Best Credit Cards for Groceries of April 2024
Updated March 26, 2024 at 11:52 am
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You’ve likely felt the sting of the rising cost of groceries and would welcome any relief against your ever-increasing monthly grocery bill. Families of all shapes and sizes can benefit from using the best credit cards for groceries, all without the hassle of clipping coupons and shopping at multiple stores. You can start by checking out these credit cards that offer some of the best incentives for what may be one of your biggest spending categories each month.
The best grocery rewards credit cards offer significant rewards rates on purchases at the grocery store. Whether you’re earning cash back or points to help bring your overall grocery costs down or taking advantage of statement credits and intro APRs, the best credit card for grocery shopping can get you closer to your savings goal.
And since the average U.S. household spent over $5,700 on groceries alone last year, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you may rack up more rewards than you thought possible.
Our Methodology Understanding the value of cash back is simple, but valuing airline miles or points redeemable for travel requires digging a bit deeper. At Newsweek, we’ve developed a common language to talk about the value of points and miles: our valuations.
Our valuations translate points into dollars and cents in a way that reflects reality. They are based on actual data across a balance of accessible redemption options, not just the aspirational first and business class redemptions that require a PhD in miles and points to book. The upshot is that our valuations help you understand the actual value you can easily get from your miles and points.
Our Picks - Best Overall: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for Bonus Category Cash Back: Citi Custom Cash® Card
- Best for Membership Rewards points: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for Gas and Groceries: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Best for Foodies With No Annual Fee: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Groceries and Entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Wholesale Clubs: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Amazon and Whole Foods Purchases: Prime Visa
- Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card
9 Best Grocery Credit Cards of 2024
Best Overall: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Why we chose it: Not only does this card offer one of the highest cash back percentages on U.S. supermarket purchases, but you can get rewarded in other categories such as U.S. gas stations and select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Pros
- One of the highest cash back rates on U.S. supermarket purchases
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Cons
- Amex U.S. supermarkets category excludes purchases at superstores, convenience stores, warehouse clubs and meal-kit delivery services
- Purchases are capped annually in the U.S. supermarket category
- Ongoing annual fee after the first year
Best for Membership Rewards Points: American Express® Gold Card
Why we chose it: The American Express Gold Card offers 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1X), plus rewards at restaurants worldwide and on select travel purchases. If you want a travel credit card that earns flexible Membership Rewards points that can be used toward travel booked through Amex’s travel portal, transfer partner travel, gift cards, merchandise, a statement credit and more, the Amex Gold Card is a solid choice.
Pros
- High rewards rates at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide
- Up to a $120 dining credit and up to $200 in Uber Cash annually
- Points can be used for travel via AmexTravel.com or transferred to American Express travel partners
Cons
- $250 annual fee
- Cap on U.S. supermarket spending each year
Best for Gas and Groceries: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Why we chose it: For no annual fee, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday rewards you in three popular everyday spending categories, including purchases at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. You can also earn credits related to streaming and meal kits.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Up to $84 in Disney Bundle credits given in statement credits and up to $180 in Home Chef Credits (enrollment required)
Cons
- Cap on bonus category spending each year
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees)
Best for Foodies With No Annual Fee: Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Why we chose it: If you want a card for no annual fee that rewards you an unlimited rate of cash back whether you’re eating at home or dining out with friends, the Capital One SavorOne is your pick. With generous cash back in categories like dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, it’s a versatile card for those with an array of everyday purchases.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Additional high cash back rates on Capital One Entertainment purchases, Uber and travel booked through Capital One
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Must book through Capital One Travel for boosted travel rewards
- Not as many perks compared to similar cards
Best for Bonus Category Cash Back: Citi Custom Cash® Card
After spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
Why we chose it: The Citi Custom Cash offers a unique take on earning cash back by offering 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 in spending per billing cycle, then 1%). Grocery stores are included as an eligible category, and no activation or enrollment is required.
Pros
- Automatically rewards your highest spending category each billing cycle
- No annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Caps on category spending each billing cycle
- Low cash back rate outside bonus categories
- No credit-earning opportunities
Best for Groceries and Entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
After spending $3000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Why we chose it: Whether you’re enjoying dinner out on the town or a relaxing evening at home, this card helps you earn serious rewards for your equally serious love of entertaining.
Pros
- Unlimited cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores
- Additional cash back rates on Uber, travel booked through Capital One Travel and Capital One Entertainment purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers
Best for Wholesale Clubs: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
After spending $1000 in purchases in first 90 days of account opening
Why we chose it: While many of the cards on this list exclude wholesale clubs, you won’t have to worry about that grocery category exception with the no-annual-fee Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. The card earns an automatic 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus heightened rewards on your category of choice (up to $2,500 in spending each quarter on combined 3% and 2% category purchases, then 1%).
Pros
- Earn heightened cash back rewards in one category of your choice
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Potential to earn higher rewards rates as a Preferred Rewards member
Cons
- Spending limits on quarterly purchases
- No credit-earning opportunities
Best for Amazon and Whole Foods Purchases: Prime Visa
Why we chose it: If you love shopping on Amazon as much as the rest of the world does, the Prime Visa earns unlimited 5% cash back not only at Amazon.com but on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market purchases as well.
Pros
- No annual fee (with a Prime membership)
- Additional rewards on Chase Travel purchases, at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Mediocre welcome bonus compared to competing cards
- Must be an Amazon Prime member to own the card
Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card
$200 cash back when you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of opening your Citi Double Cash® card account
Why we chose it: The Citi Double Cash earns up to 2% cash back on all purchases—1% back when you buy and another 1% back when you pay off your purchase—making it a great option for those looking to earn worthwhile, flat-rate cash back on grocery purchases. It also comes with one of the longest intro APR offers on balance transfers available on a no-annual-fee cash back card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Flat-rate cash back with no category restrictions
- Long intro APR on balance transfers
Cons
- No introductory APR on purchases
- No welcome bonus
A Closer Look at the Best Grocery Cards
Best Overall: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Why we love this card: The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card offers major rewards potential at U.S. supermarkets and more. Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%); 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit; and 1% back on all other purchases.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re someone who spends close to $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, it’s hard to beat the rewards offered by the Amex Blue Cash Preferred. Plus, the card offers a handful of statement credit opportunities related to streaming and fitness (enrollment required).
Other cards to consider: If you spend more than $6,000 a year on groceries or don’t want to pay an annual fee, consider an alternative like the Capital One SavorOne. This card earns an unlimited 3% back at grocery stores for no annual fee.
See our review of the Blue Cash Preferred
Best for Membership Rewards Points: American Express Gold Card
Why we love this card: With the American Express Gold Card, you can turn your everyday U.S. supermarket purchases into valuable Membership Rewards points. The card earns 4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points); 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide; 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com; and 1X points on all other purchases.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re someone who loves food (whether dining in or eating out), you can likely benefit from this card. Keep in mind the best redemption value for Membership Rewards points is for travel (either through Amex’s portal or with transfer partners).
Other cards to consider: While you may love all the American Express Gold Card has to offer, you may not love the steep $250 annual fee. If you’re concerned your grocery purchases won’t justify the annual fee, consider the no-annual-fee Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, which earns a flat rate of Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets.
See our review of the Amex Gold
All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Newsweek.com. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through Newsweek.com.
Best for Gas and Groceries: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Why we love this card: We know your budget includes more than groceries, and this card rewards you in other major spending categories too. Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in each category, then 1%). You also earn 1% back on non-category purchases. The cash back with the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone whose U.S. supermarket budget comes close to $6,000 per calendar year can likely benefit from this card. You can enjoy a few additional perks along the way as well, including a handful of statement credit opportunities and an intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, should you have a large purchase coming up or existing credit card debt to pay off.
Other cards to consider: While the Blue Cash Everyday offers solid rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations for no annual fee, you might prefer a card with heftier cash back rates and no spending cap on its categories. If this is the case, consider the Capital One Savor.
See our review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card
Best for Foodies With No Annual Fee: Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Capital One SavorOne features unlimited rewards on everyday purchases, plus even greater rewards in select categories. Earn an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (through November 14, 2024); and 1% back on everything else. Plus, the card offers complimentary Uber One membership statement credits each month through November 14, 2024.
Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone who wants to earn unlimited cash back rewards on grocery and dining purchases throughout the year—but doesn’t want to keep up with rotating categories or spending limits—can benefit from this card. It also works for anyone looking to earn big on their weekly (or even daily) Uber Eats orders.
Other cards to consider: If you like what the SavorOne has to offer and can stand a higher annual fee ($95) in exchange for slightly higher cash back rates, consider the Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card.
See our review of the Capital One SavorOne
Best for Bonus Category Cash Back: Citi Custom Cash Card
Why we love this card: If activating a category to earn cash back sounds like a recipe for disaster, you’ll appreciate the Citi Custom Cash Card since it automatically applies a high cash back rewards rate to your top eligible spending category each billing cycle.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you spend around $500 per billing cycle on groceries (or $6,000 per year), don’t want to worry about activating rotating bonus categories and would prefer to skip an annual fee, the Citi Custom Cash can work well for your wallet.
Other cards to consider: If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee cash back credit card but would prefer to earn flat-rate rewards, consider the Citi Double Cash Card.
See our review of the Citi Custom Cash
Best for Grocery Stores and Entertainment: Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: The $95 annual fee Capital One Savor takes the rewards offered by the no-annual-fee SavorOne up a notch. You earn an unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 3% back at grocery stores; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (through November 14, 2024); and 1% back on everything else. Similar to the SavorOne, you also receive complimentary Uber One membership statement credits each month through November 14, 2024.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Savor Card offers unlimited cash back rewards on a variety of everyday and entertainment categories, whether you prefer going out with friends for dinner and dancing or cuddling up on the couch with Uber Eats delivery.
Other cards to consider: If you don’t mind getting 1% less cash back on the dining, entertainment and popular streaming services categories, the SavorOne offers great value for no annual fee.
See our review of the Capital One Savor Rewards
Best for Wholesale Clubs: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: Many rewards cards offering cash back on grocery purchases exclude wholesale clubs—but not the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card. Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus 3% back on a category of your choice (including gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; and home improvement and furnishings). Note, there’s a $2,500 spending cap each quarter on combined 3% and 2% category purchases, then 1%). All other purchases earn 1% back.
Who should have this in their wallet: This card can benefit those who regularly shop at wholesale clubs as part of their money-saving strategy with groceries. And if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn up to 75% more in rewards.
Other cards to consider: The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card imposes a quarterly spending cap on certain purchase categories, which may not work for someone with a larger grocery budget. If you shop most often at Costco warehouses, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers an unlimited 2% back on all purchases at Costco and Costco.com. No annual fee applies, but you must have an active/paid Costco membership.
See our review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Best for Amazon and Whole Foods Purchases: Prime Visa
Why we love this card: The Amazon Prime Visa offers a high unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases—which is one of the highest rewards rates for a marketplace where so many of us shop already. And when you’re not shopping on Amazon, you can still get rewarded with 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), plus 1% back on all other purchases.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re an avid Amazon shopper and find a good portion of your budget—including groceries—going toward Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases, you can likely benefit from all the Amazon Prime Visa has to offer.
Other cards to consider: Few credit cards come close to rewarding your loyalty to Amazon the way the Prime Visa does. The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Credit Card, though, does offer heightened rewards with two retailers you choose (up to a cap), including Amazon.com, Target and Walmart.
See our review of the Amazon Prime Visa
Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Citi Double Cash Card
Why we love this card: The Citi Double Cash Card offers a simple way to earn cash back on all of your spending, including groceries. You earn 1% cash back on purchases upfront and another 1% back when you pay them off, making it a low-maintenance option for earning unlimited rewards on your grocery purchases.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re too busy planning your grocery list and weekly menu and don’t have time for tracking bonus categories or spending limits, you may find this card is the refreshing alternative you’re looking for.
Other cards to consider: If flat-rate cash back is the name of your game, also consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, plus an intro APR offer that extends to both purchases and balance transfers.
See our review of the Citi Double Cash Card
Who Should Get a Grocery Credit Card?
If you’re looking for an easier way to save money on your overall grocery budget, you can benefit from getting a grocery credit card. These cards offer rewards for spending you’re probably already doing on a weekly basis (or even more frequently). Many of these cards come with additional useful benefits outside of rewards, such as statement credits and intro APR offers, which only add to the overall value. The best part is, many of the best credit cards for groceries require little effort to take advantage of, unlike clipping coupons or strategically planning shopping days around sales.
If you’re a food shopper who devotes a decent portion of their monthly budget to buying groceries, these credit cards can help offset some of the increased spending we’re all feeling recently. And if you pay your balance each month and on time, it can help you build credit and improve your overall credit score.
How To Choose the Best Grocery Credit Card for You
So, you’ve decided you want to up your grocery game by using a grocery rewards credit card, but where do you start? To keep the list of options from getting too overwhelming, consider the following factors.
Factor in Where You Shop
While using the best credit card for groceries may seem like an easy decision, not all cards cover purchases at your favorite grocery store. Factoring in where you shop on a regular basis is an essential step in choosing the right card so you can maximize your earning potential. For example, many credit cards exclude purchases from superstores, such as Walmart, Target, Costo or Sam’s Club. Further, if you do most of your shopping for groceries online, you may prefer a card that offers rewards for online shopping or online grocery delivery versus only grocery stores.
Know How Much You Spend
Getting the most out of your credit card for groceries means first understanding how much you typically spend each month. Once you have this number, you can start analyzing how much savings a credit card will truly offer you. One of the first costs you can compare is the annual fee. If you’re someone who spends a minimal amount on groceries each month, then a card with an annual fee may not be worth it. However, if you’re a big spender at the grocery store, you may easily offset a larger annual fee on a card with higher rewards rates.
Decide How Much Effort You Can Realistically Devote
While grocery rewards credit cards are great for earning extra points or cash back on items you’re already purchasing, some cards require more attention than others. If you prefer a credit card where you don’t have to keep track of your spending categories, or if you’re worried about going over a rewards spending cap, a flat-rate cash back or unlimited rewards percentage may be your best option. If you’re willing to strategize a bit and keep track of your spending throughout the month to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards potential, you can enjoy higher rewards rates on grocery spending.
Consider How Many Benefits You Want
In many cases, grocery credit cards offer additional spending categories (such as gas, streaming subscriptions, transit or entertainment) in addition to the grocery category, so it’s worth it to consider which other categories you’re interested in having on a credit card (if any).
Additionally, look for other card benefits that can help with financial or personal goals, such as an introductory APR or extended warranty and purchase protections—all of which can impact your bottom line throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Buy Groceries Online With a Credit Card?
Yes, you can use a grocery rewards credit card for purchases both in-store and online, as long as your grocery store of choice offers online shopping. Even grocery delivery purchases can qualify. The level of rewards you earn on online grocery purchases may vary based on the card’s grocery category restrictions, and some cards specifically offer rewards on online grocery shopping.
What Grocery Stores Have Their Own Credit Card?
A few major wholesale clubs and superstores offer their own credit cards, including Target (the Target RedCard™) and Costco (the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi). Cards co-branded with a particular retailer may come with more restrictions compared to a general grocery rewards card.
Should I Buy Groceries With a Credit Card?
When you make your grocery purchases with a rewards credit card and pay off the balance each month, you’re not only earning rewards like cash back, but you’re developing a stronger credit history. A credit history showing on-time payments and responsible credit usage can help increase your chances of future loan approvals, such as for an auto loan or mortgage. It may seem counterintuitive to use a credit card for grocery purchases versus using a debit card, but it can have multiple positive benefits if you use a grocery rewards credit card in a responsible manner.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
