Best Grocery Cash Back Credit Cards in the UAE

Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Groceries in UAE

Here’s the list of the best grocery cash back credit cards in the UAE. 

How Does a Credit Card for Grocery Shopping Work?

Grocery cash back credit cards reward you with cashback when you shop at participating supermarkets or order online. So, when you swipe at the grocery store at the time of checkout, the bank recognises the merchant code as the “grocery” category. This way, you get the reward in your monthly statement. 

• Most cards usually offer a cashback between 3% and 5% on supermarket spends.
• The rewards accrue in your account. You can redeem them as a statement credit, to pay utility bills, or swap for gift vouchers at partner stores. The exact option depends on the bank and the card.
• The bank often caps the maximum cashback you can earn on grocery spending.
• There can also be minimum spending criteria across all categories to tap into higher cashback tiers. 

Note that not all grocery stores qualify. The banks often have a list of qualified supermarkets and grocery stores in the category. 

Who Should Choose a Grocery Cashback Credit Card?

A grocery cash back card is ideal for large families, budget-conscious expats and frequent online shoppers. Say, if your household spends more than AED 1,500 per month on supermarkets, this type of card can help you maximise your savings directly at the checkout counter.

That being said, here’s who should consider applying for and using a grocery cash back credit card in the UAE. 

Large Families

Many large households do heavy weekly or monthly errand runs at hypermarkets like LuLu, Carrefour, or Spinneys. A credit card for grocery shopping can help you earn cashback on your high monthly grocery bills. 

Online Grocery Shoppers 

Busy professionals or individuals who prefer ordering groceries on apps like Talabat, Noon, Instashop, or Amazon regularly can benefit from these cards. You can find co-branded cards that offer accelerated cashback on your grocery shopping orders. 

Savvy Expatriates

The cards are also suitable for expatriates tracking their everyday spending to balance the rising living costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A grocery cash back credit card can help you earn flat-rate cashback on your supermarket bills. 

Minimal Annual Fee Seeker

Finally, the grocery cash back credit cards are useful for those who want cash back on their grocery bills without having to pay a high annual fee. Most of these cards have low or no annual fee, helping you earn 3% to 5% flat cash back on your grocery transactions. 

Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing the Best Grocery Cash Back Credit Card

When selecting a groceries credit card, you need to review the monthly category caps, minimum spend requirements, and which supermarkets the bank classifies as the “groceries” category. Here are the key factors to consider to maximise your rewards and savings. 

Merchant Categorisation (MCC Codes)

Banks only award high cashback rates at approved supermarkets. Purchases at neighbourhood grocery stores, nearby convenience stores, or gas station marts are often excluded from the grocery cashback category.

If you use apps like Instashop, Talabat, or Noon Minutes, check if the card you plan to apply for covers online food and grocery delivery. 

Cashback Caps and Tiers

Supermarket cashback usually has a maximum payout limit. Once you hit the cap, further spending drops to a basic rate. Furthermore, some cards may require you to spend across multiple categories, like dining, fuel, and education, to get higher cashback tiers for groceries. 

Annual Fees vs Actual Returns

Many premium cashback cards in the UAE carry annual fees. Thus, calculate whether your anticipated monthly grocery spending will be enough to offset the annual fee. 

Alternatively, you can opt for an entry-level or no-annual-fee credit card.

Redemption Flexibility

Some banks offer automatic monthly statement credits, while others may require you to accrue rewards up to a certain threshold before you can redeem them. Choose the cards that align with your purchasing preferences. 

Popular Grocery Stores Where Cashback May Apply

Not every grocery-related purchase automatically qualifies for cashback rewards. The bank may exclude some supermarkets, mini marts, or delivery services from cashback categories.  

Therefore, it is important to know the grocery stores and online grocery delivery apps that are usually eligible for cashback. The list includes: 

• Talabat: If you use the ADCB Talabat credit card, you can earn up to 35% cashback on your first 10 orders when ordering from the Talabat online app.  
• LuLu Hypermarket: This supermarket often partners with major banks like ADCB to offer cashback and personalised rewards for in-store cashless transactions. 
• Carrefour: It is one of the largest chains in the country, where you can shop in-store using your cash back credit card for grocery shopping and maximise your savings. 
• Noon Grocery: You can save on everyday essentials and pantry staples by paying with the eligible card that earns you cashback. 
• Careem: You can earn cashback when you pay with your grocery cash back credit card on Careem. You can order household items and grocery essentials using an eligible card.

Get the Best Grocery Cash Back Credit Card on Paisabazaar.ae!

We are here to help you ease your monthly expenses by offering you a range of credit cards for grocery shopping to choose from. Our online portal hosts cards from the top banks in the UAE, serving your financial needs. Simply compare and apply for the card that suits your budget, expenses, and helps you earn maximum cashback on your groceries!

Frequently Asked Questions