Canada’s best credit cards for grocery purchases 2022

Whether you’re looking for cash back, to rack up points or simply to find the best grocery credit card in Canada, we’ve gathered the information you need to maximize your spending. Take stock of your shopping habits, and get ready to cash in on the rewards.

The best credit cards for grocery purchases in Canada

Best no-fee credit card for groceries

BMO CashBack Mastercard*

If you’re looking for the best no-fee grocery credit card, look no further. The 3% cash back on grocery purchases, no annual fee, and solid earn rates in other categories have made this card is a standout in the category. Keep in mind, though, that earnings are capped at $500 spent per statement period, so if you spend more than $500 per month on groceries, you’ll want to consider another card in order to reap the full benefits.

In addition to earning cash back on groceries, this card earns you 1% on recurring bill payments and an unlimited 0.5% on other spending. You can choose when to redeem cash back, in increments as little as $1; you can also set up automatic recurring redemptions of $25 or more.

• Annual fee: $0
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% for residents of Quebec)
• Earn rate on groceries: 3% cash back on groceries, up to $500 per month
• Rewards on other purchases: 1% on recurring bills; 0.5% on everything else
• Welcome bonus: You can earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months up to $2,500, including up to $500 spend on grocery, up to $500 spend in recurring bill payments, and up to $1,500 qualified spend on all other purchases. Get an introductory interest rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for the first nine months. A 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred.
• Additional perks: Purchase protection and extended warranty; discounts at Avis and National Car Rentals; discount Cirque du Soleil performances; add authorized cardholders at no charge
• Income required: None

Honourable mention: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card*

Every cardholder is given a 2% return on spending in two categories of their choice, of which groceries is one. (There are 10 categories in total, including drug store, gas, hotel and motel accommodations, restaurants, furniture, recurring bill payments, home improvement, entertainment, and public transportation and parking.) Plus, you can earn 2% on a third category of your choice just by having your rewards deposited into your Tangerine Savings Account.

In addition to being a no-fee card, this is a stand-out because your cash-back earnings are unlimited, meaning that your regular 2% earnings don’t have a cap. While this card doesn’t offer too much in the way of perks, like the card above, it currently has an attractive welcome offer.

• Annual fee: $0
• Interest rate: 19.95% on purchases, 19.95% on cash advances, 19.95% on balance transfers
• Earn rate on groceries: 2% cash back
• Rewards on other purchases: 2% in up to two other spending categories of your choice and 0.5% cash back on everything else
• Welcome bonus: Earn 15% cash back (up to $150) when you spend $1,000 on everyday purchases within the first two months of having the card. Transfer your balance from another credit card to receive a low interest rate of 1.95% for the first six months (1% balance transfer fee applies). Must apply by December 29, 2022.
• Additional perks: Purchase protection and extended warranty
• Annual income required: Personal or household income of $12,000

Best cash back card for groceries

Everybody likes flexible rewards, and cash is the most flexible around. This card offers 4% cash back on groceries and is part of the Visa Infinite family, which means cardholders receive perks including concierge service, and wine and dining experiences.

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite*

You’ll earn a healthy 4% on groceries, as well as subscription services like Netflix and recurring bill payments, while transportation costs (including Uber) and gas earn at 2% (up to an annual total spend of $25,000; after that the earn rate drops to 1%). All other purchases earn at 1%, so if you’re carrying this card you’ve got a lot of cash back to earn in a broad group of spending categories.

• Annual fee: $120 (waived for first year)
• Interest rate: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• Welcome bonus: Earn 10% cash back on all eligible purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000). Pay no annual fee for the first year. Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• Earn rate on groceries: 4% cash back
• Rewards on other purchases: 4% cash back on recurring bill payments, 2% on gas, public transit, taxis and rideshares, and 1% on everything else
• Additional perks: Travel emergency medical coverage, travel accident, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and flight delay insurance, and delayed or lost baggage protection; car rental loss or damage insurance; mobile device insurance
• Annual income required: Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000

Best credit card for groceries and gas (tie)

When it comes to can’t-avoid-it expenses, gas and groceries top the list. Our pick for the best gas and grocery credit card in Canada was a draw, with each card boasting 4% cash back on both filling your tank and your fridge, as well as some pretty decent earn rates in other categories and perks. Which card you choose will really depend on where you tend to spend more, and what perks are most useful to you.