Grocery spending is one of the largest recurring expenses for most households. Choosing the right credit card for supermarket purchases can earn you significant cash back or points. This guide breaks down the best cards for groceries in the US based on Merchant Category Codes (MCC).
1. Blue Cash Everyday - Best Overall for Groceries
Rewards Rate: 3% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
Key Benefit: Earns 3% at US supermarkets covering these MCC codes:
- Grocery Stores, Supermarkets (MCC 5411)
- Freezer & Locker Meat Provisioners (MCC 5422)
- Candy, Nut, & Confectionery Stores (MCC 5441)
- Dairy Products Stores (MCC 5451)
- Bakeries & Retail Bakeries (MCC 5462)
- Miscellaneous Food Stores (MCC 5499)
Best For: Households that spend regularly on groceries. The 3% rate at US supermarkets is automatic with no activation required. With a typical US household spending $5,000-$6,000 per year on groceries, you can earn up to $180 cash back annually just from supermarket purchases.
Annual Fee: $0 (no annual fee)
2. Chase Freedom Flex - Best Rotating Category for Groceries
Rewards Rate: 5x points on groceries in rotating Q2 category (up to $1,500/quarter)
Key Benefit: Earns 5x on grocery purchases during Q2 activation period covering the same MCC codes:
- Grocery Stores, Supermarkets (MCC 5411)
- Freezer & Locker Meat Provisioners (MCC 5422)
- Candy, Nut, & Confectionery Stores (MCC 5441)
- Dairy Products Stores (MCC 5451)
- Bakeries & Retail Bakeries (MCC 5462)
- Miscellaneous Food Stores (MCC 5499)
Best For: People who can maximize the 5x bonus during Q2 by stocking up on groceries. You must activate the category each quarter. The $1,500 quarterly cap means up to $300 in value per quarter on groceries alone.
Annual Fee: $0 (no annual fee)
3. Capital One Venture X - Best All-Rounder
Rewards Rate: 2x miles on every purchase, including groceries
Key Benefit: Earns 2x on all grocery purchases with no category restrictions and no cap:
- All grocery MCC codes covered automatically
- No spending cap on the 2x earn rate
- Miles transfer to 15+ travel partners
Best For: People who want a simple, no-category-tracking card that earns 2x on everything including groceries. No need to worry about which quarter it is or whether a store codes as a supermarket. Miles are flexible and transferable.
Annual Fee: $395 (with $300 annual travel credit and 10K anniversary bonus miles)
4. Citi Double Cash - Best Flat Rate
Rewards Rate: 2% cash back on everything (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay)
Key Benefit: Earns 2% on all grocery purchases with no categories or caps:
- No category restrictions
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Best For: People who want straightforward cash back with no category tracking. The 2% rate applies to groceries and everything else. Simple and predictable rewards.
Annual Fee: $0 (no annual fee)
Key Differences Between Cards
Blue Cash Everyday:
- 3% at US supermarkets (up to $6K/yr)
- No annual fee
- Automatic grocery rewards, no activation needed
- Best for consistent grocery spenders
Chase Freedom Flex:
- 5x on groceries in Q2 (must activate, $1,500/quarter cap)
- No annual fee
- Highest earn rate when category is active
- Best for quarterly bonus maximizers
Capital One Venture X:
- 2x on everything including groceries
- No category restrictions or caps
- Premium travel benefits included
- Best for travel-focused grocery shoppers
Citi Double Cash:
- 2% on everything (1% purchase + 1% payment)
- No annual fee
- No categories to track or activate
- Best for simple, predictable cash back
Go here to check which MCC gives the best miles for these cards. Or here to see what are the MCCs for a particular merchant.
Last Updated: May 2026 | This guide reflects current credit card rewards programs and MCC codes as of May 2026. Terms may change. Always check with the issuing bank for the latest rewards structure.