The Citi Premier® Card is no longer available for new applicants. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
As long as you can pay off your balance on time and in full each month, it can be beneficial to use a credit card when shopping for the basics. Using a credit card that offers cash back, points or miles on your daily purchases can make your rewards balance balloon even more quickly.
While many popular cards are geared towards rewarding those who travel often, there are a number of great cards that are more centered on rewarding everyday purchases, such as grocery runs, gas fill-ups and online shopping.
To help you out on your next spending, CNBC Select details the best credit cards for shopping the essentials and maximizing those everyday purchases.
Best credit cards for everyday spending
- Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for travel rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best for gas: Citi Custom Cash® Card
- Best for online shopping: Prime Visa
- Best for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠
Best for groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rewards
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, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro APR
0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Who's this for: Amex's Blue Cash Preferred Card is a cash-back credit card ideal for someone who wants to earn a respectable return across a range of common spending categories.
As you spend on the card, you'll earn cash back in the following categories:
- 6% cash back on groceries and purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back on transit including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Additionally, the card comes with a lucrative welcome offer where you can earn $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months.
The card also comes with valuable benefits such as an intro *0% APR offer on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening (after, 19.24% - 29.99% variable APR; variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%), the Disney Bundle* credits, Equinox+* credits and return protection (enrollment required for select benefits). (See rates and fees)
*Subject to auto-renewal
How to redeem rewards: You can redeem your cash back for a statement credit to help reduce your monthly statement. There are no minimums to do this.
Best for earning travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rewards
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.
Who's this for: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card remains one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards for its broad spending categories and low annual fee.
As you spend on the card, you'll earn:
- 5X points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
- 3X points on select streaming services
- 2X points on all other travel purchases
- 1X point on all other purchases
Plus, new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
If you enjoy traveling, the card comes with solid travel benefits including a $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, comprehensive travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
How to redeem rewards: As you spend on the card, you'll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. These points can be redeemed for cash back or gift cards at a rate of 1 cent per point. Points are worth 25% more when you use the Chase Travel℠ travel portal. You can potentially get even more value from your points by transferring them to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners, like World of Hyatt and United MileagePlus.
Best for dining
American Express® Gold Card
Rewards
4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$250
Intro APR
Not applicable
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our American Express® Gold Card review.
Who's this for: The American Express Gold Card is ideal for foodies who want to rack up Amex Membership Rewards® points.
As you spend, you'll earn:
- 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 4X points per dollar spent on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Other benefits, which can help offset the annual fee, include monthly Uber credits, dining credits at select restaurants, travel insurance and special perks when booking hotel stays through The Hotel Collection (enrollment required for select benefits). Cardholders can also participate in Amex Offers, where they'll earn statement credits or bonus points at select retailers.
The Amex Gold Card is currently offering new cardholders a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership.
How to redeem rewards: Amex Membership Rewards points are best used when transferred to one of Amex's various airline and hotel partners, such as Delta Air Lines or JetBlue. You can also redeem them for statement credits, gift cards and when checking out at retailers like Amazon, though you'll usually get a lower value for your points.
Best for earning cash back
Citi Double Cash® Card
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Fair/Good/Excellent
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review.
Who's this for: The Citi Double Cash Card is a no-frills, cash-back credit card that can quickly help you save on your monthly expenses.
As you spend on the card, you'll earn 2% cash back: 1% on all eligible purchases and an additional 1% after you pay your credit card bill. There's no limit to the cash back you can earn.
How to redeem rewards: The cash back you earn is awarded in Citi ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for statement credits, cash back, gift cards, travel or merchandise. And, if you have another Citi ThankYou® Points earning card like the Citi Premier® Card, you can transfer your Citi Double Cash points to various travel partners.
Best for gas
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for first 15 months
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent, Good, Fair
See rates and fees. Terms apply.
Read our Citi Custom Cash® Card review.
Who's this for: The Citi Custom Cash Card is a great pick for your gas purchases, along with your other daily purchases.
As you spend on the card, you'll earn:
- 5% cash back on purchases in the top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (then 1%)
- 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Eligible 5% cash back spending categories include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
This means that you can earn up to $25 cash back each billing cycle if you maximize the gas or other eligible spending category. But if you typically exceed that $500 threshold, you may consider adding another gas rewards credit card like the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card.
In addition, the Citi Custom Cash Card has a simple welcome bonus where you can earn an additional $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 in the first six months of account opening.
How to redeem rewards: You can redeem your points for cash back as a statement credit or direct deposit, gift cards, travel and even on Amazon orders.
Best for online shopping
Prime Visa
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), 10% back or more on a rotating selection of products and categories at Amazon.com, unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card (or more) instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Annual fee
$0 (but Prime membership is required)
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Information about the Prime Visa has been collected independently by Select and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication; if you purchase something through Select links, we may earn a commission.
Who's this for: The Prime Visa is a good choice for someone with an eligible Prime membership who regularly shops on Amazon and at Whole Foods Market.
As you spend on the card, you'll earn unlimited:
- 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market
- 5% back on Chase Travel purchases
- Unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- 1% back on all other purchases
The card also comes with a very simple welcome bonus. Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
How to redeem rewards: The cash back you earn with this card is awarded as points that are worth 1 cent apiece. You can use your points for eligible purchases at Amazon.com or redeem your points through Chase for cash back, gift cards and travel.
Best for rotating bonus categories
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®)
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.
Who's this for: The Chase Freedom Flex allows flexible spenders to earn generous amounts of cash back.
As you spend on the card, you'll earn:
- 5% cash back on the card's rotating categories (these change each quarter and require activation)
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The card also comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months of card membership (after, 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR).
New cardholders can currently earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in their first three months from account opening.
How to redeem rewards: The cash back you earn can be redeemed for a statement credit, gift card, travel and more. Additionally, if you have another Chase-Ultimate-Rewards-earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can convert the cash back into transferrable Ultimate Rewards® points and potentially get much more value than 1 cent per point.
FAQs
Is it good to use a credit card for everyday purchases?
By using a credit card for everyday purchases, you can earn valuable rewards fairly quickly. However, it's crucial to keep your spending within your budget and always pay off your bills on time and in full.
How can I maximize my spending on my credit card?
You can maximize your spending by having the right credit card that matches your spending habits. Additionally, if your spending habits change, you may consider switching cards to earn more rewards.
What is the best credit card to use for everyday purchases?
The best credit card for everyday purchases is one that most closely aligns with your purchasing habits and your financial goals.
Bottom line
Everyday essentials have quickly escalated in price, leaving many Americans scrambling to save money on their basic purchases.
While saving money by using a credit card may seem counterintuitive, credit cards provide a solid opportunity to make the purchases you need and earn rewards at the same time. However, it's important to remember that credit cards should work in tandem with your monthly budget. If you're overspending and getting into credit card debt, the rewards you'll earn won't make any tangible difference.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards.
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Information about the Prime Visa has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication; if you purchase something through Select links, we may earn a commission.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
