Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
No, Costco does not count as a grocery store for Amex. When you use an American Express credit card that includes “U.S. Supermarkets” as a bonus category, your purchases at Costco will not earn you any bonus rewards for that category. Depending on the card, you could potentially earn rewards in a different bonus category, or simply earn rewards at a flat rate regardless of where you’re shopping.
Whether a particular merchant counts as a grocery store for Amex depends on the store’s “Merchant Category Code.” The credit card networks assign these codes to stores based on what goods and services they offer, so stores assigned the code for supermarkets/grocery stores will count for the corresponding credit card bonus category.
Examples of Stores that Count as a Grocery Store for Amex
- ALDI
- Stop & Shop
- Whole Foods
- Meijer
- Trader Joe's
This list of stores is not comprehensive, as there are plenty of others that count as a grocery store for Amex.
You can learn more about the best American Express credit cards and best credit cards for groceries on WalletHub.
Popular Credit Cards for Groceries
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Customized Rewards
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No Annual Fee
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DoorDash Rewards
People also ask
Is Costco a grocery store?
Costco is not considered a grocery store. You will generally earn 1% back in rewards, as the purchases you make there are considered regular purchases.
Transaction processors (like Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover) do not count big-box stores (Target and Walmart) or warehouse clubs (such as Costco) as grocery stores or supermarkets.
read full answer by Thomas Simpson, MemberWhat grocery stores do not accept American Express?
Costco is the only major grocery store that doesn’t accept American Express credit cards at the moment. However, some smaller grocery store chains and independent merchants may also not accept American Express. So, it's better to check with these retailers beforehand if you plan to use an Amex card to pay for groceries at their stores.
Popular Grocery Stores that Accept American Express
- ALDI
- Meijer
- ShopRite
- Trader Joe’s
- Vons
- Whole...
Do grocery stores take American Express?
Yes, nearly all major grocery stores take American Express cards. ALDI, Meijer, ShopRite, Trader Joe’s, Vons, Whole Foods, and Winn-Dixie are among the large supermarket chains that accept American Express cards.
Be aware, though, that some smaller grocery store chains and independent merchants may not take American Express cards. So, check with these retailers beforehand if you plan to use an Amex card to pay for groceries at their stores. Costco is one major...
read full answer by Gina Marte, WalletHub AdvisorDid we answer your question?
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