9 Best Credit Cards for Groceries – Rewards & Offers

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Grocery shopping is a great equalizer. Rich and poor, adventurous cooks and microwave-only eaters — pretty much everyone knows what it’s like to browse supermarket shelves. By now, most know how to play the grocery delivery game too.

It’s no surprise, then, that supermarket credit cards are so popular up and down the income scale. From entry-level spending aids like the Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express to prime products like the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card, there’s almost certainly a rewards-bearing card tailored to your grocery shopping habits.

These are among the best credit cards to use for grocery store and supermarket purchases. Unless otherwise noted, grocery purchases made at superstores like Walmart, Target, and Meijer and warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco don’t qualify as supermarket purchases.

Best Credit Cards for Groceries

1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express

6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets; Up to $6,000 in Annual Category Spending

The Blue Cash Preferred® card from American Express rewards grocery store purchases better than any major credit card on the market: 6% cash back on the first $6,000 in annual purchases at U.S. supermarkets. That’s $360 in grocery store cash back, or $265 after accounting for the $95 annual fee. That’s a solid haul by any stretch — one most multiperson households can easily achieve.

Key features of the card include:

Welcome Offer: When you spend at least $1,000 in eligible purchases within three months of opening your account, you receive a $250 statement credit.
Earning Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, up to the first $6,000 in eligible purchases per calendar year. Earn 6% cash back on digital media and streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO, Audible, and Apple Music. Earn 3% cash back on U.S. gas station and local transportation and transit purchases, including parking, tolls, and ridesharing fares. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, including grocery store purchases above the annual spending cap.
Redeeming Rewards: Redeem for statement credits starting at $25 in reward dollars. Alternatively, redeem for alternate rewards, such as gift cards and merchandise, through Amex’s rewards portal.
Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. After that, regular variable APR applies (currently 14.74% to 25.74% variable APR).
Key Fees: The annual fee is $95. The foreign transaction fee is 2.7%.
Other Perks: Enjoy complimentary rental car insurance when you pay for the rental in full with your card, extended warranties on select covered items, and reimbursement for stolen or damaged items within a post-purchase eligibility window.

See our Blue Cash Preferred® card from American Express review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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2. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

5% Cash Back on Grocery Purchases at Whole Foods and Amazon’s Website

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is the obvious choice for Amazon Prime members who do most or all their grocery shopping through Amazon Fresh, Amazon Prime Pantry, or Whole Foods Market. All Amazon-ecosystem purchases, including both perishable and nonperishable groceries, earn 5% cash back. It’s easy to redeem cash back in any amount for purchase credits at checkout, making this a truly seamless rewards credit card for Amazon fans.

Key features of the card include:

Sign-Up Bonus: This card’s sign-up bonus offers are subject to change and may vary by prospective cardholder. Check offer details before you apply.
Earning Rewards: Earn unlimited 5% cash back on eligible purchases at Whole Foods Market locations and amazon.com, including Amazon Fresh and Amazon Prime Pantry. Earn unlimited 2% cash back on purchases made at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Redeeming Rewards: Redeem accumulated cash back in any amount for statement credits, deposits to linked bank accounts, or credits against Amazon purchases at checkout.
Introductory APR: None.
Key Fees: There is no annual fee for the card itself, but cardholders must be Amazon Prime members in good standing to earn 5% cash back on amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases. Prime membership costs $119 per year, subject to change. There is no foreign transaction fee.
Other Perks: Enjoy a host of travel insurance perks, including lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance. Other perks include extended warranties on select items with existing manufacturers’ warranties and complimentary car rental insurance when you pay for the rental in full with your card.

See our Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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3. Target RedCard™ Credit Card

5% Discount on Target Purchases, Including Groceries

Store credit cards generally get a bad rap, but the Target RedCard is a notable exception. Delivering automatic, instantaneous 5% cash back on in-store and online Target purchases, it’s a fantastic spending aid for Target loyalists. Since most Target locations have well-stocked grocery sections, it’s also a realistic primary grocery store credit card for shoppers who buy most of their food staples at Target.

Sign-Up Bonus: There’s currently no welcome offer. Check with Target for the latest information.
Earning Rewards: Automatically earn 5% off all eligible Target purchases online and in-store, applied at checkout. Eligible Target purchases include full-price, on sale, and clearance grocery products.
Redeeming Rewards: Your rewards are redeemed automatically.
Introductory APR: None.
Key Fees: There is no annual fee.
Other Perks: Enjoy RedCard cardholder exclusives, like 10% off on your anniversary when you sign up for Target marketing emails and 10% off eligible Hotels.com purchases.

See our Target RedCard™ review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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4. American Express® Gold Card

4x Points at U.S. Supermarkets; Up to $25,000 in Annual Category Purchases

The American Express® Gold card earns 4 membership rewards points per $1 spent on the first $25,000 in U.S. supermarket purchases each year. That’s up to 100,000 bonus points, worth up to $0.01 per point at redemption — a 4% return on spending.

Above the annual spending cap, you earn 1 point per $1 spent on U.S. supermarket purchases. Most frugal families don’t need to worry about running over.

Welcome Offer: Earn 35,000 membership rewards points after spending $2,000 in purchases on your card within the first three months of card membership.
Earning Rewards: Earn 4 membership rewards points per $1 spent on U.S. restaurant purchases and 4 points per $1 spent on U.S. supermarket purchases, up to $25,000 in annual supermarket spending. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on airfare purchased directly with the airline and at amextravel.com and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
Redeeming Rewards: There are multiple redemption options, including travel bookings, gift cards, Uber rides, general merchandise, and statement credits at the American Express membership rewards portal. Redemption minimums begin at 1,000 points. Most value points between $0.005 and $0.01 apiece.
Introductory APR: None. For specific rates and fees of the American Express® Gold card, see its terms and conditions.
Key Fees: The annual fee is $250. There is no foreign transaction fee. Returned payments cost up to $39 each.
Other Perks: Enjoy a $100 annual airline fee credit with the airline of your choosing, good against incidental fees. Other perks include $10 in dining credits per month with select participating chains and apps, including Seamless.

See our American Express® Gold card review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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5. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

3% Cash Back on Supermarket Purchases; Up to $6,000 in Annual Category Purchases

The no-annual-fee alternative to the Blue Cash Everyday® card is nearly as generous as its fee-bearing parent. Get 3% cash back on the first $6,000 in purchases made at U.S. supermarkets each year and 1% cash back on supermarket purchases thereafter. That’s $180 in bonus cash back in addition to baseline cash.

Key features of this card include:

Welcome Offer: Earn $150 cash back as a statement credit when you spend at least $1,000 in eligible purchases during the first three months your account is open. Terms may change. Check with American Express for the latest information.
Earning Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on eligible U.S. supermarket purchases, up to $6,000 in total supermarket spending per year. Earn 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, including supermarket purchases above the annual spending cap.
Redeeming Rewards: Redeem accumulated cash back for statement credits on your Blue Cash Everyday account.
Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from your account opening date, then regular variable APR applies.
Key Fees: There is no annual fee. Foreign transactions cost 2.7% of the transaction amount. Balance transfers cost $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Other Perks: Enjoy multiple travel protections, including complimentary rental car coverage when you pay for the rental in full with your card and 24/7 roadside assistance (fees may apply).

See our Blue Cash Everyday® card from American Express review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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6. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card

3% Cash Back on Online Purchases (Including Grocery Purchases) and 2% Cash Back on Supermarket Purchases

The Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card earns 2% cash back on supermarket purchases. Designate “online shopping” as your permanent 3% cash back category, and you can earn even faster when you purchase groceries online.

The creditor caps your 2% and 3% tier earnings at $2,500 in quarterly purchases, which is plenty for modest spenders. You can earn $75 per quarter when you max out the online shopping category with grocery spending or $50 per quarter when you spend $2,500 in brick-and-mortar supermarket purchases.

Sign-up Bonus: Earn $200 cash back when you spend at least $1,000 in purchases during the first 90 days your account is open.
Earning Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on grocery store purchases on the first $2,500 in combined category spending per quarter. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, including grocery store and chosen category purchases above the spending cap.
Redeeming Rewards: There are multiple ways to redeem, including credit card statement credits, bank account deposits to qualifying Bank of America and Merrill Lynch accounts, deposits to qualifying tax-advantaged accounts, and paper checks (starting at $25).
Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles from account opening.
Key Fees. There is no annual fee. Foreign transactions cost 3% of the transaction amount.
Other Perks: Enjoy complimentary trip cancellation and interruption insurance and extended warranties on select covered purchases with existing manufacturers’ warranties.

See our Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card review for more information.

7. Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

2% Cash Back on Supermarket Purchases

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards credit card earns unlimited 2% cash back on supermarket purchases. It’s by no means the best value, but with no annual fee and a solid rate of return on dining and entertainment purchases, it’s a worthy contender for folks who like to eat — whether in the comfort of their own kitchens or out on the town.

Early Spend Bonus: Earn $150 bonus cash when you spend $500 on purchases within three months of your account opening date.
Earning Rewards: Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases, unlimited 2% cash back on purchases at grocery stores, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Redeeming Rewards: Redeem for statement credits or bank account deposits in any amount.
Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from your account opening date.
Key Fees: There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee. Balance transfers cost 3% during the 15-month introductory period but otherwise carry no charge.
Other Perks: Enjoy money-saving perks such as 24/7 travel assistance services, potential savings on prior purchases through Capital One Shopping and Paribus, extended warranties on select purchased items. SavorOne comes in Visa and Mastercard varieties, and feature availability may vary by product.

8. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa® Signature Card

2% Cash Back on Purchases in the Category of Your Choice, Including Supermarket Purchases

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature card earns unlimited 2% cash back on supermarket purchases. That’s coupled with 5% cash back in two categories of your choosing on the first $2,000 in purchases per quarter. Together, they provide a solid rate of return for a no-annual-fee card.

If you need more supermarket spending power, consider using Cash+ as a backup to a higher-earning grocery store credit card like Blue Cash Preferred or Blue Cash Everyday.

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $150 bonus cash when you spend $500 in eligible net purchases during the first 90 days of account opening.
Earning Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in quarterly purchases in two categories of your choosing and unlimited 2% cash back on purchases in another category of your choice, including grocery stores. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, including 5% category purchases above the quarterly spending cap.
Redeeming Rewards: You can redeem accrued cash back for credit card statement credits or deposits to eligible U.S. Bank accounts. Rewards expire 36 days after you earn them. There’s no minimum redemption requirement.
Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles following account opening. There’s no corresponding purchase promotion.
Key Fees: There is no annual fee. Foreign transactions cost 2% to 3% of the total transaction cost, depending on denomination.

See our U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa® Signature Card review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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9. Citi Double Cash® Card

2% Cash Back on All Eligible Purchases, Including Supermarket Purchases

The Citi Double Cash® card earns 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, including purchases at the supermarket. If you’re not interested in carrying a separate card solely for supermarket transactions, this is as good a choice as any. Just be sure to pay your entire balance in full each month, as you only earn the full 2% cash back allowance when you zero out your statement.

Sign-Up Bonus: There is currently no sign-up bonus. Check with Citi for the latest offer details.
Earning Rewards: Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all eligible purchases at the point of sale and another unlimited 1% cash back when you pay down your balances (provided you make the minimum payment). Eligible purchases include grocery store purchases.
Redeeming Rewards: Redeem for statement credits and other forms of cash back, subject to redemption minimums.
Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months from your account opening date. After that, regular variable APR applies.
Key Fees: There is no annual fee. The foreign transaction fee is 3%.

See our Citi Double Cash® Card review for more information. Learn more and find out how to apply for this card here.

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Final Word

Each of these supermarket credit cards rewards grocery store purchases consistently — month after month, quarter after quarter, year after year. And that consistency is vital to their value.

It’s worth calling out the sometime-supermarket credit cards that didn’t make this list. It’s not that they’re never worth using at the grocery store. Rather, they only perform from time to time.

Take the Chase Freedom Credit Card, for instance. Freedom reliably earns 5% cash back on grocery store purchases for one quarter per year, up to $1,500 in quarterly category spending. The catch: Grocery store earnings drop to just 1% the other nine months of the year, supplanted by another favored category.

Cards like Chase Freedom are fine for cardholders who can adjust their spending as opportunity arises. Those who sideline their primary grocery card during Chase Freedom’s bonanza quarter can earn impressive average rates of return on grocery store spending throughout the year. But not everyone wants (or has the means) to juggle two supermarket credit cards.

What’s your go-to credit card for supermarket and grocery store spending, and why?

Editorial Note: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Published at Tue, 22 Dec 2020 22:30:23 +0000