Think about your budget for a moment. After housing and transportation, what’s one of your biggest and most consistent expenses?
For almost everyone, it’s the weekly grocery bill. It’s a huge, unavoidable part of our lives, and for most people, it’s a financial black hole.
You might be earning a standard 1% or 1.5% back on that massive expense, which is better than nothing.
But what if that weekly trip to restock the fridge could be actively funding your next family vacation? What if your spending on milk, eggs, and cereal could be turned into flights, hotels, and lifelong memories?
It’s not a gimmick; it’s a strategy. By simply using the right credit card for that one specific expense, you can multiply the rewards you earn and turn a chore into a powerful savings engine.
This guide is for everyone who wants to get a real return on their grocery budget. I’m going to show you my top picks for the cards that are specifically designed to turn your supermarket spending into a rewards-earning powerhouse.
(Offers are current as of September 2025. Please check the issuer’s website for the most up-to-date terms, as bonus categories can have spending caps and specific definitions.)
1. American Express® Gold Card
Best for the serious foodie who wants to maximize travel points.
Why I Picked It: For years, the Amex Gold has been the undisputed champion of supermarket spending. It earns high-value, flexible points at an incredible rate on food-related purchases, both at home and at restaurants. While it has an annual fee, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost for the right person.
- Massive Rewards: Earn 4x Membership Rewards® pointsat U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1x).
- Dining Bonus: Also earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide.
- Valuable Credits: Comes with annual credits for services like Uber/Uber Eats and Grubhub that can significantly offset the annual fee.
2. Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card
Best for straightforward, no-annual-fee cash back on groceries and more.
Why I Picked It: If you want a simple and powerful cash back card without paying an annual fee, the SavorOne is one of the best all-around options. It offers a fantastic cash back rate on groceries, with the bonus of also covering dining and entertainment.
- Strong, Broad Categories: Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, as well as on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- No Annual Fee: You get all these premium rewards categories for free.
- Simplicity: The rewards are simple cash back that you can redeem anytime, making it a no-fuss way to save on your food budget.
3. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best for U.S. families looking for a triple threat of cash back categories.
Why I Picked It: This card is a workhorse for household spending. It offers a great rewards rate not just at U.S. supermarkets, but also on two other common expenses: gas and online shopping, all for no annual fee.
- Great Grocery Rate: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%).
- Bonus Categories: Also earns 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (each with a $6,000 annual cap).
- Helpful Credits: Often includes statement credits for things like the Disney Bundle, adding extra value for families.
Anya’s Insight: The key to maximizing grocery rewards is knowing what your bank defines as a “supermarket.” Big-box stores like Target and Walmart, or warehouse clubs like Costco, are almost never included in this bonus category. Banks identify stores using a system of Merchant Category Codes (MCCs). I always make a small purchase at a new store first to see how it’s coded by the issuer to ensure I’m truly earning my bonus rewards.
4. Chase Freedom Flex℠
Best for strategic spenders who can plan around rotating categories.
Why I Picked It: While not a year-round grocery card, the Freedom Flex deserves a spot on this list because it frequently features grocery stores as a quarterly 5% cash back bonus category. For a savvy spender, this is a can’t-miss opportunity.
- Huge Rotating Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories that rotate each quarter (activation required).
- Timing is Everything: You can plan to use this card heavily during the quarter when groceries are a bonus category to earn a massive return, then switch to another card for the rest of the year.
Your grocery bill is likely one of the largest and most consistent line items in your budget. By not optimizing this spend, you could be leaving hundreds of dollars in rewards on the table every year. Choosing a card that specifically rewards you for this everyday chore is one of the simplest and most effective “upgrades” you can make to your financial strategy.
Ready to Upgrade Your Grocery Runs?
Take a look at your bank statement from last month. Add up your total grocery spending and multiply it by 3% or 4%. That’s the real, tangible value you could be earning every month. The next step is to choose the card that best fits your life and turn that potential value into your next great adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do grocery purchases at Walmart, Target, or Costco count for bonus rewards?
Almost always, no. These stores are considered “big-box retailers,” “superstores,” or “warehouse clubs,” not “supermarkets,” and are excluded from the bonus category on most cards.
Can I buy gift cards at a supermarket to earn more rewards?
Yes, this is a popular strategy. If you buy a gift card for another retailer (like Amazon or Starbucks) at a U.S. supermarket, your credit card will “see” it as a supermarket purchase, and you will earn the bonus rewards. Be sure to check your card’s terms, as some issuers have cracked down on this.
What’s the difference between the Blue Cash Everyday® and the Blue Cash Preferred®?
The Blue Cash Preferred® is the sister card to the Everyday®. It has a higher earn rate at U.S. supermarkets (6%) but comes with an annual fee. The Everyday® is the no-annual-fee version.
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.