January 3, 2025
Groceries make up a significant portion of most households’ monthly expenses, and with the right credit card, you can actually earn rewards and save on those essential purchases. From cashback to rewards points, there are many credit cards in the Philippines specifically designed to help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to grocery shopping. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best credit cards for groceries available today—along with tips on how to choose the right one for you.
1. BDO ShopMore Mastercard
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Rebates and Points: The BDO ShopMore Mastercard often provides reward points or rebates for purchases in SM supermarkets and affiliated stores.
- Exclusive Promos: BDO frequently partners with large supermarket chains (like SM, Robinsons, and more) to offer exclusive discounts, 0% installment plans, and freebies.
- Easy Redemption: Points can be redeemed for SM gift passes or other rewards that you can use for your next grocery run.
Potential Drawbacks
- The best rebates and promos are typically limited to SM-affiliated supermarkets and stores.
- The annual fee can be waived only if you meet a certain spending threshold.
2. BPI Blue Mastercard
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Versatile Rewards Points: BPI credit cards let you earn Real Thrills Rewards points on all purchases, including groceries at almost any supermarket.
- Wide Acceptance: BPI is widely accepted across various local and international merchants, ensuring convenience wherever you shop.
- Regular Promos: BPI often runs seasonal promos, offering installment options and extra points for select grocery stores.
Potential Drawbacks
- The cashback or rewards rate may not be as high as specialized grocery credit cards.
- You may need to maintain a certain level of spending to fully offset the annual fee.
Thought about best credit card for groceries for 5 seconds
Best Credit Cards for Groceries in the Philippines
Maximize Your Savings and Perks at the Supermarket
Groceries make up a significant portion of most households’ monthly expenses, and with the right credit card, you can actually earn rewards and save on those essential purchases. From cashback to rewards points, there are many credit cards in the Philippines specifically designed to help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to grocery shopping. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best credit cards for groceries available today—along with tips on how to choose the right one for you.
1. BDO ShopMore Mastercard
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Rebates and Points: The BDO ShopMore Mastercard often provides reward points or rebates for purchases in SM supermarkets and affiliated stores.
- Exclusive Promos: BDO frequently partners with large supermarket chains (like SM, Robinsons, and more) to offer exclusive discounts, 0% installment plans, and freebies.
- Easy Redemption: Points can be redeemed for SM gift passes or other rewards that you can use for your next grocery run.
Potential Drawbacks
- The best rebates and promos are typically limited to SM-affiliated supermarkets and stores.
- The annual fee can be waived only if you meet a certain spending threshold.
2. BPI Blue Mastercard
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Versatile Rewards Points: BPI credit cards let you earn Real Thrills Rewards points on all purchases, including groceries at almost any supermarket.
- Wide Acceptance: BPI is widely accepted across various local and international merchants, ensuring convenience wherever you shop.
- Regular Promos: BPI often runs seasonal promos, offering installment options and extra points for select grocery stores.
Potential Drawbacks
- The cashback or rewards rate may not be as high as specialized grocery credit cards.
- You may need to maintain a certain level of spending to fully offset the annual fee.
3. Citibank (UnionBank) Cashback Card
(Note: Citibank consumer banking has been transitioned to UnionBank in the Philippines. You may still see Citibank-branded credit cards in the market, but new applications and servicing might be under UnionBank.)
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Straightforward Cashback: Earn a flat cashback rate for groceries, making it easy to track and redeem your rewards.
- High Earning Potential: Depending on ongoing promos, you can earn a competitive cashback rate on supermarket purchases, and sometimes on other essentials like gas or utilities.
- Flexible Redemption: Cashback can usually be applied directly to your statement, lowering your monthly bill.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some offers may be limited-time or location-specific.
- The annual fee can be on the higher side if you don’t meet the required spending to get a waiver.
4. Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Automatic Cashback: The Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum card is known for offering tiered cashback categories—groceries often earn one of the highest percentages.
- Multi-Category Savings: You also get decent cashback rates for utilities, fuel, and dining, making this card a good all-around everyday spender.
- Effortless Earnings: Instead of juggling points or complicated redemption systems, cashback is automatically credited on your monthly statement.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher income requirement compared to entry-level cards.
- Cashback rates may be capped each month, limiting how much you can earn.
5. Metrobank Cashback Platinum Visa
Why It’s Great for Groceries
- Competitive Cashback Rates: Metrobank’s Cashback Platinum Visa often offers up to 1%–5% cashback for qualified grocery purchases, depending on current promotions.
- Flexible Installment Plans: Metrobank frequently has 0% installment promos for grocery and other essential purchases, making big-haul shopping less stressful on your budget.
- Access to Perks and Discounts: Additional perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and dining discounts can add value beyond groceries.
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires a relatively high minimum income to qualify.
- If you don’t shop frequently, you may not reach the spending thresholds to maximize rewards or waive the annual fee.
Tips for Choosing the Best Grocery Credit Card
- Check the Cashback or Rewards Rate
- Look for cards that offer at least 1%–5% cashback or reward points equivalent for grocery purchases. Compare across multiple issuers to find the highest rate.
- Look for Supermarket Partnerships
- Some cards are co-branded with major retailers (e.g., SM, Puregold, Robinsons). If you’re loyal to a particular supermarket, consider these co-branded cards for special discounts and higher rebates.
- Consider the Annual Fee
- Many cards require you to spend a certain amount per year to get a fee waiver. Make sure the rewards or rebates you get exceed the annual fee—or that you can comfortably meet the spending requirement.
- Watch Out for Promo Periods and Caps
- Cashback promos can change or expire, and some cards have monthly or annual reward caps. Always read the fine print to ensure you don’t miss out on savings.
- Evaluate Your Overall Spending Pattern
- If groceries make up the bulk of your expenses, a high grocery cashback card is ideal. But if you also spend heavily on dining, fuel, or travel, a card that covers multiple categories might offer better overall value.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right grocery credit card involves comparing cashback rates, reward structures, annual fees, and partnership deals. Whether you prioritize straightforward cashback or points that can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, each of the cards above has unique perks to help you maximize your grocery spend.
If you’re new to credit cards and want to explore more options, feel free to check out these helpful resources for additional guidance:
With the right information and a bit of planning, you’ll be able to choose a credit card that not only suits your grocery shopping needs but also supports your broader financial goals. Happy shopping and saving!