Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and Blue Cash Everyday® Card are for grocery shoppers, providing bonus rates and promotional offers on everyday purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel, providing flexibility. Some cards also feature exclusive discounts at grocery stores.
Top 5 Credit Cards in the USA for Grocery Shopping [2025]
| Serial Number | Name of Credit Cards in the USA for Grocery Shopping | Best Known & Value for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | Best for automatic 5% cashback on the top spending category, including groceries |
| 2 | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Best for highest 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets and additional rewards on gas and streaming services. |
| 3 | Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card | Best for customizable 3% cashback on groceries with no annual fee. |
| 4 | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Best for flexible travel rewards, as points can be redeemed for groceries |
| 5 | Blue Cash Everyday® Card | Best for no-annual-fee 3% cashback on groceries and essential everyday purchases |
Best Credit Cards in the USA for Grocery Shopping March 2025
1. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers 5% cashback on the top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500, including groceries. With automatic rewards and no category activation needed, it makes saving on supermarket purchases easy.
Cash Back on Everyday Categories
- Issuer – Citibank
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR – 18.24% to 28.24%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – 3%
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 19.24%–29.24%
- Sign-up Bonus – $200 cash back after $1,500 spent in 6 months of account opening.
- Best For – Everyday users, Student, Families, Online Shoppers, High spenders
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, issued by Citi, is perfect for category-specific spending. Its best feature is earning 5% cashback on your top eligible spending category each month. It benefits users by maximizing rewards in their most-used categories in credit cards.
The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is the rotating 5% cashback category. The credit limit varies. A good credit score (670+) is required. No referral program, but it offers introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback | 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category, such as Restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment. | Access to Citi Mobile® App |
| No annual fee | 1% cash back on all other purchases | Option to choose your payment due date |
| Custom rewards | Additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions | Shop safely with a contactless-chip enabled card |
| $0 liability on unauthorized charges | Get Automatic Account Alerts |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Unlike rotating category cards, you don’t need to activate or track quarterly bonus categories.
- If you consistently spend the most on groceries, you can maximize the 5% cashback every month, making it a great fit for focused spending.
- The cashback is awarded as ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or transferred to airline partners, offering more flexibility than just cash rewards.
Cons
- Some warehouse stores (like Costco) do not accept Citi cards, which can be a downside for those who buy groceries in bulk.
- If you buy groceries abroad or shop from international stores, foreign transaction fees apply, making it less ideal for global grocery shoppers.
- Once you spend over $500 in your top category per billing cycle, the rewards drop to 1%, limiting high grocery spenders from maximizing benefits.
Expert Advice
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is ideal for grocery shopping due to its 5% automatic cashback on your top spending category. To maximize value, use it for groceries up to the $500 monthly cap, then switch to another rewards card. You can consider pairing it with a flat-rate cashback card once you reach the limit to optimize earnings.
2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred Card issued by American Express remains one of the best grocery cards. However, its generous features and limitless cash back in crucial areas, including U.S. gas station purchases, transportation, and some U.S. streaming subscriptions, propel the Blue Cash Preferred to the top tier of cards for maximum cash back on everyday spending.
Online Shopping and Cashback
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Good/Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% for 12 months
- Regular APR – 19.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $95
- International Transaction fee – 2.7%
- Cash Advance Fee – $10 or 5%
- Balance Transfer APR – 18.24%–29.99%
- Sign In Bonus – $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Families, Everyday Spenders, Military Personnel
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card, issued by American Express, offers high cash back on groceries, select streaming subscriptions, and transit. Its best feature is the 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, providing significant savings on groceries.
The card has an annual fee of $95. Unique features include 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions and a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. The required credit score is 690+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| There’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000/year) | $84 Disney Bundle Credit |
| Sign-up bonus of $250 statement credit | 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions | Cash Back at Amazon.com checkout |
| Cash back comes in the form of Blue Cash Reward Dollars. | 3% cashback on Gas stations | Send & Split® option |
| Purchase and return protection | 1% cashback on other purchases | Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance |
| Online Account Management | – | Global Assist® Hotline |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- If you use services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, you also earn 6% cashback on select streaming subscriptions, adding extra value.
- In addition to groceries, the card offers 3% cashback on U.S. gas stations and transit, making it useful for everyday commuting and road trips.
- One of the highest cashback rates available, offering 6% back on grocery purchases.
Cons
- Since it’s an American Express card, some smaller grocery stores or international retailers may not accept it, limiting its usability.
- If you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, the interest rates can be high, potentially negating any cashback savings.
- Walmart, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club do not qualify for the 6% grocery cashback, restricting options for shoppers who buy groceries there.
Expert Advice
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers frequent high-earning cashback rates on everyday needs such as groceries, gas, travel, and streaming subscriptions. Families, homemakers, daily commuters, and corporates or business people find this single reward card to be more convenient with its rates for most of their everyday spending.
3. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offers flexible cashback options tailored to your spending habits. It provides 3% cash back in a chosen category, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases, with rewards that never expire. As one of Bank of America’s best cashback credit cards, it maximizes earnings, especially for Preferred Rewards members, who can boost their rewards by up to 75%.
Earning Flexible Cashback
- Issuer – Bank of America
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good/Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days.
- Regular APR – 18.24% – 28.24%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International transaction fee – 3%
- Cash Advance fee – 4%
- Balance Transfer APR – 18.24% – 28.24%
- Sign In Bonus – $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Best For – Everyday spenders
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card, issued by Bank of America, offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. It’s ideal for tailored rewards on everyday expenses.
The card has no annual fee and offers a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. It also provides a low introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| No annual fee | 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings) on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%). | 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. |
| Cardholders perks includes Bank of America Preferred Rewards®, BankAmeriDeals , Museums on Us | 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. | Customizable 3% cash back category. |
| Visa Signature benefits including Visa Signature® Concierge, roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance | 1% cash back on all other purchases. | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- You can change your highest-earning category once each month, allowing you to align your rewards with your spending habits.
- The card provides a generous introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers.
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn up to 75% more cash back on all purchases.
Cons
- Your earnings may be limited by the quarterly spending cap.
- This card lacks significant benefits aside from its rewards program.
- Competing cards offer higher welcome bonuses or lower spending requirements.
Expert Advice
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a reliable option for those seeking flexible cashback rewards as it offers 3% cashback in a chosen category (such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases, with a quarterly cap of $2,500 on combined 3% and 2% category spending. The $0 annual fee and intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers add to its appeal. However, those who spend heavily outside the bonus categories may find flat-rate cashback cards more rewarding.
4. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good option for frequent travelers as it helps them to earn various rewards in different categories such as travel rewards, bonus points, dining points, and many more.
Travel Rewards
- Issuer – Chase Bank
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.49%–27.49%
- Annual fee – $95
- International transaction fee – None
- Cash Advance fee – $10 or 5%
- Balance Transfer APR – 20.49%–27.49%
- Sign In Bonus – 60,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months
- Best For – Everyday users , Military Personnel, Frequent Travellers, Food Enthusiasts
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great option for travel enthusiasts which is issued by Chase. This card offers various travel rewards, dining reward points and flexible redemption options, which allow users to maximize their travel benefits while managing expenses efficiently.
The card has an annual fee of $95 and provides 2X points on travel and dining purchases. Credit limits vary, and applicants need a good credit score to qualify. In many cases, it may also allow beginners to have a credit card. This card also includes a referral program and travel insurance.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | 5x points on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards | Charges $95 Annual Fee |
| Dining Benefits | 3x points on dining, streaming, and online grocery | Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee |
| Transferable points to airlines | – | – |
| Offers 60,000 Bonus Points | – | – |
| No Foreign Transaction Fee | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- No international transaction fees.
- Earn dining and travel points on purchases.
- Flexible rewards redemption options.
Cons
- The bonus rates are lower compared to other cards,
- No introductory APR on balance transfers.
- It has complicated rewards and requires good-excellent credit.
Expert Advice
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great travel card for frequent travelers as it provides various travel rewards. It offers a 0% international transaction fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card also offers various reward points on travel purchases, dining, online grocery, streaming services, and many more.
5. Blue Cash Everyday® Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a popular option for students looking for a no annual fee credit card that provides cash back on everyday purchases. With rewards available for groceries, gas, and online shopping, this card is ideal for managing student expenses while also helping to build credit.
Cash Back on Everyday Categories
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – Amex
- Credit Score – Good to Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Regular APR – 18.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
- Cash Advance Fee – Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Balance Transfer APR – 0% intro APR for 15 months; then 18.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Sign-up Bonus – Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
- Best For – Student, Families, Online Shoppers
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a great cashback card for families, offering 3% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% on gas and department stores, and 1% on everything else. Issued by American Express, it’s perfect for everyday spending and maximizing household purchases.
This card has no annual fee and requires a good credit score (700+). Credit limits are determined by financial history. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. While there is no referral program, it includes perks such as purchase protection, fraud liability coverage, and access to Amex Offers for extra savings.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back | 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) | Get a $7 monthly statement creditGet a $7 monthly statement credit. |
| No Annual Fee | 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) | Enjoy special ticket access and presales |
| No redemption minimum | 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) | – |
| – | 1% Cash Back on other eligible purchases | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Earn 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping
- A great option for students looking to build credit without extra costs ( no annual fee).
- Offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, helping students manage expenses.
Cons
- The card approval may be difficult for students with limited or no credit history.
- The card charges 2.7% on international purchases, making it less ideal for studying abroad or travel.
- The 3% cash back is capped at $6,000 per year per category, then drops to 1%.
Expert Advice
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a great option for students seeking cash back with no annual fee. It offers 3% back on groceries, 2% on gas, and 1% on other purchases. Ideal for those with limited credit history, it has easy approval and an introductory cash-back bonus, making it perfect for building credit while earning rewards.
Comparison Table:
| Card Name | Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card | Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Blue Cash Everyday® Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Citibank | American Express | Bank of America | Chase | American Express |
| Payment Gateway | MasterCard | Amex | Visa | Visa | Amex |
| Credit Score | Good – Excellent | Good – Excellent | Good – Excellent | Good – Excellent | Good – Excellent |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 | $0 | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-up Bonus | $200 cash back after $1,500 spent in 6 months | $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in 6 months | $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days | 60,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months | Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months |
| Reward Rate | 5% on eligible spend, 4% cashback on hotels | 6% on groceries, streaming subscriptions, 3% on gas stations | 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 1 % cashback on all other purchases | 5x points on travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards , 3x points on dining, streaming, and online grocery | 3% cashback on U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, gas stations. |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 3% | 2.7% | 3% | None | 2.7% |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 15 months | N/A | 0% for 15 months |
| Regular APR | 18.24% to 28.24% | 19.24%–29.99% | 18.24% – 28.24% | 20.49%–27.49% | 18.24% – 29.24% |
| Best For | Everyday users, students, families, online shoppers | Families, Everyday users, military personnel | Everyday spenders | Everyday users, military personnel, frequent travelers | Student, Families, Online shoppers |
| Decision Criteria | Ideal for those individuals who are looking for flexible cashback on everyday categories. | Ideal for those who are spent heavily on groceries and streaming services. | Ideal for those who want to earn flexible cashback with no annual fee. | Ideal for frequent travelers who want strong travel rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards benefits. | Ideal for those who want solid rewards on everyday spending. |
Methodology
When choosing a credit card for grocery shopping, consumers should consider several key factors, including cashback rates, reward programs, merchant acceptance, and spending limits. To find the best grocery credit cards, it’s essential to look for options that offer high cashback on supermarket purchases, bonus rewards on everyday essentials, and flexible redemption options.
Some popular credit cards for grocery shopping include the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, and the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. Many of these cards provide enhanced savings on grocery spending, featuring higher cashback rates at supermarkets, exclusive discounts, and statement credit options. Additionally, they often offer benefits such as fraud protection, purchase protection, and extended warranties, ensuring a secure and convenient shopping experience for consumers.
Why Do Consumers Need a Credit Card for Grocery Shopping?
- Cashback & Rewards – Many credit cards provide high cashback (up to 6%) or reward points on grocery expenses, enabling consumers to save on necessary purchases.
- Convenience & Security- These cards enable speed, use contactless payment and cover much better fraud over cash and debit cards.
- Exclusive Offers & Discounts- There are many credit cards with exclusive benefits and offers for supermarkets at a discount plus promotional offers, enabling you to further cut grocery expenses.
- Protection and Warranty Extensions- Most cards have a facility for purchase-protection on lost or damaged items and provide an extended warranty on specific items as well.
- Budget Tracking & Management- The statements provide all of the transactions carried out using that specific card, allowing one an easy way of keeping an eye on grocery spending as it prevents one from going over budget.
- 0% APR & No Interest Periods- Such cards would offer 0% introductory APR that will allow you to spread grocery costs over time without interest.
Do Credit Card Companies Offer Special Benefits for Grocery Purchases?
Many credit card companies offer benefits for grocery purchases that help consumers save money. Some cards provide cashback rates of up to 6% at supermarkets, while others offer reward points for statement credits, travel, or gift cards. There are other rewards too such as exclusive discounts, promotional offers, and digital coupons to maximize savings.
Additionally, many grocery-focused credit cards include fraud protection and purchase warranties, ensuring a secure shopping experience. By choosing the right card, consumers can effectively manage their grocery expenses and enjoy financial benefits.
Choosing the Best Credit Cards for Grocery Shopping
Selecting the right credit card for grocery shopping can help you maximize savings and earn valuable rewards.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the best credit card for grocery purchases:
Cashback and Rewards on Grocery Purchases
Always look for credit cards that offer high cashback percentages (e.g., 3% – 6%) or bonus rewards specifically for grocery store spending. Some cards provide additional points or cashback by categorizing supermarkets as bonus spending categories.
0% APR and Interest-Free Periods
If you need flexibility in payments, consider a card that offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases. This can help you manage grocery expenses without incurring interest for a specific period.
Annual Fees and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Some of the best grocery credit cards come with annual fees, but they may be worthwhile if the rewards outweigh the costs. You can compare no-annual-fee cards with premium ones to determine which offers better value.
Welcome Bonuses and Promotional Offers
Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses if you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. If you regularly shop for groceries, you can easily unlock these bonuses, earning extra rewards.
Grocery Store Eligibility and Merchant Restrictions
Not all supermarkets qualify for grocery rewards on every credit card. Some cards may exclude certain retailers, such as warehouse clubs (like Costco and Sam’s Club) or discount stores (like Walmart and Target). Check where the card earns the most benefits.
How Do Credit Cards Help Save on Grocery Expenses?
Credit cards can lower grocery expenses by offering cashback, reward points, and exclusive discounts. Many grocery-focused cards provide cashback rates of 3% to 6%, allowing consumers to earn rewards on their regular shopping. Some also offer bonus multipliers for categories like gas or dining. With purchase protection and extended warranties, credit cards ensure shoppers feel secure while saving on everyday essentials.
Advantages of Using Credit Cards for Grocery Shopping
- Cashback & Rewards: Many credit cards provide cashback or rewards points schemes on grocery purchases, which let you save on bills.
- Introductory Offers & Bonuses: Specific credit cards welcome the user with free cash or promotional rates for grocery spending, which adds to the early savings.
- Tracking Expenses & Budgeting: Credit card statements help in tracking grocery expenses, thus providing a clearer overview of budget management and expense analysis.
- Purchase Protection & Extended Warranties: Many credit cards provide purchase protection or extended warranties for items bought at grocery stores, which creates additional security when buying them.
- 0% APR & Interest-Free Periods: Cards that provide the zero percent APR deal allow the spread of grocery costs without additional financial pain on their end.
- Enhanced Protection from Fraud: Credit cards provide fraud protection and zero-liability policies, making them safer than carrying cash or using debit cards.
- Convenience and Contactless Payments: Credit cards ensure convenience while tapping and paying without hassles at checkout, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
FAQs
Are there credit cards that offer cashback at all grocery stores?
Most grocery credit cards offer cashback at major supermarkets, but some exclude big-box stores like Walmart and warehouse clubs. So, always check the card terms for eligible purchases.
How do I redeem grocery rewards from credit cards?
Rewards can usually be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or travel points. Some cards also allow cash deposits into your bank account or purchases through partner retailers.
What credit cards offer the highest cashback on groceries?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express provides 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets, while the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers 5% cashback on your highest eligible spending category.
Can I earn rewards on grocery shopping if I shop online?
Yes, many credit cards provide cashback for online grocery purchases at retailers like Amazon Fresh and Walmart.
Is there a limit on the cashback I can earn on groceries?
Some cards, like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, have spending caps (e.g., 6% cashback on up to $6,000 per year), after which the rate drops.