With the average Canadian family spending over $1,000/month on groceries, selecting a card that pays 4% to 5% cash back can put $500 to $600 back in your bank account every year.
Supermarket Merchant Codes Matter
American Express cards (like Amex Cobalt and Scotiabank Gold Amex) earn 5x/6x at Sobeys, Safeway, Metro, FreshCo, and Foodland, but are **not accepted at Loblaws stores** (Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills). For Loblaws shoppers, Visa or Mastercard options like BMO CashBack World Elite or CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite are essential.
| Store Chain | Recommended Card | Reward Rate | Annual Value ($800/mo spend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sobeys / Safeway / FreshCo | Scotiabank Gold Amex | 6x Scene+ (6%) | $576 |
| Metro / Foodland | Amex Cobalt | 5x MR Points (~10%) | $960 |
| Real Canadian Superstore / No Frills | BMO CashBack World Elite | 5% on first $500/month, then 1% | $336 |
| Walmart Supercentre | Rogers Red World Elite / Tangerine | 2% | $192 |
