With grocery inflation still a concern—U.S. households averaging $5,700 annually on food at home per Bureau of Labor Statistics data—earning rewards on these purchases isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program stands out for its flexibility, allowing points to be redeemed for cash back, travel, or transfers to partners at up to 1.5 cents per point or more. In this in-depth guide, updated for October 2025, we’ll explore the best Chase cards for groceries, including online perks, Walmart strategies, and pairing tips to boost your earnings by 3-5x on qualifying spends.
Why Choose Chase Cards for Grocery Rewards in 2025?
From my years optimizing finance content, I’ve seen Chase consistently rank as a top issuer for grocery rewards due to their no-cap earning potential and versatile redemptions. Unlike flat-rate cards, Chase lets you stack bonuses across their ecosystem—the “Chase Trifecta” (Sapphire Preferred, Freedom Flex, and Unlimited)—to maximize value. For instance, transfer points from a no-fee card to Sapphire for 25% more on travel bookings.
Key 2025 updates include expanded DoorDash benefits for grocery deliveries starting February 1, offering $10 monthly credits on non-restaurant orders like Instacart. This ties perfectly into online grocery trends, where 3x points on apps can yield $15–$24 monthly value on $400 spends. However, exclusions like Walmart and Target mean strategic card selection is crucial—something I’ve advised clients on to avoid common pitfalls.
Best Chase Card for Groceries: Top Picks Compared
Based on expert reviews from sites like CNBC and NerdWallet, the Chase Freedom Flex® emerges as the best overall for in-store groceries in 2025, especially during Q1’s 5% bonus on grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target). For online shoppers, the Sapphire Preferred takes the crown with uncapped 3x points.
The Chase Freedom Flex card, ideal for rotating grocery bonuses.
Comparison Table: Chase Grocery Rewards at a Glance
Card Name | Annual Fee | Grocery Earning Rate | Key Perks for Shoppers | Signup Bonus (Oct 2025) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Flex® | $0 | 5% on rotating quarters (up to $1,500; often includes groceries excl. Walmart/Target) | Quarterly activation; 5% on gas/streaming | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months | Budget shoppers with $200–$500 monthly spends |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® | $95 | 3x on online groceries (excl. Walmart/Target/wholesale) | DashPass ($120 value); $10 monthly DoorDash grocery credit | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | Online delivery users; travel enthusiasts |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | 1.5% unlimited (or 1.5x points) | No caps; pairs well for overflow | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months | Simple, everyday rewards |
Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | 3x on groceries after $300 travel credit | Priority Pass; enhanced DoorDash perks | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | High spenders with luxury benefits |
This table, informed by Chase’s official terms and expert analyses, highlights how Freedom Flex can net 5% ($10 back on $200) during bonus quarters, while Sapphire Preferred offers consistent 3x ($6–$9 value) year-round. In my experience, pairing no-fee cards with premium ones amplifies returns—up to 5x effective on groceries via transfers.
Pros of Freedom Flex: No fee, versatile categories like fitness in Q1 2025. Cons: Requires activation; misses big-box stores. If your spend exceeds $1,500 quarterly, switch to Unlimited for uncapped 1.5%.
Who should apply? Everyday households aiming for $100+ annual rewards. Pre-qualify on Chase.com to avoid credit hits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Grocery Rewards: A Deep Dive
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card, earning 3x on online groceries.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is my go-to recommendation for online grocery rewards in 2025, earning 3x points on eligible purchases like Instacart or Amazon Fresh—excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs. From optimizing client content around travel cards, I’ve seen this feature save users hundreds via redemptions.
How the 3x Points Work
- Eligible Spends: Online deliveries, meal kits , and app-based services qualify; in-store typically earns 1x unless bonused.
- Value Breakdown: On $300 monthly online, earn 900 points—worth $11.25 cash back or $13.50+ via travel portal.
- Merchant Codes: Rewards depend on MCCs; test small buys to confirm.
New for 2025: Enhanced DoorDash integration with $10 monthly credits on grocery orders, plus free DashPass for $0 delivery fees—potentially covering the $95 fee in months.
Maximization Strategies
- Pairing Tip: Combine with Freedom Flex for 5x during grocery quarters, then transfer to Sapphire for boosted redemptions.
- Additional Perks: 5x on Chase travel, $50 hotel credit, and primary rental insurance—ideal for family road trips to stock up.
FAQ: Does Walmart Neighborhood Market count? Rarely, due to explicit exclusions; always check statements.
For frequent online shoppers, this card’s ecosystem turns routine buys into vacation funds.
Chase Cards at Walmart: Navigating Exclusions and Workarounds
Understanding Walmart Coding in 2025
- Standard Earnings: 1x on in-store/online; no grocery bonus due to exclusions.
- Rotating Opportunities: Freedom Flex offers 5% on Walmart.com during select quarters.
- Neighborhood Markets: Inconsistent; some code as grocery but Chase policies override.
Smart Workarounds
- Gift Card Hack: Buy Walmart gift cards at qualifying grocers during Freedom Flex’s 5% quarters for indirect rewards.
- App Payments: Walmart Pay might trigger 3x on Sapphire for some, but it’s unreliable—monitor via the app.
- Value Example: $200 monthly at 1x = $2–$3 back; with hacks, up to $10.
For dedicated Walmart users, consider non-Chase alternatives like the Capital One Walmart Rewards® for 5%, but Chase’s flexibility wins for multi-card setups.
Best Chase Online Grocery Cards: Strategies for Delivery Lovers
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card, great for uncapped everyday rewards.
Chase’s Online Grocery Edge
- Top Earner: Sapphire Preferred’s uncapped 3x on apps; Q3 Freedom Flex may include Instacart for 5%.
- Trifecta Strategy: Sapphire (3x online) + Flex (5x rotating) + Unlimited (1.5x fallback) for comprehensive coverage.
- Scenario: $400 monthly on Instacart = 1,200 points ($15–$24 value), plus DashPass savings.
Future-proof with 2025 promos like extended DoorDash credits. For busy pros, this setup funds perks without effort.
FAQ: Common Questions on Chase Grocery Rewards
- What’s the best Chase card for groceries at Walmart? Freedom Flex during rotating quarters for up to 5% on Walmart.com.
- Do Chase cards earn on wholesale clubs? No, exclusions apply similar to Walmart.
- How to activate bonuses? Via Chase app; miss it, and you earn base rates.
- Is the $95 fee worth it for Sapphire Preferred? Yes, if you spend $300+ monthly online—breaks even quickly.
Final Thoughts: Start Earning More on Groceries Today
With these insights, you can turn 2025 grocery bills into rewards worth hundreds. Apply at Chase.com for the latest offers, and remember: Responsible use builds credit while saving. T