9 Best Credit Cards for Groceries of June 2023
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best cash back credit cards || Best credit cards for restaurants || Best travel credit cards
Families with big grocery bills can save hundreds of dollars by paying for them with a credit card that offers elevated rewards at the supermarket. According to federal consumer expenditure data, the average U.S. household spent $4,942 on "food at home" in 2020, the most recent year available. Paying for groceries with a card that earned just 2% rewards on groceries would have earned such a household more than $98. Imagine saving that kind of money at the checkout — without even needing to clip coupons! You can do it with these cards. And in some cases, rewards rates apply to grocery delivery, too.
Show summary
NerdWallet's 9 Best Credit Cards for Groceries of June 2023
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Highest rewards rate
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for Up to 5% cash back
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Frequent restaurant diners
American Express® Gold Card: Best for Travel rewards
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee
Citi® Double Cash Card: Best for 2% cash back on everything
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Customizable 3% cash back and Bank of America® customers
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Customizable 5% cash back
Instacart Mastercard®: Best for Grocery delivery
Best Credit Cards for Groceries From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Highest rewards rate | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on American Express' website | |
| Best for Up to 5% cash back | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Citibank's application | |
| Best for Frequent restaurant diners | $0 | 1%-10% | $200 | Apply Now on Capital One's website | |
| Best for Travel rewards | $250 | 1x-4x | 60,000 | Apply Now on American Express' website | |
| Best for Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on American Express' website | |
| Best for 2% cash back on everything | $0 | 1%-2% | N/A | Apply Now on Citibank's application | |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Apply Now on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706 | Best for Customizable 3% cash back and Bank of America® customers | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website,or call (877) 754-6706 |
| Best for Customizable 5% cash back | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on US Bank's website | |
| Best for Grocery delivery | $0 | 1%-5% | $100 | Apply Now on Chase's website |
Highest rewards rate
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards rate
1%-6%
CashbackIntro offer
$250
Recommended Credit Score
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the industry champ. It gets 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $300.
In addition to the great rewards rates, you can earn a nifty new-cardholder bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply. Plus, there's a good 0% intro APR offer.
There's an annual fee, and it's high for a cash-back card: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But if you spend around $31 per week at the supermarket, you'll make that up in cash back — and that's not even taking into account rewards earned in the card's other bonus categories.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the industry champ. It gets 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $300.
Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
CashbackIntro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include grocery stores. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $250 (assuming it's your top category each month).
- 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 18.99% - 28.99%, 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.
- 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.
- View Rates & Fees
You earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent per month in your top eligible category, and 1% on other spending. You don't have to select or "activate" your category; it's automatic, so you'll always earn 5% in the category where it makes you the most money. This card also offers newcomers a terrific bonus offer and a nice 0% intro APR period.
Note the $500 monthly spending cap for the 5% rewards rate, which means the most you can earn per month in bonus rewards is $25. Also note the low rewards rate outside of your lone bonus category for the month.
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically pays 5% in your highest-spending eligible category each month. The categories include grocery stores. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $250 (assuming it's your top category each month).
Frequent restaurant diners
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-10%
CashbackIntro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
If your food expenses include as many trips to restaurants and takeout joints as to the grocery store, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card makes a good companion. You’ll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services; 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); and 1% on all other purchases. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $150.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- 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 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
In addition to the $0 annual fee, there’s also a great 0% intro APR offer and a sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
If you don't dine out much, you'll miss out on a big chunk of this card's value. Look elsewhere.
If your food expenses include as many trips to restaurants and takeout joints as to the grocery store, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card makes a good companion. You’ll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores and entertainment, including streaming services; 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); and 1% on all other purchases. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $150.
Travel rewards
Annual fee
$250
Rewards rate
1x-4x
PointsIntro offer
60,000
PointsRecommended Credit Score
The American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases. And if you're tired of cooking? You can also earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants, with no annual cap. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $200 (assuming redemption value of 1 cent per point).
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
In addition to its 4X categories, this card pays 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. There's also a welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. And the card comes with a slew of perks that can help offset its hefty annual fee.
There's a steep annual fee of $250. This card is for someone who spends a lot on groceries AND likes to travel. If you don't travel much, forget the 4X points and look elsewhere.
The American Express® Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases. And if you're tired of cooking? You can also earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants, with no annual cap. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $200 (assuming redemption value of 1 cent per point).
Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
CashbackIntro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 in spending per year in each category). Other purchases earn 1% back. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $150.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.99% to 29.99% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
This card comes with a great 0% intro APR period, plus a welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply. The annual fee is $0.
If you spend at least $61 per week at the supermarket, you may be better off paying the annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because you'll come out ahead with the higher rewards rate.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 in spending per year in each category). Other purchases earn 1% back. Terms apply. Rewards on $5,000 a year in U.S. supermarket spending: $150.
2% cash back on everything
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
CashbackIntro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Not interested in carrying a special card just for groceries? The Citi® Double Cash Card is a great one-card solution. It earns 2% back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and 1% back when you pay it off. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- View Rates & Fees
This card's simplicity is its not-so-secret weapon: No bonus categories to contend with or spending caps to worry about. The annual fee is $0.
This offer doesn't include a 0% intro APR period for purchases or a sign-up bonus.
Not interested in carrying a special card just for groceries? The Citi® Double Cash Card is a great one-card solution. It earns 2% back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and 1% back when you pay it off. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100.
Customizable 3% cash back and Bank of America® customers
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
CashbackIntro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 3% cash back in a category of your choice, on up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter. Plus, you’ll get 1% cash back on all other purchases. If you qualify for Bank of America®'s Preferred Rewards program, you can earn a bonus of 25%, 50% or 75% of your rewards, depending on your account balances. Maximum rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100 (for Preferred Rewards customers: $125, $150 or $175).
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
The annual fee is $0, you get a 0% intro APR period, and you can earn a sign-up bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.. The ability to choose your 3% category (from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement /furnishings) makes this card worth considering even if you're not eligible for Preferred Rewards.
The combined quarterly spending cap on the 2% and 3% rewards creates complications. Make a big purchase in your 3% category, and you could end up earning only 1% at the grocery store for the rest of the quarter.
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 3% cash back in a category of your choice, on up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter. Plus, you’ll get 1% cash back on all other purchases. If you qualify for Bank of America®'s Preferred Rewards program, you can earn a bonus of 25%, 50% or 75% of your rewards, depending on your account balances. Maximum rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100 (for Preferred Rewards customers: $125, $150 or $175).
Customizable 5% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
CashbackIntro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card gives cardholders a choose-your-own-adventure experience every quarter. You select one unlimited 2% cash-back category from a list of three, which includes grocery stores. You also choose two 5% cash-back categories per quarter from a list of 12, on up to $2,000 in combined spending. Earn 1% back elsewhere. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100 (when choosing grocery stores as your 2% category).
- $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
- 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% - 29.49%
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
The annual fee is $0, and you can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Choosing and tracking categories each quarter can be a real hassle. For similar rotating bonus categories with less to keep track of, consider the Chase Freedom® and select Discover cards like the Discover it® Cash Back.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card gives cardholders a choose-your-own-adventure experience every quarter. You select one unlimited 2% cash-back category from a list of three, which includes grocery stores. You also choose two 5% cash-back categories per quarter from a list of 12, on up to $2,000 in combined spending. Earn 1% back elsewhere. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery store spending: $100 (when choosing grocery stores as your 2% category).
Grocery delivery
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
CashbackIntro offer
$100
Recommended Credit Score
Regular users of the Instacart grocery delivery service will want to take a good, long look at the Instacart Mastercard®, which earns 5% cash back on Instacart purchases and comes with a free year of Instacart+. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending: $250.
- 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 travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, 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
You get 5% cash back on Instacart purchases, both online and through the app, as well as 5% on travel booked through Chase, 2% with restaurants, gas stations and select streaming services, and 1% on other purchases. There's a bonus offer, too: Get a free year of Instacart+ and a $100 Instacart credit automatically upon approval. Membership auto-renews. Terms apply. Instacart+ includes lower service fees and free delivery of orders over $35.
Although the credit card has an annual fee of $0, the free Instacart+ membership will renew at the standard rate, usually $99 a year.
Regular users of the Instacart grocery delivery service will want to take a good, long look at the Instacart Mastercard®, which earns 5% cash back on Instacart purchases and comes with a free year of Instacart+. Rewards on $5,000 a year in grocery spending: $250.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR GROCERIES
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Our pick for: Overall highest rewards rate
If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming services — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice welcome offer for new cardholders and an introductory 0% APR period, too. The generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one charges an annual fee. Read our review.
Our pick for: Ongoing high cash back with no annual fee
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases. The rewards might not be as rich as on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, but this card doesn't charge an annual fee either. New cardholders get a decent welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. Read our review.
Our pick for: Up to 5% cash back
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.
Our pick for: Target / Walmart / wholesale shoppers
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot of money at retailers that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the bonus categories offered by other credit cards. The card also offers a higher-than-usual rate on spending outside its bonus categories. The downside: There's an annual fee. Read our review.
Our pick for: Grocery delivery
You'll earn high rewards on Instacart grocery delivery and extra cash back in some other common spending categories. The bonus offer makes it even more enticing to have your groceries brought to you rather than driving to the store. Read our review.
Our pick for: 2% cash back on everything
Year after year, the Citi® Double Cash Card has been a top choice among flat-rate cash-back cards. You earn 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you buy something and 1% when you pay it off. There's no 0% intro period for purchases and no bonus categories, but the high rewards rate more than makes up for the lack of bells and whistles. Read our review.
Our pick for: Frequent restaurant diners
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Our pick for: Customizable 5% cash back
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travel rewards
The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.
Our pick for: Customizable 3% cash back and Bank of America® customers
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
Options for brand loyalists
The cards identified above can earn elevated rewards regardless of the supermarket or grocery store where you shop. If you shop at Costco, Whole Foods or Target, consider these options.
Costco: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
If you buy your groceries wholesale-club-style, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi earns 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. It also earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (both at Costco and at other gas stations) on the first $7,000 per year (1% thereafter), as well as 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases. All other spending earns 1% back. The annual fee is $0, although you have to be a Costco member to apply, and membership starts at $60 a year. » Rewards on $5,000 a year in groceries at Costco: $100.
Whole Foods: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
If you're more of a Whole Foods fanatic — and if you already pay for an Amazon Prime membership — consider the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. It earns 5% back at Whole Foods, plus 5% back at Amazon.com, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, plus local transit and commuting (including rideshare). All other purchases earn 1% back. Redeem your points for Amazon.com purchases at a value of 1 cent per point. The card's annual fee is $0, but you must be an Amazon Prime member, which does require a yearly fee. » Rewards on $5,000 a year in groceries at Whole Foods: $250.
Target: Target REDcard™ Credit Card
The Target REDcard™ Credit Card doesn't offer rewards in the form of cash back or points, but you could argue that it gives you something even better: an immediate 5% discount on nearly everything you buy at Target, either in-store or online. You also get free shipping on most items at Target.com. If your grocery runs take you to a full-service Super Target — or just to the food aisles at a regular Target — this $0-annual-fee card is mighty attractive. » Savings on $5,000 a year in groceries at Target: $250.
5% rotating category cards
The other cards on this page offer elevated grocery rewards year-round. The Chase Freedom® and select Discover cards like the Discover it® Cash Back pay a higher rate on groceries for only one quarter per year when you activate rewards categories — but what a rate it is.
On each card, you earn 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. In recent years, both cards have offered grocery stores as a 5% category. (See current and past categories here.) Other bonus categories on both cards tend to be common expenses, meaning it's not hard to get great value out of them. Neither card charges an annual fee.
» Maximum rewards on $5,000 a year in groceries (assuming each card offers grocery stores for one quarter):
If using one card: $110.
If using both cards: $170.
Last updated on May 31, 2023
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
