If you’re like most U.S. families or individuals, groceries eat up a big chunk of your monthly budget. Finding the best credit card for groceries can turn that spending into real rewards, like cashback or points you can use for travel or other perks. In this guide, we’ll break down the top options for 2025, focusing on cards that offer the highest returns on supermarket purchases. We’ll compare reward rates, annual fees, and more to help you pick the right grocery rewards credit card. Whether you’re a busy parent stocking up for the week or a budget-conscious shopper looking to stretch your dollars, these cashback credit cards for groceries can make a difference. Stick around for tips on maximizing value and answers to common questions.
Best Credit Card for Groceries (Top Picks)
When searching for the best credit card for groceries, focus on cards with strong rewards in this category. Here are our top recommendations for 2025, based on current offers. Each one shines for different spending habits, from high cashback to flexible points.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out as a top choice for anyone seeking a cashback credit card for groceries. It earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1% after that. This could mean up to $360 back annually if you hit the cap, minus any fees.
The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95. New cardholders can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months. Other perks include 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months.
Keep in mind, superstores like Walmart and Target don’t qualify for the 6% rate—they’re often coded differently. This card is ideal for families who shop at traditional supermarkets like Kroger or Safeway. Pros: High flat rate on groceries without needing to track categories. Cons: The cap might limit big spenders, and the fee requires you to spend enough to offset it.
American Express® Gold Card
For those who prefer earning points over straight cash, the American Express® Gold Card is a strong grocery rewards credit card. It gives 4X Membership Rewards points on U.S. supermarket purchases up to $25,000 per year, then 1X. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, often at a higher value when transferred to airline partners.
The annual fee is $325, which might seem steep but comes with credits like $120 in Uber Cash, $120 in dining credits, and more that can offset it. Welcome offer: Up to 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in six months (offers vary). You’ll also earn 4X at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year) and 3X on flights.
Exclusions are similar—Walmart and Target may not count as supermarkets. This card suits foodies who want credit cards that earn points on groceries and dining. Pros: Generous cap and versatile points. Cons: High fee if you don’t use the credits fully.
Chase Freedom Flex®
The Chase Freedom Flex® is a no-annual-fee card that’s great for a grocery rewards strategy involving rotating categories. It earns 5% cash back on activated quarterly bonus categories up to $1,500 per quarter, and groceries (excluding Walmart and Target) often appear as a category—think supermarkets like Whole Foods. Outside bonuses, it’s 1% on groceries, but you get 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores.
No annual fee makes it accessible. Welcome bonus: $200 after spending $500 in three months. It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months.
The rotating aspect means groceries aren’t always at 5%, so plan around quarters. Pros: Flexible and fee-free. Cons: Requires activation and isn’t consistent for groceries year-round.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
If you want simplicity, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is one of the best cards for supermarket purchases. It automatically gives 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), and groceries count as a category—perfect if that’s your biggest spend. Other categories include gas, restaurants, and more; everything else is 1%.
No annual fee. Welcome offer: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in six months (as 20,000 ThankYou points). It also has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Superstores like Walmart may not qualify as “grocery stores.” This card works well for individuals who spend moderately on food shopping rewards. Pros: Automatic high rate without tracking. Cons: Low cap per cycle for heavy spenders.
What to Look for in a Grocery Credit Card
Choosing the best credit card for groceries isn’t just about the highest rate—consider how it fits your life.
Reward Rates (Cashback vs Points)
Cashback is straightforward: You get money back, like 6% on the Blue Cash Preferred. Points, as with the Amex Gold, offer flexibility for travel but require more effort to maximize. Aim for at least 3-5% on groceries to make it worthwhile.
Annual Fees vs Benefits
A $0 fee card like Chase Freedom Flex is low-risk, but paying $95 or more (like Blue Cash Preferred) can pay off if rewards exceed the cost. Look at perks like streaming credits or travel insurance to justify fees.
Supermarket vs Walmart/Target Exclusions
Many cards define “groceries” as U.S. supermarkets, excluding Walmart, Target, or warehouse clubs like Costco. If you shop there often, consider cards that include them or use a flat-rate card as backup.
How to Maximize Grocery Rewards
To get the most from your grocery store credit card benefits, follow these tips:
- Combine your card with coupons or store loyalty programs to stack savings.
- Track rotating categories (like on Chase Freedom Flex) and activate them quarterly to catch grocery bonuses.
- Redeem points strategically—transfer to partners for higher value or use cashback for bills.
- Shop at qualifying stores; use apps to confirm merchant codes.
- Pair with another card for non-grocery spending to cover all bases.
- Monitor spending caps to avoid dropping to 1% rewards.
Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card for Groceries
Using credit cards for food shopping rewards has upsides and downsides:
Pros:
- Earn rewards on essential spending, potentially hundreds back yearly.
- Build credit with on-time payments.
- Access perks like purchase protection or extended warranties on big buys.
- Intro APR offers can help with large grocery hauls without interest.
Cons:
- Risk of debt if you don’t pay off monthly—interest wipes out rewards.
- Annual fees can eat into savings if not offset.
- Exclusions mean missing rewards at some stores.
- Temptation to overspend for points.
FAQ Section
Which card gives the highest percentage back at grocery stores?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year, making it a leader for flat-rate cashback. For points, the Amex Gold’s 4X is strong if valued highly.
Do warehouse clubs count as groceries?
Often no—cards like Blue Cash Preferred exclude Costco, Sam’s Club, or superstores. Check terms; some cards have separate wholesale categories.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for grocery rewards?
Yes, if your spending covers it. For example, with $6,000 in groceries on Blue Cash Preferred, you earn $360 back, easily beating the $95 fee after year one. No-fee options like Citi Custom Cash are safer for light spenders.
Are grocery purchases good for building credit?
Absolutely—regular, on-time payments on everyday buys like groceries show responsible use, boosting your score over time.
Read also- Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Conclusion
The best credit card for groceries in 2025 depends on your needs: Go with Blue Cash Preferred for top cashback, Amex Gold for points, Chase Freedom Flex for no-fee flexibility, or Citi Custom Cash for automatic rewards. Whichever you choose, remember to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest and truly benefit from these savings. With grocery costs rising, a smart card can put money back in your pocket—start comparing today to find your fit.
Emma Rose is a U.S.-based personal finance writer and a regular contributor at Cardix.us. She focuses on topics like credit cards, credit scores, and everyday money management. Emma’s writing makes complex financial concepts simple and practical, helping readers make smarter credit and spending decisions with confidence.
