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Grocery shopping is a regular expense for most households, and with the right credit card, you can earn significant rewards. Whether you’re looking for flexible rewards, cashback, hotel points, or airline miles, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Let’s break it down by category.
Flexible Rewards Cards
Flexible rewards points are the most valuable, as they can often be transferred to travel partners or redeemed in various ways. Here are some top picks for grocery spending:
- American Express® Gold Card: Earn 4x Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually, then 1x).
- Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card: Earn 3x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1x). Use the card 30 times per billing cycle for a 50% bonus on points. This card is no longer available for new applicants.
- American Express EveryDay® Card: Earn 2x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1x). This card is no longer available for new applicants.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points on ONLINE grocery purchases (excludes Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Earn 3x ThankYou points on groceries.
- Citi Rewards+® Card: Earn 2x ThankYou points at supermarkets and round up every purchase to the nearest 10 points.
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Earn 2x points at grocery stores and on grocery delivery services.
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: Earn 2x points at grocery stores and on grocery delivery services.
Why Flexible Rewards? These points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for outsized value, making them a smart choice for maximizing travel opportunities.


Cash Back Cards
If you prefer simplicity and cash back, consider these options:
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%).
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%).
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
- Chase Freedom Flex® Card: Earn 5% cash back on groceries when it’s a quarterly bonus category (activation required, up to $1,500 in combined spending per quarter).
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined grocery/wholesale club purchases PLUS your choice category purchases per quarter).
- Chase Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Earn 5% cash back at Whole Foods and Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership.
Why Cash Back? Straightforward rewards with no need for transfer strategies or travel plans.
Hotel Rewards Cards
While not as versatile as flexible rewards, hotel points can still provide excellent value, especially if you’re loyal to a specific hotel brand.
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 5x Hilton Honors points at U.S. supermarkets.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 6x Hilton Honors points at U.S. supermarkets.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 3x Bonvoy points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually on gas stations, grocery stores and dining.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Amex® Card: Earn 4x Bonvoy points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card: Earn 4x Wyndham Rewards points on groceries.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Card: Earn 2x Wyndham Rewards points on groceries.
Why Hotel Rewards? These cards can be beneficial for frequent travelers who prioritize specific hotel chains.
Airline Rewards Cards
If you’re working toward free flights, these cards can help you earn miles while grocery shopping:
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 2x SkyMiles at U.S. supermarkets.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 2x SkyMiles at U.S. supermarkets.
- Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card: Earn 3x Aeroplan points at grocery stores.
- JetBlue Plus Card: Earn 2x TrueBlue points at grocery stores.
- JetBlue Card: Earn 2x TrueBlue points at grocery stores.
- American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card: Earn 2x AAdvantage miles at grocery stores.
- Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 2x HawaiianMiles at grocery stores.
Why Airline Rewards? These cards can complement your travel strategy if you’re loyal to a particular airline.
Final Thoughts
The best card for grocery shopping depends on your spending habits and rewards goals. Flexible rewards cards offer the most versatility, allowing you to transfer points to travel partners for maximum value. Cash back cards are great for simplicity, while hotel and airline cards can help you reach specific travel goals.
For most people, starting with a flexible rewards card like the Amex Gold or Citi Premier will yield the best results. However, if cash back is your priority or you’re loyal to a particular travel brand, consider the other options listed above to maximize your grocery spending rewards.