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Changes in grocery spending are the biggest shifts in consumer behavior that we've seen during the . Along with an , there has been an increase in relative to other purchases. Credit card issuers have responded to these changing spending patterns, with temporary grocery bonuses and statement credits.
For those of us with an arsenal of cards to choose from – especially with so many – it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which card to use for grocery spending right now. It's time to break down these bonuses.
Cards that provide the most value now
With credit card companies scrambling to remain top-of-mind for cardholders, consumers like us can benefit when it comes to essential items like groceries. For instance, that (or canceling it), card issuers would rather you use it to buy the basics.
Using as a guide, here are my top picks for the best cards to use on groceries right now. In terms of criteria, this list includes cards that offer the following:
Several cards that deserve an honorable mention but are not in my top picks include:
Decisions, decisions. In a normal world, the has typically been my go-to grocery option. However, things have changed now with temporary bonuses.
I personally have four cards on this list including the , , , and . The Sapphire Preferred gets immediately nixed because I can earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points on with the Chase Freedom.
The interesting wrinkle in all of this is the , with an impressive 12x points per dollar. While I usually would not use this card on groceries, the temporary bonus now makes for an interesting value proposition. I am , but the that comes with my Aspire card sometimes sways me towards being brand loyal.
I am hopeful for future travel plans in 2021 (including a ), and padding my Hilton points balance doesn't hurt for when that time comes. Here's how I plan to divide out my grocery spending:
Each credit card issuer , and not all of your grocery store trips will be coded as such.
Chase and Amex don't count warehouse clubs
For instance, none of the cards above will count warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club, B.J.'s) as grocery stores. However, the exception to this are . If you use these services to order items from warehouse clubs, your purchases should be categorized as groceries.
Some Chase cards now include Target and Walmart
As noted above, superstores like Target and Walmart are usually ineligible for . However, the above-mentioned Chase cards will code these merchants as grocery stores, as long as they have a dedicated grocery section. The , which has a on groceries, does not include superstores in that category.
Bottom line
Before deciding which , it's important to think about what rewards you value right now during this pandemic.
Do you feel optimistic about the (like we do here at TPG) and want to collect more points with a specific travel company? Or would you rather earn that offer (my personal choice)? Finally, straight cash back is another viable alternative, given the current environment.
Featured photo by Shutterstock
Changes in grocery spending are the biggest shifts in consumer behavior that we've seen during the . Along with an , there has been an increase in relative to other purchases. Credit card issuers have responded to these changing spending patterns, with temporary grocery bonuses and statement credits.
For those of us with an arsenal of cards to choose from – especially with so many – it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which card to use for grocery spending right now. It's time to break down these bonuses.
Cards that provide the most value now
With credit card companies scrambling to remain top-of-mind for cardholders, consumers like us can benefit when it comes to essential items like groceries. For instance, that (or canceling it), card issuers would rather you use it to buy the basics.
Using as a guide, here are my top picks for the best cards to use on groceries right now. In terms of criteria, this list includes cards that offer the following:
- A temporary or permanent grocery bonus and the dates its valid for
- At minimum, a return of six cents per dollar spent
- A mix of cash back, a card rewards currency, or specific travel points
Several cards that deserve an honorable mention but are not in my top picks include:
- Most : 4x Delta SkyMiles through July 2020
- Most : 6x Marriott Bonvoy points
Decisions, decisions. In a normal world, the has typically been my go-to grocery option. However, things have changed now with temporary bonuses.
I personally have four cards on this list including the , , , and . The Sapphire Preferred gets immediately nixed because I can earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points on with the Chase Freedom.
The interesting wrinkle in all of this is the , with an impressive 12x points per dollar. While I usually would not use this card on groceries, the temporary bonus now makes for an interesting value proposition. I am , but the that comes with my Aspire card sometimes sways me towards being brand loyal.
I am hopeful for future travel plans in 2021 (including a ), and padding my Hilton points balance doesn't hurt for when that time comes. Here's how I plan to divide out my grocery spending:
- Now through June 30, I'll use a blend of my Hilton Aspire and
- From July 1 through July 31, I'll exclusively use the
- From Aug. 1, I'll go back to my regular habit of buying groceries at U.S. supermarkets with the
Each credit card issuer , and not all of your grocery store trips will be coded as such.
Chase and Amex don't count warehouse clubs
For instance, none of the cards above will count warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club, B.J.'s) as grocery stores. However, the exception to this are . If you use these services to order items from warehouse clubs, your purchases should be categorized as groceries.
Some Chase cards now include Target and Walmart
As noted above, superstores like Target and Walmart are usually ineligible for . However, the above-mentioned Chase cards will code these merchants as grocery stores, as long as they have a dedicated grocery section. The , which has a on groceries, does not include superstores in that category.
Bottom line
Before deciding which , it's important to think about what rewards you value right now during this pandemic.
Do you feel optimistic about the (like we do here at TPG) and want to collect more points with a specific travel company? Or would you rather earn that offer (my personal choice)? Finally, straight cash back is another viable alternative, given the current environment.
Featured photo by Shutterstock