Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Groceries & Gas in 2025

Finding the highest cash back credit card for groceries and gas purchases can significantly reduce your spending on these essential expenses. With the right card in your wallet, you could earn between 3-6% cash back on these necessary purchases, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually. This guide analyzes the top cash back credit cards specifically optimized for grocery and gas station purchases, helping you select the ideal card based on your spending patterns, fee tolerance, and reward preferences.

Cash back credit cards that offer enhanced rewards on groceries and gas are particularly valuable because these represent consistent, unavoidable expenses for most households. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American family spends approximately $4,600 on groceries and $2,100 on gasoline annually. Even a modest 3% cash back rate would generate $201 in annual rewards on these categories alone.

Top Cash Back Credit Cards for Groceries and Gas

When evaluating the highest cash back credit cards for groceries and gas, several options consistently outperform the competition. These cards offer exceptional reward rates specifically tailored to essential purchases while providing additional benefits that enhance their overall value proposition.

The following cards represent the current market leaders based on reward rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, and additional perks. While some cards may charge annual fees, their elevated reward structures often justify this cost for moderate to high spenders in these categories.

Card with Highest Grocery Cash Back: Analysis

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out with an industry-leading 6% cash back rate on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%). This exceptional rate translates to a maximum of $360 in annual grocery rewards before reaching the spending cap. While the card carries a $95 annual fee, the grocery rewards alone can offset this cost if you spend at least $1,584 annually ($132/month) on groceries.

For households with significant grocery expenses, this card's reward structure provides unmatched value. Additionally, the card offers 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% back on transit expenses, further enhancing its overall value proposition. The welcome bonus typically covers more than two years of annual fees, making this a compelling option despite the upfront cost.

Maximizing Grocery Rewards: Important Considerations

• Eligible merchants: Most cards restrict "grocery" rewards to traditional supermarkets, excluding warehouse clubs, specialty food stores, and superstores like Target or Walmart
• Spending caps: Nearly all high-reward grocery cards impose annual or quarterly spending limits
• Reward redemption options: Some cards restrict how rewards can be redeemed (statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, etc.)
• Complementary categories: Consider cards that pair grocery rewards with other categories that match your spending habits

Card with Highest Gas Cash Back: Analysis

For maximum cash back on gas purchases, the Sam's Club® Mastercard® offers an impressive 5% cash back on gas purchases worldwide (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%). This exceptional rate applies not just at Sam's Club gas stations but at virtually any gas station globally, providing remarkable flexibility. The card requires a Sam's Club membership but carries no additional annual fee.

Another strong contender is the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, which provides 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 in purchases, then 1%). If gas consistently represents your highest spending category, you could earn 5% back on up to $6,000 in annual gas purchases without paying an annual fee. This flexibility makes it particularly valuable for consumers whose spending patterns fluctuate seasonally.

Maximizing Gas Rewards: Important Considerations

• Station restrictions: Some cards limit enhanced rewards to specific gas station brands or exclude warehouse club gas stations
• Category flexibility: Cards with customizable or rotating categories may provide higher rewards but require active management
• Additional purchase benefits: Some cards offer extra protection for gas purchases or discounts at the pump
• Reward caps: Be aware of quarterly or annual spending limits that may restrict your total rewards

Calculating Your Optimal Card Strategy

To identify the highest cash back credit card for your specific grocery and gas spending patterns, follow this analytical approach:

1. Calculate your average monthly spending on groceries and gas separately
2. Multiply each amount by potential reward percentages (subtract annual fees)
3. Compare total annual rewards across different card options
4. Consider welcome bonuses for first-year value
5. Evaluate secondary benefits and reward flexibility

For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries and $200 monthly on gas, your annual spending would be $4,800 and $2,400 respectively. With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, you would earn approximately $288 on groceries (6% on $4,800) and $72 on gas (3% on $2,400), totaling $360 in annual rewards. After subtracting the $95 annual fee, your net reward would be $265.

Comparatively, with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, you could earn up to $300 on groceries (5% on $500 monthly cap = $25 × 12 months) and potentially use another card for gas purchases. This strategy might yield higher total rewards depending on your specific spending pattern.

Combining Multiple Cards for Maximum Rewards

For strategic consumers, utilizing multiple cash back cards can significantly enhance overall rewards. This approach, sometimes called "card stacking," involves using different cards for specific purchase categories to maximize cash back rates across all spending.

A particularly effective strategy combines a card offering high grocery rewards with another providing superior gas rewards. For instance, pairing the Blue Cash Preferred® Card (6% on groceries) with the Sam's Club® Mastercard® (5% on gas) could maximize returns on both essential categories. This approach requires more active management but can substantially increase your total reward earnings.

Sample Two-Card Strategy for Groceries and Gas

Factors Beyond Reward Rates to Consider

While identifying the highest cash back credit card for groceries and gas primarily involves comparing reward percentages, several other factors significantly impact a card's overall value and suitability for your specific needs.

Interest rates become particularly important if you occasionally carry a balance. Even the most generous rewards program can be quickly negated by high interest charges. Similarly, foreign transaction fees may substantially reduce the value of a card for international travelers. Carefully evaluate these additional factors before making your final selection.

Additional Considerations When Selecting a Card

• APR: Interest rates typically range from 15-29% based on creditworthiness
• Foreign transaction fees: Many rewards cards charge 3% on international purchases
• Purchase protection: Some cards offer extended warranties or protection against damage/theft
• Introductory offers: 0% APR periods for purchases or balance transfers
• Reward expiration: Some programs have expiration dates or activity requirements
• Redemption minimums: Some cards require accumulating a minimum amount before redeeming

FAQs: Highest Cash Back Credit Cards for Groceries and Gas

Q: Are cards with annual fees worth it for grocery and gas rewards?
A: Cards with annual fees often provide higher reward rates that can significantly outweigh the fee cost. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card's $95 annual fee is offset by its 6% grocery rewards after just $1,584 in annual grocery spending.

Q: Do warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club count as grocery purchases?
A: Most credit cards classify warehouse clubs separately from supermarkets. Typically, warehouse club purchases do not earn enhanced grocery rewards unless specifically stated in the card's terms.

Q: How do rotating category cards work for grocery and gas purchases?
A: Cards like the Discover it® Cash Back offer 5% cash back in categories that change quarterly. Groceries and gas stations are commonly featured categories, but not consistently available throughout the year.

Q: Can I earn high cash back at both grocery stores and gas stations with a single card?
A: Yes, several cards offer enhanced rewards for both categories. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card (6% groceries, 3% gas) and the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card (3% choice category, 2% groceries) are notable examples.

Conclusion: Selecting Your Ideal Cash Back Card

Finding the highest cash back credit card for groceries and gas requires balancing reward rates, annual fees, spending caps, and additional benefits. For most consumers, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers unmatched grocery rewards at 6% back, while the Sam's Club® Mastercard® provides excellent 5% rewards on gas purchases.

For those preferring a no-annual-fee option, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card delivers flexible 5% rewards on your highest spending category each month. Ultimately, the best card depends on your specific spending patterns, fee tolerance, and reward preferences. By strategically selecting (and potentially combining) cards based on your actual grocery and gas expenses, you can maximize rewards on these essential purchases and effectively reduce your overall household expenses.