Guide
Credit card category bonuses explained (2026)
Category bonuses are elevated earn rates for specific purchase types — like 4× on dining or 6% at supermarkets. They only apply when the merchant's category code (MCC) matches the issuer's rules.
Quick comparison
| Card | Best for | Earn rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Gold | Dining MCC | 4× points | $250 |
| Blue Cash Preferred | Supermarket MCC | 6% cash back | $95 |
| Sapphire Preferred | Travel MCC | 3–5× points | $95 |
Why most people pick the wrong card
Category bonuses look simple on marketing pages — but merchant coding at Walmart, Costco, and delivery apps constantly surprises people.
How Pikt routes smarter than guesswork
Pikt links the cards you already carry, checks merchant offers first, then category multipliers, and tells you which card to swipe — with a plain-English explanation and dollar estimate for every purchase. Pikt maps your cards' category rules against actual merchant data — not assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an MCC?
- A Merchant Category Code — a four-digit label assigned to each business that determines which bonus categories apply.
See your personal best cards
Generic advice assumes average spend. Your wallet is different. Take Pikt's 60-second quiz — pick your top spending areas and whether you prefer cash back, travel points, or simplicity.
Where does your money go?
Pick your top spending areas and we'll show you which cards earn the most for each.
What matters most to you?
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