But any rewards card can help you save money on groceries and other spending. The question is: Will a 1% rewards rate, which many credit cards offer, really help much? If you spend $500 on groceries, that’s $5 back. If you’re paying an annual fee, you may not break even. These top credit cards below all offer substantially more than 1% on grocery purchases; in fact, the highest card offers 6% back. Choose wisely, and a grocery rewards card may save you hundreds of dollars a year. Unlike some other rewards cards, you don’t need a top-tier credit score to qualify for this card. You may be able to sign up with a “good” or better credit score. The rewards don’t end with grocery store savings. You’ll receive the same level of rewards for select streaming subscription purchases, and lesser rewards rates on gasoline purchases and all other purchases. Pros
Highest cash back rewards on grocery purchasesHigh cash back rewards on select streaming subscriptionsGood and better credit scores accepted
Cons
Annual limit on grocery cash back rewardsForeign transaction feesAverage to high interest rates on balancesPenalty APRs (higher rates if you miss a payment)
If you don’t shop for groceries at Walmart, their rewards card may convince you to try them out. Walmart carries name brands at very competitive prices, so you’ll save money even before you start collecting rewards. For even more rewards, use Walmart Pay, Walmart’s digital smartphone app, with your Capital One Walmart Rewards Card. Pros
Unlimited high cash back rewards on grocery purchases ordered onlineGood rewards for in-store purchasesNo annual feeHigher rewards when you use with Walmart Pay, their digital appUse your card anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Cons
Must order online at Walmart.com to receive highest rewards rateLower rewards on purchases made at other grocery storesAverage to high interest rate (APR) if you carry a balance
You pay an annual fee right away with this card, but it should be well offset by your cash rewards. If you travel abroad, you’ll appreciate no foreign transaction fees, and if you’re ever late on a payment, your interest rate won’t go up as a result (known as a penalty APR). If you spend regularly on dining, entertainment, and streaming services, you can earn even higher rewards rates in these categories. Pros
High cash back rewards on grocery purchasesExcellent cash back rewards on dining, entertainment, and select streaming subscriptionsNo foreign transaction feesModerate APRsSignup bonus after you reach a spending threshold
Cons
Annual fee starting the first yearGood rewards rate, but lower than some competitors
Pros Cons The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card comes with no annual fee, so your acceptable cash rewards rate is all yours from the first month. It also offers a signup bonus after you meet a minimum threshold on your card. You must have excellent credit to qualify for this card. Pros
Good cash rewards on purchasesNo annual limits on rewardsNo annual feeIntro rate on balance transfers
Cons
Lower rewards rates than some competitorsExcellent credit score required
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a no-fee card with moderate cash reward levels. It has no minimums to redeem your cash, and your rewards never expire. The Capital One Quicksilver card also offers no-interest introductory periods on purchases and balance transfers(with a 3% fee on the amounts transferred in the first 15 months). The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers good cash back rewards on your Costco purchases, including groceries, plus higher rewards on certain purchases such as gasoline. You must have a current Costco membership for this one, though.
