10 Best Credit Cards for Groceries of December 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Families with big grocery bills can save hundreds of dollars by paying for them with a credit card that offers elevated rewards at the supermarket. If you spend $100 a week on groceries, using a card that earns 3% will net you more than $150 a year. Imagine saving that kind of money at the checkout — without even needing to clip coupons! You can do it with these cards. And in some cases, rewards rates apply to grocery delivery, too.
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Families with big grocery bills can save hundreds of dollars by paying for them with a credit card that offers elevated rewards at the supermarket. If you spend $100 a week on groceries, using a card that earns 3% will net you more than $150 a year. Imagine saving that kind of money at the checkout — without even needing to clip coupons! You can do it with these cards. And in some cases, rewards rates apply to grocery delivery, too.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Families with big grocery bills can save hundreds of dollars by paying for them with a credit card that offers elevated rewards at the supermarket. If you spend $100 a week on groceries, using a card that earns 3% will net you more than $150 a year. Imagine saving that kind of money at the checkout — without even needing to clip coupons! You can do it with these cards. And in some cases, rewards rates apply to grocery delivery, too.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Families with big grocery bills can save hundreds of dollars by paying for them with a credit card that offers elevated rewards at the supermarket. If you spend $100 a week on groceries, using a card that earns 3% will net you more than $150 a year. Imagine saving that kind of money at the checkout — without even needing to clip coupons! You can do it with these cards. And in some cases, rewards rates apply to grocery delivery, too.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Groceries of December 2024
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Highest rewards rate
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Frequent restaurant diners
American Express® Gold Card: Best for Travel rewards and perks
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Up to 5% cash back
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Customizable cash back
Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for 2% cash back on everything
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Target / Walmart / wholesale club shoppers
Prime Visa: Best for Amazon and Whole Foods
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for Travel rewards
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Credit Cards for Groceries From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Highest rewards rate | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 American Express® Gold CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Travel rewards and perks | $325 | 1x-4x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Citi Custom Cash® CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Up to 5% cash back | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Frequent restaurant diners | $0 | 1%-8% | $250 | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Customizable cash back | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Target / Walmart / wholesale club shoppers | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | 1.5%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 Citi Strata Premier℠ CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Travel rewards | $95 | 1x-10x | 70,000 points | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Citi Double Cash® CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for 2% cash back on everything | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Prime VisaApply Now on Amazon.com's website on Amazon.com's website | Best for Amazon and Whole Foods | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Amazon.com's website on Amazon.com's website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Highest rewards rate
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the industry champ. It gets 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%), as well as outstanding rewards in other common spending categories; terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $300.
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending.
Other rewards: 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% on all other purchases.
New cardholders get this nifty offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
Plus, there's a good 0% intro APR offer.
Terms apply.
There's an annual fee, and it's high for a cash-back card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But if you spend around $31 per week at the supermarket, you'll make that up in cash back — and that's not even taking into account rewards earned in the card's other bonus categories.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the industry champ. It gets 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%), as well as outstanding rewards in other common spending categories; terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $300.
Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee
The no-annual-fee option in the Blue Cash portfolio, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers solid rewards at U.S. supermarkets and in other common spending categories. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $150.
Product Details
- 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, 18.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending; 1% after that.
Other rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 in spending per year in each category; 1% after that); 1% on other purchases.
This card comes with a great 0% intro APR period, plus a welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
$0 annual fee.
Terms apply.
If you spend at least $61 per week at the supermarket, you may be better off paying the annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because you'll come out ahead with the much higher rewards rate.
The no-annual-fee option in the Blue Cash portfolio, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers solid rewards at U.S. supermarkets and in other common spending categories. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $150.
Frequent restaurant diners
If your food expenses include as many trips to restaurants and takeout joints as to the grocery store, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card makes a good companion. You’ll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $150.
Product Details
- For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- 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 and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- 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 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 3% cash back at grocery stores.
Other rewards: 3% cash back at restaurants; 3% on entertainment, including streaming services; 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); and 1% on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $0.
This card comes with a bonus offer that most households can easily claim with grocery spending alone: For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
There's also an excellent intro APR offer.
If you don't dine out much, you'll miss out on a big chunk of this card's value.
If you dine out significantly more than you eat in, you may be better off with a card that pays a higher rate at restaurants than on groceries.
If your food expenses include as many trips to restaurants and takeout joints as to the grocery store, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card makes a good companion. You’ll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $150.
Travel rewards and perks
The American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per year in purchases. Tired of cooking? You also earn 4X points at restaurants, with no annual cap. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $200 (assuming redemption value of 1 cent per point).
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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 each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $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.
- $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.
- 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.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per year in purchases.
Other rewards: 4X points at restaurants; 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel; 2X on select travel; 1X on other eligible purchases.
There's a strong welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
The card also comes with a slew of perks that can help offset its sizable annual fee.
Terms apply.
The $325 annual fee is steep.
This card is for someone who spends a lot on groceries AND likes to travel. If you don't travel much, the annual fee isn't worth it, so forget the 4X points and look elsewhere.
The American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 per year in purchases. Tired of cooking? You also earn 4X points at restaurants, with no annual cap. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $200 (assuming redemption value of 1 cent per point).
Up to 5% cash back
The Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include grocery stores. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $250 (assuming it's your top category each month).
Product Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Rewards: You earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent per month in your top eligible category and 1% on all other spending.
Eligible categories: Grocery stores; restaurants; gas stations; streaming services; drugstores; home improvement stores; fitness clubs; select travel; select transit; live entertainment.
You don't have to select or "activate" your 5% category; it's automatic, so you'll always earn 5% in the category where it makes you the most money.
$0 annual fee.
Bonus offer: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
There's a strong intro APR offer, too.
The $500 monthly spending cap for the 5% rate means the most you can earn per month in bonus rewards is $25.
Because the 5% is limited to one category per month, you can end up getting only 1% cash back on a lot of purchases that other cards would pay a higher rate on.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include grocery stores. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $250 (assuming it's your top category each month).
Customizable cash back
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card lets you pick two categories to earn 5% cash back and one for 2%, with grocery stores an option for the latter. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100 (when choosing it as your 2% category).
Product Details
- $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 28.99%.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Rewards: 5% cash back in two categories that you choose from a list of 12, on up to $2,000 in combined spending per quarter; unlimited 2% cash back on an "everyday" category you choose, with grocery stores as one of the options (the others are gas stations and restaurants); 1% cash back on all other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
Earn a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
This card also has an intro APR offer.
The rewards structure is complicated. Choosing and tracking categories each quarter can be a hassle.
The 5% categories are narrower than the 2% categories, including such things as fast food, home utilities, department stores, and gyms and fitness centers (see our review for the full list). Spending $2,000 per quarter to max out the bonus rewards might be a stretch for many cardholders.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card lets you pick two categories to earn 5% cash back and one for 2%, with grocery stores an option for the latter. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100 (when choosing it as your 2% category).
Target / Walmart / wholesale club shoppers
Most credit cards that offer bonus rewards on grocery store spending specifically exclude Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs. The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, on the other hand, offers outstanding rewards at those exact retailers. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending: $300 (assuming spending is done at your chosen 6% retailers).
Product Details
- 6% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose.
- Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
- 3% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category like gas stations & EV charging stations (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), bills and home utilities.
- 1.5% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases.
- 6% Cash Back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Rewards: 6% cash back on up to $1,500 a quarter in combined spending at two retailers you choose from a list; 3% on up to $1,500 per quarter in a separate category you choose; 1.5% on other purchases.
The 6% options include Target and Walmart, as well as other mega-retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Best Buy and several department stores.
The 3% options include wholesale clubs — meaning grocery purchases at Costco, Sam's Club and the like could earn something extra.
The 1.5% rate on spending outside bonus categories is better than most cards' base rate.
There's a good bonus offer: Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
There's an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, although $31 a week in spending at your chosen retailers will return enough cash back to offset it.
The rewards structure requires a bit of work, since it's on you to choose your 6% and 3% options each quarter.
Most credit cards that offer bonus rewards on grocery store spending specifically exclude Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs. The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, on the other hand, offers outstanding rewards at those exact retailers. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending: $300 (assuming spending is done at your chosen 6% retailers).
2% cash back on everything
Not interested in carrying a special card just for groceries? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great one-card solution. It earns 2% back on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay it off. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100.
Product Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 2% cash back — 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off.
Other rewards: The same 2%, paid as 1% + 1%, for most purchases. Certain travel purchases booked through Citi can earn 5%.
This card's simplicity is its not-so-secret weapon: No bonus categories to contend with or spending caps to worry about.
$0 annual fee.
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Unlike many other top-tier cash back cards, this offer doesn't include a 0% intro APR period for purchases.
The card's 1% + 1% structure means it can take a little longer to earn your rewards than it would with a straight-up 2% cash back card.
Not interested in carrying a special card just for groceries? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great one-card solution. It earns 2% back on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay it off. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100.
Travel rewards
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the rare travel rewards credit card that pays a high rate on everyday non-travel spending, with 3X points in a bunch of categories, including supermarkets. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending: $150 (assuming 1 cent per point redemption value).
Product Details
- Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 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
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets.
Other rewards: 3 points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants; 3 points per dollar on air travel and most hotels; 10 points per dollar on select travel purchased through Citi; 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Points can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for cash back or for travel booked through Citi; points can also be transferred to partner airline and hotel programs.
Solid new-cardholder offer: Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
The card has an annual fee of $95. That's standard for travel cards in its class, and a great deal for what you get, but might be too much if you're looking for a just-for-groceries card.
There aren't many good domestic airline options on the list of travel partners you can transfer your points to.
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the rare travel rewards credit card that pays a high rate on everyday non-travel spending, with 3X points in a bunch of categories, including supermarkets. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending: $150 (assuming 1 cent per point redemption value).
Amazon and Whole Foods
If you've got a lot of groceries coming in from Amazon, Amazon Fresh and/or Amazon-owned Whole Foods, the Prime Visa could be a perfect fit for your wallet, with unlimited 5% back. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending (at Amazon/Whole Foods): $250.
Product Details
- Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
- 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.
Our Take
Grocery rewards: 5% back at Amazon, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods; 1% on grocery purchases elsewhere.
Other rewards: 5% on Chase Travel purchases; 2% at restaurants and gas stations; 2% on rideshare, local commuting and transit; 1% elsewhere.
New cardholders can start shopping and saving with this offer: Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
The card has no annual fee, but you need an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 a year. (If you're already a Prime member, on the other hand, there's no additional cost.)
If you've got a lot of groceries coming in from Amazon, Amazon Fresh and/or Amazon-owned Whole Foods, the Prime Visa could be a perfect fit for your wallet, with unlimited 5% back. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending (at Amazon/Whole Foods): $250.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR GROCERIES
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Overall highest rewards rate
If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice welcome offer for new cardholders and an introductory APR period, too. The generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one charges an annual fee. Terms apply. Read our review.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases. The rewards might not be as rich as on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, but this card doesn't charge an annual fee either. New cardholders get a decent welcome offer and an introductory APR period. Read our review.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Our pick for: Up to 5% cash back
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Target / Walmart / wholesale shoppers
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot of money at retailers that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the bonus categories offered by other credit cards. The card also offers a higher-than-usual rate on spending outside its bonus categories. The downside: There's an annual fee. Read our review.
Prime Visa
Our pick for: Amazon and Whole Foods
If you drop a lot of money at Amazon and/or Whole Foods Market, this is the card for you, with 5% back on such purchases, plus bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations, plus local transit and commuting (including rideshare). There's no annual fee, but you have to be a Prime member, and that does have a fee. Read our review.
Instacart Mastercard®
Our pick for: Grocery delivery
You'll earn high rewards on Instacart grocery delivery and extra cash back in some other common spending categories. The bonus offer makes it even more enticing to have your groceries brought to you rather than driving to the store. Read our review.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Our pick for: 2% cash back on everything
Year after year, the Citi Double Cash® Card has been a top choice among flat-rate cash-back cards. You earn 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you buy something and 1% when you pay it off. There's no 0% intro period for purchases and no bonus categories, but the high rewards rate more than makes up for the lack of bells and whistles. Read our review.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Frequent restaurant diners
Some credit cards reward you well for going out, others for staying in. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card that does both. It offers a terrific cash-back rate not only on dining and entertainment but also at grocery stores and on popular streaming services. Toss in a good bonus offer and intro APR period, and this card is a winner. (see rates and fees). Read our review.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Customizable 5% cash back
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
American Express® Gold Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards and perks
The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.
ASK OUR CREDIT CARD EXPERTS
Paul Soucy
Paul SoucyWHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. No one offers better rewards on my supermarket spending — even after taking into account the annual fee.
Paul Soucy
Content director, credit cards and travel rewards
Kenley Young
Kenley YoungWHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
I've been using the Citi Custom Cash® Card for grocery runs. It offers a reliable 5% back there, but the problem is that we routinely spend beyond the card's monthly cap. Taking suggestions!
Kenley Young
Editor, credit cards
Melissa Lambarena
Melissa LambarenaWHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
I use the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. Some AmEx offers have also helped me save in this category as well.
Melissa Lambarena
Writer, credit cards
Caitlin Mims
Caitlin MimsWHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
I normally use my Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card for groceries. Yes, its 3% back is half what you’ll get with Blue Cash Preferred. But it’s worth it to be able to transfer rewards to my Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and take advantage of better redemption options.
Caitlin Mims
Content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
Sara Rathner
Sara RathnerWHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
If I'm working on a sign-up bonus, groceries go on that card (along with every other purchase). If not, I have the no-longer-available Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, and usually I just put groceries on that. It's not the highest cash-back rate one can get for groceries, but none of us are at our best 100% of the time, OK?
Sara Rathner
Writer/spokesperson, credit cards
WHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. No one offers better rewards on my supermarket spending — even after taking into account the annual fee.
Paul Soucy
Content director, credit cards and travel rewards
WHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
I've been using the Citi Custom Cash® Card for grocery runs. It offers a reliable 5% back there, but the problem is that we routinely spend beyond the card's monthly cap. Taking suggestions!
Kenley Young
Editor, credit cards
WHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
I use the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. Some AmEx offers have also helped me save in this category as well.
Melissa Lambarena
Writer, credit cards
WHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
I normally use my Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card for groceries. Yes, its 3% back is half what you’ll get with Blue Cash Preferred. But it’s worth it to be able to transfer rewards to my Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and take advantage of better redemption options.
Caitlin Mims
Content management specialist, credit cards and travel rewards
WHAT CARD DO YOU USE FOR GROCERIES?
If I'm working on a sign-up bonus, groceries go on that card (along with every other purchase). If not, I have the no-longer-available Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, and usually I just put groceries on that. It's not the highest cash-back rate one can get for groceries, but none of us are at our best 100% of the time, OK?
Sara Rathner
Writer/spokesperson, credit cards
OTHER OPTIONS WORTH A LOOK
FLAT-RATE CASH-BACK CARDS
Some people like to juggle multiple credit cards, with a specific card for every major category of spending. Others prefer the simplicity of having one card for everything. If that's you, consider one of these cards that pay a solid rate on everything:
Citi Double Cash® Card: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make the purchase, 1% when you pay it off). Bonus offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: 2% cash back on all purchases. Bonus offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Apple Card: 2% cash back on all purchases through Apple Pay. Bonus offer: None.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: 1.5% cash back on all purchases (see rates and fees). Bonus offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: 1.5% cash back on all purchases outside the card's 3% and 5% bonus categories. Bonus offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Bonus offer: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
BRANDED CREDIT CARDS
Most of the cards identified above can earn elevated rewards regardless of which supermarket or grocery store you shop at. If your grocery runs are always taking you to a specific store, though, you might be interested in that retailer's card. Some store-branded cards offer fairly pedestrian rewards, but some can be a valuable addition to your wallet. Below are a few more popular options.
Costco: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
If you buy your groceries wholesale-club-style, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi earns 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. It also earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (both at Costco and at other gas stations) on the first $7,000 per year (1% thereafter), as well as 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases. All other spending earns 1% back. The annual fee is $0, although you have to be a Costco member to apply, and membership starts at $65 a year. » Rewards on $5,000 a year in groceries at Costco: $100.
Target: Target Circle™ Credit Card
The Target Circle™ Credit Card doesn't offer rewards in the form of cash back or points, but you could argue that it gives you something even better: an immediate 5% discount on nearly everything you buy at Target, either in-store or online. You also get free shipping on most items at Target.com. If your grocery runs take you to a full-service Super Target — or just to the food aisles at a regular Target — this $0-annual-fee card is mighty attractive. » Savings on $5,000 a year in groceries at Target: $250.
5% ROTATING CATEGORY CARDS
The other cards featured on this page offer elevated grocery rewards year-round. The Chase Freedom Flex® and select Discover cards like the Discover it® Cash Back pay a higher rate on groceries for only one quarter per year when you activate rewards categories — but what a rate it is.
On each card, you earn 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. In recent years, both cards have offered grocery stores as a 5% category. (See current and past categories here.) Other bonus categories on both cards tend to be common expenses, meaning it's not hard to get great value out of them. Neither card charges an annual fee.
» Maximum rewards on $5,000 a year in groceries (assuming each card offers grocery stores for one quarter):
If using one card: $110.
If using both cards: $170.
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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