Stop Earning 1x on Groceries: This Chase Sapphire Preferred Trick Gets You 3x Points (Worth $180-$300/Year)

Which Stores Work? (Test First)

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Confirmed by cardholders to earn 3x:

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• Kroger family: Fred Meyer, Ralph's, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Smith's, QFC

• Safeway/Albertsons family: Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme

• Other major chains: Whole Foods, Wegmans, Publix, H-E-B, Giant Eagle, ShopRite, Stop & Shop

• Big box stores: Target (grocery section), Walmart (grocery purchases)

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Testing process:

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1. Download the store app, add Chase Sapphire Preferred
2. Buy $10-20 worth of groceries through the app
3. Wait for statement to close (1-3 days after billing cycle)
4. Check the Ultimate Rewards dashboard for the point total
5. Verify you earned 3x points (not 1x)

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What doesn't work:

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• Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's) - always 1x

• Convenience stores and gas station mini-marts

• Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), unless there is a significant grocery section

• Trader Joe's (no app available)

• Gift cards, alcohol, pharmacy prescriptions

Setup Guide: Two Methods

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Method 1: Mobile Checkout (5 minutes setup)

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One-time setup:

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1. Download your supermarket's app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Create an account using your existing store loyalty number
3. Add Chase Sapphire Preferred as a payment method in app settings
4. Enable location services so the app knows when you're in-store
5. Do a test transaction with $10-20 purchase to verify 3x earning

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Every shopping trip:

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1. Shop in-store as usual
2. Scan items with your phone as you add them to the cart (if the app supports scan-and-go)
3. Complete checkout through the app when finished shopping
4. Show digital receipt to staff at exit if required
5. Earn 3x points automatically

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Some stores like Kroger and Target have robust scan-and-go features. Others require you to shop first, then check out via app at a designated station.

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Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Method 2: Curbside Pickup (3 minutes setup)

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One-time setup:

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1. Open your supermarket's app or website
2. Browse and add items to the cart
3. Select the pickup option and time slot
4. Add Chase Sapphire Preferred at checkout
5. Store employees shop for you, load your car at pickup

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Every shopping trip:

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1. Place order through app (takes 10-15 minutes)
2. Select pickup time
3. Drive to the store at the scheduled time
4. Staff loads groceries into your car
5. Earn 3x points automatically

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Cost analysis: Pickup fees are typically $0-5 per order. On $600 monthly spending, you earn an extra 1,800 points monthly, worth $22.50. Even with a $5 fee per order, you net $17.50/month or $210/year in extra value.

Stack With Store Rewards for 4-6% Total Returns

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Combine multiple reward sources for maximum value:

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3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points - Base 3% value, higher when transferred to airline partners

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Store loyalty rewards - Most grocery stores offer 1-2% back through fuel points, personalized discounts, or cash back

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Digital coupons - Load directly to your loyalty account for instant savings

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Promotional offers - Buy-one-get-one deals, weekend specials, holiday promotions

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Real example: Kroger shopper spending $600/month

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• 3x Chase points at 1.25¢ value: $270/year

• Kroger fuel points (especially 4x on gift cards): $180/year

• Digital coupons and promotions: $240/year

• Combined value: $690/year on $7,200 spending = 9.6% effective return

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This stacking strategy turns every grocery trip into a wealth-building opportunity.

Alternative: Online Delivery Services (Guaranteed 3x)

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If your local supermarket doesn't support mobile checkout, use these delivery services that always earn 3x:

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• Instacart - Delivers from 800+ stores, including Costco, Kroger, Safeway, and Publix. It’s the most widely available option.

• Amazon Fresh / Whole Foods - Amazon Prime members get free delivery on $35+ orders. Whole Foods offers 2-hour delivery windows.

• Shipt - Target-owned service delivering from Target and other grocery stores. Good for last-minute orders.

• FreshDirect, Peapod - Regional services covering Northeast, Midwest, and East Coast markets.

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When delivery makes sense:

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• You value your time at $20+/hour (saves 1-2 hours shopping)

• Order size is $100+ (delivery fees are 13-25% of smaller orders)

• You're already paying for Instacart+ or Amazon Prime

• Your local store doesn't support mobile checkout

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When to skip:

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• Small orders under $50 (fees eat into value)

• You enjoy in-person shopping

• Store prices through delivery apps are 10-20% higher than in-store

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Dedicated Grocery Cards

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While the app trick improves the Sapphire Preferred's grocery earning, specialized cards may offer better returns:

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• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (See Rates & Fees) earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%), with a $95 annual fee. Best for maximizing grocery returns if groceries are your top spending category.

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• Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% on rotating quarterly categories (groceries appear regularly), up to $1,500 per quarter. No annual fee makes this an excellent complement to the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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• Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card earns 3% unlimited on groceries with no annual fee. Simple option if you want straightforward grocery rewards without fees.

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Should you get a dedicated grocery card?

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Stick with Chase Sapphire Preferred if:

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• You value travel flexibility over maximum cash back

• You want to transfer points to airlines/hotels (1.5-2¢ value)

• You spend heavily on dining and travel (3x categories)

• You already have the card and its $95 fee is justified by other benefits

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Consider a grocery-specific card if:

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• Groceries are your #1 spending category ($500+/month)

• You prefer cash back over travel points

• You want to maximize grocery returns (6% beats 3%)

• You're willing to manage multrickle cards

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Best strategy: Use both cards strategically

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• American Express Blue Cash Preferred for first $6,000 annual grocery spending (6% = $360 cash back)

• Chase Sapphire Preferred for groceries beyond $6,000, plus all dining and travel (3x points)

• Result: 5-6% on groceries plus 3x on dining/travel across your spending

Other Chase Sapphire Preferred Earning Tricks

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Once you've optimized grocery earning, apply these strategies across other categories:

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1. Order food delivery for 3x dining points

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Ordering through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub earns 3x points because these transactions code as dining. Same meal, same 3x rate whether you eat in-restaurant or order delivery. Some platforms charge 20-30% premiums, but the 3x earning helps offset the extra cost.

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2. Book travel directly through provider apps

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Booking through airline and hotel mobile apps often earns 3x as online travel purchases:

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• United Airlines app: 3x points (vs. 1x at ticket counter)

• Marriott app: 3x points (vs. 1x at front desk check-in)

• Southwest app: 3x points (vs. 1x at airport kiosk)

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You'll also earn loyalty points with each travel provider for double-dipping rewards.

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3. Streaming services earn 3x

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on select streaming services you're probably already paying for:

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• Video: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max

• Music: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Premium, Pandora

• Other: Audible, Kindle Unlimited

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Not all streaming services qualify. Make a test payment, then check your statement for 3x confirmation before assuming all subscriptions qualify.

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4. Pay utilities online (test first)

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Some utility companies process online payments as digital transactions that might earn 3x:

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• Electric, water, gas bills

• Internet and phone service

• Home security systems

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Most utilities still earn 1x, but it's worth testing. Make a small payment, verify the earning rate on your statement, then automate future payments if it earns 3x.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Does this trick work with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?

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Yes! The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the same 3x earning structure for online grocery purchases. The app-based payment strategy works identically for Reserve cardholders. The Reserve has a higher $550 annual fee but includes additional travel benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit.

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Will Chase shut down my account for using this strategy?

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No. This is a legitimate use of your card's published benefits. You're not violating terms or exploiting the system—you're paying through a channel that earns a higher rate according to Chase's official earning structure. Thousands of cardholders use this strategy daily without issues.

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How long does it take for the 3x points to post?

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Points post to your Ultimate Rewards account when your statement closes, typically 1-3 days after your billing cycle ends. You can verify the earning rate immediately by checking the "Earn Points" section in your Chase account. Look for "3x points" notation next to grocery transactions.

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Can I use manufacturer coupons and still earn 3x?

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Yes. Your earning rate is based on the final transaction amount after all discounts, coupons, and loyalty rewards are applied. If you spend $100 but use a $20 coupon, you'll earn 240 points (3x on the $80 you actually paid).

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Do I still get Chase's purchase protection benefits using the app?

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Yes. All Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits apply to app-based purchases:

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• Purchase protection covers theft/damage for 120 days after purchase

• The extended warranty benefit adds 1 year to the manufacturer's warranty

• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance when you buy travel with the card

• Auto rental collision damage waiver for rental cars

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These protections work identically whether you pay in-store or through an app.

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What if my local store's app doesn't support mobile checkout?

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You have three options:

1. Switch to a different grocery store that supports app-based checkout (most major chains do)
2. Use delivery services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or Shipt that guarantee 3x earning
3. Use a different credit card with better base grocery earning like Amex Blue Cash Preferred (6%) or Citi Custom Cash® Card (5%)

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Most major chains support mobile checkout, so switching stores is usually the easiest solution.

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Does buying groceries through Amazon Fresh earn 3x?

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Amazon Fresh orders usually earn 3x points as online grocery purchases. However, regular Amazon.com is not considered a grocery merchant, so standard Amazon purchases earn only 1x. Always verify by checking your first Amazon Fresh order's point earnings before making large orders.

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Will this affect my credit score?

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Using your credit card for groceries has no negative effect on your credit score as long as you pay your bill on time every month and keep credit utilization under 30% (ideally under 10%). In fact, consistent on-time payments improve your credit history over time. The only credit score impact is the initial hard inquiry when you apply, causing a temporary 3-5 point drop.

Bottom Line: 5-Minute Setup = $180-$300 Annual Value

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For Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders spending $400+ monthly on groceries, the app-based payment strategy is a no-brainer. Setup takes 5 minutes, and the enhanced earning happens automatically after that.

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Your action plan:

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1. Today: Download your grocery store's app and add your Chase Sapphire Preferred as the default payment method
2. This week: Make a $10-20 test purchase to verify the 3x earning rate
3. Next month: Once confirmed, use the app for all grocery shopping
4. This year: Earn an extra 14,400-36,000 points worth $180-$450+ in travel value

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The best time to start maximizing your grocery rewards was last year. The second-best time is today.