45 PC Points for each $1 spent on: drugstores.45 PC Points ≈ $0.045 in cash equivalent.
30 PC Points for each $1 spent on: gas and grocery.30 PC Points ≈ $0.03 in cash equivalent.
10 PC Points for each $1 spent on: everything else.10 PC Points ≈ $0.01 in cash equivalent.
*PC Financial World Elite Mastercard offers increased rewards only on Loblaws affiliated stores, such as Loblaws grocery stores, Shoppers Drug Marts, and Esso Mobil gas stations. All other purchases are considered 'everything else'.
Best Grocery Credit Cards for Reward
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How we Sort Credit Cards: We sort credit cards based onand the card's annual fee. We estimate the dollar value of the rewards you would get based on your spending categories, and we subtract the annual fee the card charges to get the best credit cards for your spending habits. We also use the salary to filter out cards based on the minimum income requirement.Disclaimer: We may receive compensation for some credit cards presented. The algorithm we use to sort credit cards is not influenced by the compensation.
The best grocery credit cards in Canada can offer up to 6x points for every dollar spent and 5% in cashback. Many of the best credit cards in Canada offer cashback or rewards value of up to 5% for grocery shopping. Most credit cards for groceries are also instant approval credit cards that allow you to get approved within minutes.
A credit card for grocery shopping can help you save on groceries if you use your card correctly. Credit cards may not recognize some stores as grocery stores, and some cards may not be accepted in some stores. For example, American Express Cobalt offers 5x membership points for every dollar spent in grocery stores but cannot be used in Costco or Loblaws Supermarkets. You may also consider a store credit card if you shop mostly at a certain grocery chain. Many grocery stores offer no-fee credit cards with great rewards on groceries.
Some credit cards may also cap the cashback or bonus points you can receive from grocery purchases. For example, BMO Cashback Mastercardoffers 3% cashback on eligible grocery stores but only for up to $500 in monthly spending. Understanding the limitations of your credit card can help you maximize the rewards you get from the card.
Some credit cards may also have a cap on the amount of cashback or bonus points you can receive from grocery purchases. For example, BMO Cashback Mastercard offers 3% cashback on eligible grocery stores but only for up to $500 in monthly spending. Understanding the limitations of your credit card can help you maximize the rewards you get from the card.
You should look at welcome bonuses, rewards, and annual fees offered by credit cards before choosing one. The best grocery credit card should be reasonably priced and offer rewards for the grocery stores you shop in. It is even better if the credit card has a generous welcome bonus and a low annual fee.
Welcome Bonus
A lot of credit cards have a welcome bonus. Welcome bonuses can be very generous and can offer rewards and other perks that value up to thousands of dollars. Many people use a credit card churning strategy to take the reward of welcome bonuses without paying hefty annual fees.
Up to 60000 Aventura points in Welcome Bonus Rewards:
Receive 20000 Aventura points when you spend $3,000.00 during the first 4 months.
Receive 25000 Aventura points when you spend $6,000.00 during the first 4 months.
Receive 15000 Aventura points when you make 1 purchase.
First Year Fee of $139.00 waived.
Rewards
Usually, credit card rewards either come in the form of cashback or loyalty points. Cashback offers cash as a reward, while loyalty point rewards offer rewards from an applicable loyalty program, for example Aeroplan rewards.
Cashback
If the cashback rate for a card is 4% on groceries, you earn 4% back on every purchase that qualifies as a grocery purchase. The cashback rewards are accumulated in your account and usually can be redeemed to pay off your credit card bill.
Reward Points
Reward points are not as straightforward as cashback. The redemption value of reward points usually varies depending on how you redeem them. Scene+ rewards points can be redeemed 1 cent per point for Cineplex movie tickets and 0.7 CPP for the statement credit.
Annual Fee
If your best credit card for groceries has a high annual fee, you may want to look for another grocery credit card. High annual fees can easily outweigh the benefit of having a grocery rewards card. For example, if you have a credit card with an annual fee of $100 and your annual reward is $100, your net reward for the year is $0. You should consider how much you will charge the card before picking an annual fee that will work for you.
Rewards up to 5 AMEX Points for every $1 spentLearn More
Int. Rate: 20.99%Annual Fee: $155.88
Other Considerations
It is also important to know your interest rates, insurance included, and other perks your credit card has. Even though these items are not as important, they may still affect your card's value.
Many people consider interest rate an important factor in choosing a credit card, but a rewards credit card should never have a balance. If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, consider a low-interest credit card to minimize your interest charges.
If you plan to use your credit card while traveling, you should consider a travel credit card or a credit card with travel insurance. These credit cards may not have as much value at home, but they can be helpful abroad when medical services are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walmart Considered a Grocery Store for Credit Cards?
Not all Walmart stores are considered grocery stores by credit card networks. While VISA and AMEX don’t categorize Walmart as grocery stores, Mastercard has categorized only Walmart Supercentres as grocery stores. If you shop for groceries at Walmart Supercentres, you should consider getting a Mastercard.
Is Costco Considered a Grocery Store for Credit Cards?
Costco stores are also not categorized as grocery stores by credit card networks. Instead, Costco is categorized as a discount merchant, and you will earn only the base cash back or reward points rate at Costco. To maximize rewards at Costco, you can get a CIBC Costco credit card that offers up to 3% on Costco purchases.
What Credit Cards Does Costco Canada Accept?
Costco accepts only Mastercard credit cards for credit card payments. Costco does not accept Visa and AMEX credit cards. Considering that Costco is not categorized as a grocery store by credit card networks, you could use a Mastercard that offers a high base reward rate to earn maximum rewards at Costco.
Does No Frills Accept Visa?
No Frills now accepts both Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards. No Frills does not accept AMEX credit cards at this time. No Frills also does not currently accept Mastercard Debit.
What Grocery Stores Accept AMEX in Canada?
Major Canadian groceries that accept AMEX are Walmart, Sobeys, Longo’s, IGA, FreshCo, Rabba, Metro, Farm Boy, Foodland, Safeway, Pusateri’s, 88 Supermarket, and Whole Foods. Some stores, such as the Loblaws Companies, do not accept AMEX. You can also use AMEX to purchase groceries through Instacart.
Disclaimer:
Any analysis or commentary reflects the opinions of WOWA.ca analysts and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any decisions.
The calculators and content on this page are for general information only. WOWA does not guarantee the accuracy and is not responsible for any consequences of using the calculator.
Financial institutions and brokerages may compensate us for connecting customers to them through payments for advertisements, clicks, and leads.
Interest rates are sourced from financial institutions' websites or provided to us directly. Real estate data is sourced from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and regional boards' websites and documents.