When selecting the right credit card, it’s crucial to compare bonus categories to find the one that aligns best with your spending habits.
This task can be somewhat perplexing, as each issuer defines their categories differently. For instance, consider the grocery bonus category: some issuers refer to it as “U.S. supermarkets,” while others label it simply “grocery stores.” Is there a distinction?
Unfortunately, yes. Each issuer has its own unique criteria for what qualifies under this category, which can make it feel like a guessing game when trying to determine which purchases will earn rewards. The bonus is typically based on where you shop rather than what you’re buying.
Let’s break down some definitions and differences related to the grocery bonus category.
American Express Cards
First, let’s look at the various Amex cards that include rewards for grocery shopping.
“U.S. supermarkets”
American Express features several cards offering rewards for grocery purchases, categorizing them under “U.S. supermarkets.” Amex provides a standardized list detailing which establishments typically qualify for this bonus category.
According to Amex, this category covers stores that sell a range of food and household items, including meat, fresh produce, dairy, canned goods, household cleaners, pharmacy items, and pet supplies. Eligible merchants include:
- ALDI
- FreshDirect
- Gelson’s
- Hy-Vee
- Kings Food Markets
- Meijer
- ShopRite
- Smart & Final
- Stop & Shop
- Trader Joe’s
- Vons
- Whole Foods
- Winn-Dixie
This category does not include specialty stores (like fish markets and wine shops), superstores (such as Target® and Walmart®), or warehouse clubs (such as BJ’s Wholesale Club).
However, as we’ll discuss later, there’s still a method to shop at some of these retailers while triggering the “U.S. supermarkets” bonus.
The list provided by Amex isn’t comprehensive. For example, I have successfully used my American Express® Gold Card at Harris Teeter, and it correctly categorized my purchase as a supermarket transaction. If you frequent a supermarket chain similar to those listed by Amex, you’re likely to earn bonus rewards with your eligible Amex card.
Amex Cards Offering Rewards at U.S. Supermarkets:
The information for the Amex EveryDay card and the Amex EveryDay Preferred card has been independently sourced by The Points Guy. The details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: How to choose the best American Express credit card for you
Bank of America Cards
Bank of America defines its grocery category similarly to Capital One, but with some notable inclusions.
“Grocery Stores”
According to Bank of America, its grocery store category includes the following purchases:
- Grocery stores/supermarkets
- Wholesale clubs
- Meat and seafood markets
- Candy, nut or confection stores
- Dairy stores
- Bakeries
- Excluded from this bonus category are superstores and smaller shops (like drugstores) that sell groceries among other products.
Craving candy? You can earn bonuses! Notably, Bank of America stands out as the only issuer that includes wholesale clubs in its grocery rewards category.
This is a significant exception, as wholesale clubs sell a wide variety of items beyond typical groceries. Thus, it’s possible to earn rewards on clothing, furniture, or even electronics from Bank of America.
Bank of America Card with Rewards at Grocery Stores:
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card — 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%. Plus, Preferred Rewards® members can earn up to 75% more cash back.
Related: The best Bank of America credit cards
Capital One Cards
Capital One offers two cards that designate grocery stores as a bonus category, with different qualifications compared to American Express. Let’s explore.
“Grocery Stores”
Capital One’s grocery stores category includes:
- Supermarkets
- Specialty markets
- Dairy product stores
- Meat lockers
- Freezers
Notably, Capital One explicitly excludes superstores like Walmart and Target from this category.
Capital One provides more flexibility regarding reward-earning in this domain.
Unlike American Express, you can rack up cash back at smaller specialty shops. For instance, I often shop at a local butcher that typically doesn’t code as a supermarket under Amex, but purchases there are eligible for bonus rewards with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One Cards Offering Rewards at Grocery Stores:
Related: The best Capital One credit cards
Chase
“Grocery Stores”
Chase excludes superstores and warehouse clubs from their grocery store bonus category. Here’s a list of what Chase specifies doesn’t qualify:
- Walmart
- Target
- Larger stores that offer a mix of goods and groceries, such as warehouse clubs and discount shops, along with certain smaller merchants like drugstores.
- Purchases made at gas stations owned by merchants operating grocery stores.
- Delivery services, unless they have arranged for purchases to fall under the grocery category.
Chase Cards Offering Rewards at Grocery Stores:
Chase lacks cards with a permanent grocery store bonus category, but there are two options for earning on grocery purchases:
- Chase Freedom Flex® — 5% back on quarterly rotating categories (activation required), which sometimes includes grocery stores (up to $1,500 per quarter in spending; then 1%).
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs).
Related: Chase Freedom quarterly bonus categories
Citi
Citi offers two cards that provide rewards for grocery store purchases, although the following items are excluded:
Grocery purchases from general merchandise or discount superstores; freezer/meat locker provisioners; dairy product vendors; miscellaneous convenience stores; drugstores; wholesale clubs; specialty food markets; bakeries; candy and nut stores; and meal kit delivery services. Additionally, purchases from online supermarkets or grocery delivery firms do not qualify unless they identify themselves as supermarkets with a specific merchant code.
Citi Cards with Rewards at Supermarkets/Grocery Stores
*Information for the Citi Custom Cash has been independently sourced by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.
Related: Top Citi cards
Retailers Typically Not Coded as Grocery Stores
- Walmart (Although Walmart Neighborhood Markets generally code as grocery stores)
- Target
- Costco (An exception is for Bank of America cards)
- B.J.’s (Also an exception for Bank of America cards)
- Sam’s Club (Again, an exception for Bank of America cards)
Grocery Delivery Services
Several grocery delivery services collaborate with merchants, like Instacart, which delivers groceries from numerous local stores. Most issuers, including Amex and Chase, categorize Instacart orders as grocery/supermarket purchases.
This means that even if you shop at a typically excluded retailer like Costco, you can still earn a bonus if you utilize Instacart or another delivery service.
Related: Your ultimate guide to online grocery delivery services
Conclusion
This overview isn’t exhaustive of all cards that provide rewards for grocery spending, but it offers insight into how major issuers classify eligible purchases within this category.
While it’s beneficial for issuers to publish clear terms and conditions outlining what counts toward specific bonus categories, there may still be uncertainties. If you’re ever unsure whether a specific retailer will yield rewards, consider testing it with a small transaction to avoid missing out on potential rewards.
Related: The best cards for grocery delivery
