Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries 2026

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Gas and groceries eat up a large chunk of most household budgets. Using the right credit card on these purchases can put a meaningful amount of cash back in your pocket each year. This guide covers the best credit cards for gas and groceries in 2026.

Fixed-Category vs. Rotating-Category Cards

Before you pick a card, understand the difference:

Fixed-Category Cards

These earn a set bonus rate on specific categories all year long. For example, a card might always earn 3% on groceries and 2% on gas. No activation needed, no surprises.

Rotating-Category Cards

These earn a high rate (often 5%) on categories that change every quarter. Gas stations and grocery stores frequently appear in these rotations. You must activate the bonus each quarter to earn the higher rate.

Best Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries in 2026

1. Blue Cash Preferred from American Express — Best for Groceries

The top grocery earning card available. Earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%. Also earns 3% at U.S. gas stations.

• 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6K/year)
• 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit
• 1% on all other purchases
• Annual fee: $95 (waived first year)
• Welcome offer: $250 cash back after $3,000 spend in 6 months

2. Citi Custom Cash Card — Best for One Top Spending Category

The Citi Custom Cash automatically earns 5% on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 per cycle). If groceries or gas is your biggest expense, this card rewards it automatically.

• 5% on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500)
• 1% on all other purchases
• Annual fee: $0
• Eligible categories include grocery stores and gas stations

3. Blue Cash Everyday from American Express — Best No-Fee Grocery Card

For those who want grocery rewards without an annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday earns 3% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year.

• 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6K/year)
• 3% at U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6K/year)
• 2% at U.S. gas stations
• 1% on all other purchases
• Annual fee: $0

4. Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi — Best for Costco Shoppers and Gas

If you shop at Costco or fill up at Costco gas stations, this card earns exceptional rates. It requires a Costco membership.

• 4% on eligible gas and EV charging (up to $7,000/year)
• 3% on restaurants and eligible travel
• 2% on all purchases at Costco and Costco.com
• 1% on all other purchases
• Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required: $65/year)

5. Discover it Cash Back — Best Rotating Category Card for Gas and Groceries

Discover regularly features gas stations and grocery stores in its 5% rotating categories. The first-year Cashback Match makes it especially rewarding for new cardholders.

• 5% in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter)
• 1% on all other purchases
• Annual fee: $0
• Cashback Match in year one

Comparison Table

Card	Grocery Rate	Gas Rate	Annual Fee
Blue Cash Preferred	6%	3%	$95
Citi Custom Cash	5% (top category, up to $500/cycle)	5% (if top category)	$0
Blue Cash Everyday	3%	2%	$0
Costco Anywhere Visa	2% at Costco	4% (up to $7K/year)	$0 (Costco membership req.)
Discover it Cash Back	5% (when category active)	5% (when category active)	$0

How Much Can You Earn?

Here is an annual earnings estimate for a household spending $500/month on groceries and $150/month on gas:

Card	Est. Annual Grocery Rewards	Est. Annual Gas Rewards	Net Annual Value (after fee)
Blue Cash Preferred	$360	$54	$319 net
Blue Cash Everyday	$180	$36	$216 net
Citi Custom Cash	Up to $300	Depends on rotation	Up to $300 net

For cards with no annual fee, see our guide to the best cash back credit cards for more options. And if your credit needs work first, check out the best options for credit cards for bad credit.

How to Pick the Right Card

• High grocery spend ($400+/month): Blue Cash Preferred pays for itself quickly even with the $95 fee.
• No annual fee preference: Blue Cash Everyday or Citi Custom Cash.
• High gas spend: Costco Anywhere Visa or Citi Custom Cash if gas is your top category.
• Want to maximize everything with effort: Discover it Cash Back or another rotating category card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a grocery store for credit card rewards?

Most issuers define grocery stores by merchant category code. Standalone supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix qualify. Superstores like Walmart and Target, as well as warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, typically do not count as grocery stores on most cards.

What counts as a gas station for credit card rewards?

Standalone gas stations and most major fuel brands qualify. Gas purchased at warehouse clubs or superstores may or may not qualify depending on the card issuer. Check your card’s terms to confirm.

Is the Blue Cash Preferred worth the $95 annual fee?

For most households spending $300 or more per month on groceries, yes. At $300/month in groceries, the 6% rate earns $216 in grocery rewards alone, more than covering the fee.

Can I use multiple cash back cards to maximize rewards?

Yes. A common strategy is to use a high grocery card for supermarkets, a high gas card for fuel, and a flat-rate card for everything else.

Do I need excellent credit to get a good gas and grocery card?

Most of the top cards require good to excellent credit, roughly 670 and above. Some cards offer lower bonus rates for fair credit applicants.

Rates as of May 2026. Rates and terms change often. Check each card issuer for the most current information.