Banking and Finance

The Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries

Elizabeth
July 27, 2021

Using a credit card to put your money to work for you is one of the smartest financial planning strategies you can engage in. And, one of the best ways to build credit while maximizing the benefits from your spending is to spend while using a credit card optimized with rewards. 


Utilizing a low annual fee credit card with rewards for everyday spending like gas and groceries, which are often the biggest expenses for families and individuals each month, is a great way to earn cashback and other benefits. Here are the best credit cards that offer rewards for gas and groceries to help you save money, live better, and earn while spending.

The Best Credit Card for Gas Rewards

Discover it Chrome

Discover it Chrome

The Discover it Chrome credit card is also known as the Discover gas and restaurant credit card as it offers extra savings when you spend at restaurants and gas stations. In this way, it’s similar to the Discover secured credit card. However, unlike the secured credit card, this one requires no deposit and has a much lower APR.


Annual fee: $0

Regular APR: 0% intro APR for the first 14 months, then 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR will be applied.

Welcome bonus: Not technically. However, through Cashback Match, you can get a dollar match for all of the cash you earn at the end of your first year.

Rewards: Earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter plus 1% cashback on all other purchases. 


Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR for 14 months
  • 2% cashback at gas stations is a pretty great rate


Cons:

  • No welcome bonus
  • $1,000 limit each quarter to cashback earnings


Discover it Cashback

Discover it Cashbak

When Discoer says cashback they mean it. This card is not only one of the best credit cards for college students as it comes with a $0 annual fee and a high percentage cashback rate in various different spending categories, but it’s one of the best credit cards for gas rewards. On top of that, there is no late fee on your first late payment plus a $20 annual statement credit for good grades.


Annual fee: $0

Regular APR: 0% intro APR for the first 6 months, then 14.49%-23.49% variable APR will be applied.

Welcome bonus: No

Rewards: 5% cashback will be applied to everyday purchases each quarter when you activate it in a 5% cashback calendar (gas is usually one of the spending categories and you’ll have to choose that as your cashback option); unlimited 1% cashback for all other purchases.


Pros:

  • 5% cashback is one of the highest rates for cashback
  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR for 14 months


Cons:

  • Shorter 0% APR introductory period
  • Higher APR than other similar credit cards

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred

This credit card was ranked previously as our top pick for the best cashback credit card for 2022. Blue Cash Preferred Card From American Express provides decent cashback on gas at US gas stations and when you pay for other forms of transportation. If you gas a lot, Blue Cash Preferred Card From American Express is a good choice for you.


Annual fee: $95

Regular APR: 0% intro APR for the first year, then 13.99%-24.99% variable APR will be applied.

Welcome bonus: $250 cashback after you spend $1,000 in purchase with your new card in the first 3 months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 6% cashback at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); earn 6% cashback on select US streaming subscriptions; earn 3% cashback on transit; earn 3% cashback on gas at US gas stations and on transit.

Pros:

  • Competitive and attractive cashback
  • 0% intro APR period activated
  • Welcome bonus


Cons:

  • Cashback limit and exclusions on bonus categories

The Best Credit Card for Grocery Store Rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited

If you’re looking for the best cashback credit card for groceries, try the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, which will offer you the chance to receive a 5% cashback on up to $1,500 in purchases found in rotating categories each quarter with 1% cashback on all other purchases. While the card is sometimes geared more towards students, anybody can use it to save on groceries.


Annual fee: $0

Regular APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months, then 16.49%-25.24% will be applied.

Welcome bonus: $150 bonus will be added into your account after you spend $500 on purchase in the first 3 months of account opening.

Rewards: 1.5x cash back on every purchase plus points on travel and on dining at restaurants; 1x points on all other purchases.  

 

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • Cashback rewards don’t expire
  • Suitable for students with good credit


Cons:

  • Good credit required
  • No bonus rewards offer, only cashback

American Express Gold Card

American Express Gold Card

If you’re looking to sign up for a credit card for groceries in 2020, the American Express Gold Card is one of your best bets for year-round savings at supermarkets. While it’s a bit more on the expensive side in terms of annual fees, the intro offers and rewards rate both make it ideal for savvy shoppers.


Annual fee: $250

Regular APR: 15.99% to 22.99% based on your creditworthiness and a few other factors; no 0% introductory APR period.

Welcome bonus: Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months.

Rewards: 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide; 4 points per dollar spent at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year; 3 points per dollar spent for flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.


Pros:

  • High rewards rates in certain categories
  • Great welcome bonus in the form of Membership Rewards points
  • No foreign transaction fee


Cons:

  • High annual fee
  • No 0% introductory APR period