You can buy groceries with a credit card by swiping, tapping, or inserting your card at checkout. Getting a credit card that earns bonus rewards on groceries could potentially save you hundreds of dollars at the supermarket each year. Credit cards also provide a convenient and secure way to pay for groceries because they offer $0 liability on fraud and let you pay for purchases without carrying large amounts of cash.
How to Buy Groceries with a Credit Card
- Find a grocery store that accepts credit cards. All major grocery store chains accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to double-check that they’ll take cards on your card’s network
- Choose the items you want to buy. Make sure to keep track of the prices and total amount you're spending.
- Head to the checkout counter. When you're ready to pay, let the cashier know that you'll be using a credit card, or select the option to pay with a card at a self-checkout counter.
- Swipe, insert, or tap your credit card. Follow the prompts on the card reader to complete the transaction. You may need to enter your PIN or sign for the purchase, depending on the store's policies and your card's requirements.
- Wait for the transaction to be approved. The card reader will usually display a message indicating that the transaction was successful.
- Take your groceries and your receipt. Double-check the receipt to make sure everything is correct and keep it for your records.
- Pay your credit card bill. You should see the charge appear on your monthly credit card statement, and you will eventually need to pay it off.
Another convenient option is to order groceries online for delivery or pick up. In that case, you’ll need to enter your card information on the store’s website or app, or use a third-party service. If you’re trying to earn bonus rewards on groceries, keep in mind that not all delivery services may qualify. Even when you buy groceries in person, larger supermarkets like Walmart or Target may not count for grocery rewards, depending on the card.
You can check out WalletHub’s picks for the best credit cards for groceries to compare the top options.
This answer was first published on 07/21/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
How to Buy Groceries with a Credit Card
- Find a grocery store that accepts credit cards. ...
- Choose the items you want to buy. ...
- Head to the checkout counter. ...
- Swipe, insert, or tap your credit card. ...
- Wait for the transaction to be approved. ...
- Take your groceries and your receipt. ...
- Pay your credit card bill.
Is it smart to buy groceries with a credit card? ›
Using a credit card to buy your groceries and then making your monthly payments on time can help you build a strong credit history and show future lenders that you can manage your credit responsibly.
Can you get cash back at a grocery store with a credit card? ›
Whether you can get cash back when you buy something with a credit card actually depends on what you mean by “cash back.” No, you generally can't get cash back with a credit card at the register when you buy something, but, as mentioned earlier, you can earn cash-back rewards with a credit card or take a cash advance.
How does purchasing things on a credit card work? ›
Credit cards offer you a line of credit that can be used to make purchases, balance transfers and/or cash advances and requiring that you pay back the loan amount in the future. When using a credit card, you will need to make at least the minimum payment every month by the due date on the balance.
How to pay with a credit card at a store? ›
To pay for your purchases at a retail outlet, be it a restaurant, a supermarket or a shopping mall, just present your card at the billing counter. The person at the counter will swipe or insert your card into a machine and ask you to enter your PIN (a secret code that only you know).
Do grocery stores charge credit card fees? ›
In 1985, California passed a law (Civil Code section 1748.1) that prohibited merchants from adding a surcharge (an extra fee) when customers pay by credit card instead of cash.
What is a disadvantage to using a credit card to buy items? ›
Key Takeaways. Credit cards make it all too easy to overspend. Buying on credit can also make your purchases more expensive, considering the interest you may pay on them. Getting into too much debt can not only hurt your credit score but also strain relationships with family and friends.
Can I use my credit card to pay for groceries? ›
Providing you stick within your credit limit, you can quite literally use your plastic to pay for almost anything you want - holidays, food shops, cars, clothes, bills, the lot. The only things you can't cover with a credit card include most mortgage payments, gambling, stock, and anything that's illegal.
Should I pay off my credit card after every purchase? ›
If you regularly use your credit card to make purchases but repay it in full, your credit score will most likely be better than if you carry the balance month to month.
Can I transfer money from my credit card to my bank account? ›
It's definitely possible to transfer money from a credit card to a bank, but that doesn't mean doing so is a financially savvy move. For starters, there are always fees involved in using a credit card to access cash, and these fees are incredibly difficult to avoid.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal if you want to earn cash back. It offers the highest cash-back rate at U.S. supermarkets at 6% (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). That's up to $360 each year just on eligible supermarket purchases.
How to turn a credit card into cash? ›
How to use a credit card at an ATM to withdraw money
- Insert your credit card into an ATM.
- Enter your credit card PIN.
- Select the “cash withdrawal” or “cash advance” option.
- Select the “credit” option, if necessary (you may be asked to choose between checking, debit or credit)
- Enter the amount of cash you'd like to withdraw.
What is the minimum payment on a $3,000 credit card? ›
The minimum payment on a $3,000 credit card balance is at least $30, plus any fees, interest, and past-due amounts, if applicable. If you were late making a payment for the previous billing period, the credit card company may also add a late fee on top of your standard minimum payment.
What is the minimum payment on a $500 credit card? ›
Percentage method: Some credit card issuers calculate the minimum payment as a percentage of your outstanding balance. This percentage typically falls within the range of 1% to 3% but can vary. For example, if your outstanding balance is $500 and the minimum payment percentage is 2%, your minimum payment would be $10.
What can you not use a credit card for? ›
Purchases you should avoid putting on your credit card
- Mortgage or rent. ...
- Household Bills/household Items. ...
- Small indulgences or vacation. ...
- Down payment, cash advances or balance transfers. ...
- Medical bills. ...
- Wedding. ...
- Taxes. ...
- Student Loans or tuition.
How do you swipe a credit card at a store? ›
To swipe your credit card correctly:
- Position the magnetic strip that's on the back of the card into the card reader's slot so the magnetic strip faces toward the card reader. ...
- If the card reader has a slot on the side, move the magnetic strip through the card reader slot from top to bottom.
Does a credit card have a PIN? ›
Credit cards can have PINs, but you'll rarely use them. For the majority of credit card transactions you make, a PIN isn't necessary, so it's not something you typically have to worry about. Find out how PINS work, what they're for, and how to request one from your credit card issuer.
How do you use a credit card at a self checkout? ›
Press the large PAY button and select your method of payment. Some self checkout machines do not accept cash so you will need to use a credit, debit or gift card. If using a check, ensure it'll be accepted without any problems prior to initiating this process.
Can I cover the CVV of my credit card? ›
Reduce the risk of online fraud by blanking the security code. The CVV code at the back of your card is only useful for online shopping, so once it is stored securely in your password manager, there is no reason not to scratch it from the card.