Best credit card for drugstores

Drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.) code reliably. A few cards pay 3% or more in this category. If you pick up prescriptions, vitamins, or household items there regularly, the right card can add $50 to $100 or more per year over a flat 1% card.

Chase Freedom Flex: 3% at drugstores

The Freedom Flex earns 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining. No annual fee. The category is broad: most national and regional drugstore chains count. No activation required. One of the best no-fee options for drugstore spend.

Best for: Anyone who shops at drugstores and wants a simple 3% with no fee and no cap to track.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred: 6% at select drugstores?

Amex has offered higher rates on drugstores in the past; terms vary by card and change. The Blue Cash Preferred's main bonuses are 6% at U.S. supermarkets and 6% on select streaming. Check the current terms for drugstore inclusion. If it's there, it can beat 3%.

Category coding

Standalone drugstore chains almost always code as "drugstore." In-store clinics and pharmacies inside supermarkets may code as "grocery" or "health care." If you're not sure, run a test purchase and check your statement or the issuer's category tracker. cashew uses merchant data to map stores to categories so you see the right recommendation.

How cashew handles this

Search "CVS," "Walgreens," or your drugstore. cashew returns the category and your best card for that merchant. If you have a gap in drugstore coverage, the app will suggest a card that earns more there.