
If you're looking for credit cards that can help you save money on gas and groceries, there are several options available that fit different budgets.
Citi Double Cash Card offers a flat 2% cashback on all purchases, including gas and groceries, making it a great choice for those who want simplicity and flexibility.
For those who want to earn more cashback on specific categories, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cashback on groceries and 3% on gas, but requires a $95 annual fee.
If you're on a tight budget, the Discover it Cash Back Card offers 5% cashback on various categories throughout the year, including gas and groceries, with no annual fee and no rotating categories to keep track of.
Why Use Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
Using a credit card for gas and groceries is a smart move, especially if you're looking to save money and earn rewards. Convenience is key, as carrying a credit card is easier than making sure you have enough cash on hand to buy gas and groceries.
You won't have to worry about a gas station's hold tying up the money in your checking account either. Security is also a major benefit, as $0 fraud liability protects you against unauthorized charges.
Some credit cards give you an opportunity to earn 1% to 6% back on gas and grocery purchases. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on all other purchases.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is another great option, offering 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 in purchases per year in each category, then 1 percent).
Here's an example of how using the Blue Cash Everyday Card could help you secure solid rewards each year:
With this earning rate in mind, even a moderate gas and grocery bill could help you save money and earn rewards. The cash back earned with this card is redeemable for statement credits, which means that your rewards can be used directly for savings off your bill.
Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
If you're looking for a credit card that rewards your gas and grocery spending, there are several options to consider.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a top pick, offering 6% cash back annually on up to $6,000 in groceries.
You can also consider the Regions Prestige Visa Signature Credit Card, which rewards gas and grocery purchases with cash back.
Other cards, such as the HSBC Premier World Credit Card and the Citi Strata Premier Card, also offer rewards for gas and grocery spending, but may have different terms and conditions.
If you have a secured credit card, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a good option, offering rewards for gas and grocery purchases.
Here are some of the top credit cards for gas and groceries:
- Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
- Regions Prestige Visa Signature Credit Card
- HSBC Premier World Credit Card
- Citi Strata Premier Card
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
These cards can help you earn rewards on your everyday spending, but be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the rewards structure and any fees associated with the card.
Choosing the Right Credit Card
Using a credit card for gas is better if you drive a lot and have a rewards card that saves you money. Credit cards let you buy gas at any time without having cash on hand and provide better consumer protections.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a great option for gas and groceries. It offers 3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail purchases, making it a smart choice if a large chunk of your spending is on these items.
To maximize rewards, consider your spending habits. If you spend over $500 per month in each category, you'll reach the $6,000 spending cap on gas stations, supermarkets, and online shopping.
Choosing Between Options
Using a credit card for gas is a better option if you drive a lot and have a rewards card that saves you money.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a great choice for gas and grocery purchases, offering 3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail purchases.
You'll need to consider your spending habits to determine if this card is right for you. If a large chunk of your spending is on gas, groceries, and online shopping, this card can help you secure solid rewards each year.
For example, if you spend $5,700 at supermarkets, $2,500 at gas stations, and $3,000 at online retail, you can earn $171, $75, and $90 in cash back respectively, totaling $351 in rewards.
The $6,000 spending cap on gas stations, supermarkets, and online shopping might seem like a downside, but you'd have to spend over $500 every month in each category to reach that cap.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards you can earn with the Blue Cash Everyday Card:
Factors to Consider
When choosing a credit card, consider the interest rate, which can be as low as 11.99% or as high as 29.99% APR. This rate can significantly impact your monthly payments and overall debt.
A credit limit of $1,000 to $5,000 is common, but some cards offer higher limits. This can be beneficial for large purchases or emergencies.
Annual fees can range from $0 to $500, and some cards charge a foreign transaction fee of up to 3%. Be aware of these fees to avoid unexpected charges.
Rewards programs can offer cash back, points, or travel miles, but the redemption value may be limited. Some cards offer 1% to 5% cash back on specific categories.
Credit card issuers often have varying requirements for approval, such as a credit score of 600 or higher. Meeting these requirements can increase your chances of approval.
Is Blue Cash Everyday Better than Blue Cash Preferred?
The Blue Cash Everyday and Blue Cash Preferred cards from American Express are two popular options for cashback rewards. The Blue Cash Preferred card offers a more impressive rate of cashback at US supermarkets, earning 6% cashback on up to $6,000 spent per year.
However, it comes with an annual fee of $95, which may not be worth it for everyone. The Blue Cash Everyday card, on the other hand, does not have an annual fee, but its cashback rate is lower at 3% for US gas stations and 1% for other eligible purchases.
One key difference is the welcome bonus: the Blue Cash Preferred card offers a $250 cashback after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, while the Blue Cash Everyday card offers a $250 welcome offer after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Here's a quick comparison of the two cards:
Ultimately, the choice between the two cards depends on your individual needs and spending habits. If you spend a lot on gas and groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred card may be the better choice. But if you're looking for a no-fee card with a lower cashback rate, the Blue Cash Everyday card could be the way to go.
Grocery Shopping and Credit Cards
Using a credit card for grocery shopping is a great idea because it's convenient and secure. Carrying a credit card is easier than making sure you have enough cash on hand. Credit cards also provide better fraud protection than debit cards, with $0 fraud liability protecting you against unauthorized charges.
You can earn rewards on your grocery purchases, with the potential to save up to 6% every time you buy groceries. Some credit cards give you an opportunity to earn 1% to 6% back on gas and grocery purchases. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a great option, offering 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year).
Here are some benefits of using a credit card for groceries:
- Convenience: Carrying a credit card is easier than making sure you have enough cash on hand.
- Security: $0 fraud liability protects you against unauthorized charges.
- Rewards: Earn up to 6% back on grocery purchases.
Rewards Cards
The average American spends around $150 to $200 a month on gas, according to a 2023 J.D. Power report. This makes rewards cards a great option for saving money.
Some credit cards offer gas rewards that can help you save. The Blue Cash Everyday, for example, offers 3 percent cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually on gas purchases, which translates to $72 cash back each year.
If you're a frequent traveler, consider a card that offers airline miles. Alex Joyce, who travels a lot, uses his American Express card to get access to a special airline lounge.
Grocery rewards can also be a great perk. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back annually on up to $6,000 in groceries.
Here are some cards that offer great rewards:
- Blue Cash Everyday: 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually on gas purchases
- Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: 6% cash back annually on up to $6,000 in groceries
- Capital One Walmart Rewards Card: 5% cash back on orders placed at Walmart.com, with no annual fee
- Exxon Mobil Smart Card+: 12 cents a gallon savings on premium fuel and 10 cents on other grades
- Wells Fargo Autograph Card: unlimited 3 points earned on each dollar spent on gas and at EV charging stations
- Costco Anywhere Visa: 4% cash back on gas and EV charging, plus 3% back on restaurants, car rentals, and more
- Sam's Club Mastercard: 5% cash back on gas up to $6,000 annually, plus 3% back on dining and takeout
American Express Credit Cards
The American Express Gold Card is a top pick for grocery shopping in 2020. It offers year-round savings at supermarkets, making it ideal for savvy shoppers.
The annual fee for this card is $250, which may seem steep, but the intro offers and rewards rate make it worth considering.
You can earn 35,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. This is a great welcome bonus.
The card rewards you with 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year. This is a high rewards rate in a specific category.
The American Express Gold Card also offers no foreign transaction fee, which is a plus for international travelers.
Here are some key benefits of the American Express Gold Card:
- High rewards rates in certain categories
- Great welcome bonus in the form of Membership Rewards points
- No foreign transaction fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth having a gas credit card?
Having a gas credit card can help you earn rewards and cash back on gasoline purchases, but the savings are relatively modest and require proper use to maximize benefits. Consider using a gas credit card if you want to build savings on your gas expenses.
Is it good to buy groceries with a credit card?
Using a credit card for groceries can save you money with rewards, but it's essential to consider the potential costs and benefits before making a decision. Earning rewards on your grocery bill can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
What credit card has a 5% on gas?
The Citi Custom Cash Card offers 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your biggest spending category, including gas, earning up to $25 cash back per month. Learn more about this card's benefits and eligibility.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/is-it-a-good-idea-to-use-a-credit-card-for-gas-and-groceries-2140665065/
- https://www.earncheese.com/post/the-best-credit-card-rewards-for-gas-and-groceries
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/blue-cash-everyday-for-groceries-and-gas/
- https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/06/10/charging-gas-and-groceries-these-credit-cards-offer-cash-back/
- https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php
Featured Images: pexels.com