Grocery shopping is the most important weekly or monthly chore for anyone who manages their own finances. It only makes sense that you get to earn generously in this category. The three best Capital One credit cards for groceries featured in this post will help you find the card that will let you do that.
Our Top Capital One Credit Cards for Groceries
The best Capital One credit cards for groceries offer lucrative cash back percentages on shopping from supermarkets, etc. Also, through these cards, you can access premium restaurants and culinary events through the Capital One Dining portal.
We have highlighted these cards’ rewards, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
- Best altogether: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
- Best for cash back: Capital One Savor Rewards
- Best for students: Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards
Best Altogether: Capital One SavorOne Rewards
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards is the only card in this list that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months. You can use this time to pay off big purchases or debts.
Groceries Rewards
You earn 3% cash back on grocery stores excluding Target and Walmart. However, it includes supermarkets, meat lockers, freezers, dairy product stores, and specialty markets.
Other Rewards
For other cash back rewards, you get:
- 3% cash back on entertainment, streaming services (like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, etc.), and dining, which includes restaurants, bars, and fast-food purchases.
- 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars.
- 8% back on purchasing tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
- 10% return on Uber Eats purchases until November 14, 2024.
- 1% return on every other purchase.
You can also earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months. You can get this bonus easily if you spend more in the basic bonus categories.
Pros
- You don’t pay an annual fee for this card, which makes it cheaper.
- You get a 0% introductory APR period like several top-tier cards. You can use it to transfer your balance without incurring debt.
- You get generous reward percentages with the SavorOne Rewards, just like the SavorOne Students card.
Cons
- You get an average flat-rate reward percentage with this card. Some other cards offer more than just a 1% return on purchases.
- You cannot get it for an average or a good credit score.
- You can incur a maximum interest rate if you don’t fully clear your monthly dues.
Best for Cash Back: Capital One Savor Rewards
The Capital One Savor Rewards credit card is designed for consumers who love dining and entertainment. It offers high cashback rates on basic spending categories.
Although you must pay a $95 annual fee, the cash back rewards can easily offset this cost if you shop with bonus categories. It compares unfavorably to other Savor cards that don’t incur this charge. You also earn a $300 bonus if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
You also get complimentary concierge service to assist you in case of travel and dining mishaps. Besides this, you can get:
- Extended warranty on eligible products
- Travel accident insurance
- Emergency card replacement service
- Access to the bank’s virtual assistant, Eno
Groceries Rewards
You earn 3% cash back on grocery stores which does not include Target and Walmart. However, it includes supermarkets, meat lockers, freezers, dairy product stores, and specialty markets.
Other Rewards
Additionally, cardholders receive:
- 4% cashback on entertainment, streaming services (like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, etc.), and dining, which includes restaurants, bars, and fast-food purchases.
- 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.
- 8% back on buying event tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
- 10% return on Uber Eats purchases until November 14, 2024.
- 1% on every other purchase.
Pros
- The Savor Rewards offers the highest cash back percentage for dining out.
- You don’t incur foreign transaction fees like every Capital One card.
- You can access exclusive dining and entertainment experiences through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment with this card.
Cons
- Unlike other cards in this list, you must pay a high annual fee. You might find it expensive if you are not a frequent diner.
- You don’t get a 0% introductory APR period here. It might make large payments difficult.
Best for Students: Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards
The best thing about the Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards card is its generous cash back feature. You can get this card even with a limited credit score and you can also earn on basic categories students spend on. It compares positively to other student cards that offer flat-rate rewards only.
Groceries Rewards
You earn 3% cash back on grocery stores which does not include Target and Walmart. However, it includes supermarkets, meat lockers, freezers, dairy product stores, and specialty markets.
Other Rewards
Additional rewards that come with this card are:
- 3% cash back on entertainment, streaming services (like Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, etc.), and dining, which includes restaurants, bars, and fast-food purchases.
- 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars.
- 8% back on purchasing tickets through Capital One Entertainment.
- 10% return on Uber Eats purchases until November 14, 2024.
- 1% return on every other purchase.
Besides a $0 annual fee, you are exempt from the foreign transaction fee like every Capital One card. However, you don’t get an introductory APR period like the SavorOne Cash Rewards here. That said, you get extra perks like extended warranty on select products. You can get travel insurance to cover potential in-flight losses, too.
Students can earn a $50 cash bonus after spending $100 in the first three months of card usage. It is an easily attainable goal in our opinion because of its low spending limit.
Pros
- You don’t incur an annual fee like every Capital One student card.
- You get a high reward rate for dining and entertainment.
- The reward percentages are similar to several mid-tier cards in the market.
Cons
- You incur a maximum APR if you choose to carry a monthly balance.
- You get a low flat-rate reward percentage compared to some other flat-rate cards.
- You don’t get an introductory APR period. It can make huge payoffs difficult if you carry a statement balance.
| Groceries Rewards | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | |
| Capital One Savor Rewards | Unlimited 3% cash back | $95 | $300 on spending $3,000 within three months |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards | Unlimited 3% cash back | $0 | $300 on spending $500 within three months |
| Capital One SavorOne Students Rewards | Unlimited 3% cash back | $0 | $50 on spending $100 within three months |
Features to Consider for Capital One Credit Cards for Groceries
When choosing a Capital One card for groceries, consider the reward percentage on grocery shopping expenditures. Also, check out the various card fees and additional benefits that may increase the card’s value.
Reward Percentage
Capital One credit cards offer different reward rates on grocery shopping. Some cards, like the SavorOne Students Rewards, offer cash back with dining out as a bonus category. Others might provide flat-rate rewards for spending at supermarkets.
You must determine which card provides the highest return based on your grocery expenses. Additionally, consider whether the rewards are redeemable for travel, cash back, or other options that suit your preferences.
Card Fees
Annual fees can vary significantly between the bank’s cards. Some are no-fee cards like the SavorOne Cash Rewards, while others may charge an annual fee. Choose a card if the rewards and benefits justify the cost. In addition to the annual fee, assess potential foreign transaction fees if you travel abroad frequently. Capital One cards do not charge it, making them ideal for international dining.
Additional Benefits
Look for extra perks that can add value to your dining experience. Some cards, like the Savor Rewards card, offer VIP access to events or concierge services. Other benefits might include monthly credits for dining or extended warranties on purchases. This can significantly increase the card’s appeal and justify higher fees.
Related Questions
Should I Use a Credit Card for Groceries?
Using a credit card for groceries can be beneficial if the card offers rewards, cash back, or points for grocery shopping. This can lead to significant savings over time. A suitable card can also provide purchase protection. That said, it is important to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Does Buying Groceries Build Credit?
Buying groceries with a card can help build credit if payments are made on time. Regular, timely payments are reported to credit bureaus and contribute positively to your credit score. Using a credit card regularly and responsibly reflects good financial habits, which can improve your credit profile.
Does Capital One Consider Walmart a Grocery Store?
Capital One does not consider Walmart a grocery store. The terms and conditions of rewards cards offering cash back on buying groceries exclude Walmart. You can get the usual 1% flat-rate reward percentage when purchasing from there. This rule applies to both physical and online stores.
Conclusion
We find the SavorOne Cash Rewards card best for groceries because of its $0 annual fee and a 0% APR period. Alternatively, you can consider the Savor Rewards if you are a frequent diner and don’t mind an annual charge. Furthermore, students can consider the SavorOne Students Rewards card to buy groceries.