Best Gas and Grocery Rewards Credit Cards 2026: 6 Cards Compared

For a household spending about $600 a month on groceries and $150 on gas, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns the most cash back on paper (about $426 a year before its $95 annual fee) (learn more about 7 best balance transfer credit cards of 2026) (learn more about best private student loan lenders of 2026: top 7 compared) (learn more about emergency fund calculator: how much do you actually need in 2026?), while the no-fee Citi Custom Cash Card comes close at roughly $330 with zero annual fee. We compared six popular cards on earn rates, spending caps, annual fees, and who actually benefits. This guide is for everyday spenders who want to stop leaving money on the table at the supermarket (learn more about side hustle taxes: 8 things every 1099 worker must know in 2026) (learn more about what is a 401(k) and how does it work? the complete 2026 guide) (learn more about what is the no tax on tips deduction and how does it work?) and the pump.

By the MoneySimple Editorial Team. Last updated: October 8, 2026. Card terms change often, so confirm current rates and fees with the issuer before applying.

How We Ranked These Cards

We scored each card on the dollars it returns for a typical household, not on sign-up bonuses that expire.

Criteria	Weight	Why It Matters
Net annual rewards on gas and groceries	High	This is the whole point of the card.
Spending caps	High	A 6% rate means little if it stops after a small cap.
Annual fee	Medium	A fee must be earned back before you profit.
Flexibility and redemption	Medium	Plain cash back is easier to use than points.
Membership or eligibility requirements	Medium	Some cards only work if you shop at one retailer.

Data sources: issuer terms and conditions, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's credit card resources, and Federal Reserve consumer credit data. Rewards math uses a model household: $7,200 a year on groceries and $1,800 a year on gas.

1. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Highest Grocery Rate

Best for: Families with large grocery bills
Key rates: 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 a year, then 1%), 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit
Annual fee: $0 the first year, then $95 (check current terms)

On our model household this card earns about $426 in cash back a year ($372 on groceries, $54 on gas), or roughly $331 after the $95 fee. Groceries above $6,000 earn 1%, and the card works only where American Express is accepted.

Pros

• The highest supermarket rate of any mainstream cash back card.
• Solid 3% on gas and transit.
• Rewards come as statement credits.

Cons

• $95 annual fee after year one.
• 6% stops at $6,000 a year in supermarket spending.
• Superstores and warehouse clubs generally do not count as supermarkets.

Who This Is Best For

Households spending more than roughly $4,000 a year at grocery stores. If you spend less on groceries, the fee eats most of the advantage.

2. Citi Custom Cash Card: Best No-Fee Option for Flexible Spenders

Best for: Anyone who wants high rewards without an annual fee
Key rates: 5% on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent, then 1%), 1% on everything else
Annual fee: $0

Groceries and gas both qualify as eligible categories, and the card automatically rewards whichever you spend the most on. On our model, groceries at about $600 a month earn roughly $312 a year and gas earns about $18 at the base rate, for roughly $330 total with no fee.

Pros

• No annual fee.
• Automatic category selection.
• Works for many other categories, such as restaurants and drugstores.

Cons

• Only one 5% category per cycle, and only on the first $500.
• Gas usually earns the base rate if groceries are your top category.
• Rewards may be issued as ThankYou points, so check redemption terms.

Who This Is Best For

Single-category spenders and people who prefer a no-fee card. If your monthly grocery spend runs well above $500, pair it with a second card.

3. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: Best for Gas at Costco Members

Best for: Costco members who fill up often
Key rates: About 4% on eligible gas worldwide (5% at Costco, up to $7,000 a year, then 1%), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% at Costco, 1% elsewhere
Annual fee: $0 with a paid Costco membership

Gas of $1,800 a year earns roughly $72 to $90 here, but groceries earn only 1% outside Costco. It is built for Costco loyalists, not for general grocery spending.

Pros

• Top gas rate with no extra annual fee beyond membership.
• Useful travel and restaurant rewards.
• Rewards usually come as an annual certificate redeemable at Costco.

Cons

• Requires a Costco membership.
• Rewards are redeemed once a year, not on demand.
• Grocery spending away from Costco earns just 1%.

Who This Is Best For

Households that already pay for Costco and buy gas there. If Costco is not close to you, skip it.

4. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Best No-Fee Grocery Card

Best for: Grocery shoppers who dislike annual fees
Key rates: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 a year, then 1%), 3% at U.S. gas stations, 3% on U.S. online retail purchases
Annual fee: $0

On our model it earns about $246 a year with no fee. The categories are broad and automatic.

Pros

• No annual fee.
• Same 3% rate for groceries, gas, and online shopping.
• Simple, no category activation required.

Cons

• Lower rate than the Preferred card.
• American Express acceptance is narrower than Visa or Mastercard.
• Spending caps apply to the bonus categories.

Who This Is Best For

Moderate spenders who want a steady, no-fee card. Compare it with the Preferred version using your own numbers.

5. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card: Best for Choosing Your Category

Best for: Households that want gas as their 3% category with solid grocery earnings
Key rates: 3% in a category you choose (gas and EV charging is one option), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, 1% elsewhere, with 3% and 2% limited to $2,500 combined spending per quarter
Annual fee: $0

On our model with gas as the 3% category, it earns about $198 a year. Preferred Rewards members at Bank of America may earn a bonus.

Pros

• No annual fee.
• Choose your 3% category each month.
• Preferred Rewards members can boost earnings.

Cons

• Combined $2,500 quarterly cap on 3% and 2% spending.
• Lower grocery rate than the Amex options.
• Choice category changes only once a month.

Who This Is Best For

Bank of America customers who want one simple card covering gas, groceries, and one flexible category.

6. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Best Flat-Rate Baseline

Best for: People who want rewards without tracking categories
Key rates: 2% on all purchases
Annual fee: $0

On our model it earns $180 a year. It will not beat a category card on groceries, but it does not have caps, categories, or membership rules.

Pros

• 2% everywhere, no caps.
• No annual fee.
• Works for spending that other cards miss.

Cons

• Lower earnings than the best category cards.
• No elevated rate for gas or groceries.
• Redemption options are basic.

Who This Is Best For

Anyone who hates managing multiple cards. It is also a good second card for spending that falls outside a category card.

Quick Comparison

Card	Groceries	Gas	Annual Fee	Est. Yearly Rewards (Model Household)
Blue Cash Preferred (Amex)	6% up to $6,000/yr	3%	$0 first year, then $95	About $426 ($331 net of fee)
Citi Custom Cash	5% up to $500/cycle	1% (unless top category)	$0	About $330
Costco Anywhere Visa	1% (2% at Costco)	4% to 5%	$0 with membership	About $145 to $165
Blue Cash Everyday (Amex)	3% up to $6,000/yr	3%	$0	About $246
BofA Customized Cash	2%	3% (if chosen)	$0	About $198
Wells Fargo Active Cash	2%	2%	$0	About $180

How We Researched This

We modeled each card's published earn rates and spending caps against a sample household spending $7,200 a year on groceries and $1,800 on gas. We used issuer terms, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance, and Federal Reserve credit data, and we excluded sign-up bonuses, which change frequently and distort long-term value. Last updated: October 8, 2026. We review this guide quarterly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best credit card for groceries and gas?

For high grocery spending, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express leads on rewards. For a no-fee option, the Citi Custom Cash Card offers high earn rates. The right pick depends on how much you spend in each category.

Does Walmart or Target count as a supermarket?

Generally no. Many issuers exclude superstores and warehouse clubs from supermarket bonus categories. Check the card's terms for which merchants qualify.

Is the Blue Cash Preferred annual fee worth it?

It is worth it if you spend more than roughly $4,000 a year at U.S. supermarkets, based on the difference in earn rate versus a no-fee 3% card. Below that, a no-fee card is usually better.

Do gas cards work at the pump?

Usually yes, as long as the station codes its sale as a gas station. Purchases inside the convenience store at the same station can also qualify, depending on the issuer.

Can I use more than one cash back card?

Yes. Many households pair a category card with a flat-rate card. Each additional application can cause a small, temporary credit score dip.

Are cash back rewards taxable?

Rewards earned from spending are generally treated as a rebate, not income, by the IRS. Sign-up bonuses that require no spending may be treated differently, so ask a tax professional.

Should I carry a balance on a rewards card?

No. Credit card interest rates commonly exceed 20%, which wipes out any rewards. Pay the full statement balance each month.

What credit score do I need for these cards?

These cards typically require good to excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 670 or higher, though approval depends on income and other factors.

Do gas and grocery rewards change?

Yes. Issuers can change earn rates, caps, and fees. Rewards categories can also be updated, so confirm terms before applying.

Important Disclosures

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card rates, fees, and terms change frequently and may vary by applicant. Estimated rewards are illustrations based on a model household and are not guaranteed. Confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying. Some links on this page may be affiliate links; this does not influence our rankings, which follow the methodology described above.