Grocery shopping is one of those unavoidable expenses that touches nearly every household across America. As prices continue to fluctuate due to inflation and supply chain pressures, many families are paying closer attention to how they spend—and how they can get something back in return. That’s where the right credit card can make a surprising difference. Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025
Imagine walking through the aisles of your regular supermarket—perhaps one that offers some great loyalty rewards—knowing that each swipe of your card earns you something tangible back. Not just points that sit unused, but real cashback that helps trim next month’s bill, cover a weekend treat, or support a rainy-day fund. It’s not about changing your spending; it’s about making the most of what you already do every week.
With select credit cards offering as much as 6% cashback on groceries in 2025, the opportunity to save on essential expenses is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re stocking up for a large family, managing a tight budget, or simply looking to be more intentional with your money, this guide will help you discover the best options to make your grocery dollars go further. If you’re unsure how cashback actually works or want to brush up on credit card reward structures, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides an excellent starting point.
Why Grocery Rewards Matter
Food prices have surged across the country, impacting nearly every household. From fruits and meats to cereal and coffee, even small purchases feel heavier on the wallet. Monthly grocery bills often exceed $700—especially for larger families or those with specific dietary needs.
Consider someone who spends $800 per month and uses a card offering 6% cashback. That’s nearly $50 back every month, adding up to $576 a year—money that could help during school supply season, offset higher utility bills, or simply act as a mini emergency fund. That kind of silent support can make a huge difference.
Unlike coupons or one-time promotions, grocery cashback cards work quietly in the background. You buy what you usually buy—and they do the heavy lifting in savings. Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025
Side-by-Side Card Comparison
Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025
| Credit Card | Grocery Cashback | Annual Fee | Additional Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred® (AmEx) | 6% (up to $6k/yr) | $95 | 6% streaming, 3% transit/gas | High grocery spenders |
| Citi Custom Cash™ | 5% (up to $500/mo) | $0 | Auto-adjusts to top spend category | Flexible spenders |
| AmEx Gold™ | 4X Points | $250 | Dining, travel, Uber/Dining credits | Travel & dining enthusiasts |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 3% | $0 | 1.5% flat cashback, dining/drugstores | Simple rewards earners |
| Capital One SavorOne | 3% | $0 | 3% dining & entertainment | Balanced lifestyle spenders |
| BofA Customized Cash | 3%–5.25% | $0 | Tiered rewards for BofA customers | Existing BofA or Merrill users |
Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025
Card-by-Card Breakdown
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This card is a go-to for households with high grocery budgets. The 6% cashback on groceries (up to $6,000/year) is unmatched. After that threshold, the rate drops to 1%. It also earns 6% on select streaming services and 3% on gas and transit—making it feel tailored for daily routines.
Someone who does weekly family shopping at a U.S. supermarket could easily make this card pay for itself by mid-year, especially if they stack in the streaming rewards.
Key Points:
- 6% back on groceries (up to $6k/year)
- $95 annual fee
- 6% on streaming, 3% on gas and transit
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
A flexible cashback card that automatically gives you 5% in your highest spend category (groceries included) each billing cycle—up to $500. It’s ideal for those whose spending shifts month to month. If you occasionally stock up at big box grocery stores, this card may kick in just when needed.
Key Points:
- 5% back on top spend category
- Automatically adjusts monthly
- No annual fee
American Express® Gold Card
This premium card is packed with value beyond groceries. It earns 4X Membership Rewards points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year). It also offers Uber and dining credits, making it ideal for foodies and travelers who enjoy perks.
Someone using the Gold Card regularly could see their points pile up quickly—especially if they use the Uber credit for weekend takeout or travel rides.
Key Points:
- 4X points on U.S. groceries (up to $25k/year)
- $250 annual fee
- Monthly Uber and dining credits (worth up to $240/year)
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
A card for those who like simplicity. Earn 1.5% cashback on all purchases and 3% on dining and drugstores. Grocery rewards can rise during special promotions. It’s a good everyday card that supports steady earnings.
People who don’t want to juggle multiple cards or remember categories find this a reliable option for everything from groceries to prescriptions.
Key Points:
- 1.5% back on all purchases
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- No annual fee
Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card
This no-fee card offers 3% cashback on groceries, dining, and entertainment—covering a broad slice of lifestyle expenses. For someone who enjoys cooking at home but also eats out occasionally, it’s a strong all-around card.
Its balanced reward structure suits young professionals and couples who split spending between grocery runs and nights out.
Key Points:
- 3% on groceries, dining, and entertainment
- No annual fee
- Easy reward redemption for travel or cash
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card allows you to pick your 3% category—including groceries—and earn bonus rates up to 5.25% if you’re a Preferred Rewards client. It’s a sleeper hit for existing BofA customers with bank accounts or investments.
For someone already managing finances through BofA, aligning card rewards with their bank setup creates an effortless loop of cashback returns.
Key Points:
- 3% cashback on chosen category (groceries eligible)
- Up to 5.25% with BofA Preferred Rewards
- No annual fee
Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025
Maximize Your Grocery Rewards
Once you choose the right card, how you use it makes all the difference. Many people swipe their grocery card casually and forget there are rules and limits.
Focus your grocery spending at eligible supermarkets—typically excluding big retailers like Walmart and Target unless specified. Plan high-ticket grocery trips to take advantage of monthly or annual thresholds.
Also, don’t forget to stack your rewards with store loyalty programs, digital coupons, or seasonal promotions. When you time your big monthly haul around both a card promotion and a store sale, the rewards multiply faster than you think.
Think Beyond Cashback
Some cards give points instead of cashback—but that doesn’t make them less valuable. For example, AmEx Gold’s Membership Rewards can unlock high-value travel options. If you’re someone who enjoys an annual getaway or business travel, these points might be worth more than straightforward cashback.
Pairing a point-earning card for groceries with a travel card for flights or hotels can create a seamless reward ecosystem. Over time, these points often fund entire vacations that would have otherwise dented your savings.
Use Caution and Strategy
Rewards mean little if you’re paying interest. Avoid carrying a balance, especially on high-APR rewards cards. A few months of interest can wipe out a year’s worth of grocery cashback.
One useful tip: Set your credit card to auto-pay in full from your checking account. That way, you stay on top of spending without ever incurring unnecessary interest.
Final Thoughts
Every household buys groceries—but not every household earns cashback for doing it. Choosing the right credit card, using it consistently, and pairing it with smart budgeting can create quiet savings year after year. Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2025
Whether you want a no-fee card for simple spending or a premium option with travel perks, the best grocery credit cards of 2025 offer something for every type of spender. The real value comes not just from the rewards, but from aligning the card with how you live, shop, and plan for the future.
When chosen and used wisely, these cards don’t just help you earn 6% back—they help you take more control of your everyday finances, one shopping trip at a time.
FAQs
What credit card is best for groceries?
The AmEx Blue Cash Preferred is a top pick, offering 6% cashback on up to $6,000 in grocery spending annually. That translates to nearly $600 back each year—perfect for families or anyone with high food budgets. If you'd prefer to avoid annual fees, the Citi Custom Cash is a close runner-up, with 5% back in your highest spending category (often groceries), automatically applied each month.
What is the best credit card for gas and groceries?
For both gas and groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred stands out again: you get 6% back on groceries and 3% back on gas and transit. If you’d like a no-fee option, cards like the Blue Cash Everyday or Capital One SavorOne offer 3% backon groceries and 3% or more on gas or dining—solid performance without extra cost.
What is the best credit card for grocery shopping?
Hands‑down, the Blue Cash Preferred tops the list for grocery rewards. Whether you're filling a cart for a week or stocking up monthly, that 6% cashback adds up fast. But if you want simplicity without fees, the Capital One SavorOnestill gives 3% back on groceries and lifestyle purchases.
What’s the best credit card for groceries and gas?
Blue Cash Preferred gives 6% on groceries and 3% on gas. Want to skip the annual fee? Citi Custom Cash or SavorOne offer flexible, good-value returns across groceries, gas, dining, and more.
Which credit card is best for grocery shopping?
When it comes specifically to grocery runs, Blue Cash Preferred offers the highest return available—up to 6% cashback. If you’d rather avoid fees but still earn rewards, the SavorOne or Citi Custom Cash cards deliver 3–5% back on groceries with a simple setup and no cost.
Which card is best for groceries and fuel?
The Blue Cash Preferred makes sense if you drive and shop a lot—6% at supermarkets and 3% at gas stations. No-fee contenders like SavorOne or Blue Cash Everyday earn about 3% across groceries and gas, which can still make a noticeable impact on monthly budgets.
Can online grocery orders earn the same cashback as in store purchases?
Yes, most grocery cards apply the same cashback rate to online orders when you purchase directly from the store (like Walmart Grocery or Safeway) or via retailers’ apps. However, third-party services (like Instacart) may be categorized differently, so always check how they code under your card’s merchant category.
Do warehouse and big-box stores count as grocery purchases?
Not always. Stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club often use merchant codes that categorize them as wholesale or superstores—not supermarkets. That means even if you're buying groceries, a 6% grocery card may only earn 1% back. Always verify the merchant category code or review your statement to confirm eligibility.
Is it worth using multiple cards based on purchase category?
Absolutely. Many consumers combine a high-reward grocery card (e.g., 6% back) with a general flat-rate card (1.5–2%) for other purchases. This strategy maximizes returns while avoiding categories with exclusions or earning limits. Just remember: simplicity and discipline are key to ensuring this approach boosts value rather than complicates life.
How can I tell if my grocery card is coding purchases correctly?
Most card issuers allow you to review rewards by merchant in their mobile apps. If something didn’t code as grocery, you can contact customer support and sometimes get adjustments. As a personal rule, I check statements monthly—especially after new store visits—so I always earn accurately on grocery purchases.
Are there caps on how much I can earn at groceries?
Yes. Many grocery cards limit bonus-earning to a set spending threshold. For example, AmEx Blue Cash Preferred covers up to $6,000 per year at 6% back (after that, it's 1%). Cards like Citi Custom Cash have a $500 monthly cap for 5% back in your top category. Tracking these limits ensures you’re maximizing rewards within boundaries.
Do rewards cards affect credit scores when used for groceries?
Using a grocery rewards card responsibly—making on-time payments and keeping balances low—can actually help your credit score by showing attentive credit management and utilising your available credit. Just make sure not to carry a balance month-to-month, as interest can outweigh any cashback benefits.
