Merchants · Trader Joe's
Does Trader Joe's count as groceries for credit card rewards?
· Category rules checked against issuer terms
Yes. Trader Joe's is classified as a supermarket, and American Express names it as an example of a U.S. supermarket that earns grocery rewards.
Codes as
MCC 5411
Grocery Stores, Supermarkets
- U.S. supermarkets on American Express (named example)
- Grocery on other cards that reward supermarkets
- Online grocery, because Trader Joe's doesn't sell online
How Trader Joe's is coded
Trader Joe's is a straightforward grocery store: it sells food and household goods, in person only. It's one of the most reliable places to earn a grocery bonus.
| MCC | Category | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| 5411 | Grocery Stores, Supermarkets | All purchases (American Express lists Trader Joe's as an eligible U.S. supermarket) |
How card issuers treat it
- American Express. Trader Joe's is on Amex's list of example U.S. supermarkets where cardholders earn additional rewards.
- Other issuers. Chase, Capital One and U.S. Bank define grocery by the supermarket category, which Trader Joe's falls into. They don't name it specifically.
Good to know before you pay
- Trader Joe's says it doesn't sell online, offer delivery or curbside pickup, or partner with Instacart or similar services.
- It accepts credit and debit cards and mobile wallets. There's no Trader Joe's co-brand card.
Getting the most from Trader Joe's purchases
- Use your grocery card here.
- Online grocery bonuses won't help, since every purchase is in store.
- Look at how a recent purchase posted on your statement or in your card app. That shows the category your issuer actually assigned.
Common questions
Does Trader Joe's count as groceries on the Amex Gold Card?
Yes. American Express lists Trader Joe's as an example of an eligible U.S. supermarket.
Does Trader Joe's take American Express?
Yes. American Express lists Trader Joe's among merchants that accept the card.
Is Trader Joe's on Instacart?
No. Trader Joe's says it doesn't partner with Instacart or other delivery services.
How Tapd handles Trader Joe's. Tapd checks how this exact purchase is likely to be coded, then pays with whichever of your cards earns the most on it, including when your best grocery or dining card doesn't apply.