For many people, groceries are a major monthly expense. Get the most out of your grocery spending with a credit card that rewards you with additional points, miles or cash back every time you hit the grocery store. Read on to learn how to choose the right grocery credit card for you.
Types of grocery credit cards
When you're trying to get the most out of your grocery spending, there are two main options to consider: cards that give you additional points, miles or cash back for grocery spending, or cards that have a high flat rate of rewards across all spending.
Rewards credit cards with a high rate of rewards on purchases
Whether you're at the supermarket, the grocery store or any other store, rewards cards with a high rate of earnings, regardless of the purchase category, can present a great opportunity. If you tend to spend equal amounts on grocery stores and other categories of purchases, you may want to consider a card in this category, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card.
Rewards credit cards with grocery or supermarket spending categories
Some cards offer the chance to earn more rewards per dollar spent at the grocery store. For example, you can earn additional miles at the grocery store with the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card, which offers 2X miles on grocery store spending, including grocery delivery services.
Rewards credit cards that adapt to your spending
Do you sometimes splurge at grocery stores, and at other times spend more on restaurants, entertainment or travel? A card that has adaptable rewards might be the right choice. The Citi Custom Cash® Card earns 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent in that category. 5% eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
How do grocery credit cards work?
Grocery credit cards work by earning either cash back, points or miles on your grocery store spending.
Cash back can typically be redeemed as a statement credit on your credit card bill, or as a check by mail or direct deposit, but terms will vary depending on your card.
Points can typically be redeemed for things like gift cards, travel or cash back. Miles are usually redeemed for travel.
How to earn rewards at grocery stores
For most grocery rewards credit cards, all you need to do is use the card when you shop and stay in good standing with your credit card issuer by making payments on time, and your rewards will start to grow.
How to choose a grocery credit card
Choosing the right grocery credit card depends on how much flexibility you want, both in terms of earning and redeeming points, miles or cash back.
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns a simple, high rate of cash back on all purchases — so you don't have to worry about managing different cards for different spending.The Citi Double Cash® Card earns 2% cash back on purchases – 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% cash back as you pay.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card also offers flexibility in that the 5% cash back reward will automatically apply to the eligible category you spend the most on for each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent in that category.
For those looking for a more dedicated grocery credit card that earns miles, the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card might be a better choice.
Which Citi credit cards offer additional rewards at grocery stores?
- Citi Custom Cash® Card: Earn 5% cash back on up to the first $500 spent on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle. Grocery stores is one of 10 eligible spend categories for 5% cash back.
- American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card: Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services.
How to apply for a grocery credit card
You can easily learn more and apply for Citi credit cards, including grocery store cards, by clicking here.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
