When you’re coming up with your monthly budget, you’re probably blown away by how much you spend on food. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, American households spend $4,363 on food consumed at home, on average. That’s a substantial chunk of your income going toward groceries.
But what if you could earn cash back on that grocery spending? You could get valuable rewards just for spending money on food you’d buy anyway — a total win. Here are the best credit cards for groceries and what you should know to get the most bang for your buck. If you're looking for a new card with the best grocery rewards, this list is for you.
What are the best credit cards for groceries?
We selected these credit cards based on their value to consumers. When evaluating each cash rewards credit card, we looked at their earning rate on grocery store purchases, their spending limits to earn cash back, their total possible rewards, redemption methods, and annual fees.
These are the best grocery credit cards:
Card | Reward rate | Cap on grocery rewards | Credit needed | Annual fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1X) and on U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% on other purchases | Up to $6,000 spent per year | Excellent, Good | $95 (See rates and fees) (Terms apply) |
![]() |
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment and Vivid Seats purchases; 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services; 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), and 1% cash back on all other purchases | Unlimited | Excellent, Good | $95 |
![]() |
4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X) and at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases | Up to $25,000 each year | Excellent, Good | $250 (See rates and fees) (Terms apply) |
![]() |
Up to 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% as you buy and 1% as you pay | Unlimited | Excellent, Good | $0 |
![]() |
5% on rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3% at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and drugstores; and 1% on all other purchases | Up to $1,500 spent during applicable bonus quarter | Excellent, Good | $0 |
![]() |
5X points on Lyft rides and travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3X points on eligible dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases; 2X points on travel; and 1X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases | Unlimited | Excellent, Good | $95 |
Blue Cash Preferred by American Express
With the Amex Blue Cash Preferred, you’ll get 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1X) and on U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% on other purchases. If you spend the average amount on groceries — $4,363 — you’d earn $261.78 in cashback rewards (in the form of statement credits) each year. Plus, you’ll get a $350 statement credit bonus if you spend at least $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months after account opening.
While the card does have a $95 annual fee, the potential cashback rewards outweigh its cost. You’ll earn:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, after that 1X) and select U.S. streaming services
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and eligible transit
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The Blue Cash Preferred card is perfect for those who spend more than the national average on groceries and who want to redeem their rewards for statement credits. The card allows you to redeem your rewards whenever your balance hits $25 or more, and you might pick this card if you also have a lot of streaming subscriptions.
However, if you do most of your shopping at specialty shops or superstores, this card may not be for you. Groceries purchased at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or warehouse stores aren’t eligible for the 6% cashback rate. And you’ll need to have good-to-excellent credit to qualify for this card. If your credit isn’t quite that high yet, you may need to look for a different card. Or if you prefer to pay no annual fee and don't mind earning only 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, after that 1%), you could opt for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card
While it does have an annual fee, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card gives you 3% on grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®), and there is no limit on how much you can earn. If you spend the average amount on groceries, you could earn $87.26. That amount is significantly less than you’d earn with the Blue Cash Preferred card, but the Savor’s other benefits may make it worth the difference.
With the Capital One Savor Card, you'll earn:
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment and Vivid Seats purchases
- 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming services
- 3% cash back on grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Dining out is likely a significant expense for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spends $3,365 on food away from home each year. If you spent that amount and used the Savor card to pay for it, you’d earn $134.60 in additional cash rewards. If you eat at restaurants often, the Savor card can be a great option. And you can redeem your rewards for statement credits or even a check.
As an added perk, you’ll get a $300 cash bonus if you spend at least $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. However, you do need good-to-excellent credit to qualify for the card, so the Savor card isn’t for everyone.
American Express Gold Card
If you're looking for a rewards card that earns on groceries, but is also more versatile in earning you travel rewards, then you might consider checking out the American Express Gold Card. This card earns cardmembers 4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X) and at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases.
With this card, you'll earn:
- 4X Membership Rewards at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X) and restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 3X Membership Rewards at flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com
- 1X Membership Rewards at all other eligible purchases
Other Amex Gold benefits include an annual dining credit. You can earn up to $10 in statement credits each month at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and participating Shake Shack locations for an annual savings of up to $120. You also get up to $10 of Uber Cash each month for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, which is another annual savings of up to $120. Select benefits require enrollment.
Citi Double Cash
If you don’t want to worry paying annual fees or keeping track of changing bonus categories, consider the Citi Double Cash Card. You’ll up to 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% as you buy and 1% as you pay.
There’s no limit to how much you can earn. If you spend the average amount on groceries, you’d earn $87.26 in rewards. But you’d also earn 2% cash back on every other purchase you make, including fuel for your car, clothes, and other essentials.
In addition to a high potential for earning bonus cash, the Citi Double Cash also has the added feature of offering an introductory APR on balance transfers. New cardholders will get a 0% on balance transfers for 18 months. After that time expires, you will pay the regular APR (15.49% to 25.49% (variable)) and you will need to pay a balance transfer fee on any amount you transfer, even during the intro period.
Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex provides lucrative rewards on your purchases. You’ll earn 5% on rotating quarterly categories (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3% at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and drugstores; and 1% on all other purchases. Although this isn’t a powerful card all year round for groceries, when that 5% rotating category includes grocery stores or supermarkets, it can be a smart move to have this card on hand.
There’s also a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% (variable)) and a $0 annual fee. And after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months, you’ll get a $200 bonus.
The cash back you earn will actually be in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards and these can become especially valuable if you transfer them to a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, where they’ll be worth 25% more when used toward travel, or a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, where they’ll be worth 50% more toward travel. As such, this card is an awesome choice for people who spend a lot on groceries and also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards premium card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred isn't your typical grocery card because it only offers bonus rewards on online grocery purchases. This means any in-store grocery purchases with this card won't qualify for increased points earning. However, getting 3X on eligible dining, delivery, takeout, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs) isn't a bad return if you frequently shop for groceries online.
In addition, all points earned with the Sapphire Preferred are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This automatically increases the value of your points if you're planning to use them for travel, which is likely if you have this card. It also doesn't hurt that you get up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you can take advantage of this benefit, you're already more than halfway to offsetting the $95 annual fee.
4 cards that are great for buying groceries at specific stores
If you’re loyal to particular stores or if your credit is less than stellar, you may be better off with a credit card designed for use at a specific store. Some of these options are store credit cards that can only be used at a specific retailer, while some can be used anywhere you shop.
Target REDcard
If you do most of your grocery shopping at Target, signing up for the Target REDcard may be a good choice. You’ll get a 5% discount on every purchase you make at Target and Target.com (that means for both in-store and online shopping). If you spent $4,363 on groceries each year, you’d save $218.15 with the REDcard. That’s a great offer from a credit card without an annual fee.
The card does charge a higher-than-average APR (annual percentage rate), so make sure you pay off your balance in full each month to avoid costly interest fees. Plus, the card is a store card, meaning it can only be used at Target stores and Target.com. But because it’s a store card, you may be more likely to qualify for it than other cards. The REDcard requires you to have a “fair” credit score.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Are you already an Amazon shopper? If you shop for groceries at Whole Foods Market, with AmazonFresh, or with Amazon Prime Pantry, consider the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.
With an eligible Amazon Prime membership, you can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market; 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores; 1% on all other purchases. There’s no cap on how much you can earn, so if you spent $4,363 on groceries at Whole Foods, you’d get $218.15 in rewards. Those are excellent rewards for a card with no annual fee.
If you are not an Amazon Prime Member, there is also the option of the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, but it only earns 3% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card
If you have a big family or like to shop at Costco, the Costco Anywhere Visa card may be for you. You’ll earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases. If you spend $8,000 per year on groceries, that means you’ll get $160 in rewards.
You’ll also earn:
- 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (on up to $7,000 per year)
- 3% cash back on eligible restaurant and travel purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Unlike most store-branded credit cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa card has strict credit requirements; your credit score will need to be in the “excellent” range to qualify.
And while it has no annual fee, you should be aware that you’ll need to have a Costco membership to apply. A basic membership costs $60 per year.
Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard
If you like the convenience of Walmart’s grocery pickup service, consider applying for the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard. You’ll get 5% back at Walmart.com, on the Walmart app, and on Walmart pickup and delivery; 2% back in Walmart stores, at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations, and on restaurant and travel purchases; and 1% back on everything else. That means, if you ordered all $4,363 worth of groceries on Walmart.com, you’d earn $130.89 in rewards. This card has a $0 annual fee, so the rewards you earn are all cash in your wallet.
Why using multiple credit cards could earn you the most rewards
Instead of using one credit card for all of your grocery purchases, it might make sense to use several cards to maximize your rewards.
For example, let’s say you have a big family and spend $10,000 per year on groceries. If you used the Blue Cash Preferred Card, you’d earn 6% cash back on the first $6,000 you spent at the grocery store, then 1% cash back after that. That means you’d earn $360 at the 6% cash back rate and $40 at the 1% cash back rate, for a total of $400.
While that’s a decent amount of cash, you could earn more rewards by using the Blue Cash Preferred along with other cards. Once you hit the $6,000 spending limit, you could switch to a different card with a good rewards rate.
Juggling multiple cards requires you to be organized, as you may need to keep track of your spending toward the cards’ limits; you’ll also need to remember to sign up for rotating spending categories. But the payoff can be worth the extra effort.
An important detail: What’s considered a “grocery store?”
When thinking about which card is best for you, it’s important to remember how companies typically define a “grocery store" or as "supermarket purchases." In most cases, companies consider grocery stores to be supermarkets that primarily sell food, such as Giant Food, SuperFresh, Whole Foods, or Winn-Dixie.
Wholesale clubs and superstores, like Target or Walmart, don’t usually count as grocery stores, but this is not a hard-and-fast rule. For example, a Walmart might be considered a grocery store depending on the grocery offerings it has. As always, be sure to read the details on your particular card before you create your spending plan.
FAQs
What is the best credit card for grocery shopping?
That depends on where you shop and how much you spend. The Blue Cash Preferred Card by American Express has the highest earning rate at 6%, but only on up to $6,000 per year. If you spend more than $10,000 per year on groceries, you could be better off with the American Express Gold Card, which earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X) and restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S..
And if you do your grocery shopping at Target, your best bet is the Target RedCard. This card has a great rewards rate: Receive 5% off your purchases at Target (in store and online). But you’ll also want to consider the other perks and rewards values for the card you choose, especially if you want to stick to using one card.
Is Walmart considered a grocery store for credit cards?
Walmart is not usually considered a grocery store by most credit card issuers. It’s often considered a supercenter, but this designation can vary depending on the setup and offerings of your particular Walmart location.
Is Costco considered a grocery store for credit cards?
No, Costco is not considered a grocery store by most credit card issuers. It’s considered a wholesale club.
How many credit cards should I have?
It depends on what you’re comfortable with. If you don’t mind handling multiple bills every month, having different credit cards for different spending categories can be a great way to maximize your earnings. For example, you might choose one card with robust rewards on grocery store purchases, one that has travel perks, and another that has an overall high cashback rate for your everyday spending. Just make sure you’re spending within budget and always pay your bills on time.
Bottom line
Putting food on the table is likely one of your biggest expenses as a family. However, finding the best cashback credit cards for buying groceries can help you earn valuable rewards and even discounts, softening the impact to your budget — and saving you money on food.
If you apply for a new credit card, be sure to read the fine print on all the card details. Also make sure you can afford to spend the minimum required to earn the welcome bonus. These bonuses can be a significant reward, putting hundreds of dollars back in your pocket. How much you have to spend and how many bonus points you can earn will vary by card and credit card issuer.
To avoid costly interest fees, make sure you pay your statement balance in full each month. By using the best rewards credit cards for groceries wisely, you can maximize your rewards without carrying a balance.