Our spending habits may have changed during this time of social distancing, but everyone still needs to eat. If you’re like my family, you’re spending even more on groceries since all meals are now in the home. Let’s review the best credit cards to have in your wallet for food purchases. Please note that warehouse clubs such as Costco and superstores like Walmart do not code as grocery on most cards
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred earns 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spend at supermarkets each year, then 1%. Annual fee is $95, which could be offset by the rewards from groceries and other category bonuses.
Amex Gold
My go-to for grocery purchases. You earn 4x Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent, up to $25,000 per year. As we’ve mentioned, we greatly value Amex MRs for their array of transfer partners. $250 annual fee is steep but there are also increased rewards points for restaurants and airfare, as well as a dining and airline fee credit.
Amex Blue Cash Everyday
The Blue Cash Everyday Card earns 3% cash back at supermarkets up to $6,000 spend per year, then 1% back. While this is not the highest offer, the card’s $0 annual fee could make it appealing to some.
Amex Everyday Preferred
The Everyday Preferred Card earns 3x MR at supermarkets up to $6,000 spend each year, then 1x. If you have 30+ transactions (of any kind) during a monthly statement, you earn an additional 50% MR, for a total of 4.5x MR! This card has a $95 annual fee, but easily pays for itself if you can take advantage and maximum these offers.
Amex Hilton Surpass
The Hilton Surpass card earns 6x Hilton points at supermarkets with no annual max. Additionally, depending on your other spend, you earn a free weekend night certificate for $15,000 in annual spend. This certificate is good at almost all Hilton properties worldwide. This card has a $95 annual fee.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa
If you are a Whole Foods or Amazon loyalist, this card could make sense for you. You earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods. The card does not have an annual fee, but an eligible Prime membership is required.
Bonus-category Cards
Several cards offer rotating cash-back categories during each quarter of the year. Chase Freedom (only available via downgrade) and Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% on up to $1,500 in spending during bonus quarters. The current sign-up bonuses for the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited include 5x on the first $12,000 in grocery spend in the first twelve months. Discover it Cash Back also offer 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spending. All of these cards have no annual fee.
Final Thoughts
Buying a necessity such as groceries can be an easy way to earn points for your future travels. You can also utilize your grocery store’s gas rewards programs for free or reduced fill-ups as an additional benefit. Share your strategy for achieving maximum gains in the comments below or in ToP’s Facebook group.
A special thanks to Meredith Keyse for writing this article.
