You’ve got a cart full of groceries, and you’re wondering why you’re not getting more bang for your buck. Well, it’s time to upgrade that piece of plastic in your wallet. The best credit cards for groceries can turn your routine shopping trips into cashback fiestas. But which one is right for you? Let’s cut through the noise and get to the juicy details.
MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.
8 Best Credit Cards for Groceries
Alright, now that you’re geared to make every grocery store trip a reward-filled adventure, let’s get down to business. Here are 8 of the best credit cards for groceries that will transform your mundane shopping trips into a cashback bonanza. Whether you’re looking for high rewards, no annual fees, or specific store benefits, we’ve got you covered.
1. Best for Comprehensive Rewards: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out for its broad range of rewards on everyday spending, especially on groceries.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670 – 850) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 12 months |
Intro bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $95 (waived for the first year) | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% |
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% |
Pros
- 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 6% cashback on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cashback at U.S. gas stations and on transit
Cons
- Annual fee after the first year
- Foreign transaction fee
- High regular APR
2. Best for No Annual Fee: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
If you prefer no annual fee but still want solid grocery rewards, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is your go-to.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670-850) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
Intro bonus: $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first six months | Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater |
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% |
Pros
- 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 2% cashback at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores
- No annual fee
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- Lower grocery cashback rate compared to Blue Cash Preferred®
- High regular APR
3. Best for Rotating Categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠
For those who love a bit of variety, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rotating categories to maximize your rewards.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670 – 850) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
Intro bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% |
Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
- 5% cashback on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
- 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% on dining and drugstores
Cons
- Categories require activation
- Limited 5% cashback categories
- Foreign transaction fee
4. Best for Everyday Purchases: Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a straightforward card that offers 2% cashback on all purchases – 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670 – 850) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 18 months |
Intro bonus: None | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: 3% |
Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
- 2% cashback on all purchases
- No caps on earnings
- No annual fee
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fee
5. Best for Grocery Chains: Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
If you’re a loyal Kroger shopper, the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® might be your best grocery cashback credit card.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670-850) | Purchases intro APR: None |
Intro bonus: 2,000 fuel points after spending $500 in the first three months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 0% |
Pros
- 5% cashback on mobile wallet purchases
- 2% cashback at Kroger Family of Companies
- 1% on all other purchases
Cons
- Limited to Kroger and affiliated stores
- No introductory APR
- Lower cashback rate on non-Kroger purchases
6. Best for Unlimited Cashback: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited rewards with no rotating categories or sign-ups required.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670-850) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
Intro bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first three months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $0 |
Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 0% |
Pros
- 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Excludes superstores for grocery rewards
- High regular APR
- Cash advance fee
7. Best for Amazon Shoppers: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a solid choice for those who split their grocery runs between Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670-850) | Purchases intro APR: None |
Intro bonus: $100 Amazon gift card upon approval | Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 (with Amazon Prime membership) | Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
Regular APR: 20.49% to 29.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 0% |
Pros
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Requires Amazon Prime membership
- High regular APR
- Limited outside of Amazon and Whole Foods
8. Best for U.S. Supermarkets: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit
Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers flexibility with its 3% category.
Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670-850) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles |
Intro bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days | Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater |
Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater |
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
Pros
- 3% cashback in a category of your choice (including gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings)
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- No annual fee
Cons
- 3% and 2% cashback limited to the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter
- Foreign transaction fee
- High regular APR
How do credit cards for groceries work?
A grocery store credit card is a specialized card that rewards you for spending money at supermarkets and sometimes other related categories. These cards can come in three main flavors:
- Store credit cards: Issued by a specific grocery chain, these cards often offer high rewards when used at that chain. Example: Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®.
- Co-branded rewards cards: These cards are co-branded with specific supermarkets but can also be used elsewhere, typically offering the highest rewards at the partner grocery stores. Example: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.
- Bonus category rewards cards: These cards offer higher reward rates for spending in categories that change quarterly or annually, which often includes groceries. Example: Chase Freedom Flex℠.
Should you get a credit card for groceries?
It makes sense to get a grocery credit card if:
- You spend a lot on groceries: If you have a large family or prefer home-cooked meals, the cashback can add up quickly.
- You shop at specific stores: A store-specific card can offer substantial rewards if you’re loyal to a particular supermarket chain.
- You want to maximize rewards: Using a credit card that offers bonuses on groceries alongside other spending categories can help you earn more rewards.
Pros and cons of getting a grocery credit card
So, is adding a grocery credit card to your wallet arsenal a good move? These cards can be a game-changer for your finances, but like everything in life, they have pros and cons. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.
Pros • Earn rewards on routine spending. • Some cards offer additional perks like travel insurance or extended warranties. • Helps build credit with responsible use. | Cons • Can lead to overspending. • Some cards come with annual fees. • High interest rates if you carry a balance. |
Maximize your grocery savings
Choosing the best credit cards for groceries can significantly boost your savings. Whether you want to earn high cashback at specific stores or prefer flexible rewards, there’s a card out there. Consider your shopping habits and financial goals to pick the right one. With the right card in your wallet, every grocery trip can bring you closer to your financial goals.
FAQ
What is the best credit card for groceries?
The best credit card for groceries depends on your spending habits. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers excellent cashback rates at U.S. supermarkets.
Can you get cash back with a credit card at a grocery store?
Yes, many credit cards offer cashback on grocery store purchases. Specific cards like the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® make sense when you often shop at a specific store.
What credit score do I need to qualify for the best grocery rewards cards?
Most top grocery rewards credit cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically between 670 and 850.