Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025: Earn Up to 6% Cash Back
Winner: Best credit card for groceries
Winner: Best credit card for groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers an industry-leading 6% cash back* at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. turning one of the biggest household expenses into serious savings.
Key takeaways
- The average U.S. household spends over $5,000 each year on groceries — and the right card could put more than $300 back in your pocket annually.
- The best grocery credit cards earn up to 6% cash back at supermarkets, plus valuable rewards in a range of other everyday categories.
- Many cards have generous welcome offers worth $200 or more when you meet the initial spending requirement.
- To find the right fit for you, compare rewards rates, included benefits and annual fees.
Why grocery rewards matter in 2025
Grocery credit card rewards in 2025 make a major recurring expense more manageable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. household spent about $6,053 on groceries in 2023, with prices still high despite easing inflation. Using a card that offers 5% to 6% back at supermarkets can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.
Combine that with smart shopping habits and perks like delivery discounts or extended warranties, and the right grocery card can help stretch your budget well beyond the checkout lane.
LendingTree insights: Grocery spending and inflation
- Inflation persists: A typical food basket jumped 5.7% in a single month (see our food cost report).
- Organic costs more: Organic items are about 53% pricier than conventional (see our study on organic vs. conventional produce).
- Shoppers adapting: 88% have changed habits to save (see our grocery shopping habits survey).
Top grocery credit cards — Picks from LendingTree experts for November 2025
| Scenario | LendingTree's recommendation |
|---|---|
| I want the highest overall grocery rewards | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
| I want strong grocery rewards with no annual fee | Citi Custom Cash® Card |
I want grocery + dining rewards| American Express® Gold Card |
|
| I want grocery + entertainment rewards | Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| I want top rewards at Whole Foods/Amazon Fresh | Prime Visa |
| I want delivery/pickup bonuses | Instacart Mastercard® |
| I want warehouse club grocery rewards | Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi |
| I want grocery rewards I can use for travel | Citi Strata Premier® Card |
Compare the 8 best grocery credit cards
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
|
Highest overall grocery rewards
|
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1% - 6% cash back
| $250 statement credit
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
| |
Citi Custom Cash® Card*
|
Grocery rewards + no annual fee
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
| |
American Express® Gold Card
|
Grocery + dining rewards
|
$325 | 1X - 4X points
| As high as 100,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
| |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Grocery + entertainment rewards
|
$0 | 1% - 8% cash back
| $300 in welcome bonuses
Earn $300 in welcome bonuses with a limited-time $100 Capital One Travel credit, plus earn $200 cash bonus with $500 spend within 3 months from account opening
| |
Prime Visa*
|
Whole Foods / Amazon Fresh
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| $150 Amazon gift card
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
| |
Instacart Mastercard®*
|
Delivery / pickup bonuses
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| $50 Instacart statement credit
Get a $50 Instacart credit automatically upon approval.
| |
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi*
|
Warehouse club grocery rewards
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| N/A | |
Citi Strata Premier® Card
 Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Grocery rewards for travel
|
$95 | 1X - 10X points
| 60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
|
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
How LendingTree chose the best grocery credit cards
Our experts take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best grocery credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:
- Rewards rate on groceries (40%): Cards with the highest percentage back or points per dollar on supermarket purchases scored the strongest.
- Merchant category code (MCC) coverage (20%): Not all cards reward Walmart, Target, Costco, or delivery services; we factored in real-world shopping scenarios.
- Annual fee vs. net value (15%): We calculated whether rewards could reasonably offset the cost of carrying the card.
- Rewards flexibility (15%): Cash back, points, and redemption options that make rewards easy to use.
- Welcome offer value (10%): How much new cardholders could earn upfront and how achievable the requirement is.
Useful benefits, such as cellphone protection and extended warranty protection, influenced our choices as well.
The best grocery cards for your shopping style
Best for the highest overall grocery rewards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Supermarket rewards: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%)
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%)
- Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- Earn 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases
- Earn 1% cash back on other purchases
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
- Higher-than-average welcome offer for a cash back* card
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Monthly streaming subscription credit
- Car rental loss and damage insurance1
- Bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets capped at the first $6,000 in spending per year
- Annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.)
- Foreign transaction fee
- Limited redemption options
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is our top grocery pick because the 6% cash back* at U.S. supermarkets is unmatched, even after the annual fee. It’s especially rewarding for families who shell out at least $500 a month on groceries to max out the $6,000 annual spend cap, which can get you $360 in rewards on those purchases alone.
Beyond groceries, the card also offers elevated rewards on select U.S. streaming services, at U.S. gas stations and on transit, along with a generous welcome offer.
→ Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.74%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best for strong grocery rewards with no annual fee
Citi Custom Cash® Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Grocery rewards: Earn 5% cash back (up to $500 if groceries is your top spending category each billing cycle)
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026
- Elevated cash back rate in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle
- $0 annual fee
- Great sign-up bonus
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Elevated earning rate only applies to $500 in spending per billing cycle
- Other spending earns just 1% back
- Mediocre benefits
- 3% foreign transaction fee
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is our top choice if you want flexibility and no annual fee because it automatically gives you 5% back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent. That makes it ideal for singles or smaller households that don’t want to track rotating bonuses. And even if groceries aren’t your biggest expense every month, you’ll still earn strong rewards in other popular categories, like dining, gas, select transit, select streaming and more.
→ Read our full review of the Citi Custom Cash® Card.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Best for grocery + dining rewards
American Express® Gold Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Supermarket rewards: Earn 4x points (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year at U.S. supermarkets)
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Terms apply.
- High U.S. supermarket and dining rewards
- Generous welcome offer
- Opportunity to earn more than $500 worth of credits annually*
- Ability to transfer points to 20 airline and hotel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- $325 annual fee
- Statement credits can be difficult to use
- Can’t carry a balance on it for most purchases
The American Express® Gold Card is our pick if you want to pair strong grocery rewards with dining because it earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, making it ideal for foodies who split their budget between cooking at home and eating out.
To get the most value, you’ll need to spend enough to offset the $325 annual fee, but the dining credit of up to $120 (issued as up to $10 in statement credits monthly, enrollment required) and the high travel value of Membership Rewards® Points help tip the balance.
→ Read our full review of the American Express® Gold Card.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best for grocery + entertainment rewards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Grocery rewards: Earn 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- Earn 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
- High rewards on dining, entertainment and streaming services in addition to groceries
- $0 annual fee
- Low spend threshold required to earn the sign-up bonus
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- No foreign transaction fees
- Excludes Walmart and Target from the grocery category
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for households that spend heavily on food and fun. You’ll earn 3% back on groceries plus elevated rewards on dining and entertainment, perfect if your budget extends beyond the supermarket. Unfortunately, Target and Walmart are excluded from that high cash back rate, but the card is still valuable for frequent grocery shoppers.
→ Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.99% - 28.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Best for top rewards at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh
Prime Visa*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Grocery rewards: Earn 5% back at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh (with an eligible Prime membership)
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases
- $0 annual fee
- Cash back is easy to redeem
- Ability to earn an Amazon gift card upon approval
- Opportunity to take advantage of an intro APR on purchases (in lieu of earning rewards)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Amazon Prime membership required
- Can’t combine cash back with the promo APR
Our clear winner for loyal Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods shoppers is the Prime Visa. With unlimited 5% cash back on purchases at both retailers (with an eligible Prime membership), this card is hard to beat if most of your grocery spending happens online or at Whole Foods Market.
You can redeem cash back toward Amazon purchases with no minimum amount required for redemption. Other options include cash back, gift cards or travel.
→ Read our full review of the Prime Visa.
- Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
- Member FDIC
Best for delivery/pickup bonuses
Instacart Mastercard®*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Grocery rewards: Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app, Instacart.com and Chase Travel purchases
- Earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- High cash back rewards on grocery purchases made through Instacart
- $0 annual fee
- Flexible redemption options
- World Elite® Mastercard benefits
- No elevated rewards on grocery purchases made in-store
- No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
The Instacart Mastercard® is our pick for delivery and pickup bonuses because it’s built for households that rely on grocery delivery. You’ll earn accelerated rewards on Instacart purchases without paying an annual fee. Plus, you’ll get a $50 instacart credit automatically upon approval. Rewards are flexible, too, with redemption options like statement credits toward Instacart orders, cash back or travel.
→ Read our full review of the Instacart Mastercard®.
- Best Offer: Get a free year of Instacart+ and a $100 Instacart credit automatically upon approval. Membership auto-renews. Terms apply.
- Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
- Earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠ purchases, including flights, hotels, and more
- Earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual card fee
Best for warehouse club grocery rewards
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Grocery rewards: Earn 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter.
- Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel.
- Earn 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Earns cash back on Costco purchases
- Also racks up generous rewards on gas, EV charging, restaurants and eligible travel
- $0 annual fee
- Costco membership required
- No sign-up bonus
- Rewards are given out only once per year
- Rewards are good only for Costco merchandise or cash back
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is our best choice for Costco loyalists because you’ll earn accelerated cash back on Costco purchases year-round. You’ll also earn elevated rewards on gas, dining and travel. This makes it a versatile choice if warehouse shopping is central to your routine.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a Costco membership (starting at $65/year). Additionally, rewards are issued as a certificate only once annually in February and certificates can be redeemed for Costco purchases or cash back in-store.
→ Read our full review of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.
- Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter.
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel.
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Best for grocery rewards you can use for travel
Citi Strata Premier® Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Grocery rewards: Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at supermarkets
Full rewards rate details:
- Earn 10x on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Restaurants.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
- Earn a $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- Travel insurance protection: Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption (Common Carrier), Trip Delay, Lost or Damaged Luggage, MasterRental Coverage (Car Rental).
- 3X points at supermarkets
- No limit on elevated grocery earnings
- Flexible points redemption
- Strong sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
- No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
The Citi Strata Premier® Card is our pick if you want grocery rewards that also double as travel rewards. You can earn an elevated rate at supermarkets with no cap, along with elevated rewards on dining, gas and travel. Those points are part of the ThankYou® program, which becomes especially valuable when transferred to airline and hotel partners.
→ Read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier® Card.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
- Rates & Fees
Does this card work at my store?
When it comes to earning accelerated rewards from grocery credit cards, it all depends on how the store is classified by its Merchant Category Code (MCC). Credit cards don’t just look at what you’re buying — they look at how the merchant is coded. That means two places selling groceries could earn very different rewards.
→ Common exclusions: Gas stations (even if they sell food), pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), warehouse clubs, Walmart and Target usually don’t qualify as grocery stores — unless you use a card that specifically offers bonus rewards at those retailers.
| Store type | Does it count towards grocery rewards? | Best way to earn rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarkets (Kroger, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Publix) | Yes – Typically earn full grocery rewards | Use a top grocery card → Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express |
| Walmart and Target | No – These often code as discount or general merchandise stores | Use a store card → Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card / Target Circle™ Card |
| Costco and Sam’s Club | No – These are classified as wholesale clubs Important note: Costco only accepts Visa | Use a warehouse card → Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi |
| Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods | Usually yes – but it depends on the card | Amazon cards work best → Prime Visa |
| Instacart | Sometimes codes as delivery, not groceries | Use the Instacart Mastercard® |
Pro tip: You can check how your store codes by looking at the merchant category on your credit card statement or by calling your issuer. Some card issuers even list the MCC in their mobile app. This is the easiest way to confirm whether your purchases are earning bonus grocery rewards.
Capped vs flat-rate cards — Which earns you more?
Some cards earn very high rewards on groceries (5% to 6%) but only up to a yearly spending cap (sometimes $6,000). After that, the rate usually drops to 1%. Other cards offer a lower rate (2% or 3%) with no cap on the amount of rewards you can earn at that rate.
Here’s an example of how much you can earn in a year with a capped card vs. a non-capped card at different spending levels:
| Monthly grocery spend | 6% capped card* | 3% no-cap card |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $360 / year | $180 / year |
| $1,000 | $420 / year | $360 / year |
| $1,500 | $480 / year | $540 / year |
*6% back on the first $6,000 in groceries each year, then 1% back on additional purchases
Which type is better for you?
- Moderate spender (~ $500 / month): A capped card with a higher rate may give you more value overall.
- High spender ($1,500+ / month): A card with no cap earns more over time.
Cash back or points — which fits your goals?
When you earn grocery rewards, you’ll usually have to choose between cash back (simple, flexible savings) and points (potentially higher value, but more effort). The right choice depends on how you prefer to use your rewards.
| Cash back | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Simple, flexible, and easy. Rewards can be applied to your statement balance, deposited into your bank account, or redeemed for gift cards. | Can offer more value but requires more effort. Redeem for travel through a portal, transfer to airline/hotel partners, or use for merchandise and gift cards. |
| Who it’s for | Pick cash back if you want straightforward savings every month and don’t travel much. | Pick points if you want travel perks and don’t mind learning a rewards program. |
| Recommended grocery card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express* | American Express® Gold Card |
→ Read more of our expert advice on whether cash back or travel points are the better fit for you.
3 Steps to picking the right grocery card
As you compare the best grocery credit cards, you’ll want to think about where you shop the most and how much you actually spend on food each year. You’ll also want to consider some other factors, such as the annual fee, before you send in a card application.
Step 1: Figure out your average monthly grocery spend
Start by looking at your last few months of grocery bills in your budgeting app, bank statement or credit card history. Add them up and divide by the number of months to get a monthly average.
Knowing this number is key because it tells you whether you’ll hit a card’s annual grocery cap (like $6,000 on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express) and how much cash back or points you could realistically earn.
Step 2: Know your go-to grocery stores
Not all stores count the same for “grocery” rewards (see examples above). By knowing where you shop most often, you’ll be able to pick a card that actually rewards your real spending habits.
Step 3: Decide if an annual fee is worth it
The right grocery card isn’t always free. Some of the highest-earning cards charge an annual fee, but they can still be worth it if your rewards outweigh the cost.
A good place to start: If you’re new to rewards cards, begin with a no-annual-fee option. You can always upgrade later once you see how much you spend and save.
Ask the experts: Your grocery credit card questions, answered
Store-branded cards can be worthwhile if you do most of your shopping at a single retailer. For example, the Target Circle™ Card offers one of the highest cash back rates at Target, while the Prime Visa gives you generous cash back at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh. If you’re loyal to one store, those savings add up quickly.
However, regular rewards cards are usually more flexible. A card like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% back* at a wide range of U.S. supermarkets, not just one chain. Others, like the Citi Custom Cash® Card, automatically adapt to your top spending category each month.
Yes, if groceries are one of your biggest expenses, the right card can deliver serious value. If you cook at home often, a grocery credit card is one of the easiest ways to earn meaningful rewards.
Oftentimes yes. If you order directly from a supermarket like Kroger or Safeway, it typically codes as groceries and earns the accelerated rewards rate. But stores like Walmart or Target usually code as general merchandise, and delivery apps like Instacart may code as delivery, so you might only get the base rate from those purchases.
Most grocery credit cards require good to excellent credit (typically a FICO Score of 670 or higher). Though some store-branded cards or entry-level cash back cards may approve applicants with fair credit.
The Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card is the best choice for Walmart shoppers and the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is best for shopping at Costco.
In summary: LendingTree’s editor’s picks at a glance
Here’s a quick recap of our top grocery credit card picks so you can easily see which one fits your shopping style.
- Overall grocery rewards: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express — best for families/high spenders.
- No annual fee: Citi Custom Cash® Card — great for smaller households.
- Grocery and dining: American Express® Gold Card — ideal for foodies who split spending between supermarkets and restaurants.
- Groceries and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — great for households that spend on both food and fun.
- Amazon and Whole Foods: Prime Visa — ideal for Amazon‑centric shoppers.
- Delivery and pickup: Instacart Mastercard® — designed for delivery-first households.
- Warehouse clubs: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi — best for Costco loyalists.
- Groceries and travel: Citi Strata Premier® Card — best for unlimited grocery points you can turn into travel.
Final tip from our experts: The “best” grocery card isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on where you shop, how much you spend and whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee. Pick the card that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll maximize rewards on one of your biggest everyday expenses without extra effort.
*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
1. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Citi Custom Cash® Card, Prime Visa, Instacart Mastercard®, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card and Target Circle™ Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
