Blog >> The Best Credit Cards For Groceries
By Kevin Zanes / April 26, 2024
The average household spends between 10 – 30% of their disposable monthly income on groceries. This makes groceries one of the biggest discretionary expense categories!
Now is the time to put a little of your hard-earned money back into your bank account with the right grocery store credit card. While many of the “high-earning” travel rewards credit cards, which a bonus earning for grocery spend, come with an equally high annual fee, there are many cards which have either a low or no annual fee. In addition, many credit cards offer very generous cash-back options on grocery spend. In short, there is a grocery-focused credit card for everyone!
Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score
If you are new to cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for credit cards which align with both your credit score and your financial goals.
Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.
Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:
- Personal Bank
- Credit Karma
- Annual Credit Report
Related: Credit Scores 101: Everything You Need to Know
The Best Credit Cards For Groceries
Here is a quick overview of the best credit cards for groceries, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. The unique and high-value cash back bonuses in key spend categories (i.e. U.S. Supermarkets, Gas Stations, etc) set this card apart from similar, simpler options. In addition, the card offers a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. However, there are fewer redemption options with a cash back credit card versus one which provides travel rewards.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
- APR: 18.74% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. Streaming subscriptions
- 3% Cash Back on Transit (including taxis, ride-share, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
Note: Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Other Benefits
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.74% – 29.74%
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is one of the most valuable travel rewards cards for beginners. Despite the high annual fee, the American Express® Gold Card offers incredible overall value through high earning opportunities on key categories (dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets) and a host of monthly credits. In addition, cardholders can redeem American Express Membership Rewards points through the American Express Travel portal or transfer the points to one of many American Express transfer partners.
American Express® Gold Card.
Card Details
- Intro 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. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of card membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
- Annual Fee: $325
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 4x at Restaurants (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X)
- 4x at U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3x on Flights (booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com)
- 2x on prepaid Hotels and Other Eligible Purchases (booked on amextravel.com)
- 1x on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- Up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month credit)
- You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex benefit may only be used in United States.
- Up to $120 Dining Credit ($10 per month credit)
- Up to $100 Resy Credit ($50 semi-annually)
- Up to $84 Dunkin’ Donuts Credit ($7 per month credit)
- Get up to a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
- Choose the color that suits your style: Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold (new)
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an ideal cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Unlike other cash-back cards, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers high value bonus categories in key spend areas such as Dining, Entertainment, and Groceries. However, there are fewer redemption options with a cash back credit card versus one which provides travel rewards. To truly unleash the earning power of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, combine it with either the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to convert the cash back to transferable Capital One Miles.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn a one-time $250 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.74% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% Cash Back on Hotels booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 5% Cash Back on Rental Cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% Cash Back on Dining
- 3% Cash Back on Entertainment
- 3% Cash Back on popular Streaming Services
- 3% Cash Back at Grocery Stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 29.74% (balance transfer fee applies)
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is the perfect credit card for those who prefer cash-back rewards over travel rewards. The card offers a simple cash-back structure including ket categories such as U.S. Supermarkets and U.S. Gas Stations, with no annual fee. However, there are fewer redemption options with a cash back credit card versus one which provides travel rewards.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 18.74% – 29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 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%)
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
Note: Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Other Benefits
- Balance Transfers: Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.74% to 29.74%
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card is one of the most underrated travel rewards credit cards for beginners. The value of the card comes from the broad range of earning categories, which cover the major expenses for the average household (i.e. supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, and travel), for a relatively modest annual fee of $95. In addition, cardholders can redeem Citi ThankYou points through the Citi Travel portal or transfer the points to one of many Citi transfer partners.
Citi Premier® Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 3x at Gas Stations
- 3x on Air Travel and Other Hotels
- 3x at Restaurants
- 3x at Supermarkets
- 1x on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- For a limited time earn 10 points per $1 dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, attractions (excluding air travel) when book through Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024
- $100 annual hotel savings benefit (on single hotel stay bookings of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, booked through thankyou.com)
Note: Citi Premier is no longer available for new applicants.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a solid cash-back credit card with no annual fee. This card differentiates itself from other options on the market by providing a unique earning opportunity: 5% back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spend). The Citi Custom Cash® Card is the perfect credit card to help you maximize purchase which do not fit into other traditional bonus categories (i.e. Home Improvement). While the cash back comes in the form of Citi ThankYou points, which you can redeem for statement credits, pairing the Citi Custom Cash® Card with either the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants) unlocks higher value redemptions through various transfer partners.
Citi Custom Cash® Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 580-740 (Fair / Good)*
Reward Rates
- 5% Cash Back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (1% cash back thereafter)
- 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 6/30/2025
Other Benefits
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24%
Final Thoughts
For the average household, one of the largest components of discretionary spend is groceries. Thankfully, there are numerous credit cards which offer an opportunity for cash-back or the ability to earn valuable travel rewards and other benefits on that high grocery spend. While cash-back cards have an immediate impact on the household financials, travel reward credit cards help offset the cost of future travel (i.e. flights, hotels, etc).
*Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.