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My wife and I drop about $900 a month on groceries -- almost $11,000 a year. And you better believe we don't just use any ol' credit card at the checkout.
Gas and groceries are everyday musts. So the right rewards card can quietly rack up hundreds in cash back or travel points, for regular stuff you're buying anyway. Our team has dug into 200+ rewards cards to pinpoint the ones that shine for gas and grocery rewards.
Here's what made the cut.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Great for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
Great for cash back: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening
Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
2% cash rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
$200 cash rewards
This card’s unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases is the highest we’ve seen for a flat-rate rewards card with no annual fee. It also has an incredibly easy-to-earn $200 welcome bonus and a decent intro APR offer. We simply haven’t come across this combination of top perks in one card before.
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No mental math needed here. Just an easy, unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
Personally, I'm a big fan of flat-rate cards like this because you don't have to worry about categories, spending caps, or constantly rotating bonus calendars.
The welcome bonus is super achievable, too. A great pick for a no-annual-fee card!
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Earn 6% cash back in the category of your choice -- like dining, travel, or online shopping -- for the first year. Plus, score a $200 cash rewards bonus after qualifying purchases.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Rewards Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs up to the quarterly maximum.
1% - 6% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200 cash back
This card's wide range of extra cash back options speaks for itself, with a choice of six bonus categories you can change monthly for 6% earnings for the first year in the category of your choice. And you can earn 2% back automatically at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. No annual fee and a nice welcome bonus also make this one a winner. Plus, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, this card will be even more valuable for you.
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Most cash back cards lock you into set categories, but this one lets you choose your own. Pick from options like groceries, gas, dining, or online shopping -- you'll earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (then 3% after the first year from account opening in your choice category). You'll also get 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases, plus 1% cash back on on all other purchases.
Even better, you can change your bonus category every month. It's a flexible way to boost rewards where you spend the most.
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months
APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Rewards Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
1%-6% Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Welcome Offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
This card is a smart choice for earning top-tier rewards on everyday purchases. It features a market-leading rate of a whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, and 3% on U.S. gas and transit. Plus, there’s a strong welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. With 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months and $0 annual fee for the first year (then $95), it’s one of our favorite credit cards for a reason. Terms apply.
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This one pays off real fast if gas and groceries make up a big chunk of your budget. You'll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). Terms apply.
Those are some of the highest ongoing rates you'll find in these categories.
Just be aware there's a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (See rates and fees.) But, it also includes up to $10 per month in statement credits for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ subscription purchases (terms apply; enrollment required) -- which can help offset the cost if you already subscribe.
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Rewards • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
1X-4X Membership Rewards® Points
Annual Fee
$325
Welcome Offer You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
This card offers considerable value, as it earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X) and 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X). Plus, earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Meanwhile, the value of its annual benefits can potentially offset its entire annual fee. (Terms apply.) Overall, it’s an incredibly lucrative card for those who spend a lot in its bonus categories and can use its spend credits.
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Not all food comes from the grocery store -- so it's nice when a card rewards you no matter where you're eating. With the Amex Gold Card You'll earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X); and at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X). Terms apply.
The $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) is easy to justify with up to $120 in Uber Cash, $120 in dining credits, $100 in Resy credits, and other perks! Terms apply; enrollment may be required.
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent
Intro APR
Purchases: 0% on purchases, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
APR
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Rewards Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
1%-3% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$200
If gas and groceries are big line items in your budget, don't miss this card. You won't pay an annual fee, and you can earn a generous 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and U.S. gas stations, on each category up to $6,000 per year in purchases. A 0% APR intro offer lasting 15 months and a $200 welcome bonus for a $2,000 spend inside of 6 months (terms apply) round out the perks on this Amex.
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This is a better Amex option if you want gas and grocery rewards without paying an annual fee (see rates and fees). You'll earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and U.S. gas stations, on each category up to $6,000 per year in purchases. You'll also earn 1% cash back on other purchases. Terms apply.
It's a simple, set-it-and-forget-it card. You still get strong rewards at the pump, in the checkout line, and even when you're shopping from the couch.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening
Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Rewards Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
1X-3X points
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
20,000 bonus points
This card offers unlimited 3X points on common things like restaurants, gas stations, travel, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases. This could be a great pick if you spend a lot in those categories. A solid welcome bonus and cell phone protection are the cherries on top.
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (rates and fees) is great for people who love to eat out, travel, and keep life simple with one go-to card.
You'll earn 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1X points on other purchases.
If you're the type who wants solid rewards on everyday purchases and your next vacation (while paying no annual fee) this card is your new best friend.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Rewards • Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. • Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
1x - 10x points
Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
60,000 ThankYou® Points
Citi Strata Premier offers a unique combination of bonus categories we don't see on many travel cards. It earns 3X points on travel and everyday-type categories, including supermarkets and gas/EV charging. You can also earn a welcome bonus worth $600. That combination of rewards is an excellent value for a relatively low annual fee. Plus, if you run into any problems on a trip, its complimentary travel protections (including coverage for trip delays, trip cancellations and interruptions, and lost/damaged luggage) could save the day.
If you want your grocery runs to help pay for your next vacation, the Citi Strata Premier® Card makes it happen. You'll earn 3X points on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations, plus 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
Those points live in Citi's ThankYou® Rewards program, which lets you redeem for travel directly or transfer to airline and hotel partners for even more value.
It's a great pick if you want strong rewards on everyday stuff like groceries -- and the flexibility to turn those points into flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks down the line.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards for gas and groceries on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rate in gas- and grocery-related categories, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and perks like cash back and dining rewards.
Our highest-rated gas and grocery credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best gas and grocery card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards for gas and groceries on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rate in gas- and grocery-related categories, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and perks like cash back and dining rewards.
Our highest-rated gas and grocery credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best gas and grocery card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
Every credit card has its strengths and weaknesses. And the best one for you depends on your spending habits. Here's how I think about it before adding a new card to my wallet.
I track every expense, so that's how I know my family's numbers for gas and grocery trips. But your shopping, cooking, and driving habits probably look much different than mine.
Looking back at your last couple billing statements, where are your biggest spending areas? If one category dominates your budget, lean into it! Pick a card that gives you the highest rewards there.
If there's no clear winner, pick a card that rewards both heavy grocery hauls and frequent tank fill-ups.
I love plain ol' cash back cards because I can see the exact dollar value and can use it right away.
Points can be more valuable, but they take a little work to redeem well (hello, free flights). I tend to use points when I'm planning a big trip.
Here's how I'd sort the cards on our list:
Cash back:
Travel-focused points:
This one can trip you up. Years ago, I signed up for what I thought was the perfect grocery card… only to find out it didn't count Target as a grocery store.
Many cards exclude big-box stores like Walmart and Target, even if your cart is 100% food. And if you're a Costco, Sam's Club, or Amazon shopper, you'll definitely want to read the fine print before you apply.
Some of the highest-earning cards have annual fees. But honestly, they can be worth it if you spend enough.
My $95-annual-fee card more than pays for itself every year in rewards -- but only because I use it strategically. If you'd rather avoid a fee altogether, there are great no-annual fee cards out there. You might just earn a little less back.
Many of the heavy-hitter credit cards require good to excellent credit. If you're still building credit, try beginning with a basic no-fee cash back card, work to increase your score, and upgrade later.
By running through these questions, you'll land on the card that puts the most money back in your pocket. And trust me -- there's nothing better than swiping for a week's groceries or a tank of gas knowing your rewards are quietly adding up in the background.
It depends on the credit card. Some count Instacart, Shipt, and other delivery services as grocery purchases, while others don't. Always check the card's terms or test a small purchase to see how it codes on your statement.
Most credit cards don't classify warehouse clubs as grocery stores, even if you're buying food. However, some cards offer bonus rewards specifically for wholesale clubs, so check your card's reward categories.
Most major gas stations qualify, but some cards exclude gas purchases at supermarkets, wholesale clubs, and superstores like Walmart and Costco. Check your card's terms to see what counts.
Yes, many gas station rewards programs can be used alongside credit card rewards, letting you save at the pump while still earning cash back or points on your purchase.
For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, click here
For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here
For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Amex.