Do Whole Foods and Trader Joe's count as groceries?

Yes, both Whole Foods and Trader Joe's code as groceries/supermarkets on all major card networks. This means you'll earn bonus rewards with grocery category cards.

What is the best no-annual-fee grocery card?

Citi Custom Cash offers 5% on your top spending category (groceries for most) with no annual fee. The catch: it is capped at $500/month in bonus spending.

Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred worth the $95 fee?

If you spend $500+/month on groceries, yes. 6% on $6,000/year = $360 back, minus $95 fee = $265 net. A free 3% card earns $180 on the same spend — the BCP wins by $85.

Does Costco count as a grocery store?

Costco codes as a warehouse club, not a grocery store, for most cards. Chase and Amex warehouse club categories are separate. Check your card's terms.

How do I maximize Whole Foods rewards?

Stack the Citi Custom Cash (5% on groceries) with Amazon Prime (5% at Whole Foods if you have Prime). Use the Prime card at Whole Foods and Custom Cash at other grocers.

Best Credit Card for Groceries (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's)

Groceries are most households' second-largest monthly expense after rent. At $400-600/month for the average family, choosing the right card for supermarket runs — Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, local grocers — can earn $200-360/year in cash back.

The best grocery cards offer 3-5% back on supermarket purchases. Whole Foods codes as groceries for most cards (and pairs with Amazon Prime Visa for 5%). Trader Joe's codes as groceries across all networks. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's may code differently.

Key strategy: Use a 5% category card (like Citi Custom Cash) for groceries, then switch to a 2-3% general card for non-grocery spending. Never carry a balance — at 20%+ APR, one month of interest wipes out a year of grocery rewards.

Test your monthly grocery spend below or use our full rewards calculator.

Top Cards for Groceries Whole Foods, Trader Joe's

Citi Custom Cash Card

Tiered Cashback

$300/yr

Reward Rate

5% (top category)

Annual Fee

Signup Bonus

$200 after $1,500 spend

5% on your top spending category — groceries is usually #1. Up to $500/mo.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Cashback

$360/yr

6% groceries

Reward Rate

6% groceries (capped $6K/yr)

Annual Fee

$95

Signup Bonus

$250 after $1,000 spend

Highest ongoing grocery rate, but $95 annual fee. Best for families spending $500+/mo on groceries.

Chase Freedom Flex

Rotating

$180/yr

5% rotating

Reward Rate

5% rotating (Q1 groceries)

Annual Fee

Signup Bonus

$200 after $500 spend

Great when groceries are in the 5% quarterly category. Pair with a 3% grocery card for off-quarters.

Want to compare all categories? Try our full rewards calculator.

Best Credit Card for Groceries (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's)

Top Cards for Groceries Whole Foods, Trader Joe's

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