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A recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory prompted Walmart to recall certain lots of frozen shrimp due to safety concerns over potential radioactive contamination.
While the situation may affect only specific products, it’s a reminder that relying on one big-box store for discounts isn’t the only way to save. Smaller grocers, local markets and smart credit card use can help you stretch your food budget without compromising your peace of mind.
Think Beyond Big Box Discounts
Many shoppers head to Walmart for one reason: low prices. But it’s worth looking at alternatives to recalls, crowded aisles and, sometimes, limited options. Regional supermarkets, warehouse clubs and farmers’ markets often run competitive weekly promotions.
Combine those deals with the right cash-back credit card, and you can create savings that rival, or even beat, Walmart’s everyday discounts.
Best Cash-Back Credit Cards for Grocery Savings
If grocery shopping takes up a significant chunk of your budget, pairing the right store with a high-earning cash-back card can give you an immediate rebate. If you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon, here are some of the best cash-back credit cards that stand out.
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express rates & fees: This card earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in eligible purchases, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. Cardholders are also eligible for a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 6 months. It’s an ideal choice if groceries make up a large share of your monthly spending.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: This Capital One card earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. It also offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, plus a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year.
- Citi Double Cash® Card: Cardholders earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off, and earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. It also offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points. With no categories to track or caps on rewards to worry about, this card is best for anyone who prefers a set-it-and-forget-it approach to earning solid rewards.
Shopping Strategies To Stack Your Savings
With grocery prices still climbing, making your money go further is more important than ever. Here are a few strategies to keep in mind when shopping and cooking for your family:
- Mix and match stores. You don’t have to rely on just one chain. Smaller neighborhood markets may offer weekly specials that beat national retailers.
- Use store loyalty programs. Digital coupons and app-based discounts can stack with your credit card’s cash-back rewards.
- Plan meals around sales. Instead of shopping with a fixed recipe list, check weekly flyers and build your meals around what’s discounted.
- Don’t waste leftovers. Turning last night’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch can cut down on both food waste and grocery runs.
Bottom Line
The Walmart shrimp recall is a timely reminder that chasing the lowest price isn’t always the best move. Shopping at smaller local grocers and using the right cash-back card can also help lower your grocery bill while offering more choice and flexibility.
Whether you prefer the category boosts of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, or the simplicity of the Citi Double Cash® Card, the right card ensures that every grocery run pays you back.
To view rates and fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express please visit this page.