Management of household budgets receives more focus today. Prices for groceries keep increasing, and intelligent spending becomes increasingly necessary. One great technique is taking advantage of credit cards that earn rewards for grocery shopping. The proper card will transform mundane spending into real rewards.
Being aware of how these cards operate is essential. Not every rewards works the same way. Some cards have a high cash back with a spending limit. Other cards have flat rates or points for travel. CNBC Select reviewed different cards, comparing rewards, reward designs, and spending targets. Certain cards work better with some lifestyles than others.
1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This card is a best pick for earning cash back rewards on U.S. supermarkets. It gives 6% back on as much as $6,000 in supermarket purchases per year, then 1% thereafter. Maxing out this category earns $360 a year.
Other rewards include:
- 6% back on certain U.S. streaming services
- 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis and ride shares)
- 1% back on all other purchases
Rewards are given in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be used to get statement credits or at Amazon.com. The card carries a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 subsequently.
It also provides:
- $250 welcome bonus after spending $3,000 within six months
- Intro 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR)
- Plan It feature for breaking purchases into monthly payments (fees may be charged after first year)
Enrollment is needed for some perks such as the $7 monthly Disney Bundle credit (on $9.99+ purchases). Amex Offers and coverages can also apply, with differing terms.
2. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
No-annual-fee card with predictable rewards on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
Key features:
- Unlimited 3% back at grocery stores (excluding superstores such as Walmart)
- Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and some streaming services
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% cash back on travel booked at Capital One
- 1% cash back on everything else
Other benefits:
- Come with a $200 bonus after spending $500 within the first three months
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 19.24% to 29.24% (Variable) APR)
- Cash back doesn’t expire while the account is open, and no sign-ups are needed to earn rewards
This card is ideal for people who spend regularly on everyday categories and prefer a simple, no-fee structure.
3. Blue Cash Everyday® Card
American Express For those who want grocery rewards without paying an annual fee, this card is a solid pick.
Rewards structure:
- 3% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 3% on U.S. online retail buying and at U.S. gas stations (same $6,000 limit each)
- 1% back on other buys
Additional features:
- $200 sign-up bonus after spending $2,000 in six months
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR)
- Reward Dollars redeem for statement credit or at Amazon
- Optional credits for the Disney Bundle ($84 annually) and meal kits like Home Chef ($180 annually), with enrollment required
This card works well for budget-conscious shoppers who want value without fees.
4. Citi Double Cash® Card
While not strictly a grocery card, this one stands out for flat-rate cash back.
Core benefit:
- 2% back on all purchases: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay (must pay at least minimum due)
Other features:
- No annual fee
- $200 welcome reward (20,000 ThankYou® Points) after $1,500 spend in six months
- 18-month intro APR for balance transfers (then 18.24% to 28.24% variable APR)
- Points can be cashed in for cash back or travel and gift card redemption
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Citi Travel website
The ease of 2% back on everything makes this an excellent secondary card or a solid choice for those who don’t want to keep up with categories.
5. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A top pick for online grocery buyers who want travel rewards.
Grocery benefit:
- 3X points on grocery shopping online (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
Other benefits:
- 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 5X on Lyft rides (through Sep. 30, 2027)
- 3X on dining and certain streaming services
- 2X on other travel purchases
- 1X on all other purchases
Extras:
- 75,000-point welcome bonus after $5,000 of spending in three months
- Transfers 1:1 to 14 travel partners such as United and Hyatt
- Earns up to 1.5X more points through Chase Travel
- $50 annual hotel credit from Chase
- Travel protections, free year of DashPass, and a 10% anniversary points bonus
This card has a $95 annual fee and is best for online grocery spenders who value travel.
6. American Express® Gold Card
A favorite among foodies who want high-end rewards and travel value.
Top rewards:
- 4X points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 a year, then 1X)
- 4X points on restaurants globally (including takeout and delivery)
- 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com
- 1X on other purchases
- Annual fee: $325
Additional benefits:
- 100,000-point welcome bonus after six months of $6,000 spending
- Up to $120 in annual dining credits at Grubhub and other places ($10/month)
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash each year ($10/month)
No foreign transaction fees
- Points transferable to airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, and Emirates
- Insurance covers rental car and purchases
- This card best suits high diners and grocery spenders who desire travel flexibility rewards.
7. Prime Visa
A good option for Amazon and Whole Foods buyers with Prime membership.
Key features:
- 5% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods
- Rewards can be redeemed for Amazon purchases, cash, or gift cards
Must have Prime membership to use benefits. The card benefits most those who already buy in the Amazon world.
8. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card
Citi Designed specifically for regular Costco shoppers, this card has special reward schemes.
Key benefits:
- 2% cash back on purchases at Costco (in-store and online)
- 5% on gas (including for Costco) up to $7,000/year
- 3% cash back on dining and travel
- 1% cash back on other purchases
Cash is returned once a year through a certificate that can be used to pay at Costco in the United States or Puerto Rico. The card suits frequent buyers of Costco who can maximize the rewards.
9. Selecting the Right Card
The most appropriate grocery card is based on how you shop. Certain higher-annual-fee cards provide better return, particularly to large grocery shoppers. For instance:
- Blue Cash Preferred: 6% on supermarkets, paying for the $95 annual fee in a matter of months
- Blue Cash Everyday and Capital One Savor: No annual fee, earning 3% on supermarkets
- Citi Double Cash: 2% flat rate with no categories to track
If you shop for groceries online:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 3X on online groceries and great travel point redemptions
- Prime Visa: 5% at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods (Prime membership required)
- Amex Gold: 4X at supermarkets, good for both groceries and dining
For Costco shoppers:
- Costco Anywhere Visa: 2% at Costco, plus great gas and travel rewards
Always look at how rewards are being redeemed and if points or cash are preferable to your needs. Cards with statement credits, cash back, or flexible travel redemptions add additional value based on your life.
