewards for purchases made at warehouse stores.
Flexibility: You can quickly change your bonus category selection once per calendar month to match your spending habits.
Carries the same bonus cash back rate at both grocery stores and wholesale clubs, giving you the freedom to shop wherever you’ll get the best deal. Most rewards cards only offer minimal cash back at stores like Costco and BJ’s.
Cons
The rewards program takes work: You can only pick one custom bonus category per calendar month and the card’s combined quarterly spending cap means you may need to juggle multiple cards or track your spending to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards.
Though the card earns bonus cash back at traditional grocery stores and wholesale clubs, superstores like Walmart and Target aren’t included in its bonus categories. These stores (and a store-centric rewards card) may offer better value or convenience for some shoppers.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance transfer intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee (min. $10) applies.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
3x
3x on dining.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
17.49% - 24.49% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This travel rewards card arrives loaded with short- and long-term value. On top of a generous welcome bonus and a variety of bonus rewards categories, cardmembers get travel-related annual credits and a slew of travel and purchase protections. Redemption options are also flexible, allowing you to opt for more than just travel, including cash back, gift cards and more based on your needs.
Read our full
Pros
If you’re willing to shop online, this card offers one of the highest grocery rewards rates available on a travel rewards card in this price range.
Comes with one of the most generous sign-up bonus offers available on a starter travel card.
Cons
While you can cover the $95 annual fee via the card’s various credits, it still limits your rewards potential—especially if you’re only an occasional traveler.
Its sign-up bonus carries a relatively large spending requirement and could be tough for some people to reach.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you don’t mind juggling multiple cards to maximize your rewards, the Freedom Flex can add a lot of value to your wallet. Its rotating categories typically include household essentials like groceries, gas and select streaming services, making it a great supplement to other rewards cards that carry spending limits or only offer rewards in a couple of categories.
Along with its ongoing rewards and sign-up bonus, the card offers savings via its intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
Comes with a number of valuable perks not found on all no-annual-fee cards, including cellphone protection, food delivery service discounts, and travel and purchase protections.
Cons
Rewards program is not hassle free: You have to enroll in rotating categories and plan ahead since you aren’t earning fixed rewards year round. As such, the Freedom Flex may be a better fit if you’re used to using multiple credit cards to increase your earning potential.
Chase only releases its bonus cash back calendar on a quarterly basis. That limits your ability to plan ahead and budget your spending accordingly.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.49% - 25.24%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$250
Regular APR
18.24%-25.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If you’re looking to earn high travel rewards via everyday spending at U.S. supermarkets, as well as on dining and airfare purchases, this mid-level rewards card has a lot of potential. It comes with a steep annual fee, but the card’s high rewards rates, point values and annual dining credits make it easy to offset that fee. Plus, Amex provides a number of secondary travel benefits to increase the card’s value.
Has good short- and long-term value if you can take full advantage of the card’s generous welcome offer, high bonus rewards categories, annual credits and flexible redemption options.
Earns Membership Rewards, which can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including for travel with airline and hotel partners. Transferring rewards to one of Amex’s travel partners could even increase the value of your points.
Cons
Comes with a high $250 annual fee. If you redeemed points for a minimum of 1 cent apiece, you’d need to spend about $521 each month in the card’s top bonus categories (dining and U.S. supermarkets) to offset this fee.
It will take some effort to make sure you’re getting the best value for your rewards. Some of Amex’s redemption options are worth less than 1 cent per point.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
Updated $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $250.
Terms Apply.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Compare Bankrate’s top grocery rewards cards
Card name
Best for
Rewards highlights
Bankrate review score
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Customizable rewards
5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) plus 1% cash back on all other purchases
5% cash back on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1 percent) and on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases
A closer look at our top-rated grocery rewards cards
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for customizable rewards
What we love about the Custom Cash Card: It’s one of the only rewards cards that adapts to fit your spending habits: You’ll earn 5 percent back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 in spending each billing cycle, then 1 percent). Grocery store purchases are just one of many eligible everyday bonus categories, and 5 percent back is one of the best rates you can get on this spending without paying an annual fee.
Who this card is good for: Cash back fans looking for a supplemental rewards card. The Custom Cash card only you to earn rewards in one high-earning category each billing cycle, so to get the best value, it’s best to combine it with a flat-rate rewards card or a card that offers bonus rewards in other categories that fit your spending habits.
Alternatives: If you only want to carry one credit card in your wallet, a general-purpose rewards card with multiple bonus categories may offer better value. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express comes with an annual fee, but the cost can easily be offset thanks to the card’s high rewards rates in key everyday categories including U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations and transit.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for everyday value
What we love about the Blue Cash Preferred: From U.S. supermarket and select streaming service purchases to gas and transit, this card gives you plenty of chances to earn high cash back rewards on your routine spending. U.S. supermarket purchases earn 6 percent cash back (on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1 percent)—perhaps the highest cash back rate available in this category. Spending $500 per month in that category alone will earn you $360 cash back per year—enough to cover the card’s annual fee three times over.
Who this card is good for: Big grocery spenders who can also take advantage of the card’s other everyday bonus categories to justify the annual fee. If you only used the card at U.S. supermarkets, you’d need to spend about $300 a month to both cover the annual fee and get better value than you would with a card that earned 3 percent back but charged no annual fee.
Alternatives: If you spend modestly at U.S. supermarkets and want to avoid a card with an annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is worth a look. It offers 3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent) and also rewards the same 3 percent cash back on your spending at U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases (also up to $6,000 per year on each category, then 1 percent). This card may be a better fit for people who spend an average of less than $300 a month on groceries since there is no annual fee to worry about.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for food + entertainment
What we love about the SavorOne Cash Rewards card: You can earn unlimited 3 percent cash back in a number of food and entertainment categories—including both grocery store and restaurant purchases—with no spending caps and no annual fee. Many other rewards cards offer bonus rewards in just one popular food category (grocery stores or dining, not both) and typically reduce your cash back rate after you’ve reached a spending cap.
Who this card is good for: People who want to stick with one card that earns rewards on grocery shopping, dining, entertainment and more while avoiding an annual fee.
Alternatives: The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card gives you the freedom to pick two categories in which you’ll earn 5 percent cash back (on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1 percent), including everyday expenses like fast food, home utilities, department stores and more. Plus, you can still earn unlimited 2 percent back in an everyday category of your choice, with grocery stores and restaurants included as options— perfect for those times you spend more in a category like fast food than you do on groceries.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for wholesale clubs
What we love about the Customized Cash Rewards card: This card offers more flexibility than traditional rewards credit cards. You can not only choose the bonus category that fits you best from a long list of popular categories but also swap your choice category once per calendar month if you realize that you’re going to spend more in another eligible category.
Who this card is good for: Since you can earn 2 percent cash back at both wholesale clubs and grocery stores (on up to $2,500 in purchases made in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club categories quarterly , then 1 percent), this card is a solid option if you frequent both. Most rewards cards exclude wholesale clubs from their grocery store bonus category, so this card may offer unique value for household shoppers.
Alternatives: Big spenders may get better value out of a flat-rate card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It’s a low-maintenance rewards card that earns unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases. There are no spending caps and no categories to track, making it a more convenient option if you’re looking for a simple way to earn rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for online grocery purchases
What we love about the Sapphire Preferred® Card: This versatile card makes it easy to quickly rack up travel rewards thanks to its solid rewards rate on a variety of everyday purchases, including dining, select online grocery purchases and select streaming services. This flexibility could make the card a terrific fit if you do most of your grocery shopping online and want to stockpile rewards for your next big trip.
Who this card is good for: Frequent travelers who want to earn rewards on more than just travel purchases. The card’s bonus rewards rate on online groceries and dining should make it easier to quickly rack up points than it would be with one of the many travel cards that only reward airfare and hotel bookings. Plus, your points are worth 25 percent more when you redeem points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Alternatives: Depending on your spending habits, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be a better fit. For the same ongoing $95 annual fee, you get double the rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets—an impressive 6 percent cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1 percent back (versus the Sapphire Preferred card’s 3X points on select online grocery store purchases). Plus, your rewards rate applies to all U.S. supermarket spending, not just online groceries.
Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best for backup grocery rewards
What we love about the Chase Freedom Flex: The Freedom Flex has both high-earning fixed- and rotating-bonus categories that cover travel and everyday purchases. The card’s rotating cash back calendar typically features a great mix of popular and niche categories, including grocery stores, wholesale clubs, gas stations, Amazon.com purchases and more. This unique combination of year-round and seasonal categories gives users a variety of ways to quickly earn cash back.
Who this card is good for: Rewards strategists. Since many of the Freedom Flex card’s most rewarding categories only earn at a high rate for three months out of the year, you’ll need to track spending and plan out purchases in advance to maximize your rewards. The card’s rewards program also makes it great for pairing with a no-annual-fee rewards card that earns consistently in one of your key spending categories. For example, if you already have a card that offers bonus rewards on groceries and it has a spending limit, the Freedom Flex could give you three more months to earn rewards in that category without worrying about exceeding your spending limit.
Alternatives: If you don’t want to activate and track so many rewards categories or worry about spending limits, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a solid choice. It earns a flat rate on purchases, which will appeal to people who don’t want to jump through so many hoops to earn rewards.
American Express® Gold Card: Best for travel rewards on groceries
What we love about the Amex Gold Card: Its high rewards rate at both U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, combined with annual dining credits and enhanced travel benefits, make the Amex Gold a powerful mid-level travel card for foodies and household shoppers. If you can take advantage of all the card has to offer, it could be well worth the $250 annual fee.
Who this card is good for: Big spenders who want to turn their food, dining and airfare purchases into travel rewards. As part of the American Express Membership Rewards program, the Amex Gold offers a variety of redemption options best suited to frequent travelers, including booking trips directly with Amex or transferring to partner loyalty programs, the latter of which could increase the value of your points.
Alternatives: If you’re just looking for a way to earn rewards on dining and grocery purchases, you don’t need to pay a $250 annual fee. For example, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card doesn’t come with perks like dining credits, but it still packs a punch. For a $95 annual fee, you earn bonus rewards in a variety of categories, including an unlimited 4 percent cash back on dining and entertainment purchases and 3 percent cash back at grocery stores.
Grocery rewards cards earn cash back or points on purchases made at eligible grocery stores. But the best grocery cards go even further, offering up valuable rewards for other major spending categories, including everyday staples like:
Dining
Gas
Transit
Travel
Select streaming services
Online purchases
Home improvement stores
General-purpose grocery cards earn bonus rewards for purchases made at retail stores with a merchant category code that classifies them as grocery stores and supermarkets. That includes favorites like Safeway, Albertsons, Kroger, Publix and many other local grocery stores.
Unfortunately, not every store that sells groceries is considered a grocery store. Most card issuers exclude superstores like Walmart and Target as well as wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s from their grocery store bonus category. To earn elevated rewards at these chains, you’ll need to sign up for a co-branded store credit card or a card that specifically lists these stores as eligible for bonus rewards, as most general-purpose rewards credit cards will only earn 1 point or 1 percent back at these stores.
Bankrate insight
You’ll need to have good or excellent credit to qualify for most grocery rewards cards. If you have fair credit and want to earn cash back for your grocery purchases, take a look at cards from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target. Many retail credit cards are open to people with lower credit scores and can be worthwhile as long as you can pay your balances in full and avoid the typically high interest rates.
How much could you save with a grocery credit card?
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual cost of household groceries increased in 2020 to $4,942. That averages out to $411.83 a month spent on groceries—a big chunk of the average person’s budget.
When used responsibly, grocery rewards cards can help you save money by giving you back a percentage of your grocery spending in the form of cash back, points or travel miles. How much you can earn depends on your spending habits and the type of grocery rewards card you choose. Take a look at these examples to see how much you could save each year depending on which card type, rewards rate and annual fee you choose:
6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
$297
$95
$4,740
As you can see, even a grocery rewards card with an annual fee can provide plenty of value. The trick is to take advantage of the available rewards categories enough to offset the annual fee and continue earning more cash back so you don’t just break even.
Who should get a grocery store credit card?
Since the best grocery rewards credit cards are versatile and provide plenty of value even outside the supermarket, they’re ideal for just about anyone with a grocery budget. That includes college students as well as small and large households. Here’s a look at two of the key types of shoppers who can benefit from a grocery rewards card.
Budget shoppers. Are you always on the lookout for a deal when you shop? If you like to use coupons and cash back apps when you shop, the rewards you earn with a grocery rewards card can also help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
Food lovers. Some grocery rewards cards also double as the best credit cards for restaurants. So whether you cook at home, dine out or order in, your everyday food spending could earn you valuable cash back.
Who should skip a grocery store credit card?
Depending on where you shop and how you manage your budget, a grocery rewards card may not be the right fit for you. Here are two types of people who may get better value with a different type of credit card.
Wholesale club and superstore shoppers. Most grocery rewards cards exclude wholesale clubs and superstores from their grocery store bonus category. If you get more value from shopping at stores like Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club or BJs, a flat-rate rewards card or a co-branded credit card from that store may be a better fit. Examples include the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®*, the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®* and the Wells Fargo Active Cash card.
Balance carriers. Carrying a credit card balance each month will cost you since interest charges eat away at the rewards you earned. If you tend to not pay your balance in full each month, a low-interest credit card may be a better fit, at least in the short term.
How to choose a credit card for groceries
Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to compare credit cards to make sure you’ve found the option that best fits your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding on a grocery rewards card.
Where do you shop the most? Your shopping habits will play a large role in the type of grocery rewards card that works best for you. A general-purpose credit card that offers grocery rewards is a good pick if you want the flexibility to shop at a broad mix of grocery stores and supermarkets. But if you are loyal to a specific wholesale club or superstore, a co-branded credit card or a flat-rate rewards card may offer the best value.
How much do you spend on groceries? To get the most value out of a grocery rewards card, you’ll need to consider your spending habits. Some of the best grocery rewards cards come with no annual fee, which makes them a great option for people on a budget who don’t spend enough at the grocery store to justify an annual fee. However, a grocery rewards card with an annual fee may offer higher rewards rates. This means if you spend heavily at grocery stores and are able to rack up a lot of rewards, you should have no trouble offsetting an annual fee and even enjoying more value than you would with a no-annual-fee card. Annual fee cards may also offer a wider variety of bonus categories and plenty of additional benefits to help you save money.
Are you a minimalist or a rewards maximizer? If you’re looking for a grocery rewards card with high rewards earning potential, keep in mind that it can take some work to earn as many rewards as possible. You may have to track spending categories, watch out for spending caps or juggle multiple credit cards to avoid earning only 1 percent cash back on your purchases. If you value simplicity, the extra rewards may not be worth the trouble.A grocery rewards card with a simple rewards structure or a flat-rate credit card are solid picks if you’re looking for an easier way to earn rewards. You likely won’t earn as many rewards, but compared to grocery cards with multiple high-earning bonus categories and complicated rewards programs, you won’t have to jump through so many hoops to earn rewards.
What short- and long-term benefits matter most to you? The right grocery rewards card can do more than just earn cash back or points. Be on the lookout for standout perks that increase the card’s value for you in the short and long term. These may include a generous sign-up bonus, introductory APR offer, valuable travel and consumer protections, complimentary concierge servies, or no foreign transaction fees.
Additional features to look out for with grocery rewards cards
On top of the rewards you can earn, most grocery rewards cards include a number of features and benefits that increase the card’s value even further. Here’s a look at some of the additional perks you might find with a grocery rewards card.
Welcome offer. Credit cards that come with a sign-up bonus give you a chance to quickly earn a one-time lump-sum bonus worth hundreds of dollars after spending a certain amount of money within the first few months of account opening.
Intro APR Offer. Need to pay down debt or chip away at a large purchase over time? Intro APR offers let you make interest-free payments on purchases and balance transfers for a select period of time, typically 12 to 15 months.
Extended warranty. If your credit card offers extended warranty, you get peace of mind that your purchase is covered beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty in the event it breaks or stops working.
Return protection. This perk extends the return policy normally found with retailers. With return protection, you may be eligible for a refund on purchases made with the rewards card even if the retailer refuses to accept the return.
Car rental insurance. Your card may offer primary or secondary car rental coverage. This saves you from having to purchase collision coverage each time you rent a car. This is especially useful if you don’t already have auto insurance.
Travel accident insurance. In the event of accidental death or dismemberment, your grocery rewards card may provide travel accident insurance at no additional charge when you pay for your travel fare using the credit card.
Complimentary concierge service. If you need help finding or planning travel, shopping, dining or entertainment experiences, concierge service provides personalized assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How we chose our best grocery store cards
To select the best grocery rewards credit cards, we evaluated each card using a 5-star scoring system, focusing on the following key features:
Rewards rates
The best grocery rewards cards earn rewards in multiple consumer-friendly categories that fit the shopping habits of various consumers. Top rewards programs earn high bonus rewards to help justify the amount of effort needed to earn and redeem rewards or offer hassle-free earning and redemption options to justify the lower rewards rates.
Short- and long-term value
We compared the features and benefits of each card, evaluating short-term features (like welcome offer and intro APR) and long-term features (like rewards program and purchase and travel protections) to ensure the card provided enough value to justify any rates and fees.
*Information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® and the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently asked questions about grocery rewards cards
Finding the right grocery rewards card with no annual fee depends on your spending habits and goals. Here are three of the best no-annual-fee grocery store rewards cards worth checking out:
If food and entertainment make up a large portion of your spending, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat. Few no-annual-fee cards pack in such a wide variety of everyday bonus categories, including high rewards focused on grocery stores, dining, entertainment and select streaming services. On top of that, the card provides great value with its sign-up bonus, low intro APR, and solid travel and shopping perks.
If your spending habits focus less on dining and entertainment, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express may be the best grocery store card with no annual fee. It earns a decent cash back rate on purchases made at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations and is ideal for budget shoppers who tend to spend less than $3,200 annually at the supermarket (after this threshold, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express would earn more even with its annual fee factored in).
For greater flexibility, consider the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Unlike most general-purpose rewards cards, it lets you earn consistent cash rewards on purchases made at both grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Plus, you can customize the card by choosing from one of six bonus categories that will earn an even higher rewards rate than your grocery and wholesale club purchases.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a strong contender for best grocery store card with rotating categories. On top of earning 5 percent cash back each quarter in rotating bonus categories (on up to $1,500 each quarter, activation required, 1% cash back on all other purchases), the Freedom Flex also lets you earn bonus rewards in fixed categories like travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, drugstore, and dining purchases (including takeout and eligible delivery services). You’ll have a hard time finding another credit card that offers such a refreshing mix of rotating and fixed bonus categories.
It also offers great value thanks to a generous and unique welcome offer of $200 cash back after you spend $500 in your first three months—one of the best returns on spend you can find on a no-annual-fee rewards card bonus..
Just keep in mind that grocery store credit cards with rotating categories may not provide the best value for grocery spending. With these cards, you typically only earn high rewards at supermarkets for three months out of the year. You’ll have to supplement with another grocery rewards card for those months where you’d otherwise only earn 1 percent cash back on your grocery purchases.
Yes. If your store offers it, groceries can be purchased online for pickup or delivery using a credit card. Online purchases made directly through a grocery store typically earn the same rewards rate as when shopping in-store. Third-party delivery services like Instacart may also count as grocery store purchases and should earn rewards at the same rate as in-store purchases.
Most recently before joining Bankrate.com, Robert worked as an editor and writer at The Ascent by The Motley Fool, covering a number of personal finance topics, including credit cards, mortgages and loans.
Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com, focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards programs, point valuation and credit scores, and his stories on building credit have been cited by Mic.com, LifeHacker, People.com and more. Through his thorough card reviews and...
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.