Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® 2023 Review – Forbes Advisor

Kroger Rewards World Mastercard®* vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Want grocery rewards regardless of store? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express charges an annual fee of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees), but earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. The card’s excellent reward potential may make up for its annual fee, but carefully calculate your reward potential based on your spending habits and budget.

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from Amex also offers myriad additional benefits the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard lacks. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred offers secondary car rental loss and damage insurance¹, return protection² and an up to $84 annual Disney Bundle statement credit with enrollment (up to $7 statement credit per month). If you’re willing to pay the annual fee, you may find much more value with the Blue Cash Preferred Card.

Kroger Rewards World Mastercard®* vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi*

For those who shop for groceries in bulk and don’t mind waiting in the often-longer gas line for almost-always cheaper gas, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi* offers excellent rewards on gas. The card earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com and 1% cash back on all other purchases. A Costco membership is required to apply. One downside: rewards are redeemed automatically only once per year.

Though the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi charges no additional annual fee, an annual Costco annual membership starts at $60 per year. Compared to the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard’s $0 annual fee, this may not be worthwhile for those only in it for the gas rewards. The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi is likely only a fit for those who otherwise benefit from a Costco Membership, too.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi also charges no foreign transaction fees and though light on other benefits, does offer a purchase protection benefit to cover purchases against theft and damage for up to 120 days (90 days for New York residents).

Kroger Rewards World Mastercard®* vs. Target RedCard™ Credit Card*

Another major source of groceries can be a superstore such as Target, which offers the Target RedCard™ Credit Card*. The card earns 5% off Target in store or online purchases but cannot be used outside of Target stores or websites and mobile shopping apps.

Though the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard does offer use outside of Kroger, its rewards compared to the Target RedCard on in-store purchases seem paltry—especially since the RedCard’s rewards stack with other savings and deals. The Target RedCard also offers a free standard shipping benefit and exclusive offers that could save you even more on your purchase.