Best Credit Cards for Groceries
Card data current as of July 2026.
Groceries are one of the largest recurring expenses in most households, so the right card here quietly adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. The cards below are ranked by the real rewards value they return per dollar at U.S. supermarkets — not just the headline multiplier. We convert points to dollars using conservative, program-specific values, so a “4× points” card and a “6% cash back” card can be compared on the same footing.
- 1
Blue Cash Preferred
Amex
6% back on groceries$95 annual feeBonus rate capped at $6,000 in spend per year.
6.0%
est. value
≈$360/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 2
Gold
Amex
4× points on groceries$325 annual feeBonus rate capped at $25,000 in spend per year.
5.6%
est. value
≈$448/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 3
AAA Daily Advantage
Comenity
5% back on groceriesNo annual feeBonus rate capped at $10,000 in spend per year.
5.0%
est. value
≈$400/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 4
Bilt Obsidian
Bilt
3× points on groceries$95 annual feeBonus rate capped at $25,000 in spend per year.
4.3%
est. value
≈$348/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 5
Everyday Preferred
Amex
3× points on groceries$95 annual feeBonus rate capped at $6,000 in spend per year.
4.2%
est. value
≈$252/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 6
Sapphire Preferred
Chase
3× points on groceries$95 annual fee4.2%
est. value
≈$336/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 7
Verizon Visa Card
Synchrony
4% back on groceriesNo annual fee4.0%
est. value
≈$320/yr
on $8,000 spend
- 8
Strata
Citi
3× points on groceriesNo annual fee3.9%
est. value
≈$312/yr
on $8,000 spend
How we rank: each card’s standard bonus rate for groceries is valued in real dollars using conservative, program-specific point values (transferable points are valued near a realistic median redemption; trapped co-brand points are valued at their cash floor outside travel). We use the everyday rate — not issuer status tiers like Bank of America Preferred Rewards or U.S. Bank Smart Rewards, since those depend on balances we can’t assume — so a card may earn more for you if you qualify for a boost. “Est. value” is that effective return; the “/yr” figure assumes $8,000 of annual groceries spend and counts spend only up to any bonus cap. Rotating quarterly bonuses are excluded. These are estimates, not offers — always confirm current terms with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
- What counts as "groceries" for credit card rewards?
- Usually standalone U.S. supermarkets. Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) and superstores (Walmart, Target) typically code as "wholesale club" or "department store" rather than groceries, so they often do not earn the grocery bonus. Always confirm with your issuer.
- Are grocery rewards capped?
- Frequently, yes. Several top grocery cards pay the bonus rate only up to an annual spending cap (for example, $6,000/year), then drop to the base rate. We flag a cap on each card below where one applies.
- Should I use a cash-back card or a points card for groceries?
- It depends on how you redeem. Cash back is simple and worth exactly its face value. Transferable points can be worth more — but only if you actually redeem them for travel. Our ranking values points conservatively so the comparison is not over-promised.
Best cards for other categories
The best card for you depends on your whole wallet.
This list ranks cards in general. Card Strategist runs the math on your real spending and the cards you already hold — no bank linking, no card numbers.
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