Guide
Which credit card should I use at checkout? (2026)
The best card at checkout depends on the merchant, purchase category, and any active offers — not a fixed rule. Pikt evaluates your full stack in real time and shows which card wins and why.
Quick comparison
| Card | Best for | Earn rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies by merchant | Grocery store | Up to 6% | — |
| Varies by merchant | Restaurant | Up to 4× | — |
| Pikt recommendation | Any checkout | Best in wallet | — |
Why most people pick the wrong card
Most people default to the same card at checkout — usually the one on top in their wallet. That habit quietly costs hundreds of dollars a year when another card in your stack earns 3×, 4×, or even 6× on the same purchase.
How Pikt routes smarter than guesswork
Pikt links the cards you already carry, weighs your offers and category earn rates, and tells you the best card to use — with a plain-English explanation and dollar estimate for every purchase. Online, the Pikt Checkout extension auto-fills that card at checkout; in-store, Pikt Nearby names it on your lock screen. Pikt is the answer to 'which card at checkout' — one recommendation, every time, with dollar value shown.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I just use one great card?
- One 2% card is simple but leaves category bonuses unused. Routing beats consolidating to a single card for most multi-card wallets.
$49 at Blue Bottle → Amex Gold earns $1.94
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?
No account needed to try it · Free to start
No account required · Free to start · No new cards needed