7 Best Credit Cards for Groceries

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 6, 2025

Grocery purchases can quickly add up, but the right credit card can turn those everyday expenses into valuable cash back or rewards. Whether you prefer simple flat-rate returns or bonus points at specific supermarkets, there are cards designed to maximize grocery spending.

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a popular choice for households looking to earn more on essential everyday spending. It’s for users seeking valuable rewards in their most-used categories, especially food and transportation.

    With a focus on convenience and practical benefits, this card combines ease of use with valuable perks. It’s especially appealing to families or individuals seeking consistent savings on routine purchases throughout the year.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
    • 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and select streaming services
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can get a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95
    • Extended Warranty: Included
    • Purchase Protection: Included

    Key Benefits:

    • High cash back on groceries and gas
    • Bonus rewards on popular streaming services
    • Statement credit welcome offer

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back rewards appear as statement credits, which can be applied to the card balance.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The 6% cash back is capped at $6,000 in yearly supermarket spending. The $95 annual fee after the first year may not suit all budget levels.

    Why It Works for Beginners:

    The card is easy to use with straightforward cash back rewards. The welcome bonus and the absence of fees for the first year make this credit card attractive to new users wanting to save on groceries.

  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express

    The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a no-annual-fee cash-back card. It is designed for people who spend moderately on groceries, gas, and online shopping. This card gives simple rewards without complicated terms.

    It is a good option for everyday spending with a focus on key categories many households use regularly. The card fits well for those who want rewards without paying an annual fee.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
    • 3% cash back on online purchases at U.S. retailers
    • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
    • 1% cash back on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Purchase APR: Variable, typically around 20%
    • Foreign Transaction Fee: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee
    • Solid cash back on groceries and gas
    • $7 monthly statement credit when spending $9.99 or more on an eligible subscription

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards cash back is credited directly to the card account as a statement credit. It can be used for any purchases or to pay the card balance.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is generally required to qualify for this card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The 3% cash back on groceries is capped at $6,000 per year. Any spending above that amount earns only 1%.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This card is straightforward, with no annual fee and easy-to-understand cash back categories that match common spending habits.

  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card focuses on offering cash back for dining, entertainment, groceries, and streaming services. It has no annual fee, making it a good choice for people who want rewards without extra costs.

    This card is popular with those who spend regularly on food and entertainment. It offers simple and straightforward rewards that can build up quickly for everyday purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
    • 3% cash back at grocery stores
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a one‑time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • Contactless Payments: Enabled
    • Mobile App Access: Manage account via Capital One’s mobile app

    Key Benefits:

    • High cash back on dining and entertainment
    • Solid rewards for grocery shopping
    • No fee makes it accessible for many users

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or direct deposits. Redemption has no minimum limit, so users can access rewards anytime.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card typically requires good to excellent credit, so it suits those with a stable credit history.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Cash back rates are lower on non-food and entertainment categories. Users who spend more on other categories may find better rewards elsewhere.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This no-annual-fee card offers simple rewards, making it ideal for those new to rewards credit cards. It allows users to earn rewards on everyday expenses easily.

  • American Express® Gold Card

    The American Express® Gold Card is a premium rewards card built for those who prioritize food-related spending. It appeals to users who want to earn generous points on everyday purchases while enjoying added lifestyle perks.

    The card offers flexibility and value, combining great rewards with travel and dining benefits. It’s a solid choice for people who want more out of their routine spending without navigating overly complex terms.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4X Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
    • 4X points per $1 on dining worldwide, including takeout and delivery
    • 3X points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. Exact offers vary and will be provided upon approval.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $325
    • Rewards Type: Membership Rewards points
    • Main Bonus Categories: Groceries, dining, flights
    • Foreign Transaction Fee: None

    Key Benefits:

    • High return on everyday grocery and dining expenses
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to exclusive dining and travel benefits

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits. Transfer to airline and hotel partners is available for more value.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card requires good to excellent credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The 4X points at groceries only apply to the first $25,000 in spending annually. The annual fee is higher than some other grocery cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Earning rates and rewards are straightforward, making it ideal for frequent food spenders seeking flexible options. The variety of redemption options also makes it easy to use points.

  • Prime Visa

    The Prime Visa is built for frequent Amazon shoppers who want to maximize rewards on everyday spending. It’s especially appealing to those who rely on Amazon services for groceries and household essentials.

    With streamlined integration into the Amazon ecosystem, the card emphasizes convenience, security, and value. It’s a practical option for Prime members looking to earn rewards without changing their usual shopping habits.

    Earning Structure:

    • Amazon Fresh & Whole Foods Market: 5% (Prime members)
    • Other Amazon Purchases: 5%
    • Other Purchases: Lower % (varies)

    Welcome Bonus:

    Get a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval—no spending requirement—but note that higher limited‑time offers (up to $250) have appeared during events like Prime Day for eligible Prime members.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0 with Prime membership
    • Purchase Protection: Included
    • Extended Warranty: Included
    • Additional Benefits: Integrated with Amazon services

    Key Benefits:

    • High cash back on Amazon grocery shopping
    • Good purchase protections
    • Works well if most grocery shopping happens online at Amazon stores

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits or applied to other Amazon purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    The credit score requirement is typically good to excellent.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card’s best rewards are only for Amazon purchases, including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, which may not work for those who buy groceries elsewhere. Without an active Prime membership, the 5% cash back drops to 3%, reducing the overall value.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This card is easy to use, with automatic rewards on Amazon purchases and no rotating categories to track. The instant gift card upon approval makes it appealing from the start. It’s a strong choice for beginners who already have a Prime membership and do most of their shopping online.

  • Citi Double Cash® Card

    The Citi Double Cash® Card is a no-fuss option for those who value simplicity and consistency in their rewards. It’s ideal for users who want to earn cash back without managing rotating categories or tracking spending types.

    With broad appeal and user-friendly terms, this card suits a wide range of spending habits. It’s especially practical for everyday purchases, offering dependable value without the need for constant strategy.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1% cash back on every purchase
    • 1% cash back when paying the balance

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn $200 cash back (as 20,000 Citi ThankYou® Points) after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, based on creditworthiness
    • Rewards Rate: 2% total cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
    • Credit Needed: Good to excellent credit

    Key Benefits:

    • No category restrictions
    • Unlimited cash back earnings
    • Flexible redemption options, including statement credits, checks, or direct deposits

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check, without a minimum requirement, allowing easy access to rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, usually a FICO score of 690 or higher, to qualify for this card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Potential drawbacks include a lack of bonus categories, which may limit higher rewards on groceries compared to other cards. Cardholders need to pay their balance on time to get the full 2% back.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The Citi Double Cash® Card works well for beginners because it is easy to use. There are no complex rewards categories, and the no-fee policy lowers the risk of extra costs. Its steady cash back makes it a solid choice for those starting to build rewards habits.

  • Citi Strata Premier® Card

    The Citi Strata Premier® Card is designed for people who want rewards on everyday spending like groceries, gas, dining, and travel. It offers flexible rewards and useful perks, such as an annual hotel discount. The card works well for those who want steady points without spending caps in key categories.

    This card earns Citi ThankYou® Points, which can be used for travel or everyday spending. It includes travel benefits, which add value beyond groceries and gas.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3X points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining, hotels, and airfare
    • 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Often features a welcome offer, typically around 60,000 bonus points after spending a set amount in the first few months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $95
    • APR: Varies based on creditworthiness
    • Credit Needed: Good to excellent

    Key Benefits:

    • No spending cap on bonus categories
    • $100 off one hotel stay of $500 or more annually
    • Travel and dining rewards included

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Travel redemptions often provide good value.

    Credit Requirements:

    Generally requires good to excellent credit. Applicants with lower credit scores may not qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Certain travel categories are more specific compared to others. Points earned have average value compared to others.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Simple rewards in common spending areas make it easy to earn points quickly. The card’s perks add extra value without complex rules.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top credit cards that offer the best rewards for grocery purchases?

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best for grocery shoppers, offering high cash back at U.S. supermarkets. For Amazon-focused buyers, the Prime Visa earns elevated rewards at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market. Both cards are ideal for maximizing everyday grocery expenses with generous returns.

Which credit cards provide the best cashback for combined grocery and gas expenditures?

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers 3% cash back on both U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, up to a spending limit. The Citi Strata Premier® Card also earns bonus points between groceries and gas without a spending cap. These options are great for users who divide their spending between groceries and fuel.

What options are available for credit cards that offer grocery rewards with no annual fee?

The Citi Double Cash® Card earns a flat 2% on every purchase—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay—making it ideal for groceries and all other categories. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year) without charging an annual fee. Both cards are beginner-friendly and easy to manage.

Can you recommend credit cards that are suitable for someone with bad credit but still offer grocery rewards?

While the article primarily focuses on cards for good to excellent credit, those with lower scores may consider secured cards or starter options outside this list. For example, cards like the Discover it® Secured are often mentioned in our other articles for basic rewards and credit building. However, upgrading to cards like the Blue Cash Everyday® becomes feasible as credit improves.

Are there any credit cards that maximize rewards for both groceries and dining out expenses?

The American Express® Gold Card stands out with 4X points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including delivery and takeout. It’s ideal for users who spend heavily on both categories and want flexible rewards. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card also earns well on groceries, dining, and entertainment, all with no annual fee.