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What’s the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries? Infographic
What’s the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries?
The best credit card for earning cashback on groceries offers high reward rates specifically for grocery store purchases, often ranging from 3% to 6% cashback. Cards with no annual fees and additional benefits like purchase protection and no foreign transaction fees provide extra value. Choosing a card with flexible redemption options ensures you maximize savings on everyday grocery spending.
Top Cashback Credit Cards for Grocery Shopping
Maximizing cashback on grocery purchases can significantly boost your savings throughout the year. Selecting the right credit card tailored for groceries ensures you earn rewards efficiently on everyday essentials.
- Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express - Offers up to 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets, making it one of the highest rewards for grocery spending.
- Chase Freedom Flex(sm) - Provides 5% cashback on grocery store purchases (excluding Walmart and Target) during rotating quarterly categories.
- Citi(r) Double Cash Card - Rewards 2% cashback on all purchases, including groceries, with 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.
Highest Earning Rates: Grocery Cashback Credit Cards
Finding the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries depends on the highest earning rates available. Selecting a card tailored for grocery purchases can maximize your rewards efficiently.
- Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express - Offers 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
- Chase Freedom Flex(sm) - Provides 5% cashback on groceries (excluding Target and Walmart) as part of its rotating quarterly categories.
- Citi Custom Cash(sm) Card - Automatically earns 5% cashback on your highest eligible spend category, which often includes grocery stores.
Choose a card with high grocery cashback rates to boost your savings on everyday shopping.
Annual Fees vs. Rewards: Finding the Best Grocery Credit Card
Choosing the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries requires balancing annual fees against reward rates. High fees can be justified by superior cashback percentages, but low or no-fee cards often offer great value for everyday grocery spending.
Cards with no annual fees typically provide moderate cashback rates, making them ideal for occasional grocery shoppers. Premium cards charge annual fees but deliver higher rewards, bonus categories, and additional benefits that can maximize savings for frequent grocery buyers. Evaluating your grocery spending habits helps determine whether the extra rewards outweigh the annual fees for your best credit card choice.
Grocery-Specific Cashback Categories to Maximize Savings
Grocery-specific cashback credit cards offer the highest savings for frequent supermarket shoppers. Cards like the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express provide up to 6% cashback at select U.S. supermarkets. Maximizing rewards in these categories reduces overall grocery expenses significantly over time.
Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards for Grocery Cashback
Finding the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries can save you significant money each month. Many top no-annual-fee credit cards offer enhanced rewards specifically on grocery store purchases without any yearly cost.
Cards like the Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express provide up to 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets, capped at a specific spending limit. The Chase Freedom Flex(sm) also features rotating categories that often include groceries, offering up to 5% cashback during promotional periods.
Rotating vs. Fixed Cashback Rates on Grocery Stores
Choosing the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries depends on whether you prefer rotating or fixed cashback rates. Rotating cashback cards offer higher rewards on groceries during specific quarters but require activation and spending within those periods. Fixed cashback cards provide consistent rewards on all grocery purchases year-round, making them easier to manage for your budgeting needs.
Welcome Bonuses That Boost Grocery Cashback
Choosing the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries depends on the value of welcome bonuses that amplify initial rewards. Cards with high welcome offers provide significant cashback boosts during the first months of usage.
Popular options include cards that feature 5% cashback on groceries combined with a welcome bonus of several hundred dollars. This strategy maximizes savings when purchasing groceries in the early stages of card membership.
Credit Score Requirements for Grocery Cashback Cards
What credit score do you need for the best grocery cashback cards? Most top grocery cashback credit cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically ranging from 700 to 750 or higher. Maintaining a strong credit score increases your chances of approval and access to the highest cashback rates on grocery purchases.
Tips to Maximize Grocery Cashback Card Rewards
Choosing the best credit card for earning cashback on groceries depends on your shopping habits and preferred stores. Optimizing your card usage can significantly increase your cashback rewards on grocery purchases.
- Use Cards with Bonus Categories - Select credit cards that offer higher cashback rates specifically for grocery store purchases to maximize rewards.
- Combine with Store Loyalty Programs - Link your credit card with grocery store loyalty programs to stack discounts and cashback offers.
- Track Spending Limits - Monitor any cashback caps or quarterly spending limits to ensure you make the most of your grocery cashback benefits.
Comparing Grocery Cashback Limits and Exclusions
| Credit Card | Grocery Cashback Rate | Monthly Cashback Cap | Exclusions | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express | 6% cashback | $6,000 in purchases per year | Online supermarkets may be excluded; Target and Walmart purchases qualify only in stores | 3% cashback on transit and cable subscriptions |
| Citi(r) Double Cash Card | 2% cashback (1% on purchase + 1% on payment) | No cap | No bonus category exclusions, but grocery stores earn standard 1% rate | Simple flat-rate cashback on all purchases |
| Chase Freedom Flex(sm) | 5% cashback on groceries (up to $12,000 spent annually) | $12,000 in purchases per year | Warehouse clubs and superstores may be excluded | 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories |
| Discover it(r) Cash Back | 5% cashback on groceries up to $1,500 per quarter | $6,000 per year | Grocery purchases via convenience stores or superstores don't qualify | Cashback Match at first year end |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 3% cashback on groceries | No limit | Excludes purchases at superstores and warehouse clubs | Cashback on entertainment and dining |
Related Important Terms
Supermarket Category Bonuses
The best credit cards for earning cashback on groceries often feature elevated supermarket category bonuses, typically offering 4% to 6% cash back at major grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart. Cards such as the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express and the Citi Custom Cash Card maximize rewards by providing higher cashback rates specifically tailored for supermarket purchases.
Rotating Grocery Cashback
Credit cards with rotating grocery cashback categories often offer up to 5% cash back on groceries during specific quarters, maximizing savings when activated. Popular options like the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it Cash Back feature periodic grocery bonuses, making them ideal for strategic grocery spending.
Enhanced Grocery Earn Rates
The best credit cards for earning cashback on groceries offer enhanced grocery earn rates ranging from 3% to 6% cashback, maximizing rewards for frequent grocery shoppers. Popular options like the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express provide 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets, significantly boosting savings on everyday grocery purchases.
Grocery Co-branded Credit Cards
Grocery co-branded credit cards like the Kroger REWARDS World Elite Mastercard and the Safeway Club Card offer some of the highest cashback rates on grocery purchases, often providing up to 5% back or more at their respective store chains. These cards typically include exclusive in-store discounts, bonus rewards on fuel, and annual sign-up bonuses tailored specifically for frequent grocery shoppers, maximizing savings on everyday essentials.
Digital Wallet Grocery Boost
Digital Wallet Grocery Boost credit cards offer exceptional cashback rates on grocery purchases, often ranging from 5% to 10%, maximizing savings for frequent shoppers. These cards integrate seamlessly with popular digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, providing convenience and enhanced security while earning accelerated cashback rewards on supermarket transactions.
Online-Only Grocery Cashback
The best credit card for earning cashback on online-only grocery purchases often features elevated cashback rates of 5% or more at leading online grocery retailers like Amazon Fresh and Instacart. Cards such as the American Express Blue Cash Preferred and the Citi Custom Cash Card offer targeted cashback bonuses specifically for digital grocery spend, maximizing savings on essential food purchases with no physical store restrictions.
Local Grocery Cashback Networks
Local grocery cashback networks often partner with specific credit cards that maximize cashback rewards, such as the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offering 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets. Cards linked to regional grocery chains, like the Kroger Rewards Visa Card, typically provide enhanced cashback rates on local grocery purchases, optimizing savings for frequent shoppers.
Organic Grocery Spend Boost
The best credit card for earning cashback on groceries with an emphasis on Organic Grocery Spend Boost is the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express, which offers 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets, including organic and natural food stores, up to $6,000 per year in purchases. This card maximizes rewards on organic grocery spending while also providing 3% cashback on gas stations and transit, making it ideal for health-conscious shoppers seeking high returns.
Grocery Spend Threshold Multipliers
The best credit cards for earning cashback on groceries often feature grocery spend threshold multipliers that increase rewards once a specific monthly or yearly spending amount is reached, maximizing cashback returns on essential purchases. Cards such as the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express offer up to 6% cashback on groceries after meeting a set spending threshold, significantly enhancing rewards for frequent grocery shoppers.
Instacart-Specific Credit Rewards
The best credit card for earning cashback on groceries with Instacart-specific credit rewards is the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card, offering up to 6% cashback on groceries purchased through Instacart. This card maximizes savings for frequent Instacart users by providing enhanced rewards designed exclusively for grocery delivery purchases.