Best cash back card for groceries & gas
Last Updated Apr 12, 2022 
by P. Griffiths
If you have good to excellent credit and are looking for a card that makes it easy to rack up cash back then look no further. With an incredible cash back rate on groceries, streaming services and gas, a huge welcome bonus offer, and a generous intro APR on purchases, it is easy to see why the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics advertiser) is so popular.
$300 Welcome Bonus
To start, you can earn $300 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. That is an extra 10% back on the first $3,000 you spend on top of the other great cash back you are also earning. All the cash back you earn is received in the form of statement credits.
Earn 1% – 6% Cash Back
As for ongoing rewards, you will earn a massive 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (this includes taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). All of your other eligible purchases will earn you 1% back.
Generous Introductory Purchase APR
Those seeking a 0% intro APR will be happy to hear that the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express allows you to pay 0% intro APR for 12 months. After the introductory rate the 14.24%-24.24% Variable APR will apply.
Annual Fee Waived Your First Year
If you are not sure about taking on a card with an annual fee, let us put you at ease. First off, there is an introductory annual fee of $0 meaning you will not pay the $95 fee your first year. Second, you only need to spend $30.44 a week on groceries to cover the cost of the $95 annual fee with your cashback earnings. The 6% you earn on that incredibly low weekly amount nets you $95 in cash back a year, basically canceling out the fee. That still leaves another $265 in cash back you can earn at the 6% rate if you max out that $6,000 spending cap (you’ll keep earning 1% after the cap is hit). Add in what you’ll earn with the other 6% and 3% categories and it makes it an even easier decision. At the end of the day, it is important to understand that when it comes to credit cards the only way to really take your earning potential to the next level is to choose a card with an annual fee. If your spending habits line up with the benefits it makes the decision a lot easier. If you are still not convinced that a card with an annual fee is right for you, then check out the ‘Other Cash Back Options’ section below.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Cash Rewards
1% – 6% 
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 on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
Annual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Welcome Bonus
Earn $300 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Purchase APR
0% intro APR for 12 months, then 14.24%-24.24% Variable
View All Card Details
Critics’ Overview
If you are looking for a well-rounded card that makes it easy to rack up cash back while saving on interest look no further. With incredible cash back rates on groceries, streaming services, gas and transit expenses, it’s easy to see why the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics advertiser) is so popular. There is an impressive cash back welcome offer and even though the annual fee may seem steep ($95) you will not have to pay it your first year of card membership. Plus if you spend at least $30.44 on groceries a week your cash back earned will surpass the cost of the annual fee. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.
Purchase APR
0% intro APR for 12 months, then 14.24%-24.24% Variable
Balance Transfer APR
No Balance Transfer Option
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)
Annual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.24% to 24.24%
- 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 on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
Apply Now
On American Express’ Secure site
Other Cash Back Options With $0 Annual Fees
We think the benefits that the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers warrants the annual fee, but if that fee is a dealbreaker or you are more interested in a flat rate cash back card then one of these options may be a better fit for you.
Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good
Show Card Details +
Updated April 12, 2022
Critics’ Overview
If you are looking for a flat-rate cash rewards card that also offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers then this card is a great option. You will pay no annual fee, can earn an intro bonus and protect your cell phone from damage or theft. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.
Purchase APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then 15.24%-25.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then 15.24%-25.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 15.24% to 25.24% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
- $0 annual fee
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Active CashSM Card
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Apply Now
On Wells Fargo’s Secure site
Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card
This card from Wells Fargo is an exciting option that also has a $0 annual fee. You will earn an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases which means there are no activation requirements for special categories or monthly caps to worry about. Earning 2% rewards on all of your purchases is tough to beat making it a stand out option for anyone looking for a low maintenance cash rewards card that will allow you to accumulate cash rewards really quickly. There is also a sign-up bonus worth $200 in cash rewards that can be earned by spending at least $1,000 in the first three months after you are approved. It also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then 15.24%-25.24% Variable APR.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America®’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good
Show Card Details +
Updated April 12, 2022
Critics’ Overview
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a top contender in the field of cash back cards without annual fees. With an easy to achieve intro bonus, fantastic ongoing cash back rewards and very generous intro-APR periods for purchases and balance transfers, it checks all the important boxes. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.
Purchase APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, then 14.24% – 24.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 14.24% – 24.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
Card Details From Issuer
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 14.24% – 24.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Apply Now
On Bank of America®’s Secure site
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card you get to decide which category you’ll earn 3% back in each month. You can select from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings while also earning 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. The bonus cash back earned in these combined categories (your choice, grocery and wholesale clubs) is capped at $2,500 in purchases each quarter. You’ll earn 1% after that cap is hit and on all of your other purchases. To sweeten the deal, you’ll also earn a $200 online cash back rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases on your card within the first 90 days of your account opening. New cardmembers will also benefit from a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 14.24% – 24.24% Variable APR will apply. That is a huge list of perks for a card with no annual fee.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase’s secure site
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Show Card Details +
Updated April 12, 2022
Critics’ Overview
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a generous and unlimited base rate of 1.5% cash back on all of your purchases while also providing an even higher rate on travel purchased through Chase, dining at restaurants and purchases at drugstores. You will earn an additional 1.5% back on all purchases for your first year (up to $20,000) which equates to up to $300 more in cash back year one. You can also save money on interest with a lengthy intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, then 14.99% – 23.74% Variable
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent (670- 850*)
Card Details From Issuer
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 14.99% – 23.74%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Apply Now
On Chase’s Secure site
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card charges no annal fee and offers a straightforward way to earn cash back while also providing some really enticing bonus categories that will allow you to earn even more. You will earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year and 3% back on dining at restaurants and at drugstores. There is also a unique welcome bonus worth up to $300 in cash rewards. You will earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). That means you will earn a total of 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases your first year (up to the maximum noted). It is easy to see how your cash back rewards will add up incredibly quickly, especially your first year.
As you can see, it is a great time to be in the market for a new cash back credit card. Issuers are really stepping up their game and offering incredible perks to win your business. If you have good to excellent credit in the 670 – 850* range and have not recently applied for a new credit card then you should definitely apply for one of these stand out options today.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.
Source: https://cardcritics.com/maximize-your-cash-back/?tc=cnn-ac10-lp45-ci0-hl154-pc0-mc13-04132022__run34a
