1.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
- 6%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases
- 6%Cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3%Cash back on U.S. gas stations and transit
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn $250 Back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% on everything else.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out as the top choice because it offers an exceptional 6% cash back on groceries and streaming services, making it ideal for families and frequent shoppers. Its generous welcome bonus and no annual fee for the first year further enhance its value, ensuring cardholders can maximize their rewards without upfront costs.
Pros:
- High cash back on groceries and streaming
- No annual fee for the first year
Cons:
- Requires good credit for approval
- Annual fee after the first year
2.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide
- 4%Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly or via AmexTravel.com
- 2%Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com
- 1%Membership Rewards points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights booked directly or via AmexTravel.com, and 2x on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com.
21.99%-28.49% Variable APR
The American Express® Gold Card earns its place as the second-best option due to its impressive 4x points on dining and groceries, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Additionally, the card offers substantial credits for dining and Uber, effectively offsetting its annual fee and providing excellent value for frequent diners.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries
- Valuable monthly credits for dining and Uber
Cons:
- High annual fee
- No airport lounge access
3.Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
American Express
- 3%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Cash back on U.S. online retail purchases
- 3%Cash back at U.S. gas stations
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail, and U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases per category annually, then 1%), plus 1% on other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express shines for its straightforward cash back structure, offering 3% back on essential categories like groceries and gas without an annual fee. This card is perfect for everyday spending, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize rewards on their routine purchases.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Good cash back on everyday purchases
Cons:
- Spending caps on bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fees
4.Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 8%Cash back on Capital One Entertainment
- 5%Cash back on Capital One Travel
- 3%Cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries, plus 5% on Capital One Travel and 8% on Capital One Entertainment.
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a standout for those who frequently dine out and enjoy entertainment, offering a remarkable 3% cash back on these categories. Its unique bonus structure, including 8% on Capital One Entertainment, makes it a top choice for lifestyle spenders looking to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- High cash back on dining and entertainment
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Requires excellent credit
- Limited to specific categories for higher rewards
5.Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on rotating quarterly categories
- 5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months.
Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500), 5% on travel via Chase, 3% on dining & drugstores, and 1% on everything else.
18.49%-27.99% Variable APR
The Chase Freedom Flex® excels with its flexible cash back structure, offering 5% on rotating categories that can significantly boost rewards for savvy spenders. Its lack of an annual fee and the ability to earn cash back on travel through Chase makes it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their earnings without upfront costs.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on rotating categories
Cons:
- Requires activation for bonus categories
- Limited to quarterly categories
6.Prime Visa
Chase
- 5%Cash back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and on Chase Travel
- 2%Cash back at gas stations, restaurants, and local transit/rideshare
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $250 Amazon gift card upon approval.
Earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and on Chase Travel purchases, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and local transit/rideshare, and 1% on everything else.
18.74%-27.49% Variable APR
The Prime Visa is an excellent choice for Amazon Prime members, offering a robust 5% cash back on Amazon purchases, making it ideal for frequent shoppers. Its lack of an annual fee, combined with the instant welcome bonus, provides immediate value, ensuring cardholders can maximize their rewards effortlessly.
Pros:
- High rewards for Amazon shoppers
- No annual fee with Prime membership
Cons:
- Requires Amazon Prime membership
- Limited to specific categories for higher rewards
- 5%Cash back on gas at Costco
- 4%Cash back on other gas and EV charging
- 3%Cash back on restaurants and travel
- 2%Cash back at Costco and Costco.com
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
No traditional welcome bonus, but may offer limited-time promotions.
Earn 5% cash back on gas at Costco, 4% on other gas/EV charging (first $7k/yr), 3% on restaurants/travel, 2% at Costco/Costco.com, and 1% on everything else.
18.74%-26.74% Variable APR
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a top pick for Costco members, offering impressive cash back rates on gas and travel. Its unique structure allows members to earn rewards on everyday purchases while enjoying the benefits of no annual fee, making it a valuable addition to any Costco shopper's wallet.
Pros:
- High cash back on gas and travel
- No annual fee with Costco membership
Cons:
- Requires Costco membership
- Limited to specific categories for higher rewards
8.Target RedCard (Credit Card)
Target
- 5%Instant discount on eligible purchases at Target
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Earn $50 in Target Circle Rewards after spending $50+ on qualifying purchases within the first 60 days.
Earn an instant 5% discount on most eligible purchases at Target and Target.com, plus perks like free 2-day shipping.
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Target RedCard (Credit Card) is an excellent choice for frequent Target shoppers, offering an automatic 5% discount on purchases, which can lead to significant savings over time. Its no annual fee structure makes it accessible, although the high APR means it’s best used for those who pay off their balance in full.
Pros:
- Instant 5% discount on purchases
- No annual fee
Cons:
- High variable APR
- Limited to Target purchases
Final Words
As you explore your options for grocery credit cards this January 2026, remember to evaluate the rewards, fees, and your own spending habits to find the best fit for your needs. Take the time to compare different cards and make an informed decision that maximizes your benefits and aligns with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a welcome bonus of Earn $250 Back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. You can earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%, along with 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% on everything else.
The American Express® Gold Card offers a welcome bonus of Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. It provides 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights booked directly or via AmexTravel.com, and 2x on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com.
With the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, you can earn a welcome bonus of Earn $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. This card offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail, and U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases per category annually, then 1%, plus 1% on other purchases.
Many grocery credit cards have no annual fee, particularly those aimed at casual users. However, some premium cards may charge fees, so it's important to evaluate whether the rewards earned will outweigh any associated costs based on your spending habits.
To choose the best grocery credit card, consider your spending habits, such as how much you spend on groceries and whether you shop at specific supermarkets. Look for cards that offer high rewards rates in your spending categories, as well as any welcome bonuses that may provide additional value.
When applying for a grocery credit card, check your credit score and ensure it meets the card's requirements. Also, be prepared to provide your income and other financial information, as this can affect your eligibility and credit limit.
Grocery credit cards typically offer higher rewards rates specifically for grocery purchases, while regular cashback cards may provide a flat rate across all categories. If you spend significantly on groceries, a grocery credit card could yield better rewards, but evaluate both options based on your overall spending patterns.
