What is the American Express supermarket list?

The American Express supermarket list is a group of supermarket chains – including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Shoprite, among others – where you can get bonus rewards on purchases made with certain American Express cards. Purchases must be made at participating supermarkets located in the U.S. to earn rewards.

Popular Grocery Stores on the American Express Supermarket List

• ALDI
• FreshDirect
• Gelson’s
• Hy-Vee
• Kings Food Markets
• Meijer
• ShopRite
• Smart & Final
• Stop & Shop
• Trader Joe's
• Vons
• Whole Foods
• Winn-Dixie

American Express does not disclose all the supermarkets eligible for bonus rewards, which means that other U.S.-based supermarket chains may count, too. All purchases will need the merchant category code for supermarkets or grocery stores. An eligible purchase will also have “Grocery Stores” listed next to it on your monthly billing statement.

Merchants that do not qualify for bonus supermarket rewards include specialty food stores, convenience stores, gourmet shops, and meal-kit delivery services, among others. It is also important to note that warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sam’s Club are not considered supermarkets and are not eligible for supermarket bonus rewards. “Superstores” like Target and Walmart are not eligible either.

To earn maximum rewards, you should look for an Amex card that offers high earn rates on supermarket purchases as well as your other recurring expenses. The best American Express card for supermarket rewards is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because it offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 spent per year (then 1% back). Other American Express cards that offer bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets include the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card, among others.