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Why groceries at a superstore might not earn your grocery bonus

2 min read

You bought milk, eggs and produce, but your grocery card paid its base rate. The reason is usually the store's classification.

Supermarket versus superstore

Card issuers typically define their grocery bonus by the supermarket merchant category. Big-box retailers that sell groceries alongside clothing, electronics and household goods are usually classified as general merchandise or discount stores instead. Warehouse clubs often have a category of their own. Many grocery bonuses exclude both.

The result: the same $150 of groceries can earn 3% or more at a supermarket and 1% at a superstore, on the same card.

Warehouse clubs add another wrinkle

Some warehouse clubs accept only one card network in their stores, so your best grocery card may not even be an option at the register. Check which networks the club takes before you shop.

What to do about it

• Read your card's category definition. Terms often say outright that superstores and warehouse clubs are excluded.
• Check a past statement. See how your usual store's purchases were categorized.
• Use a flat-rate card at superstores. If your grocery bonus doesn't apply, a card paying 2% on everything usually beats a 1% base rate.
• Look for cards that include these stores. Some cards specifically reward warehouse clubs or general merchandise.

For more on how categories are assigned, see How merchant category codes decide your rewards.