topsverseWalking through the grocery store aisles today feels different than it did just a few years ago. The same cart of food that cost you 80 dollars in 2022 might easily run you over 100 dollars now. Food prices have climbed steadily, and for many American families, the weekly grocery trip has become a budget-stretching exercise that requires real strategy.
This is where grocery rewards credit cards shine. These financial tools do not just help you pay for groceries—they actually pay you back for buying them. When you are already spending thousands of dollars each year on food, why not get some of that money back?
The challenge is figuring out which card works best for your situation. Some cards offer jaw-dropping reward rates but come with annual fees. Others keep things simple with flat rates on everything you buy. Still others rotate their bonus categories or focus specifically on certain types of stores.
After researching dozens of cards and comparing their 2025 offerings, I have put together this guide to help you navigate your options. Whether you are feeding a family of six or shopping for yourself, there is a card on this list that can put real money back in your pocket.
How Rising Food Costs Make Rewards Cards Essential
Let me put this in perspective with some real numbers. The average American household spends about 6,000 dollars annually on groceries. If you use a credit card that gives you five percent back on grocery purchases, that translates to 300 dollars in your pocket every year. For families spending even more, the savings add up quickly.
But here is what makes this particularly important right now: grocery inflation has been relentless. Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increased transportation costs have all contributed to higher prices at the checkout counter. While we cannot control food prices, we can control how we pay for our groceries.
The best grocery rewards cards have also gotten more competitive. Banks know people are looking for ways to save money, so they have sweetened their offers with higher reward rates, better sign-up bonuses, and more generous terms. This makes 2025 an excellent time to optimize your grocery spending strategy.
However, not all grocery cards are created equal. Some define “grocery stores” very narrowly, excluding popular destinations like Target or Walmart. Others cap your rewards at certain spending levels. Understanding these details upfront can make the difference between maximizing your savings and leaving money on the table.
The Top 10 Grocery Cashback Credit Cards for 2025
After analyzing current offers, fees, and reward structures, here are the ten credit cards that offer the best value for grocery shoppers this year.
1. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Perfect for families who shop primarily at traditional supermarkets
This card stands out with an incredible six percent cashback rate on grocery store purchases, though it caps that rate at 6,000 dollars in annual spending. After you hit that limit, the rate drops to one percent. The card also carries a 95-dollar annual fee, but many promotional offers waive this fee for the first year.
What makes this card special is its welcome bonus: you can earn a 300-dollar statement credit after spending 3,000 dollars in your first six months. The card also gives you six percent back on select streaming services and three percent on transit and gas station purchases.
The downside? This card excludes warehouse clubs like Costco and big-box stores like Walmart from its highest reward tier. If you do most of your grocery shopping at traditional supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, or Publix, this card is hard to beat. Just remember that high interest rates make carrying a balance expensive.
Key details:
- Annual fee: 95 dollars
- Grocery rewards: 6% up to 6,000 dollars annually, then 1%
- Welcome bonus: 300 dollars after 3,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Heavy supermarket shoppers willing to pay an annual fee
2. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
The best no-fee option for consistent grocery rewards
Think of this as the younger sibling of the Blue Cash Preferred. It offers three percent cashback on grocery purchases up to 6,000 dollars annually, with no annual fee. You also get three percent back at gas stations and on select online purchases.
The welcome bonus is more modest at 200 dollars after spending 2,000 dollars in six months, but the lack of an annual fee makes this card appealing to anyone who wants solid grocery rewards without ongoing costs.
This card makes sense for people who spend moderately on groceries or who simply prefer not to pay annual fees. While the three percent rate cannot match the six percent offered by premium cards, it beats most alternatives and requires no fee calculations to determine if it is worthwhile.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None
- Grocery rewards: 3% up to 6,000 dollars annually
- Welcome bonus: 200 dollars after 2,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Moderate spenders who want no-fee grocery rewards
3. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Ideal for people who spend equally on groceries and dining out
The SavorOne card gives you three percent back on grocery store purchases with no annual fee. But what sets it apart is that it also offers three percent on dining, entertainment, and streaming services. This makes it particularly valuable for people whose food spending splits between grocery stores and restaurants.
The card offers a 200-dollar bonus after you spend just 1,000 dollars in the first three months, which is one of the more achievable spending thresholds among premium rewards cards.
If you find yourself ordering takeout regularly or enjoy dining out, this card can deliver better overall value than cards that focus solely on grocery stores. The broad definition of eligible purchases also means less tracking of categories and spending limits.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None
- Grocery rewards: 3% with no cap
- Welcome bonus: 200 dollars after 1,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Balanced spenders who eat out frequently
4. Citi Custom Cash Card
The smart choice for set-it-and-forget-it rewards
This card automatically gives you five percent cashback on whatever category you spend the most money in each billing cycle, up to 500 dollars in purchases monthly. For most people who primarily shop for groceries, this means automatic five percent back on grocery spending.
The beauty of this system is that you do not need to activate categories or keep track of rotating bonuses. The card simply looks at your spending and applies the highest rate to your biggest category. There is no annual fee, and you can earn a 200-dollar bonus after spending 1,500 dollars in six months.
The main limitation is the 500-dollar monthly cap, which equals 6,000 dollars annually at the top tier. But for many households, this covers most or all of their grocery spending while delivering a competitive five percent rate.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None
- Grocery rewards: 5% on top spending category (up to 500 dollars monthly)
- Welcome bonus: 200 dollars after 1,500 dollars in purchases
- Best for: People who want maximum rewards with minimal effort
5. American Express Gold Card
Best for high spenders who want premium perks
Technically a charge card rather than a traditional credit card, the Gold Card offers four Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at supermarkets, up to 25,000 dollars annually. While these are points rather than cash, they typically offer redemption value equivalent to five to eight percent when used for travel.
The card comes with a substantial 250-dollar annual fee, but it includes valuable credits that can offset much of that cost. You get 120 dollars annually in dining credits and various travel-related perks.
The welcome bonus is generous: 60,000 points after spending 4,000 dollars in six months. For people who travel regularly and can maximize point redemptions, this card can deliver exceptional value despite its high fee.
Key details:
- Annual fee: 250 dollars
- Grocery rewards: 4X points up to 25,000 dollars annually
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after 4,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Frequent travelers who maximize point redemptions
6. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Perfect for online grocery shoppers
While the Sapphire Preferred is known primarily as a travel card, it offers three points per dollar on online grocery purchases. This includes orders through Instacart, grocery store apps, and delivery services.
The card charges a 95-dollar annual fee but offers a substantial welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending 4,000 dollars in three months. These points can be redeemed for cash at one cent each or used for travel at potentially higher values.
For urban dwellers and busy professionals who rely heavily on grocery delivery services, this card can provide excellent value. The points also transfer to airline and hotel partners, making it useful for people who want flexibility in how they redeem rewards.
Key details:
- Annual fee: 95 dollars
- Grocery rewards: 3X points on online grocery purchases
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after 4,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Online grocery shoppers who value flexible rewards
7. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Great for Bank of America customers
This card lets you choose your own three percent category, which can be grocery stores. You also earn two percent at wholesale clubs and one percent on everything else. There is no annual fee and a straightforward 200-dollar bonus after spending 1,000 dollars in 90 days.
The card becomes especially attractive for Bank of America customers who qualify for the Preferred Rewards program. Depending on your account balances, you can earn up to 75 percent more rewards, pushing the effective grocery rate as high as 5.25 percent.
Even without the banking relationship bonus, this is a solid no-fee card with reasonable rewards and a low spending threshold for the welcome bonus.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None
- Grocery rewards: 3% on chosen category (can be groceries)
- Welcome bonus: 200 dollars after 1,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Bank of America customers and flexible rewards seekers
8. Amazon Prime Visa Card
Unbeatable for Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers
If you are already an Amazon Prime member and shop regularly at Amazon or Whole Foods, this card is hard to beat. It offers five percent back on all Amazon purchases and Whole Foods shopping, with no annual card fee.
You need to be a Prime member to get the card, which costs 139 dollars annually, but if you are already paying for Prime, the card essentially comes free. New cardholders receive a 150-dollar Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.
The card also earns two percent at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, making it useful beyond just Amazon purchases. For Prime members who do significant shopping within the Amazon ecosystem, this card delivers exceptional value.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None (Prime membership required)
- Grocery rewards: 5% at Amazon and Whole Foods
- Welcome bonus: 150-dollar Amazon gift card
- Best for: Prime members who shop frequently at Amazon/Whole Foods
9. United States Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card
Solid all-around rewards for balanced spenders
This card offers two points per dollar at grocery stores and four points per dollar at restaurants. With no annual fee and a 200-dollar welcome bonus after spending 1,000 dollars in 90 days, it provides good value for people who split their food spending between groceries and dining.
The card also earns two points per dollar on gas and streaming services, making it useful for various everyday categories. Points are worth one cent each when redeemed for cash, making the math simple.
While the two percent grocery rate is not the highest available, the card’s broad earning structure and lack of fees make it appealing for people who want decent rewards across multiple categories without complexity.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None
- Grocery rewards: 2X points
- Welcome bonus: 200 dollars after 1,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: Balanced spenders who want simplicity
10. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
The simplest option for steady rewards
Sometimes the best strategy is the simplest one. This card offers two percent cashback on every purchase with no categories to track, no caps to monitor, and no annual fee. You earn a 200-dollar bonus after spending 1,000 dollars in three months.
While two percent on groceries cannot match the specialized rates offered by category-specific cards, this card eliminates all complexity. You earn the same rate whether you shop at a traditional supermarket, Walmart, Costco, or anywhere else.
The card also offers an introductory zero percent interest rate period, which can be valuable for large purchases or balance transfers.
Key details:
- Annual fee: None
- Grocery rewards: 2% on all purchases
- Welcome bonus: 200 dollars after 1,000 dollars in purchases
- Best for: People who want simplicity and consistent rewards
Quick Comparison: Key Features at a Glance
| Card | Grocery Rate | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred | 6% up to 6,000 dollars | 95 dollars | 300 dollars | Heavy supermarket shoppers |
| Blue Cash Everyday | 3% up to 6,000 dollars | None | 200 dollars | Moderate spenders, no fees |
| SavorOne | 3% unlimited | None | 200 dollars | Grocery plus dining rewards |
| Custom Cash | 5% on top category | None | 200 dollars | Set-and-forget convenience |
| Amex Gold | 4X points up to 25,000 dollars | 250 dollars | 60,000 points | Premium perks, travel focus |
| Sapphire Preferred | 3X points online only | 95 dollars | 60,000 points | Online grocery shopping |
| BofA Customized | 3% selected category | None | 200 dollars | Bank of America customers |
| Amazon Prime Visa | 5% Amazon/Whole Foods | None* | 150-dollar gift card | Amazon ecosystem shoppers |
| Altitude Go | 2X points | None | 200 dollars | Balanced food spending |
| Active Cash | 2% everything | None | 200 dollars | Maximum simplicity |
*Requires Prime membership
How to Choose Your Perfect Grocery Card
Selecting the right grocery rewards card depends on your specific shopping habits and preferences. Here are the key questions to ask yourself:
Where do you actually shop? Many cards offer the highest rates at “supermarkets” but exclude warehouse clubs like Costco or big-box stores like Walmart. If you do most of your shopping at these excluded retailers, you need a card with broader merchant acceptance.
How much do you spend annually? Cards with spending caps become less attractive for heavy spenders, while annual fees may not make sense for light spenders. Run the numbers based on your actual grocery budget.
Do you want simplicity or optimization? Some cards require tracking categories, caps, and merchant codes. Others offer lower rates but work everywhere with no complexity. Decide how much effort you want to put into maximizing rewards.
Will you pay the balance in full? This is crucial. All these cards carry high interest rates, typically above 19 percent. Carrying a balance will quickly erase any rewards you earn.
What about the welcome bonus? Many cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses that can exceed a year’s worth of rewards. Just make sure you can meet the spending requirement naturally without overspending.
Smart Strategies for Maximizing Grocery Rewards
Once you choose a card, here are some practical ways to maximize your rewards:
Respect the caps. If your card offers high rewards up to a certain spending limit, track your purchases and switch to a different card once you hit that limit. Continuing to use a capped card after reaching the threshold often means earning just one percent instead of five or six percent.
Combine with store programs. Your credit card rewards stack with store loyalty programs and manufacturer coupons. Many grocery chains offer their own reward programs or fuel discounts that work alongside credit card cashback.
Consider online ordering. Some cards offer higher rates for online grocery purchases or delivery services. If you already use Instacart or grocery pickup, make sure your card rewards these purchases at the highest rate.
Pay attention to promotional categories. Some cards offer temporary bonus rates on groceries during certain months. Mark these periods on your calendar and adjust your shopping accordingly.
Never carry a balance. This cannot be emphasized enough. The interest charges on credit cards far exceed any rewards you might earn. Always pay your full statement balance by the due date.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it is easy to make mistakes that reduce your rewards or cost you money:
Assuming all food purchases qualify. Restaurant purchases, meal delivery services, and even some grocery-adjacent stores may not count as “grocery” purchases for rewards purposes. When in doubt, check with your card issuer.
Ignoring annual fees. A card with a 95-dollar annual fee needs to earn you at least 95 dollars more than a no-fee alternative to be worthwhile. Do the math based on your actual spending patterns.
Chasing sign-up bonuses irresponsibly. While welcome bonuses can be valuable, never overspend or take on debt just to earn them. Only pursue bonuses you can earn through normal spending.
Not reading the fine print. Reward caps, merchant exclusions, and redemption requirements vary significantly between cards. Understanding these details upfront prevents disappointment later.
Opening too many cards at once. Each credit application temporarily lowers your credit score. Space out applications and only apply for cards you genuinely plan to use.
Conclusion
Rising food costs are not going away anytime soon, but you can fight back by making sure your grocery spending earns rewards. The right cashback credit card effectively gives you a discount on every grocery trip, turning an unavoidable expense into an opportunity for savings.
The key is matching the card to your actual shopping habits rather than chasing the highest advertised rate. A six percent reward that only applies to purchases you do not make is less valuable than a three percent reward on spending you actually do.
Start by tracking where and how much you spend on groceries for a month or two. Then use that information to calculate which card would deliver the most value based on your real-world patterns. Factor in annual fees, welcome bonuses, and any spending caps that might apply.
Remember that the best rewards card is worthless if you carry a balance and pay interest. These cards are tools for disciplined spenders who pay their balances in full each month. Used responsibly, they can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.
The grocery rewards landscape continues to evolve, with card issuers regularly adjusting their offers to stay competitive. Stay informed about changes to your cards and new offerings in the market. With food prices likely to remain elevated, maximizing your grocery rewards is not just smart financial planning—it is essential budgeting for modern American families.