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Safeway is classified under MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores, Supermarkets). The best card for Safeway purchases is the Freedom Flex (no annual fee), earning 5x on grocery stores, supermarkets — an effective return of 10.25%.
Payment Methods
Does Safeway accept Mastercard? Yes — Safeway accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover at all locations, including in-store and mobile app payments.
MCC 5411 covers grocery stores like Safeway, making it a key category for maximizing credit card rewards if you're an avid shopper.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, sign up for Safeway's loyalty program and use it every time you shop.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 at Safeway each month with the Hilton Honors Surpass (6x points), you'll earn $144 annually compared to just $24 on a generic 1% cash back card.
When you pay at Safeway at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5411 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a grocery stores, supermarkets merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "grocery stores, supermarkets" purchases, Safeway transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Safeway specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Safeway transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 5411 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Merchant Category Code 5411 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Grocery Stores, Supermarkets industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5411, all qualifying card programs that include grocery stores, supermarkets as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Retail industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Grocery Stores, Supermarkets Merchants (MCC 5411)
Spending $200/month at Safeway with the Freedom Flex (5x on grocery stores, supermarkets) earns approximately $120/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $96 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The AAA Daily Advantage earns 5x at Safeway merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Safeway use?
Safeway uses MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores, Supermarkets). Our top pick for this MCC is the Freedom Flex, which earns 5x (10.25% effective return) on grocery stores, supermarkets purchases.
How much can I earn at Safeway with the right credit card?
Spending $200/month ($2400/year) at Safeway with the Freedom Flex (no annual fee) earns approximately $120/year at 5x. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending — that is $96 more per year with the right card.
Is Safeway classified as grocery stores, supermarkets for credit card rewards?
Yes. Safeway is classified under MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores, Supermarkets) by Visa and Mastercard. Cards that list 'grocery stores, supermarkets' as a bonus category — such as the Freedom Flex — will apply the elevated earn rate at Safeway.
Does my credit card earn bonus rewards at Safeway?
If your card includes grocery stores, supermarkets in its bonus categories, then yes — Safeway's MCC 5411 typically qualifies. The Freedom Flex earns 5x here. Check your card's app or call your issuer to confirm your specific card's category mapping.
What other stores are in the same category as Safeway (MCC 5411)?
MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores, Supermarkets) is shared by many similar businesses. Other stores in this category include: 99 Ranch Market, Acme Markets, Albertsons, Albertsons - Albuquerque. The same credit card bonus rate applies at all of these merchants.
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Full disclosure
MCC data based on card network classification standards.
Rankings verified monthly from official card issuer terms.
Last verified: April 26, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
