You’re standing at the gas pump watching your hard-earned money disappear.
Then you hit the grocery store and drop another $200.
Every. Single. Week.
But here’s the thing most people miss – you can actually make money back on these purchases.
I’ve tested dozens of cards over the years.
Some are garbage.
Others are pure gold.
Why Gas and Grocery Cards Matter More Than You Think
The average American family spends $5,000 on groceries yearly.
Add gas to that?
You’re looking at $8,000+ in annual spending.
That’s $8,000 you’re already spending anyway.
Why not get paid for it?
My Top Picks for Best Rewards Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
1. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
The numbers don’t lie:
- 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 spent annually)
- 3% cash back on gas stations and transit
- $95 annual fee
I’ve been using this card for three years.
The grocery cashback alone covers the annual fee in two months.
Real example: My friend Sarah spends $400/month on groceries. That’s $288 cash back yearly just from groceries. Minus the $95 fee, she’s still up $193.
2. Chase Freedom Flex
Here’s what makes it special:
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (often includes gas and groceries)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
The catch? You have to activate each quarter’s categories.
Set a calendar reminder.
Trust me on this.
3. Citi Custom Cash Card
This one’s sneaky good:
- 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category (up to $500 spent per month)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
It automatically gives you 5% on whatever you spend most on.
Groceries one month?
You get 5%.
Gas the next month?
Also 5%.
4. Discover it Cash Back
The double-your-money play:
- 5% on rotating quarterly categories
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- They match all your cash back the first year
That last part is huge.
Your first year, you’re essentially getting 10% back on those rotating categories.
How I Actually Use These Cards (Real Strategy)
Most people mess this up.
They get one card and call it a day.
Wrong move.
Here’s my actual wallet strategy:
January-March: Use Chase Freedom Flex for whatever their 5% category is April-June: Switch to Discover it for their quarterly category
Year-round groceries: Blue Cash Preferred for that sweet 6% Everything else: Citi Custom Cash picks up the slack
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Annual fees aren’t the only cost.
Interest rates will destroy you.
The Blue Cash Preferred has a 21.24% APR.
Carry a balance for two months?
You’ve wiped out your entire year’s rewards.
Pay in full.
Every month.
No exceptions.
Best Rewards Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries: Category Breakdown
Gas Station Cards
- Shell Fuel Rewards Card: 10¢ per gallon savings
- Costco Anywhere Visa: 4% on gas (but only at Costco)
- PenFed Platinum Rewards: 5x points on gas
Grocery Store Cards
- Target RedCard: 5% off everything at Target
- Amazon Prime Rewards: 5% at Whole Foods
- Kroger 1-2-3 Rewards: Up to 3x fuel points
Smart Moves Most People Miss
Tip #1: Stack with store loyalty programs Don’t just use your credit card. Use your Kroger Plus card AND your credit card. Double-dip those rewards.
Tip #2: Buy gift cards at grocery stores Need to shop at Home Depot? Buy the gift card at your grocery store. Now your home improvement spending earns grocery rewards.
Tip #3: Time your big purchases Stock up during your card’s bonus quarters. Buy six months of toilet paper when grocery stores are the 5% category.
Red Flags to Avoid
Cap limits that are too low Some cards cap bonus earnings at $1,500 annually. That’s $125 per month. Most families blow past that in groceries alone.
Complicated point systems If you need a calculator to figure out your rewards, it’s not worth it. Stick to straight cash back.
Store-only cards with terrible rates That 29.99% APR store card isn’t doing you any favors.
The Math That Changed My Mind
I used to think credit card rewards were a scam.
Then I did the math.
$400/month groceries × 6% = $24/month in rewards $200/month gas × 3% = $6/month in rewards
That’s $360 per year.
Minus the $95 annual fee = $265 profit.
For doing absolutely nothing different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gas and grocery credit cards hurt your credit score?
Not if you use them right. Keep balances low and pay on time. Actually helps build credit history.
Can I use multiple rewards cards for the same purchase?
No, but you can strategically use different cards for different categories to maximize rewards.
Are cash back or points better for everyday spending?
Cash back. It’s simple, you know exactly what you’re getting, and there’s no expiration dates or complicated redemption rules.
What if I don’t spend enough to justify an annual fee card?
Stick with no-annual-fee cards like Chase Freedom Flex or Citi Custom Cash. You’ll still earn solid rewards without the upfront cost.
Should I close old cards when I get new ones?
Generally no. Keep them open for credit history length, but put a small recurring purchase on them so they don’t get closed for inactivity.
My Bottom Line Recommendation
Start with the Blue Cash Preferred if you spend $250+ monthly on groceries.
Add the Chase Freedom Flex for rotating categories.
Use them for six months.
Track your actual rewards earned.
Then decide if you want to get more sophisticated.
Most people overcomplicate this stuff.
Pick two good cards.
Use them consistently.
Pay them off completely.
Collect your free money.
The best rewards credit cards for gas and groceries are the ones you actually use responsibly – because earning 6% cash back means nothing if you’re paying 25% interest on carried balances.
