Buzz
While travel reward cardholders seem to have all the fun, don’t they? However, amidst the jet-setters earning upgrades, there are plenty of people who value the simplicity of a cash-back card. Why not choose one that rewards you for spending on something as essential as groceries?
We’ve put together a curated list of the best credit cards for those looking to earn cash-back rewards on grocery shopping.
This list considers several important factors:
How simple is it to accumulate points, and how straightforward is the redemption process?
If there's an annual fee, does the card offer enough perks to justify the cost?
Are there any bonus offers that could fast-track your initial rewards?
Ideal card for high achievers
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Cash-back rewards: Receive 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 spent annually. Enjoy 6% cash-back on Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, and Pandora subscriptions. Get 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations and other transportation costs such as ride shares, parking, tolls, or train fares. Earn 1% cash-back on all other purchases. Cash-back can be redeemed as statement credits or gift cards.
Signup bonus: Receive a $250 cash-back bonus as a statement credit after spending $1,000 within the first three months.
Annual fee: $95
Bonus perks:
Why we like it: Everyone shops for groceries and spends money on local transport, making this card a great choice. Recently, AmEx replaced its department store rewards with transit cash-back, which feels like a perfect 2019 update. The only downside is that some locations still don’t accept American Express cards.
Ideal for online grocery shoppers
Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card
Cash-back rewards: Earn 3% cash-back on your chosen category, 2% cash-back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash-back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% categories are capped at $2,500 in spending per quarter, after which they return to 1% cash-back.
Signup bonus: Receive $200 in cash rewards after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
Annual fee: No fee
Bonus perks: Enjoy 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Why we like it: Bank of America offers a flexible spending category for maximum cash-back, including a broad “online shopping” option. It’s ideal for those who prefer ordering groceries online from major stores like Walmart or Target with home delivery.
Perfect for those who get bored easily
Discover it Cash Back
Cash-back rewards: Earn 5% cash-back in a rotating quarterly category (including grocery stores) on the first $1,500 spent. Activation of the quarterly bonus category is required to earn cash back. Get 1% cash-back on all other purchases.
Signup bonuses: Discover will match all the cash-back you've earned during your first year, with no cap on the amount.
Annual fee: No fee
Bonus perks: Enjoy 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months.
Why we like it: The rotating 5% cash-back category on this card means you won’t always get the highest rewards for your usual grocery shopping, but the occasional bonus is worth the wait on a card with no annual fee. One downside is that some retailers don’t accept Discover cards.
Ideal for newer credit card holders
Capital One Quicksilver Rewards
Cash-back rewards: 1.5% cash-back on every purchase.
Signup bonuses: Receive a $150 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.
Annual fee: No annual fee
Bonus perks: 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
Why we like it: While not the flashiest cash-back card, Quicksilver is a reliable entry-level card for individuals with credit scores on the lower end of “good.” It comes with a signup bonus that’s easier to earn than many other cards. Just be cautious of being upgraded to the QuicksilverOne Rewards card, which targets those with “average” credit. It offers the same cash-back rewards but comes with a $39 annual fee and no 0% interest promotion period.
