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Best Credit Cards for Groceries for May 2024

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Updated May 1, 2024

The best credit card for groceries gives you the best rewards for every dollar you spend at the grocery store. A credit card with benefits specifically for grocery shopping can be an asset to people who shop for a large family, work for a food vendor, or just like cooking and baking. But as nearly everyone buys groceries, most people could benefit from a credit card with bonus rewards at the supermarket.

Terms and Conditions may apply to offers and benefits on this page.

When selecting a credit card for groceries, it’s important to review rewards as well as any costs you may incur. Depending on how much you spend on groceries, a card with an annual fee may be better for you in the long run than a card with no annual fee. Here’s a closer look at the best credit cards for earning grocery rewards.

Best Credit Cards for Groceries: Summary

Top cash back and points cards for groceries

A good credit card for groceries offers high rewards at the supermarket. Also consider annual fees, other rewards categories, and the benefits and features you value most from a credit card.

Best for unlimited cash back rewards: card_name

card_name

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles

The card_name features 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases for tickets purchased on the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform, 3% back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and eligible streaming service purchases with 1% back everywhere else. If groceries and restaurants are top spending categories, any of the Savor cards may be a great option.

In addition to up to 3% cash back, new cardholders can bonus_miles_full. For a limited time, the card also includes a bonus 10% cash back rate for Uber and Uber Eats purchases, and a complementary Uber One membership.

Other benefits include no foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, and multiple cash back redemption options. For cash back rewards on groceries with no limits and annual_fees annual fee, card_name is definitely worth considering.


Best for a variety of rewards: card_name

card_name

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full

The card_name rewards holders with 4x points per dollar on the first $25,000 per year in spending at U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights booked with airlines directly or Amex Travel, and 1x point for other purchases. American Express Membership Rewards are among the most valuable travel rewards points around. Terms and Limitations Apply.

While the card requires a hefty annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees), it’s easy to see how you can get more value per year when taking advantage of all benefits. In addition to rewards, for example, the card includes a $120 Uber Cash on Gold. If you take full advantage, that’s $120 per year, about half of the annual fee when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account. Uber purchases also come with a bonus 4x rewards rate. Terms Apply.

The card_name also comes with very good benefits provided by American Express, including a range of purchase and travel protections. While the high annual fee is a turnoff for many, anyone who spends heavily on groceries and travel should consider this card.


Best for no annual fee: card_name

card_name

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full

The card_name rewards shoppers with 3% back at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 in annual purchases. It also comes with 3% back for online retail purchases from U.S. sellers on the first $6,000 per year you spend, and 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in spending. You’ll earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. New users can bonus_miles_full.

The card_name have a annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees), and protection benefits are very limited. However, the card comes with other valuable rewards, including $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, or The Disney Bundle* and up to $15 per month in credits when shopping from Home Chef for meal delivery. Enrollment Required.

In addition to those statement credits, the card also comes with complimentary membership to ShopRunner, which offers free two-day shipping at over 100 popular online stores. While this card doesn’t have the ultra-luxury benefits of some Amex cards, it’s a good choice for anyone who spends regularly on gas, groceries, and online shopping. Terms Apply.


Best for Instacart rewards: card_name

card_name

Instacart Mastercard®

Instacart Mastercard®

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles
The Instacart Mastercard® is a good choice for regular Instacart customers who like grocery delivery. The card also comes with a load of benefits, including purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and several types of travel insurance.

The card_name is a good choice for regular Instacart customers who like grocery delivery. The card comes with 5% cash back on Instacart purchases, 5% on travel booked through Chase, 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming services, and 1% everywhere else.

Note that there’s no bonus in the physical supermarket, so the card only comes with bonus rewards on groceries for delivery. But as the card has annual_fees annual fee, you may want to carry this in addition to another grocery rewards card to maximize your earnings.

The card_name also comes with a load of benefits, including purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and several types of travel insurance. New users bonus_miles_full. While the 2% cash back rate on other categories is decent, the card is best for loyal shoppers who love using Instacart.


Best for a 5% reward in one category: Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fee
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles

With the Citi Custom Cash® Card, you earn 5% cash back in the highest eligible category each month on the first $500 in monthly spending. If you spend the most at grocery stores, that’s where you’ll earn the 5% cash back rate. You get 1% everywhere else.

Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.

New users: bonus_miles_full (one cent in cash back per point). In addition to cash back, you can redeem for travel, gift cards, and Amazon.com purchases, among others.

While there’s $0 (Rates & Fees) annual fee, the card also has almost no purchase or travel benefits beyond the standard $0 liability on fraudulent transactions, which is required by law. The $500 monthly limit on the bonus category is a drawback, but the added flexibility for months you spend the most elsewhere is also a perk. If your spending is highly variable from month to month, this card might be a good choice.

Learn more from our full review.


Best Credit Cards for Groceries Comparison Chart

Card nameAnnual feesCredit score neededBonus rewards
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
$0
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles

Our methodology

Out of the best credit cards in today's market, our team focused on those that offered bonus points or cash back for grocery store purchases, especially those that offered unlimited or high-limit rewards. When deciding which cards for groceries to include, we considered all benefits and fees, such as intro APR periods, annual fees, and other reward categories.

Maximize your cash back reward for groceries

Different credit cards carry different rules for earning and redeeming cash back rewards. Some cards, especially those with general, flat rates, automatically opt you in for rewards. If you have a card like the Citi Custom Cash® Card, however, you should read the terms of your credit card more carefully.

Often, cards with a high cash back reward (4% or 5%) require you to activate cash back manually before receiving it. You may also need to manually choose whether you receive your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or physical check from your bank.

Whether you choose a credit card with a lower reward for general purchases or a high reward in a single spending category, read the terms and benefits guide to maximize the money you save.

How to choose the right grocery store credit card

When shopping for a grocery store credit card, look for cards that offer a higher reward for supermarket purchases. If you know you’ll be spending a lot on groceries and want to save, a card that offers at least 3% cash back or 3x points in that category will be helpful.

Also, look for cards that offer rewards in other categories or welcome bonuses to new cardholders. If you use Instacart’s grocery delivery service, taking advantage of the deals from the card_name may be worthwhile. Each card is different, and different cards will suit different people’s needs.

How to buy groceries online with your credit card

One way to buy groceries online and have them delivered to your front step is through a service like Instacart. Instacart allows you to place a grocery order and have a shopper gather your groceries. You can schedule delivery for as fast as an hour or further in advance. The delivery window lasts between 9 AM and midnight, though it’s dependent on store hours.

Instacart also offers a pick-up option, allowing you to shop online and pick up your groceries later at a specified time. Many large grocery store chains offer their own delivery services, though fees and availability vary widely.

Who should apply for a grocery credit card?

If you spend more than the average person on groceries, whether you shop for a large family or work at a restaurant, having a credit card that offers specific grocery rewards may be a money-saver.

Check limits for cash back rewards before selecting a card, and check if you need to activate cash back rewards manually.

For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.

For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What cards give you cash back on groceries?

Plenty of cards will give you cash back on groceries, especially if your card has a flat rewards rate applicable to purchases in every spending category. Some cards offer rewards specifically for groceries, and others offer a high reward in your highest spending category. If groceries are consistently your highest spending category, one of these cards can earn you an extra high rate on grocery purchases.

How can you save more on groceries?

An easy way to save on groceries is to get a credit card that offers specific rewards for supermarket purchases. You can also look for store-specific coupons and discounts. Some grocery stores will offer discounts on particular products if you set up a membership with them.

Another tip for saving money on groceries is to put your vegetables and produce in your refrigerator door, where you usually store sauces. If you place your produce there instead of your crisper, you’ll be more likely to reach for it when dinnertime arrives and less likely to waste money on extra produce.

Does buying groceries with a credit card build credit?

Your payment history factors into your credit, so buying groceries with a credit card and paying off your monthly balance on time will improve your credit.

*Enrollment required for select American Express benefit and offers.

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