Grocery shopping is a necessity, and for many Americans, Walmart is a frequent stop. Maximizing your rewards on these essential purchases is a smart financial move. Choosing the right credit card can significantly reduce your grocery bill, especially if you shop at Walmart regularly. Finding the best card for Walmart groceries in 2024 involves understanding the nuances of bonus categories, redemption options, and potential fees.
Credit Card Comparison: Walmart Groceries - 2024
| Credit Card | Rewards Structure | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Walmart Rewards Card | 5% back on purchases at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery. 2% back on purchases at Walmart stores and at gas stations. 2% back on restaurants and travel. 1% back on all other purchases. |
No annual fee. Special financing options available for Walmart purchases. Purchase security and extended warranty protection. Redeem rewards for statement credit, gift cards, or at Walmart.com. * Walmart Pay integration. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to a quarterly maximum, currently $1,500 spent), which often includes grocery stores (not necessarily Walmart). 1% cash back on all other purchases. * Unlimited cash back match - Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. |
No annual fee. Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. FICO® Credit Score access. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credit, direct deposit, or Amazon.com purchases. * Important Note: While Discover it® often includes grocery stores in its rotating categories, Walmart is not always included as a qualifying grocery store. Check the specific terms for each quarter. |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 spent), which often includes grocery stores (not necessarily Walmart). 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on dining and drugstores. 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
No annual fee. Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Purchase protection and extended warranty protection. Redeem rewards for statement credit, direct deposit, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. * Important Note: Similar to Discover it®, Walmart is not always included as a qualifying grocery store under the 5% rotating category. Check the specific terms for each quarter. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and at transit. 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Annual fee (See Terms) Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Purchase protection and extended warranty protection. American Express Experiences and Offers. * Important Note: Walmart does not qualify as a U.S. supermarket for the 6% cash back. This card is best used at traditional grocery stores. |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent), automatically. Categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment. 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
No annual fee. Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. If Walmart codes as a grocery store with Citi, you could earn 5% back on up to $500 spent each billing cycle. Redeem rewards for statement credit, direct deposit, or gift cards. |
Detailed Explanations
Capital One Walmart Rewards Card: This card offers a straightforward rewards program specifically tailored for Walmart shoppers. The 5% back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app provides significant value for online orders, including grocery pickup and delivery, making it a convenient option for many. The 2% back at Walmart stores is also useful for in-person shopping, though not as high as some other grocery-specific cards.
Discover it® Cash Back: The Discover it® Cash Back card features a rotating category system that changes each quarter. While grocery stores are frequently included, it's crucial to verify if Walmart is a qualifying store during a particular quarter. The 5% rewards can be very lucrative if Walmart is included, but the uncertainty makes it less reliable for consistent Walmart grocery rewards. The first year cash back match is a huge benefit.
Chase Freedom Flex℠: Similar to the Discover it® card, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rotating 5% categories that often include grocery stores. Again, confirming Walmart's eligibility each quarter is essential. The 3% back on dining and drugstores is a valuable perk, and the ability to redeem rewards for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® adds flexibility.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card is a powerhouse for traditional U.S. supermarkets, offering a generous 6% cash back. However, a crucial limitation is that Walmart does not qualify as a U.S. supermarket under American Express's definition. Therefore, this card is not ideal for maximizing rewards at Walmart groceries. The annual fee should also be factored into your decision.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a unique approach by automatically awarding 5% cash back on your highest spending category each billing cycle (up to $500). If Walmart codes as a grocery store with Citi, this card could be a great option. It's important to check with Citi or monitor your transactions to confirm how Walmart purchases are categorized. This card's flexibility is a major advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card gives the most consistent rewards at Walmart groceries?
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers the most consistent rewards, providing 5% back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery.
Does the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express give 6% back at Walmart?
No, Walmart does not qualify as a U.S. supermarket for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card's 6% cash back benefit.
Can I use the Discover it® Cash Back card to earn 5% on Walmart groceries?
Potentially, but only if grocery stores are a rotating category for the quarter and Walmart is specifically included as a qualifying store.
How do I know if Walmart codes as a grocery store for the Citi Custom Cash® Card?
Check with Citi customer service or monitor your transactions to see how Walmart purchases are categorized.
Are there any annual fees associated with these cards?
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card, Discover it® Cash Back, and Chase Freedom Flex℠ have no annual fees. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has an annual fee (See Terms). The Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee.
Can I redeem my rewards for cash back?
Yes, most of these cards allow you to redeem your rewards for statement credit, direct deposit, or other options like gift cards.
Do any of these cards offer purchase protection?
Yes, the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offer purchase protection.
Can I use these cards for online grocery orders at Walmart?
Yes, all of these cards can be used for online grocery orders at Walmart.com and the Walmart app. However, the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers the highest rewards (5%) for online purchases.
What is an intro APR?
An intro APR is a promotional interest rate offered for a limited time on purchases or balance transfers.
What is a FICO score?
A FICO score is a credit score used by lenders to assess your creditworthiness.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Walmart groceries depends on your shopping habits and priorities. The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers the most consistent and straightforward rewards for Walmart shoppers, particularly for online purchases. Cards like the Discover it® Cash Back and Chase Freedom Flex℠ can be valuable if Walmart is included in their rotating categories, while the Citi Custom Cash® Card provides flexibility if Walmart codes as a grocery store. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is not suitable for Walmart grocery purchases but is excellent for traditional supermarkets. Carefully consider your spending patterns and the specific terms of each card to maximize your rewards and save money on your grocery bills.