Best Credit Card for Groceries in Canada

There isn’t one single “best” grocery card for everyone in Canada.
The right choice depends on:

• How much you spend on groceries

• Whether you pay in full or sometimes carry a balance

• If you’re okay with annual fees

• Where you shop (big chains vs PC/Loblaw stores vs everywhere)

A Safe, Everyday Option: KOHO Essential

If your priority is saving on groceries without risking credit card debt, KOHO Essential is a strong alternative to a grocery rewards credit card:

• It has a low monthly plan fee that can be waived when you set up direct deposit or add +$1,000.

• Use a prepaid Mastercard® for groceries, bills, subscriptions, and travel.

• Grow your savings with a 2% interest savings rate on your entire balance.

• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.

• You can subscribe to Credit Building for $10/month, it's an affordable way to build your credit history.

• Enjoy unlimited transactions and free e-transfers (never worry about fees when sending money to someone again).

Top Traditional Grocery Credit Cards in Canada

If you’re comfortable with credit and always (or almost always) pay your balance in full, these are some of the better known grocery-focused cards in Canada.

1. CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite Card

A popular cash back credit card that’s often highlighted as a strong grocery option:

• Designed for people with higher or stable income (Visa Infinite tier usually has minimum income requirements)

• Offers elevated cash back on grocery purchases, with lower rates on other categories

• Includes extra perks common to premium cards, such as travel or purchase insurance (exact benefits depend on the current offer)

2. PC® World Mastercard®

This card is built around the PC Optimum ecosystem, which makes it very compelling if you shop mainly at:

• Loblaws / Real Canadian Superstore / No Frills and other Loblaw banners

• Shoppers Drug Mart

• Esso / Mobil (for some gas earn)

Features:

• No annual fee

• Earns PC Optimum points, with higher earn rates at Loblaw/PC family stores and Shoppers Drug Mart compared to other merchants

• Points can be redeemed on groceries and drugstore purchases at participating banners

3. American Express Cobalt® Card

Points heavy reward card that’s very strong on everyday spending:

• Known for offering high points earning on food related categories, including eligible grocery and dining spend

• Points can typically be used for travel, purchases, or statement credits

• Has a monthly fee structure instead of a single annual fee

You do need to be comfortable with:

• Using American Express (acceptance is broad, but not universal like Visa/Mastercard)

• Managing a rewards program and redeeming points smartly to get good value

Which is Better for You?

A traditional grocery credit card makes sense if you:

• Always (or almost always) pay your balance in full

• Spend enough on groceries that the extra rewards outweigh any annual fee

• Are comfortable managing a credit line and not overspending for points