5 best credit cards for new parents: Earn high rewards on groceries, gas and more

The sleepless nights, the excitement and the big questions — all are expected when you’re a new parent. While par for the course with a new addition in the household, adjusting your finances to the new reality can be equally overwhelming. As you re-evaluate your family budget, you may find it an ideal time to add a new credit card to your wallet that earns rewards on the purchases you’re bound to make more regularly.

Whether your goal is simple, flat-rate cash back that doesn’t require keeping up with categories or you want a card with flexible rewards where you spend the most — think: diapers and groceries — the best cards for new parents offer convenience and savings to your family’s bottom line.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Our pick for cash back simplicity

Card details

• Unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases
• $200 cash reward bonus after you spend $500 within the first three months
• 0 percent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then an ongoing variable APR of 20.24 percent, 25.24 percent or 29.99 percent
• No annual fee

Why we chose it

The lack of sleep and focus on a new human being can make it difficult to keep up with minor details. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers one of the most straightforward rewards programs available with its 2 percent cash rewards on all purchases. It also includes an outstanding 0 percent introductory APR on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months (20.24 percent, 25.24 percent or 29.99 percent Variable APR after the intro period). It’s ideal for spreading out payments for bigger purchases or chipping away at higher-interest credit card debt. (Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro APR and intro 3 percent balance transfer fee, then up to 5 percent, minimum of $5). This all comes with no annual fee.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Our pick for boosted grocery rewards

Card details

• 6 percent cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1 percent) and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3 percent cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit purchases
• 1 percent cash back on all other purchases
• $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first six months
• 0 percent introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then 19.24 percent to 29.99 percent variable APR
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 annual fee after first year

Why we chose it

With new parents spending more of their money on baby essentials, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers some of the highest rewards on groceries — 6 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent in a calendar year, then 1 percent. And you can take advantage of introductory offers on purchases and balance transfers for easier budgeting and interest savings for 12 months. The card comes loaded with purchasing protections and perks too, including Disney Bundle streaming service statement credits with enrollment.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Our pick for no annual fee

Card details

• 3 percent cash back on category purchases of the cardholder’s choice from the following list: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping cable; streaming, internet and phone services; dining; travel; drugstore; and home improvement purchases
• 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (3 and 2 percent earning on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
• 0 percent introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made in the first 60 days as well as on purchases, then 19.24 percent to 29.24 percent variable APR
• $200 online cash rewards after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening
• No annual fee

Why we chose it

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card combines the simplicity of a cash back card with boosted rewards potential that’s ideal for new parents experiencing their own changes in spending habits. With no annual fee, the card lets you customize your rewards each month with a bonus 3 percent cash back category that includes such family-friendly categories as gas, online shopping, dining, drug stores, home improvement and travel (3 percent and 2 percent earning is on up to $2,500 combined spending in the quarter, then 1 percent). And if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can give your rewards a boost of 25 percent to 75 percent based on qualifying balances across BofA and Merrill Edge accounts.

Not quite right? Look to this alternative

If you can’t even think about keeping up with category selection, the Citi Custom Cash® Card might be a better fit. This no-annual-fee card offers 5 percent cash back on up to $500 spent each billing cycle (then 1 percent after that) in your top spending category — without you having to choose.

Prime Visa: Our pick for convenient delivery

Card details

• No annual fee for Amazon Prime members
• $100 Amazon gift card on approval for Amazon Prime members
• 5 percent back on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and Chase Travel purchases
• 2 percent back at restaurants and gas stations and on local transit and commuting
• Redeem points for cash back, travel, gift cards or Amazon purchases at checkout
• Travel and purchase benefits that include Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection and Concierge Service

Why we chose it

As a new parent, leaning into the ease and convenience of delivery can save you precious time. Few retailers make it as easy as Amazon does for delivery. The Prime Visa offers 5 percent cash back on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods purchases, ideal for diapers and other baby necessities you’ll order on repeat. Plus, it includes boosted cash back on gas, restaurants and transit purchases that keep families moving.

Not quite right? Look to this alternative

If rewards on delivery is the nourishment you’re looking for, just not with Amazon, consider the Instacart Mastercard®, which earns you 5 percent cash back on qualifying Instacart and Instacart app purchases, as well as 2 percent at gas stations, restaurants and on select streaming services and 1 percent on all other purchases. New cardholders get a $100 Instacart credit and a free year of Instacart+ on approval, terms apply.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Our pick for wholesale club purchases

Card details

• 4 percent cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (on up to $7,000 spent annually, then 1 percent)
• Unlimited 3 percent cash back on restaurant and travel purchases
• 2 percent cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
• No annual fee

Why we chose it

If you like Costco’s jumbo-size offerings and family-friendly selections, then the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is worth a look. Many rewards cards exclude warehouse stores like Costco, but this one earns you 2 percent cash back on all Costco and Costco.com purchases, which can be handy for diapers, formula, snacks and other baby essentials. It also comes with a strong 4 percent cash back on eligible gas and EV charging station purchases (on the first $7,000, then 1 percent after).

What to look for in a credit card as a new parent

You’ll find plenty of rewards credit cards available, but new parents can benefit most from those offering simple rewards on groceries, gas and other essentials needed to welcome your bundle of joy and transition to a family with kids.

• Straightforward, no-hassle rewards. Look for a wide range of rewards and redemptions. Whether earning cash back toward your budgeting bottom line or building rewards for a future dream family vacation, it helps to have as many options and as much flexibility as possible.
• Boosted rewards on everyday purchases. Look for rewards on purchases you’re making (or plan to make) as a new parent. The best flat-rate cash back cards can earn you rewards on all purchases, while a card with boosted categories like groceries or wholesale club purchases may better fit your spending habits.
• An annual fee that makes sense. There are plenty of amazing no-annual-fee credit cards out there, though cards with annual fees tend to offer stronger rewards, travel perks and purchase protections. Paying a fee may be worth it if you can maximize benefits to outweigh the upfront costs.
• Know the APR. Children add joy to life — and additional expenses to the budget — and you could find yourself carrying a card balance as you adjust your finances. Understand the interest charges you face before signing up.
• Keep your credit score in mind. The best rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit, though you can find good picks for fair credit. It’s helpful to know your credit score before you compare so that you can save time and avoid unnecessary credit checks by applying only for cards for which you have a good chance of approval.

How we choose the best cards for new parents

We analyzed top cards on the market to narrow down those that benefit new parents the most with simplicity and savings. We considered the complexity (or simplicity) of boosted earnings on items families need as they grow, with a focus on what moves families — groceries and gas. And we weighed annual fees against earning potential, factoring in welcome and other spending bonuses, rounding it out with perks families are likely to enjoy every day, like streaming services, purchase protections and travel benefits.

Bottom line

Parenthood is a daunting prospect, but plenty of credit cards can take the guesswork out of earning rewards with access to fantastic benefits that new parents value most. Whether it’s simple cash back on your next diaper purchase or flexibility to choose your highest rewards category, you’re likely to find a fit with your growing family among the best credit cards out there.

*Information about the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is collected independently by Bankrate. Card details are not reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

The information about the Bank of America cards was last updated on May 8, 2024