If it feels like your grocery bill keeps creeping higher, you’re not imagining things.
Inflation is growing fast. But if you play your (credit) cards right, you can
earn cash back, points, or rewards on every trip to the store, putting a little extra money back in your pocket (or toward next week’s grocery run).
Whether you’re a bulk buyer or a thrifty shopper, here’s a roundup of the best credit cards for groceries to help you earn while you eat.
What are grocery credit cards?
The cards featured in this roundup are some of the best credit cards for groceries, eating out, and almost every other kind of purchase. They’re not just for supermarket spending, but several give you more rewards at the grocery store than anywhere else.
General-purpose
credit cards are great because you can use them on other types of purchases. But grocery-specific credit cards also exist. If you spend a big chunk of your monthly budget at the supermarket, look for a card that maximizes rewards in this area.
What qualifies as a “grocery” purchase?
Not all purchases at stores that sell groceries qualify for grocery cash rewards. Credit cards usually count items bought at supermarkets and grocery stores that primarily sell food and household supplies as grocery purchases.
It’s important to note that purchases at superstores (like Walmart or Target), warehouse clubs (like Costco or Sam's Club), and convenience stores often don’t qualify for grocery rewards. Be sure to check your card's terms and conditions to understand what types of purchases get you the most points or cash back.
The best credit cards for groceries, gas, and more
Ready to save at the supermarket? These credit cards give you rewards or cash back for groceries, gas, and other spending categories.
Credit card | Rewards | Annual fee | Unique benefits |
| 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming, and 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit; 1% on all other purchases | $0 first year, then $95 | $250 statement credit after $3,000 spend in first 6 months |
| 3% on dining, entertainment, groceries, and select U.S. streaming services; 1% on all other purchases | $0 | $200 cash bonus after $500 spend in first 3 months; 0% intro APR for 15 months |
| 5% on top eligible spend category/ billing cycle (up to $500, then 1%); 1% on all other purchases | $0 | $200 cash back after $1,500 spend in first 6 months; automatically adjusts to your spending habits; 0% APR for 15 months |
| 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel with eligible Prime membership; 2% at restaurants and gas stations; 2% on local transit and rideshare; 1% on all other purchases | $0 (with Prime) | $150 Amazon.com gift card upon approval; eligible Prime cardholders earn 10% back on a rotating selection of items from Amazon.com |
| 5% on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories/quarter, 5% on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and 3% on dining and drugstores; 1% on all other purchases | $0 | $200 bonus after $500 spend in first 3 months; 0% APR for 15 months |
| 4X points at restaurants and supermarkets (up to $25,000/year, then 1X); 3X on flights; 2X on prepaid hotels; 1X on other eligible purchases | $325 | 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after $6,000 spend in first 6 months; up to $120/year in Uber Cash |
| 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year, then 1%); 3% at U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000/year, then 1%); 1% on other purchases | $0 | $200 statement credit after $2,000 spend in first 6 months; 0% APR for 15 months |
4 types of grocery credit cards
Several types of credit cards reward shoppers for spending money on groceries. Here’s a quick overview of your options:
Store-branded cards. Issued by specific grocery chains, these cards provide rewards and benefits when you shop at their stores.
Co-branded cards. These are partnerships between a retailer and a credit card issuer, offering rewards both at the specific retailer and on general purchases.
General rewards cards. These cards offer higher rewards on grocery purchases, regardless of the store, and may provide rewards in other categories.
Delivery-service-affiliated cards. Grocery delivery services are becoming more popular. Some credit cards now offer rewards for using specific delivery platforms.
How much can you save with a grocery credit card?
A
cash back credit card can put real money back in your pocket, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per year on food costs. The exact savings depend on your grocery spending and your card’s rewards rate.
Say you buy $500 worth of groceries each month on a card with 5% cash back — that’s $25 in rewards each month, or $300 per year. Even if the card only offers 3% cash back, someone with a $500/month grocery budget would still save $180 annually.
To get the most out of a grocery credit card, make sure you:
Pay your balance in full. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will quickly wipe out any rewards you earn.
Know your grocery categories. Make sure your store qualifies for grocery rewards. Find out if items like alcohol, medications, and gift cards are included.
Pair with other savings. Stack your card’s rewards with store coupons, cashback apps, or loyalty programs for even more savings.
The pros and cons of grocery credit cards
Still not sure if a grocery or rewards credit card is right for you? Take a look at the
pros and cons to decide if it’s worth applying:
Pros
High rewards rates. With 3% to 6% cash back on groceries, it’s not hard to maximize savings.
Cost-saving potential. Using a grocery credit card strategically can save hundreds of dollars per year.
Additional perks. Some cards come with welcome bonuses, statement credits, or discounts on other purchases.
Cons
High APRs. Carrying a balance can lead to
interest charges that outweigh your rewards.
Potential annual fees. Some of the best grocery rewards cards have annual fees that can quickly cut into your savings.
Category restrictions. Not all stores qualify — warehouse clubs, superstores, and some online grocery services may be excluded.
How to pick a grocery credit card
Rewards rates. Look for a card that offers a high reward rate.
Annual fees. f a card has an annual fee, calculate whether your cash rewards will offset the cost. If not, a no-fee card could be the better choice.
Bonus categories. If you also spend a lot on gas, dining, or streaming services, look for a credit card that rewards those purchases too.
Availability at your preferred grocery stores. Make sure your favorite supermarket qualifies for grocery rewards.
Turn everyday grocery savings into smart financial habits
Saving money might feel impossible when even the prices of eggs and milk keep climbing. But the
right credit card can help. And so can tools like EarnIn’s
Tip Yourself tool.
Tip Yourself makes saving easy, allowing you to set aside small amounts of money that can build up over time
. Instead of letting your cashback disappear into daily expenses, you can tuck it away for a rainy day (or just for fun) — the perfect way to reward yourself for smart spending.
Download EarnIn today and watch your savings grow.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
EarnIn is a financial technology company not a bank. Tip Yourself Account funds and Tip Jars are held with Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC and FDIC insured up to $250,000. Tip Yourself is a 0% Annual Percentage Yield and $0 monthly fee service deposit account. For more information/details visit
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