I'm comparing two credit card reward programs. Card #1 offers 5% rewards on supermarket shopping for about 6 months, and 1.5% on all other purchases. For the other 6 months, the rates are 1% on supermarket and .5% on other purchases.
Card #2 offers 2% all year on supermarket purchases and 1% on everything else.
I realize it depends on what I charge on the card, but overall, which program is better?
It sounds like Card #1 is the American Express Blue Cash card. I'm quite familiar with that card's reward structure.
Assuming your monthly spending is even across the 12-month period, then you should go with Card #1 (AmEx Blue Cash). Here's why: Your average rewards for supermarket spending with card #1 will be 3% (i.e. (5% + 1%) / 2), while your average rewards for supermarket spending with card #2 will only be 2%. Your average rewards percentage on all non-supermarket/gas/drug spending for both cards will be 1%.
Note, however, that to really know the optimal card for you for certain, you should take into account your entire categorical spending profile (including gasoline spending, drug store spending, and any other special rewards categories with either card).
You might find that this credit card rewards calculator is helpful to you:
http://www.creditcardtuneup.com/