Best Credit Cards for Groceries of November 2025

Buying food is one of the biggest expenses in any household (looking at you, fellow parents of teenagers), which is why using the right credit card for grocery shopping can make or break your budget. The best credit cards for groceries earn rewards on the staples you buy regularly to fill your fridge, and can help stretch your budget further without any extra effort.

Whether you prefer cash back on your bill, flexible rewards you can use for travel or a discount on deliveries, you can find a grocery credit card that aligns with your spending habits and goals. We’ve rounded up the best credit cards to use at the supermarket.

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Quick Overview: Best Credit Cards for Groceries

  Our Choice For Credit Range Annual Fee Highlights
Rates and Fees | Terms Apply

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

4.3
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Cash Back on Groceries
Good – Excellent
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Earn a welcome offer and 1% – 6% cash back Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).

Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).

Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
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More Details
Rates and Fees | Terms Apply

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

4.5
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Cash Back Card
Good – Excellent
$0
Earn a welcome offer and 1% – 3% cash back Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.8
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Rewards on dining & entertainment
Excellent, Good
670 – 850*
$0
Up to 8% cash back plus a $300 bonus For a limited time, earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Offer ends 12/9
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

4.8
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Travel
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
$95
Incredible rewards redemption value and a welcome bonus worth up to $1,312 in Travel Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Your points are worth up to 75% more when you redeem them through Chase Travel, making this bonus worth up to $1,312.50.
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More Details
Rates and Fees | Terms Apply

American Express® Gold Card

4.1
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Elevated Rewards
Good – Excellent
$325
Access to incredible statement credit opportunities
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More Details

Citi Strata Premier® Card

4.9
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Premium Points
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
$95
Earn up to 10x points per dollar plus a bonus worth 60,000 bonus ThankYou® PointsEarn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
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Prime Visa

4.1
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Amazon Shoppers
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
$0
Up to 10% cash back on select items and categories on Amazon Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership

Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership

Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)

Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
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Great For Everyday Spending
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
4.3
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

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Top Feature

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then 19.74%-28.74% Variable APR

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CardCritics™ Opinion

This top-rated cash back card is tailored to families with elevated cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets & gas stations, on streaming services and whole lot more. It also offers a very generous welcome offer and a substantial

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. See Rates & Fees

Cash Back

1% – 6% Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).

Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).

Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

Card Details From Issuer

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74% – 28.74%.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
  • Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Well-Rounded Cash Back
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
4.5
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

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Top Feature

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then 19.74%-28.74% Variable APR

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CardCritics™ Opinion

If you are looking for a cash back card without an annual fee that rewards you for your spending at U.S. gas stations, grocery stores and on online retail purchases then the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$0 See Rates & Fees

Cash Back

1% – 3% Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

Card Details From Issuer

  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.74% to 28.74% variable APR.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
  • Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Solid 3% earning rate on dining, entertainment & more
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
4.8
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

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Top Feature

For a limited time, earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Offer ends 12/9

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)

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CardCritics™ Opinion

Foodies and entertainment lovers must give this card a look. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers generous cash-back rates on dining, entertainment, and streaming services. There is a very lucrative welcome bonus and an intro

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent, Good (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Back

1% – 8% Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 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 12 months; 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
75,000 Bonus Point Offer
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
4.8
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Read Full Review

Top Feature

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.74% – 27.99% Variable

CardCritics™ Opinion

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect card for someone who is looking to level-up their travel game. Since it comes with a substantial welcome bonus, you will be well on your way to booking your next

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards

1x – 5x Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
Huge Rewards Earnings Plus A Welcome Offer Opportunity
American Express® Gold Card
4.1
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

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Top Feature

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Purchase APR

See Pay Over Time APR

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CardCritics™ Opinion

If you are looking to level up your credit card rewards, but aren’t quite ready to commit to platinum-level annual fees then the American Express® Gold Card is likely a great fit for you. It is geared toward

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent

Annual Fee

$325 See Rates & Fees

Rewards

1X – 4X Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.

Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.

Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Card Details From Issuer

  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Elevated Travel Rewards Plus A Generous Bonus
Citi Strata Premier® Card
4.9
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Read Full Review

Top Feature

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.74% – 27.74% (Variable)

CardCritics™ Opinion

This premium travel card offers a hefty list of travel perks, credits and lucrative ongoing rewards that make the $95 annual fee easy to justify. It offers 3 points per $1 spent a wide range of popular categories

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards

1x – 10x 10x on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Restaurants. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on All Other Purchases $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking. Travel insurance protection: Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption (Common Carrier), Trip Delay, Lost or Damaged Luggage, MasterRental Coverage (Car Rental).

Card Details From Issuer

  • Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Maximize Your Amazon Prime Membership + Earn Cash Back
Prime Visa
4.1
CardCritics™ Rating

CardCritics™ uses a 5-star rating system determined by our editorial team. The comparison factors include annual fees, APRs, bonus offers, ongoing rewards, accessibility, redemption options, and more. These factors are then weighted by importance to focus on key features that are most important in each specific category.

Read Full Review

Top Feature

Limited-Time Offer: Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Purchase & Balance Transfer APR

19.24% – 27.99% Variable

CardCritics™ Opinion

Frequent Amazon or Whole Foods shoppers would be hard pressed to find a card that earns better ongoing rewards on those purchases than what what this card offers. The welcome bonus is below average and there is no

Recommended Credit Score

Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards

1% – 5% Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership

Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership

Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)

Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases

Card Details From Issuer

  • Limited-Time Offer: Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Best Amazon Gift Card offer for Prime Visa
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC

A grocery credit card is a rewards card that offers a higher rewards rate for purchases made at supermarkets and grocery stores. This type of card treats grocery spending as a bonus category, so you’ll earn high rewards back on things you were buying already. When groceries make up a big chunk of your budget, using one of these cards is an easy way to boost your rewards without changing your spending habits.

In my house, we visit the supermarket several times a week and always use the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card (an advertising partner). We get more than our money’s worth, even with its $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. The card earns 6% back on U.S. supermarket purchases, up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). My household of four eaters includes two boys, ages 17 and 16, and when they’re home, they’re either sleeping or eating. Hitting that $6,000 cap is almost a given every year, which means I’ll earn at least $360 back each year on my grocery spending alone.

Be aware that not every card defines grocery purchases the same way, and not every store codes as a grocery merchant. For example, many cards that offer bonus rewards on groceries explicitly exclude warehouse, discount and big-box stores like Costco, Walmart or Target. Due to this, it pays to know where you’re spending the biggest portion of your grocery budget to match up with the card that will give you the best rewards on your spending.

Choosing the right grocery card comes down to three factors: where you shop, how much you spend and what kind of rewards you value the most. Here are the factors to weigh before you apply.

Reward Rate and Category Limits

The easiest element to review is how much a particular card earns at grocery stores. Some cards offer a flat, elevated rate on all of your spending, supermarket or otherwise, while others offer sky-high rewards but may have an annual or quarterly cap on those earnings.

If your household spends heavily on filling up your fridge and pantry, you may fare best with a card that offers uncapped rewards potential. Those who spend less may do better with a card that has a capped rewards structure if the rewards are high enough.

Type of Rewards

Cash back is as straightforward a reward as it gets, but it’s not the only reward type. Some grocery cards earn points and miles that can be transferred to travel partners, which can be a high-value use of those rewards. 

Other options include earnings that can be used to book travel, used for gift cards or taken as statement credits. If your goal is to maximize the value of every point, cards that earn flexible rewards can offer more value than simple cash back. But if you prefer simplicity over all, a cash-back card will likely be the best choice.

Preferred Grocery Stores

Before applying for a new card, check to see if the places you typically get your groceries will count for bonus rewards. Traditional supermarkets and many specialty chains, like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, typically count as grocery stores, while stores that sell a variety of merchandise in addition to groceries may not. Costco, Target and Walmart are often not included by many grocery cards as eligible for bonus rewards.

Annual Fee and Break-Even Point

Some of the best grocery cards charge an annual fee but earn higher rewards that can justify that cost. If you’re evaluating a card with an annual fee, calculate how much you’d need to earn back in rewards to break even with the cost of card ownership. In many cases, a house with high grocery bills can come out ahead on a card with an annual fee, but everyone’s budget will differ.

Don’t Skip the Side Perks

Many grocery cards also earn elevated rewards in other useful categories, like filling up at the pump or restaurant spending. A card that offers additional bonus reward categories can do double-duty in your wallet and meaningfully improve its value to you. A nice side benefit of my Blue Cash Preferred Card is that it earns 3% back at U.S. gas stations, too, making it a little easier on our budgets with four drivers in the house.

Grocery rewards cards tend to fall into one or more of a few main categories:

Once you’ve narrowed down the right card for your needs, you can amplify your earning power with a few tips and tricks.

  • Make sure to use the card with the highest rewards rate whenever you shop for groceries
  • Stack the savings by enrolling in any loyalty programs your preferred grocery chain offers
  • If you buy groceries online, consider using a cash-back portal like Rakuten, Swagbucks or TopCashBack to take advantage of any additional savings that might be offered
  • If your card offers quarterly bonus categories you have to activate, set reminders in your calendar so you don’t forget to turn them on
  • Redeem your rewards strategically, especially if you’re earning travel rewards on your grocery card

If none of the top grocery cards on this list feel like the right fit for your spending patterns, you still have options. These additional choices offer plenty of value for the right cardholder.

Citi Custom Cash Card 

The no-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash® Card earns 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category (including grocery stores) each billing cycle up to $500 spent (then 1%).

Plus, you can earn 4% additional cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel®. The card’s automatic adjustment to earn you the highest rewards where you spend the most means that if groceries are your highest spending category in a given month, you’ll earn competitive rewards without having to remember to opt in. The Custom Cash Card is a solid option for shoppers whose spending patterns fluctuate throughout the year.

Citi Double Cash Card

If simplicity trumps all else for you, the Citi Double Cash® Card delivers. This no-annual-fee card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay off the purchase), which means whether you shop at the supermarket, corner store or a large discounter, it will all earn 2% back. Although it won’t outearn a card that offers a dedicated supermarket bonus category, it also frees you up to shop anywhere you’d like for groceries, without having to wonder if it will be eligible for elevated rewards.

Instacart Mastercard

If grocery delivery is a regular part of your routine, consider the Instacart Mastercard®. It doesn’t charge an annual fee and earns 5% cash back on qualifying Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases on your first $6,000 spent annually (then 1%), which covers groceries and other household essentials.

** Information for the Prime Visa, Citi Custom Cash® Card and Instacart Mastercard® was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for these products.

Do grocery cards work at all supermarkets?

Most grocery cards will work at all supermarkets, but not all supermarkets are eligible for grocery bonus rewards, depending on the card. For example, Walmart, Target and Costco may not code as a grocery store for some cards, meaning you won’t earn bonus rewards for shopping there. Make sure to check your card’s specific terms and conditions so you’re clear on what retailers are eligible for bonus grocery rewards.

How can I earn more rewards on groceries without changing my habits?

You can earn more rewards on groceries without changing where you shop by getting a card that offers high rewards at your preferred store. Where possible, you can also stack the savings with any store loyalty program and opt-in to any bonus categories that require activation to earn higher rewards.

Do grocery cards have annual fees?

Some grocery cards do charge annual fees. In many cases, cards with higher annual fees can offer increased rewards for your spending. But it always makes sense to consider your spending habits to determine if a card is worth the annual fee.

What is the best type of reward for grocery shopping?

There’s no one “best” type of reward to earn; the answer is an individual choice. Cash back is the most straightforward choice, but those who don’t mind putting in the work can reap additional value with a card that earns travel rewards.


How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?

All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.

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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.