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Your grocery bill is one of your most significant monthly expenses – so why not get something back on your spending? Consumers spent an average of $5,700 on groceries in 2022, according to theBureau of Labor Statistics. That’s $475 per month.
Grocery credit cards make it easy to maximize rewards and save money on food spending, but they don’t all work the same way. Some only offer rewards at specific stores, while others have spending caps that limit their reward potential.
The best grocery credit cards offer elevated rewards on groceries — and may also offer rewards on categories like dining out or gas.
Here are our top picks for the best credit cards for grocery purchases.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for overall grocery rewards
- American Express® Gold Card: Best for families and big grocery spenders
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for online grocery purchases
- Capital SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Costco shoppers
- Amazon Prime Visa: Best for Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh purchases
- Instacart Mastercard®: Best for Instacart users
Whether you're a loyal Kroger shopper, a Whole Foods devotee, or an Instacart power user, there's a grocery rewards card on this list for you. Let's take a closer look at each one and see how they compare.
Who it's best for: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best for those who spend heavily at grocery stores, though it’s not a good fit for frequent wholesale club or superstore shoppers.
Rewards:
- 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
- 3% cash back on transit purchases (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Annual fee: $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee after. See rates and fees.
For most shoppers, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers the highest cash back rate on grocery purchases of any credit card on the market. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.
The 6% cash back rate applies to the first $6,000 in U.S. supermarket purchases each year, which works out to $500 in monthly grocery spending. If you spend more than that, you'll still earn 1% cash back on additional supermarket purchases.
One important thing to note is that the 6% cash back rate only applies to purchases at standalone supermarkets, not at superstores like Walmart or Target or at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam's Club. But if you do most of your grocery shopping at traditional supermarkets, this card is hard to beat.
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Who it's best for: If you have a large family or spend a lot on groceries each month, the American Express Gold Card might be a better choice than the Blue Cash Preferred. It’s also a great option for those who want to earn points over cash back on everyday spending.
Rewards:
- 4X points on restaurant (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) (up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points)
- 4X points on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points)
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on all other purchases
Annual fee: $325. See rates and fees.
For big grocery spenders, the Amex Gold Card's $25,000 annual spending cap on the 4X bonus category is significantly higher than the Blue Cash Preferred's $6,000 cap on its 6% cash back category.
And while a 4X earning rate may not sound as impressive as 6% cash back, Membership Rewards points are potentially more valuable than straight cash back if you transfer them to Amex's airline and hotel partners.
The Amex Gold Card also offers a generous 4X earning rate at restaurants worldwide, making it a great choice for foodies who like to dine out or order in. Just keep in mind that the card does have a relatively high annual fee, though the annual dining and Uber Cash credits do help offset that cost.
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Who it's best for: If you want a versatile card that earns rewards on online groceries, dining, and more, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great option. Frequent travelers who want to earn flexible rewards that transfer to airlines and hotels can also benefit from this card.
Rewards:
- 5X points on travel through Chase Travel℠
- 5X total points on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services), select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on other travel
- 1X points on other purchases
Annual fee: $95
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has long been a favorite among travel rewards enthusiasts thanks to its generous welcome bonus and transferable points. But it's also a solid choice for online grocery shoppers thanks to its 3X bonus category.
The main drawback is that the 3X bonus only applies to online grocery orders, so you won't earn bonus points on your in-store supermarket purchases. And orders from Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs are excluded from the bonus category, which is unfortunate since those are some of the most popular retailers for online grocery orders.
Still, if you do a lot of your grocery shopping online and want to rack up transferable points that you can use for travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a strong contender. Just be sure to compare the welcome bonus and benefits to similar cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
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Who it's best for: This card is ideal for those who want to maximize rewards on grocery spending without worrying about an annual fee.
Rewards:
- 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats (through November 14, 2024)
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming subscriptions, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Annual fee: $0
The Capital One SavorOne card is a great option if you want a simple, straightforward rewards card with no annual fee. The unlimited 3% cash back on groceries is a solid earning rate, and the lack of an annual fee means you don't have to worry about whether your rewards are offsetting an annual cost.
The main downside of the SavorOne compared to other grocery rewards cards is that its 3% cash back category excludes purchases from superstores like Walmart and Target, as well as wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam's Club. If you do a significant portion of your grocery shopping at one of those retailers, you may be better off with a different card.
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Who it's best for: If Costco is your go-to spot for groceries, gas, and just about everything else, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is definitely worth considering. If you don’t shop regularly at Costco, the card’s rewards likely won’t be worth it.
Rewards:
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, including gas at Costco (for the first $7,000 per year, then 1%)
- 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all Costco and Costco.com purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Annual fee: $0 with Costco membership ($60 yearly)
For die-hard Costco shoppers, the Costco Anywhere Visa is a no-brainer.
The 2% cash back rate on Costco purchases is one of the best you'll find for a co-branded store card, and the 4% cash back on gas can lead to serious savings if you fill up frequently. The 3% cash back on restaurants and travel is a nice bonus as well.
The main drawbacks of the Costco Anywhere Visa are that it requires a paid Costco membership to apply (which starts at $60 per year), and that rewards can only be redeemed once per year for a Costco shop card. If you don't shop at Costco frequently enough to justify the membership fee, or if you prefer more flexible rewards redemption options, a different card may be a better choice.
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Who it's best for: The Amazon Prime Visa is best for Prime members who regularly shop with the online retailer (or at Whole Foods Market). It’s not the best pick for non-Amazon shoppers.
Rewards:
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- 5% back on Chase Travel℠ purchases
- 2% back at restaurants and gas stations
- 2% back on local transit and commuting
- 1% back on all other purchases
Annual fee: $0 with Amazon Prime membership ($139 annually)
If you're a frequent Amazon or Whole Foods shopper, the 5% cash back rate on the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa is hard to beat. And since the card has no annual fee for Prime members, all of your rewards are pure profit.
Just keep in mind that the 5% category only applies to purchases made at Whole Foods stores, on Amazon.com, or through Amazon Fresh. If you do a significant portion of your grocery shopping elsewhere, you may be better off with a more general grocery rewards card.
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Who it's best for: The Instacart Mastercard® is most rewarding for people who value convenience and order most of their groceries through the Instacart app.
Rewards:
- Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
- Earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠ purchases, including flights, hotels, and more
- 2% cash back at gas stations, restaurants, and on select streaming services
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Annual fee: $0
If you're a frequent Instacart user, the Instacart Mastercard is a great way to earn 5% cash back on your grocery delivery and pickup orders. The free year of Instacart+ membership (normally $99.99) is a nice perk as well, as it gets you free delivery and reduced service fees on orders of $35 or more.
Just remember that the 5% category only applies to purchases made through the Instacart app or website, not on in-store grocery purchases. And you'll need to place at least 3 orders of $35 or more within your first six months to qualify for the complimentary Instacart+ membership.
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The right grocery store credit card depends on a few factors. You'll want to make sure you're asking the right questions before you decide:
- Where do I shop the most? Make sure you pick a grocery store card that offers cash back at stores you usually spend at. If you’re loyal to a specific brand or chain, consider finding a co-branded card that offers elevated rewards there. If you tend to do your grocery shopping at various stores, opt for a more general card offering rewards across different retailers.
- How much do I spend on groceries each year? Cards with higher rates on groceries often have an annual spending cap, while other cards may have lower reward rates with no limit. It’s essential to make sure you won’t hit the spending cap, which can limit the overall rewards you can earn.
- Where else do I frequently spend? If your weekly grocery run includes a trip to the gas station, consider a card that includes elevated fuel rewards. If you’re an all-around foodie who enjoys cooking and dining out, look for a card that offers generous rewards at grocery stores and restaurants.
- Do I want to pay an annual fee? If you’re considering a card with an annual fee, you want to ensure the yearly cost is worth it. Make sure the rewards and benefits you'll get are worth more than the cost of the annual fee. Many cards with fees come with credits that can help offset the cost. There are also plenty of great no annual fee credit cards to pick if you don’t want to shell out for the annual cost.
- How do I want to use rewards? Many grocery credit cards offer cash back, which you can use however you want. But in some cases, you may want to earn points, which can offer more value when used to book travel. You should also look at how easy it is to redeem rewards. Ideally, you'll pick a grocery card that lets you redeem rewards for maximum value, whether as cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or travel.
Getting the most out of your grocery store credit card isn’t too tricky – simply swipe and earn. But, having a plan before applying for a new card can help maximize your rewards.
Once you get your card, you'll want to meet the minimum spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus (if the card offers one). From there, use your card for all regular spending and bills — especially grocery store purchases — to earn as many rewards as possible.
But you also want to make sure you're only charging what you can afford to pay off each month. Credit cards come with high interest rates, which makes carrying debt quite expensive. Rewards credit cards especially come with higher-than-average APRs. You don’t want interest charges to eat away at any rewards you earn.
To determine the best credit cards for grocery shopping, we carefully evaluated a wide range of factors, including the card's sign-up bonus, rewards earning rates on purchases, added perks and benefits, annual fees, and overall value for consumers.
Our team analyzed numerous credit card offers and selected the top contenders based on these key criteria. The options on this list represent the best value, rewards, and benefits available.
Here are some of the key factors we considered:
- Rewards: Rewards are the primary reason many people use credit cards, as they allow you to earn valuable points, miles, or cash back on your everyday spending.
- Redemption flexibility: What good are rewards if they're a hassle to redeem? Flexible redemption options allow you to use your rewards in the way that best suits you, whether that's offsetting your bill with statement credits or booking a dream vacation.
- Benefits: Credit card benefits can provide significant value and make your life easier, from saving you money on checked bags to providing peace of mind with travel insurance.
- Annual fee: The annual fee is a key factor because it's a recurring cost that can eat into your rewards earnings. It's important to make sure you're getting enough value from the card to justify the fee.
- Welcome bonus: A lucrative welcome bonus can give your rewards a massive head start, especially in the first year, making it a great way to kickstart your earnings.
- Rates & other fees: High interest rates and fees can quickly negate the value of any rewards you earn, so it's important to understand these costs and how to avoid them.
Still have questions about choosing and using the best credit cards for groceries? Here are some common FAQs.
The best credit card for groceries depends on your individual shopping habits and preferences. Our top picks include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express for its 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), and the American Express® Gold Card for its 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X).
Several credit cards offer cash back rewards on grocery purchases. Some of the best options include: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: 3% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) Instacart Mastercard®: 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
Yes, many credit cards offer bonus rewards specifically for grocery purchases. For example, the American Express® Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X), while the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 3X Ultimate Rewards points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
In most cases, yes. Grocery delivery and pickup orders placed through third-party services like Instacart will generally qualify for grocery bonus rewards, as long as the merchant is classified as a grocery store. However, some cards may exclude grocery purchases made through superstores like Walmart or Target, so be sure to check your card's terms and conditions.
Yes, there are several great no annual fee credit cards that offer bonus rewards on grocery purchases. One of the best options is the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which earns an unlimited 3% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with no annual fee.
Groceries are a significant expense for most households, so it makes sense to use a credit card that earns bonus rewards on those purchases.
When choosing a grocery rewards credit card, be sure to consider factors like annual fees, bonus categories, and redemption options to find the best fit for your needs.
And once you have your card, be sure to use it for all eligible grocery purchases to maximize your rewards earnings.
By using one of the best credit cards for groceries and following the tips outlined in this article, you can turn your everyday grocery spending into valuable rewards that can save you money or fund your next vacation.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
[Disclaimer]: *Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visitamericanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
Meet the contributor:Holly D. Johnson
Johnson has been a personal finance contributor for more than 10 years. She focuses on investing, banking products, credit cards and scoring and insurance.
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