Best Credit Card for Gas and Groceries in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Gas and Groceries

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Gas and groceries are two of the largest, most consistent expenses for the average household, making them a perfect opportunity to earn significant rewards with the right credit card.

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While a high cash-back rate is tempting, it's crucial to examine the fine print for common pitfalls. Be sure to watch out for annual fees that could negate your earnings and be aware of spending caps that limit the rewards you can accrue in bonus categories.

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Key Factors

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• Reward Rates: Prioritize cards that offer a high percentage of cash back or points specifically for gas and grocery store purchases, as these are your primary spending categories.
• Spending Caps: Check for any quarterly or annual limits on spending that qualifies for bonus rewards, as well as the reduced rate you'll earn once you exceed that cap.
• Annual Fees: Calculate whether the rewards you expect to earn will outweigh the card's annual fee, as a high fee can easily negate your cash back.
• Welcome Offers: A valuable introductory bonus can provide a significant boost, but be sure to evaluate the card's long-term value beyond this one-time offer.
• Redemption Flexibility: Ensure the rewards you earn can be redeemed in a way that suits your needs, whether it's a simple statement credit, direct deposit, or points transferred to travel partners.
• APRs: If you anticipate carrying a balance, a card's interest rate is a critical factor, as high interest charges can quickly cancel out any rewards you've earned.

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What to Watch Out For

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Beyond high annual fees and low spending caps, be wary of how issuers define "gas" and "groceries," as many exclude purchases from warehouse clubs or superstores from their bonus categories. Additionally, some cards feature rotating categories, meaning a high rewards rate on gas or groceries may only last for a single quarter. Always read the fine print to understand these limitations before you apply.

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Decision Flow

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The best credit card for you is a personal choice that hinges on your unique spending habits and financial goals. To find your perfect match for gas and groceries, follow this decision flow based on what you prioritize most.

If you want to maximize rewards and spend heavily on groceries, a card with a high rewards rate and an annual fee may offer the most value. For example, the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card provides 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. While it carries an annual fee, your earnings could easily surpass the cost if your spending is high enough. Terms apply.

If you prefer to avoid annual fees but still want solid rewards, several cards fit the bill. The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a competitive, unlimited cash-back rate at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Similarly, the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations with no annual fee, though spending caps may apply. Terms apply.

If you buy most of your groceries and gas at a warehouse club, you’ll need a card that specifically rewards those purchases, as most general cards do not. A co-branded card like the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is designed for this, offering elevated cash back on eligible gas purchases worldwide and on all spending at Costco and Costco.com.

If you enjoy strategizing and don't mind tracking categories, a card with rotating bonuses can be extremely lucrative. Cards such as the Chase Freedom Flex℠ frequently feature grocery stores and gas stations in their quarterly bonus categories, allowing you to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases for that quarter after activation.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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Maximize Your Return with Gas and Groceries

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To get the most value from every dollar you spend, here are some key strategies for maximizing your credit card rewards on gas and groceries:

• Know your categories: Dedicate a specific card for gas and another for groceries to ensure you're always earning the highest possible rate for each purchase.
• Stack your savings: Combine your credit card rewards with store loyalty programs, like BPme Rewards or Kroger Fuel Points, to multiply your discounts and cash back.
• Activate rotating bonuses: Keep an eye on cards with quarterly rotating categories, as gas stations and U.S. supermarkets are frequently featured, but you often need to opt-in to earn the higher rewards rate.
• Redeem wisely: Don't just settle for cash back; explore transferring your points to airline or hotel partners, which can often provide a significantly higher value per point.
• Mind the spending caps: Be aware of any annual or quarterly spending limits on bonus categories, as many cards reduce your earning rate after you hit a certain threshold.
• Use the gift card strategy: Purchase gift cards for other retailers at a grocery store to take advantage of a high rewards rate on groceries for spending you would do elsewhere.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your best card at checkout, helping you maximize rewards and unlock hidden perks on every purchase. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond the rewards rates, consider your personal spending habits. If you frequent a specific supermarket or gas station, a store-specific card might offer a higher return than a general-purpose one. However, the most lucrative rewards are meaningless if you carry a balance; always aim to pay your statement in full to avoid high interest charges that erase your earnings. It's also crucial to manage your credit card use alongside your cash flow and any Buy Now, Pay Later plans to ensure you're not accumulating unmanageable debt. The right card should complement a sound financial strategy, not complicate it.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Should I get separate credit cards for gas and groceries?

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It depends on your spending habits. If you spend heavily in both categories, using two different cards that maximize rewards for each could be more beneficial than a single card with lower rates.

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Are there spending caps on gas and grocery rewards?

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Yes, many cards that offer high reward rates on gas and groceries have quarterly or annual spending caps. Once you hit the cap, you'll typically earn a much lower rate on subsequent purchases in that category.

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Do all stores count for grocery and gas rewards?

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Not always, as credit card issuers use specific merchant category codes to determine which purchases qualify. For instance, warehouse clubs or superstores like Walmart and Target might not be categorized as traditional grocery stores.

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