Best supermarket credit cards 2023

What is a supermarket credit card?

Just like a typical credit card, supermarket credit cards allow you to spend money up front and pay it back later. You’ll pay interest if you don’t repay your balance in full each month. These cards also offer benefits such as saving money on your weekly shop by using the points you’ve collected or 0% interest on balance and money transfers. It’s worth noting that these benefits differ between supermarket credit cards.

Supermarket credit card vs store credit card: what’s the difference?

Supermarket credit cards differ from store cards as they are on a card network such as Mastercard or Visa. They can be used to make purchases in any store just like your typical credit card, although the loyalty points can only be used in that specific supermarket or partner brands. Store cards can only be used in that particular store.

How do grocery credit cards work?

Grocery credit cards can be used like a standard rewards credit card to make purchases in any store. However, you tend to collect more points (or cashback) when you make purchases in the supermarket itself compared to purchases made elsewhere. These points can then be used in-store or online at that supermarket or partner brands to save money on your shop.

Supermarket card reward schemes – which one is best?

You should consider all the features and fees of the card and compare them with a range of alternatives. But it’s worth remembering that most supermarkets offer more loyalty points when the card is used in their store or partner stores, and points can only be redeemed there. So whichever supermarket you most regularly shop at should play a large part in your decision. For example, if you’re an avid Tesco shopper, a Tesco credit card might benefit you the most.

Asda Pounds

With Asda Money credit cards, you can earn 1% back in Asda Pounds when shopping at Asda or 0.3% on non-Asda spend. 1 Asda Pound = £1. If you shop regularly at Asda, then the Asda credit card helps you save money on your weekly shop with Asda Pounds you collect. Asda sometimes runs welcome incentives in the form of cashback. It can be quickly and securely managed through the Asda Money Credit Card app, with payments made easily through Apple Pay. Note that Asda’s reward scheme is limited because you can only use Asda Pounds at Asda, unlike other cards where the points can be used with partners.

Tesco Clubcard points

With Tesco Bank Clubcard credit cards, you can collect 5 points per £4 spent in Tesco, 1 point per £8 spent outside Tesco and 1 point per £4 spent on Tesco fuel (excluding Esso) plus 1 point for every 1 litre bought. 100 points = £1 in vouchers. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers, which can be used to save you money in-store or online at Tesco, as well as on fuel at Tesco petrol stations and at Esso sites with a Tesco Express. Alternatively, you can exchange the vouchers with their Reward Partners, where you can treat yourself with a visit to a theme park or a meal at an Italian restaurant.

From everyday purchases to one-off treats, you can save money with cheaper prices on selected items when using your Tesco Bank credit card in-store. Note that some supermarkets may inflate normal prices to make their discounted prices seem a better deal than they are, so compare discounted prices at the supermarket to normal prices at other supermarkets and see how much the discounted prices benefit you.

Sainsbury’s Nectar points

With the Sainsbury’s Bank credit cards, you can collect up to 3 Nectar points per £2 spent in Sainsbury's, Argos, Habitat and Tu clothing, and 1 Nectar point for every £5 spent elsewhere. 1 point = 0.5p (min 500pts). Reward yourself with a morning coffee at Caffe Nero or even splash some points on a getaway with British Airways. The credit card app and online banking help you manage and control your finances easily.

Much like with Tesco Clubcard discounted prices, your Sainsbury’s credit card lets you benefit from cheaper in-store prices on selected items. Note that some supermarkets may inflate normal prices to make their discounted prices seem a better deal than they are, so compare discounted prices at the supermarket to normal prices at other supermarkets and see how much the discounted prices benefit you.

How to make the most of your supermarket credit card?

To make the most use of your supermarket credit card, you could use it for all your spending – at the supermarket and elsewhere – maximising your points-earning potential. Topping up your petrol at your card’s supermarket could also top up your points, as some cards offer double the rewards. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably earn more points using your card in your supermarket of choice compared to other stores.

Also, remember that your card is still a credit card. To avoid getting caught out by interest, make sure to pay your balance in full each month. Any money you save with supermarket loyalty points can easily be eroded if you end up paying interest on your credit card balance.

Pros and cons of supermarket credit cards

Who can apply for a supermarket credit card?

To apply for a supermarket credit card, you must be:

• Aged 18 or over
• A UK resident

Some providers may also require you to:

• Have a regular income over a certain amount
• Meet other eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria may differ between different supermarket credit cards, so it’s always wise to check with the provider.

Can you apply for a supermarket credit card if you have bad credit?

Yes – you may still be able to apply for a supermarket credit card. There are credit-building supermarket credit cards on the market. For example, the Tesco Foundation card or the Asda Money Select Credit Card. These cards may be few and far between, and they might come with less competitive rates. But if building credit whilst potentially saving money off your weekly shop is something you’re looking for, they are definitely worth considering – as long as you keep on top of your repayments. Most supermarkets offer an online credit card eligibility checker to find out if you’re likely to be accepted.

How to apply for a grocery store credit card?

You can apply for grocery store credit cards online at the selected supermarket.

What to consider before applying

• APR. It can be higher on some supermarket credit cards than others, and it may also differ based on your credit rating.
• Annual fee. Check whether an annual fee is charged.
• Loyalty points or cashback. How much you can earn and what these equate to in the real world can differ between supermarket credit cards. Make sure you compare all your options to find which scheme, if any, works for you.
• Other fees. Consider any additional fees, e.g. cash withdrawal, foreign exchange or balance transfer fees, that may apply to the card.

Bottom line

Whether you’re doing your weekly supermarket shop or making a purchase elsewhere, with your supermarket credit card, you can earn loyalty points and redeem them to save money – typically off your weekly food shop. But, as always, remember to consider all the features and fees of the card and compare them with a range of other options available before applying. Make sure your chosen card suits your supermarket shopping habits, and most importantly, compare what you stand to gain (the benefits) against what you stand to lose (the costs involved).

Frequently asked questions

• Can a supermarket credit card improve your credit score?

  Payment history is one factor contributing to your credit score. Having a good payment history helps improve your credit score. For example, using a credit card to buy your groceries and then making your monthly repayments on time helps you improve your credit score and show future lenders that you manage your credit responsibly. However, if you miss any payments, your credit score will be negatively impacted.

• Are supermarket credit cards worth it?

  Supermarket credit cards are worth it if you use them in the right way. They could help you save money on your weekly supermarket shop, helping your money go further. When used appropriately, they can also help improve your credit score. It may not be worth it if you’re focusing on the rewards and not being financially responsible. Ultimately, you’ll only ever make the most out of your supermarket credit card if you choose a supermarket that you regularly shop in.

• Are supermarket credit cards safe?

  Supermarket credit cards are safe for your credit score when used responsibly. However, they can do more harm than good when used irresponsibly. Credit card providers, including supermarkets, offer consumer protection through Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Before applying, you can check if the provider is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) via the FCA register.