How to Use Credit Cards to Save on Groceries

With the cost of groceries having increased over the last several years, it’s no wonder more and more folks are looking for every conceivable way to stretch their food budget farther. Whether you’re living on your own for the first time or you’re shopping for a whole family, it can be challenging to keep the amount you’re spending on groceries each month in check.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get more back for your buck at the grocery store. For one, consider getting yourself a credit card that allows you to earn cash back on grocery purchases when using that card at the store. Another way to make your dollar go farther when buying groceries (and arguably the best way!) is to make sure you’re using the Fetch app when making your grocery list and after checking out at the supermarket.

Don’t have Fetch yet? Download our free grocery rewards app today to start earning.

How the Fetch app can also help you save on groceries

Fetch is America’s Rewards App, and our goal is to reward you on all the spending you’re already doing, especially at the grocery store. When you use Fetch while grocery shopping, you’ll earn reward points you can then turn around and redeem for free gift cards you can use to save money on future grocery runs. Here’s how:

1. Open the app.
2. Check out all the personalized offers and boosted brands that can help you earn thousands of points on each grocery receipt; be sure to “like” your favorites, so you don’t forget them when at the store.
3. Head to the grocery store to pick up everything on your list.
4. After checking out, snap a picture of your receipt in the app. The Fetch Points you earned from shopping your offers will immediately get deposited in your account.
5. Once you’ve earned enough points, click on your point balance in the top-right of your screen to redeem them for the free gift card of your choosing!

And with grocery gift card options that include Target, Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Instacart, Uber Eats, and even Visa, you’ll find it easy to save on future grocery hauls wherever you like to buy your groceries.

Is it smart to buy groceries with a credit card?

Buying groceries with a credit card is certainly nothing out of the ordinary; frankly, it’s not often that I see someone paying cash at the supermarket. So long as you shop responsibly, using a credit card to buy your groceries can be a convenient, easy way to earn cash back rewards on your purchases, while also helping you build credit. The main thing to remember is to spend within your means and only buy what you can afford to pay for; no one likes the surprise of an alarmingly high credit card bill at the end of the month.

How do I choose the best credit card to use for groceries?

When it comes to identifying the best credit card to earn grocery rewards, you should look for cards offering:

• High cash back rate on groceries
• Low or no annual fees
• Competitive introductory offers and/or more rewards categories that’ll help you earn cash back, when possible

The bottom line? Make sure you find a credit card that aligns with your spending habits, will reward you on groceries, and for which the annual fees don’t outweigh the benefits you’re getting.

How to responsibly use a credit card to buy groceries

Once you have the right card for your needs, here are some ways to ensure you’re responsibly using your credit card on groceries:

• Make a weekly or monthly grocery budget, and stick to it.
• Be sure to pay your credit card balance in full to avoid having to pay interest fees.
• Set reminders for yourself or consider enabling autopay to make sure you’re always paying your credit card bill on time.

What counts as “grocery stores” for credit card purchases?

Just because a place sells food products doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re earning cash back with your card. Always be sure to review your specific card’s terms and conditions, so you know where you will (and won’t) be able to earn grocery rewards.

In general, here are the types of retailers that will qualify as “grocery stores” in the eyes of a credit card company:

• Supermarkets
• Big box stores
• Online grocery services

Typically, places like wholesale clubs, convenience stores, and even some specialty food shops don’t qualify, but this may vary; again, we recommend carefully reviewing your card’s terms before making your trip to the store. 

Maximize your grocery savings and rewards earned with these hacks

If you want to really up your game and be especially thrifty when it comes to grocery shopping, consider stacking the following strategies, on top of using the card that’s helping you earn grocery rewards:

• Use coupons and shop sales when possible.
• Compare prices among grocery stores in your area, and think about switching stores if you find somewhere the prices are better than where you normally shop.
• Above all, use Fetch to find the brands that’ll earn you the most points, so you can quickly earn grocery store gift cards to use on future shopping trips.

Shop, snap, and get rewarded for grocery shopping with Fetch

Ready to head to the store? Once you’ve downloaded Fetch, make sure to review your offers in the app, so you’ll know which products will earn you big points and help you get to that first grocery store gift card quickly. Happy shopping and happy saving!