Best Credit Card for Groceries in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Groceries

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Choosing a credit card specifically for groceries might seem like a small optimization, but the right card can turn your weekly supermarket trip into a steady stream of cash back or travel points.

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However, it's crucial to look beyond the headline rewards rate, as common pitfalls like low spending caps and high annual fees can quickly diminish your returns. You should also verify how a card issuer defines "grocery stores," because superstores and warehouse clubs are frequently excluded from bonus rewards.

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Key Factors

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• Rewards Rate: This is the most straightforward factor—look for the highest cash back percentage or points multiplier on grocery spending.
• Spending Caps: Many cards limit the amount of spending that earns a high rewards rate, so check for quarterly or annual caps that could limit your earnings.
• Annual Fee: Calculate whether your grocery spending will generate enough rewards to outweigh the card's annual fee.
• Merchant Definitions: Confirm how the card issuer defines "grocery stores," as many exclude superstores like Walmart and Target or warehouse clubs like Costco.
• Welcome Offer: A strong introductory offer can provide substantial value in the first year, but make sure the card remains valuable long after the bonus is earned.
• Redemption Options: Consider how you want to use your rewards, whether it's simple cash back, flexible travel points, or other options, and ensure the card's ecosystem fits your preferences.

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What to Watch Out For

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When choosing a grocery credit card, be wary of cards with high annual fees that can eat into your rewards and pay close attention to spending caps that limit your bonus earnings. It's also critical to check which merchants qualify as "grocery stores," as superstores like Walmart and warehouse clubs are often excluded, potentially leaving you with a much lower rewards rate than expected.

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Decision Flow

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If you prioritize simplicity and straightforward value, look for a card that offers a high, flat cash back rate on all grocery store purchases. These cards are easy to manage, but be sure to check for annual spending caps—for example, a card might offer high rewards on the first $6,000 spent annually, then drop to a lower rate.

If you are a travel enthusiast aiming to maximize rewards, consider a card that earns flexible points in a major travel ecosystem. While these cards often carry an annual fee, the value gained from transferring points to airline and hotel partners for premium redemptions can far outweigh the cost for savvy travelers.

If you have a large annual grocery budget, pay close attention to spending caps. Once you exceed a card's bonus rewards limit, your earnings drop significantly. For high spenders, the best option may be a card with no cap on its grocery rewards or a high-earning flat-rate card that provides strong value on every purchase, no matter the category.

If you shop primarily at superstores or warehouse clubs like Walmart, Target, or Costco, verify the card's merchant category definitions. Since these stores are frequently excluded from the "grocery" bonus category, you may be better off with a card that specifically rewards spending at these retailers or a simple flat-rate rewards card that applies to all purchases.

If you rely on online grocery delivery services like Instacart or FreshDirect, confirm that these purchases will code as "grocery" to earn bonus rewards. If not, a card with a broad "online shopping" bonus category could be a more reliable choice for your spending habits.

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Maximize Your Return with Groceries

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Here are some key strategies to ensure you're maximizing your rewards on every grocery purchase.

• Choose the right card: Select a credit card that offers a high, consistent rewards rate specifically for grocery store purchases, as this is the foundation of your earnings strategy.
• Stack your rewards: Combine your credit card rewards with store loyalty programs and third-party rebate apps to earn rewards multiple times on a single shopping trip.
• Mind the spending caps: Be aware of any quarterly or annual spending limits on your card's grocery bonus category and plan your spending accordingly to avoid earning a lower rate.
• Buy gift cards: Purchase gift cards for other retailers, like restaurants or home improvement stores, at the grocery store to effectively earn your card's high grocery reward rate on non-grocery spending.
• Redeem wisely: Maximize the value of your points by transferring them to airline or hotel partners, where you can often get a much higher return than simply cashing them out.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Stop guessing which card to use and start maximizing your rewards with Kudos, the free app that automatically selects the best card for every purchase. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond just the rewards rate, your personal shopping habits and financial discipline play a huge role in choosing the right card. For instance, if you're fiercely loyal to a single grocery chain, a store-specific card might offer superior discounts or a higher rewards rate than a general-purpose card. Regardless of which card you choose, it's crucial to manage it responsibly by paying your balance in full each month; otherwise, interest charges can quickly erase any rewards you've earned. Finally, consider your overall payment strategy, as using cash or debit can prevent overspending, while Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans should be approached with caution to avoid accumulating debt.

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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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What counts as a "grocery store" for credit card rewards?

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Generally, credit card issuers define "grocery stores" or "U.S. supermarkets" based on a merchant category code (MCC). This means standalone grocery stores will typically qualify, while larger superstores or wholesale clubs might not.

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Do I earn bonus rewards on groceries from stores like Target or Walmart?

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Usually not, as superstores like Target and Walmart are often classified as general merchandise rather than grocery stores. Credit card rewards are based on these merchant codes, so you likely won't earn a bonus in that category.

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Are there spending caps on grocery rewards?

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Yes, many credit cards that offer high rewards on groceries have annual or quarterly spending caps. Once you reach the cap, you'll typically earn a lower, standard reward rate on subsequent grocery purchases.

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