What are Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries in 2024? Gas and groceries are essential parts of everyday spending. To make the most of these purchases, choosing the right credit card can help save money. Many credit cards offer cashback, points, or rewards for gas and grocery expenses. This blog will walk you through some of the best credit cards for gas and groceries.
Why Use a Credit Card for Gas and Groceries?
Using a credit card to pay for gas and groceries has several benefits:
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- Cashback: Many cards offer cashback on purchases, helping you save money.
- Rewards: Some cards allow you to earn points or miles, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.
- Convenience: It’s easy and quick to swipe a card at gas stations or grocery stores.
Now, let’s look at some of the top credit cards for these categories.
Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
Best Credit Cards for Gas
Here are some of the best options if you spend a lot on gas:
| Credit Card | Gas Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 3% cashback on U.S. gas stations | $95 (waived for the first year) |
| Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | 5% cashback on your top eligible spending category (including gas) | $0 |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | 5X points at gas stations | $0 |
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This card offers 3% cashback at U.S. gas stations. It’s a great option for anyone who drives regularly. Although it has a $95 annual fee (waived in the first year), the cashback on gas, groceries, and streaming services can easily outweigh the cost. - Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
This card gives 5% cashback on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500). If gas is your highest spending category, you’ll earn 5% cashback on gas. - PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
With this card, you earn 5X points at gas stations. There’s no annual fee, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to rack up rewards.
Best Credit Cards for Groceries
Here are some of the best options if you spend a lot on groceries:
| Credit Card | Grocery Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually) | $95 (waived for the first year) |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 5% cashback on rotating categories (sometimes includes groceries) | $0 |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually) | $250 |
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This card is unbeatable when it comes to groceries. It offers 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1% after that). With its high rewards rate, the $95 annual fee can easily pay for itself. - Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers 5% cashback on rotating categories, which may include groceries at certain times of the year. While you need to activate these categories quarterly, the rewards can add up quickly. - American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card offers 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year. It’s ideal for larger grocery budgets. Though it has a $250 annual fee, the rewards make it a great value for heavy grocery spenders.
Combination Cards for Gas and Groceries
Some cards are great for both gas and groceries. These cards offer balanced rewards for both categories:
| Credit Card | Gas Rewards | Grocery Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 2% cashback on U.S. gas stations | 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually) | $0 |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card | 3% cashback on gas | 2% cashback at grocery stores | $0 |
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
This card is a great no-annual-fee option for both gas and groceries. It offers 2% cashback at U.S. gas stations and 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually). It’s perfect for those who want to save on both without paying an annual fee. - Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
With this card, you can choose 3% cashback on gas and get 2% cashback on groceries. There’s no annual fee, making it a flexible option for both gas and grocery purchases.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card
Before selecting a card, consider the following factors:
- Spending Habits: Determine how much you spend on gas and groceries. If you drive a lot or have a large grocery budget, it’s worth getting a card with higher rewards.
- Annual Fees: Some cards have annual fees, but the rewards can outweigh the cost. For example, if you earn more cashback than the fee, it’s worth it.
- Redemption Options: Check how the rewards can be redeemed. Some cards allow you to redeem cashback as statement credits, while others offer points or miles for travel or gift cards.
- Introductory Offers: Many cards offer sign-up bonuses if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. These bonuses can boost your rewards.
How to Maximize Rewards on Gas and Groceries
- Use the Right Card for the Right Purchase: If you have multiple cards, use the one that offers the most cashback or points for gas or groceries.
- Take Advantage of Rotating Categories: If your card offers rotating categories (like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card), activate them every quarter to earn extra cashback.
- Track Your Spending: Keep an eye on your spending limits for grocery or gas rewards. Some cards cap rewards after a certain amount (like the Blue Cash Preferred® card with a $6,000 limit on grocery purchases).
FAQs: Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
Q1. Can I use the same credit card for both gas and groceries?
A1. Yes, some cards offer rewards for both gas and groceries, like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Q2. Are there any credit cards without annual fees that offer rewards for gas and groceries?
A2. Yes, cards like the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offer rewards without an annual fee.
Q3. What happens if I go over the spending limit for grocery rewards?
A3. Most cards will still offer 1% cashback or rewards after you hit the spending limit. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® card offers 6% on groceries up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for gas and groceries depends on your spending habits. If you spend a lot on groceries, cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can offer significant rewards. For drivers, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card or the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card can provide great cashback on gas. Always consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on an annual fee before deciding.
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