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.
Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit card guides focused on cash back, credit scores and card offers.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Thomas is a well-rounded financial professional, with over 20 years of experience in investments, corporate finance, and accounting. His investment experience includes oversight of a $4 billion portfolio for an insurance group. Varied finance and accounting work includes the preparation of financial statements and budgets, the development of multiyear financial forecasts, credit analyses, and the evaluation of capital budgeting proposals.
In a consulting capacity, he has assisted individuals and businesses of all sizes with accounting, financial planning and investing matters; lent his financial expertise to a few well-known websites; and tutored students via a few virtual forums.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Thomas is a well-rounded financial professional, with over 20 years of experience in investments, corporate finance, and accounting. His investment experience includes oversight of a $4 billion portfolio for an insurance group. Varied finance and accounting work includes the preparation of financial statements and budgets, the development of multiyear financial forecasts, credit analyses, and the evaluation of capital budgeting proposals.
In a consulting capacity, he has assisted individuals and businesses of all sizes with accounting, financial planning and investing matters; lent his financial expertise to a few well-known websites; and tutored students via a few virtual forums.
Groceries are one of the most common recurring expenses for both families and individuals, and credit cards are a great way to earn rewards on those necessary expenses.
The best grocery store credit cards earn a high rewards rate on grocery store purchases and offer solid rewards opportunities in other common spending categories for a minimal annual fee.
Show less
Read more
We helped put over 115,000 cards in people's wallets in 2023
Match to cards with approval odds and apply with confidence
Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions
Why choose Bankrate
We helped put over 115,000 cards in people's wallets in 2023
Match to cards with approval odds and apply with confidence
Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions
The Bankrate Promise
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money and how we rate our cards .
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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
1% - 5%
Rewards rate
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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
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.
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, which can help you finance large purchases or pay off debt.
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 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 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 19.24% - 29.24%, 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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
1% - 6%
Rewards rate
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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Annual fee
Regular APR
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
Along with its best-in-class cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases, this card earns bonus rewards on common 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 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year) can be offset with card earnings, it will still eat away some of your cash back potential.
The card’s high-earning U.S. supermarket category doesn’t include wholesale clubs like Costco or big-box stores like Walmart. You’ll only earn 1 percent back for these purchases.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible 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% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
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.
3% Cash Back 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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
1% - 8%
Rewards rate
8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
Annual fee
Regular APR
8%
8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5%
5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
3%
3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
1%
1% Cash Back on all other purchases
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 (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 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 (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) 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 19.99 percent - 29.99 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 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment 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
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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee 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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
1% - 3%
Rewards rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
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.
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.
Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
If you're a Bank of America 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 cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
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®.
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3x
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x
1x on all other purchases.
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 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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. 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.
Annual fee
Regular APR
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.
If you’re looking to earn high travel rewards via everyday spending at U.S. supermarkets, 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.
It 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 $6,000 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.
$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.
Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
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.
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.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
1% - 3%
Rewards rate
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express proves that you don't need to have an exceptional credit score (or pay an annual fee) to earn solid rewards on family-friendly purchases. The cash back rates on its bonus categories match up well with anyone who spends a lot to meet the needs of an on-the-go household.
It earns rewards not only on common everyday expenses, but also on U.S. online retail purchases — a category that’s hard to come by on a rewards card.
There’s an introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, which may help you save on interest.
Cons
The top-tier bonus category (3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets) is capped at $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 percent).
Superstores and wholesale clubs don’t count as U.S. supermarkets.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
Terms Apply.
Compare Bankrate's best credit cards for groceries
Card name
Best for
Rewards highlights
Bankrate review score
Customizable rewards
5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (can include grocery stores) up to the first $500 spent, then 1% back
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 purchases per calendar year, then 1X) and restaurants, including Uber Eats and other eligible delivery services
3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel
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.
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per calendar year in each category, then 1 percent)
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.
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. The information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
A closer look at our top-rated grocery rewards cards
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Best for customizable rewards
It’s one of the only rewards cards that adapts to fit your spending habits. You earn one of the highest rates around in the eligible category you spend the most in, which could be grocery store purchases.
The Custom Cash is worth it for cash back fans who need a supplemental rewards card. Since it only earns rewards at a high rate in your biggest spending category each billing cycle, you’ll want to combine it with a flat-rate rewards card or a card that offers bonus rewards in other categories that fit your spending habits.
If you only want to carry one credit card in your wallet, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be a better option. It comes with an annual fee, but its high rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets can easily offset this cost. In fact, the card carries perhaps the highest rewards rate available at U.S. supermarkets.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for rewards on everyday purchases
It earns the highest cash back rate available at U.S. supermarkets. 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.
Families and other big grocery spenders who can also take advantage of all the card’s categories to make up for the annual fee. You’d only need to spend about $300 a month at U.S. supermarkets to cover the annual fee and get better value than you would with a card that earned 3 percent back but charged no annual fee.
You can earn unlimited 3 percent cash back in a number of food and entertainment categories — including both grocery store and restaurant purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) — with no spending caps and no annual fee (See Rates & Fees). Few cards reward both grocery and dining purchases, let alone entertainment purchases.
People who want to stick with one card that earns rewards on grocery shopping, dining, entertainment and more while avoiding an annual fee.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card gives you the freedom to pick two categories — from fast food, home utilities, department stores and more — that earn high cash back rates. Plus, you can still earn unlimited 2 percent back in an everyday category of your choice, including grocery stores and restaurants.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Best for wholesale club rewards
It offers more flexibility than traditional rewards cards. You can not only choose your bonus category and change your choice category once per calendar month, but also earn rewards at wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club — an especially hard-to-find bonus category.
Since you can earn bonus rewards at both wholesale clubs and grocery stores, this card is a solid option for household shoppers. The choice categories also make the card an excellent fit if you need flexibility with where you earn rewards.
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
It’s easy to quickly rack up travel rewards thanks to this card’s solid rewards rate in a variety of everyday spending categories. Plus, the Sapphire Preferred card’s perks could provide enough value to more than make up for the $95 annual fee.
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 rack up points than it would be with a travel card that only rewards airfare and hotel bookings.
Depending on your spending habits, the Blue Cash Preferred card may be a better fit. For the same annual fee, you get double the rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets compared to the Sapphire Preferred card’s 3X points, which only applies to online grocery purchases (excluding purchases at Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs).
American Express® Gold Card
Best for travel rewards on groceries
Its high rewards rate at both U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, combined with valuable benefits like annual dining credits and enhanced travel benefits, make the Amex Gold a powerful mid-level travel card for foodies and household shoppers.
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 various redemption options best suited to frequent travelers.
You don’t need to pay a $250 annual fee to earn rewards on dining and groceries. 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 rewards at a terrific rate in a variety of categories, including dining, grocery store and entertainment purchases.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best for groceries and no annual fee
This is one of the only no-annual-fee cards that offers high rewards rates year-round in a variety of popular everyday categories like groceries and gas. It’s also one of the few cards with no annual fee to carry perks as valuable as credits for the Disney Bundle and Home Chef meal kits (subject to auto-renewal).
This is a solid pick if your top spending areas include groceries, gas and online shopping. But if you have an especially high grocery budget, you may earn more with the Blue Cash Preferred, despite its annual fee.
Thanks to its unique rewards program, which earns a high rewards rate in your top eligible spending category, the Citi Custom Cash can offer one of the best grocery rewards rates available. Pair it with another rewards card for your gas purchases, like the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, and you could rake in more cash back than you would with a single card that rewards both gas and groceries.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Best for backup grocery rewards
It has high rewards rates in both fixed and rotating bonus categories. This gives you a variety of ways to quickly earn cash back — even if the Freedom Flex isn’t your main grocery card. Chase’s list of categories often includes grocery stores, wholesale clubs or grocery superstores like Walmart or Target.
The Freedom Flex is a good fit for rewards strategists since its bonus categories rotate, and you need to track spending and plan out purchases in advance to maximize your rewards.
If you don’t want to track categories or worry about spending limits, the Wells Fargo Active Cash is a solid choice since it earns a single flat rate on all purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® could also be a more rewarding option since it not only earns at least 1.5 percent back on all purchases, but also carries the same 3 percent bonus categories as the Freedom Flex.
Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®
Best for budget shoppers
The rewards on in-store and online Walmart purchases is solid, especially considering most cards only earn 1 percent cash back on purchases at superstores like Walmart. This card is also open to people with fair credit, which is helpful since nearly all the best grocery rewards cards require good to excellent credit.
Budget shoppers looking for the best deals or people impacted by the rising costs of groceries can make this card part of an effective strategy to combat inflation.
If Walmart isn’t for you, a store card that offers high bonus rewards for shopping at your local superstore like Target or at a wholesale club could help keep the cost of groceries down. Consider the Bank of America Customized Cash card, which is one of the only cash back cards versatile enough to get you a nice rewards rate at a variety of wholesale clubs.
What is a grocery store credit card?
Grocery rewards cards earn cash back or points on purchases at eligible grocery stores. Groceries are often one of the most lucrative bonus categories on the market considering food and household products are the backbone of most budgets. But the best credit card for groceries will go even further, offering up valuable rewards for other major spending categories too, including everyday staples like dining, gas, transit and travel. Since these versatile cards offer plenty of value even outside the supermarket, they’re ideal for just about anyone.
Most grocery cards earn cash back, but it’s also easy to find airline, hotel and general travel cards that offer a grocery bonus category. However, only purchases at traditional grocery stores and supermarkets typically earn bonus rewards, so you may need to explore more options if you mostly shop at superstores (like Walmart and Target), wholesale clubs, online retailers or specialty food stores.
Types of grocery store credit cards
Although many popular grocery rewards cards are general-purpose cards with multiple bonus categories, some of the top options are co-branded with a particular retailer or will only work or earn rewards at specific stores. Here’s a look at the different types of grocery cards and which option will be the best fit for various cardholders.
Bonus category cards are rewards cards that offer higher rewards rates in select categories — typically anywhere from 3 percent to 5 percent back in rewards. Cards that offer bonus grocery rewards earn cash back, points or miles on purchases at stores classified as supermarkets based on their merchant category code. That includes favorites like Safeway, Albertsons, Kroger, Publix and many other local grocery stores.
Co-branded cards carry the name of a retailer and a credit card issuer. Like traditional credit cards, you can use a co-branded grocery rewards card wherever credit cards are accepted, but they tend to earn the best rewards at the retailer named on the card.
Store credit cards like the Target RedCard™ are closed-loop cards (also known as private-label cards), which you can only use at a specific retail store. These store-only cards tend to carry higher APRs than other types of grocery store cards but may be more accessible to people with a lower credit score. These cards may also give you access to deferred-interest financing options, which can help you pay off store purchases over time (or wreak havoc on your finances if you fail to pay off your balance before the promotional financing period ends).
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.
How much could you save with a grocery credit card?
According to the most recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual cost of household groceries in 2022 was around $5,700. That averages out to about $475 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 the examples below to see how much you could save each year depending on the credit card.
6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
$342
$95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year)
$5,453
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.
Pros and cons of grocery credit cards
Since most people shop for groceries for their everyday food needs, there’s plenty to love about cards that reward you for grocery purchases. However, you should also keep a few drawbacks in mind.
Pros
Cost-saving features: The chance to earn rewards on all of your grocery purchases can help ease inflation costs.
Intro APR offers: Some grocery cards come with intro APR offers that let you make interest-free payments on purchases and balance transfers for a select period of time, typically 12 to 15 months.
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.
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.
Cons
Rewards rate limits: Cards may come with monthly, quarterly or annual caps that limit the amount of rewards you earn.
Limited redemption options: Some grocery rewards cards only let you redeem your rewards for cash options like statement credits. If you’re interested in travel, they may not be the best fit.
High variable APRs: Rewards cards tend to carry high variable APRs. If you can’t pay your balances in full each month, the interest charges could cost more than the rewards you earn and make it harder to pay off your debt.
Fees: You’ll need to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. If you’re not careful, you could also get stuck paying late payment fees, cash advance fees or penalty APRs.
Expert advice on grocery store credit cards
Finding the right grocery credit card can help you earn maximum rewards on purchases you frequently make. Here’s some advice from our top credit card experts to help you in your search.
1
See where 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 store or brand, a co-branded credit card or a flat-rate rewards card may offer the best value.
2
Note how much you spend on groceries
While nearly anyone can benefit from a grocery rewards card, not everyone will spend enough to offset the annual fee of some of the most lucrative grocery store credit cards (like the Blue Cash Preferred). These cards are generally worth the price, but only if you spend enough. Luckily, 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 the annual cost.
3
Decide if you’re a minimalist or a rewards maximizer
To earn as many rewards as possible with a grocery rewards card, you may have to track spending categories or juggle multiple credit cards. A grocery rewards card with a simple rewards structure or a flat-rate credit card may work better if you want an easier way to earn rewards. You likely won’t earn as many rewards, but you won’t have to jump through so many hoops either.
4
Understand 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, purchase protections, no foreign transaction fees, annual credits or complimentary grocery or food delivery service subscriptions.
5
Know how often you dine out
Some grocery rewards cards also double as the best credit cards for restaurants. In fact, several top grocery cards pack the same rewards rate on dining as they do on eligible groceries, including the Capital One SavorOne, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold cards. You should consider a grocery card with a dining rewards category if you eat at restaurants about as often as you cook at home.
Here’s how a Bankrate expert uses his grocery card
Bankrate credit cards writer Ryan Flanigan uses his American Express® Gold card for groceries and restaurants to rack up tons of points for travel.
“I never go grocery shopping without this card. Membership Rewards points are very valuable to me, and this card earns a lot of them. I easily offset the annual fee with Uber and GrubHub credits, which I use regularly. The return on this card is as high as you can get with groceries and restaurants, so it’s a great choice for those frequently used categories. This card is my main vehicle to generate tons of Amex points, which helps me go on all sorts of great travel adventures using all their different travel partners.”
— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Credit Cards
Tips for maximizing a grocery store credit card
Once you’ve chosen the right grocery store credit card, you can start planning to get the most out of your new card. Here are some tips to help you get the most satisfying experience out of your grocery rewards card.
Lean into co-branded store cards
According to dunnhumby’s sixth annual Retailer Preference Index, Aldi, Walmart and Market Basket are consistently among the top grocery stores that provide the best price, rewards and promotions for shoppers. These stores use cost-first strategies that focus on offering shoppers the best base prices on most of their groceries.
Amazon, Target and wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club also fared well with customers. They may not offer the lowest possible price on every item, but they tend to have store cards that come with benefits and rewards that can help drive down grocery prices and provide exceptional value to savvy budget shoppers.
Here’s a look at the rewards cards offered by some of the best and cheapest grocery stores.
5% back on eligible Amazon.com, Whole Foods Market and Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases
2% back on restaurant, gas station plus local transit and commuting purchases (including rideshares)
1% back on all other purchases
$0 annual fee with paid membership ($139)
Save more with cash back apps
Coupons and cash back apps can sprinkle even more savings on top of the rewards you earn with a grocery rewards card. Bankrate experts recommend Ibotta if you’re paying with a grocery rewards card since they find its grocery-related offers are better than what competing apps and browser extensions provide.
Stacking multiple grocery cards can help you maximize your rewards across different stores. Grocery bonus categories typically only cover traditional supermarkets like Kroger, Harris Teeter, Publix and Whole Foods. This detail means even the best grocery cards may only earn 1 percent back at some of the biggest grocery stores, including:
Superstores like Walmart, Target and Walmart Neighborhood Markets.
Wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club
Online grocery providers like Amazon and online delivery services like Uber Eats (Note: Instacart may count for your grocery category, depending on the card)
Drugstores like Walgreens, CVS and Rite-Aid
Variety stores like Dollar General
How we assess the best grocery store credit cards
150+
cards rated
50+
rewards programs valued
1800
data points analyzed
40+
perks evaluated
When evaluating the best grocery store credit cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points.
We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cash back and rewards cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best grocery store cards.
Here are some of the key factors that we considered:
The primary criteria for a rewards-earning card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.
To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average person’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories.
We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2022 was $72,967 per consumer. From here, we determine a “chargeable” spend (which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards). After subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases, education and healthcare, we get a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $25,400.
This includes the following spending by category:
Groceries: $5,700
Dining out: $3,600
Entertainment: $2,400
Gas: $3,100
Apparel and services: $1,900
Using this data, we are able to assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 22 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries.
We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance.
To start, each card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other rewards cards. However, the latter rating only has a slight influence on the card’s score and whether the card is included in our list, since rewards card users generally try to avoid carrying a balance.
More important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value.
Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees.
With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.
That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many people would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.
Rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth.
As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list.
Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.
We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating.
We break down these tiers as follows:
Tier 1 includes fewer features than even standard credit cards (for example, an ultra-streamlined card that offers basic utility and next to nothing in the way of ancillary benefits).
Tier 2 includes the benefits you’d expect on standard Visa or Mastercard credit cards, such as free access to your credit score, car rental insurance and $0 liability for fraudulent charges.
Tier 3 includes “prime card” or better-than-average card features like cellphone insurance, lost luggage insurance, concierge services and purchase protection.
Tier 4 includes luxury features such as airport lounge access, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs.
Tier 5 includes the sort of exemplary benefits you’ll find on top-tier luxury cards, such as high-value travel credits, cardholder memberships and other unique and valuable perks.
In evaluating the best cards, we tend to favor cards that offer at least Tier 3 benefits, unless they include other unique features that could make up for less-impressive perks.
*Information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® , the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®,Target RedCard™, BJ's One+™ Mastercard®, and Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Frequently asked questions about grocery rewards cards
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 percent 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.
Yes. If your store offers it, you can purchase groceries 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.
Yes. In addition to helping you earn rewards on grocery store purchases, these cards can also help you build credit. Just make sure you’re making on-time payments and keeping your monthly balances low, though paying in full can help you avoid interest charges and enjoy the full value of the rewards you earn.
Whether an issuer considers a purchase a “grocery purchase” depends on what four-digit merchant category code (MCC) is listed next to the purchase on your card statement.
Each major credit card network has its own MCC list, but the main Visa or Mastercard MCC you’ll want to look for is “5411: Grocery Stores and supermarkets.” Purchases on a Visa or Mastercard credit card that are assigned this MCC should be eligible for rewards as part of a grocery store or supermarket bonus category. Products bought at supermarkets, orders from certain grocery delivery services and bakery or deli purchases could all meet the criteria for this distinction. However, not all grocery store purchases earn rewards.
Yes, many grocery store cards are worth it. Numerous excellent grocery store cards are available, many without an annual fee, and since groceries are often an integral part of people’s spending, grocery cards can offer an easy way to earn back some essential living costs.
Co-branded grocery store cards are mostly offered by large national superstores, such as Target and Walmart, or wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club, BJ’s and Costco. You may not find co-branded cards from smaller grocery stores like Fry’s, Giant or Food Lion.
We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card,…
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at…
* 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.
Just a second... We’re matching you with personalized offers
Hold tight, we’re loading your personalized results page
Sorry, we couldn't access your approval odds.
This often happens when the information that's provided is incorrect. Please try entering your full information again to view your approval odds.
Just a second... We’re matching you with personalized offers
Hold tight, we’re loading your personalized results page
Sorry, we couldn't access your approval odds.
This often happens when the information that's provided is incorrect. Please try entering your full information again to view your approval odds.