Best Gas Credit Cards of January 2023 (Updated Monthly)
Best Gas Credit Cards of January 2023 (Updated Monthly)
The PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card is our favorite gas credit card. It offers excellent rewards rate on gas, supermarket spending and restaurants with no annual fee.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Citi is an advertising partner.
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Sam's Club Mastercard
Shell | Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
The average American spends approximately $2,148 per year on gas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using a gas card to earn cash back or rewards on this everyday expense is smart, especially when gas prices tend to go up.
With some of the best gas credit cards offering 3% to 5% cash back on gas purchases, you can easily earn $100 or more per year in rewards just by fueling up with the right card. The trick is deciding between a general rewards card or a co-branded card, and you'll want to weigh options like gas station proximity to decide on the best gas credit card for your needs.
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| Annual Fee | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card 
| 15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days. | See website for details | $0 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express 
| Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 660 - 850 | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 See Rates & Fees. | Apply Now
See Rates & Fees. Terms Apply. On American Express' Secure Website |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express 
| Earn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. | 660 - 850 | $0 See Rates & Fees. | Apply Now
See Rates & Fees. Terms Apply. On American Express' Secure Website |
| Sam's Club Mastercard
| 5% back in Sam’s Cash on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back in Sam’s Cash on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members. Club members earn 1% cash back, 3% back in Sam’s Cash on dining and takeout, 1% back in Sam’s Cash on other purchases | See website for details | $0 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
| Shell | Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®
| Save 30¢/gal (up to 35 gallons*) on your first 5 Shell fuel purchases made by 6/30/2023. After that, save 10¢/gal every time you fill up. (New accounts only. Apply by 02/28/23.) | See website for details | $0 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
| Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
| $300 statement credit online bonus after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. | 720 - 850 | $0 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
| PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
| $200 after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles | See website for details | $0 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
Citi Premier® Card 
| Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | 660 - 850 | $95 | Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
| $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | 660 - 850 | $0 | Not available on ValuePenguin |
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer 
| None | 660 - 850 | $0 | Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card
| Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | 0 - 600 | See terms | Not available on ValuePenguin |
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi 
| 720 - 850 | $0 | Apply Now
On Citibank's Secure Website |
View more cards
Best gas credit card for rewards
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card
15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days.
$0
17.99% variable
See website for details
- Member access to extra savings and special offers
- Complimentary 24/7 concierge service
- EMV chip technology
The PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card offers an excellent rewards rate on gas, supermarket spending, restaurants and several other bonus categories, and all with $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees required. New cardholders can even earn 15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days.
You do have to be a PenFed Credit Union member to apply, but membership is open to everyone. Also note that rewards must be redeemed through the PenFed portal, although you can use points for options like gift cards, merchandise and travel.
Best gas card for groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
18.24%-29.24% Variable
660 - 850
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.24% to 29.24%
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great product for consumers who fill up their car with fuel regularly. This card is also great for families, who are likely to spend heavily in its bonus categories, especially U.S. supermarkets and streaming services. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee, which may be well worth it if you spend a lot on supermarkets and gas — you'll be able to earn hundreds of dollars per year in valuable cash back, redeemable for statement credits.
Best gas card for groceries and no annual fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Earn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$0
18.24%-29.24% Variable
660 - 850
- Earn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- No Annual Fee.
- Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% - 29.24% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here
If a no-annual-fee card with various spending categories is your preference, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great product to choose. It’s very similar to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, though without the annual fee. It offers a lower rate of 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% cash back on other purchases. Terms apply. Redeem your cash back for statement credits to cover your purchases.
Best gas credit card for wholesale clubs
Sam's Club Mastercard
5% back in Sam’s Cash on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back in Sam’s Cash on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members. Club members earn 1% cash back, 3% back in Sam’s Cash on dining and takeout, 1% back in Sam’s Cash on other purchases
$0
17.90% or 25.90% Variable
See website for details
- No annual fee
- Annual cash back payout capped at $5,000
- Doubles as your membership card
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a great gas credit card for consumers who are already Sam's Club members, as well as those who value a high earning rate on gas purchases. This card provides a strong rewards rate for dining and travel as well, making it a valuable card for everyday use. Plus members also earn 3% back on Sam's Club purchases with their card on top of the rewards they earn with their membership, which can add up quickly.
Best gas station card
Shell | Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®
Save 30¢/gal (up to 35 gallons*) on your first 5 Shell fuel purchases made by 6/30/2023. After that, save 10¢/gal every time you fill up. (New accounts only. Apply by 02/28/23.)
$0
30.24% variable
See website for details
- Save 10¢ per gallon when you fill up at Shell gas stations.
- $0 annual fee
- 3.24% variable APR
If you consistently fill up your tank at Shell gas stations, the Shell | Fuel Rewards® Mastercard® is certainly worth considering. You can Save 10 cents per gallon on up to 35 gallons of gas. Plus, earn 10% in Shell rebates on your first $1,200 in non-fuel purchases per year, 2% in Shell rebates on dining and grocery store purchases each year (up to $10,000 in combined spending per year) and 1% in Shell rebates on all other purchases.
Best gas credit card for business
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
$300 statement credit online bonus after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
$0
16.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
720 - 850
- Get a $300 statement credit online bonus after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening – with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining purchases and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.49% to 26.49% will apply.
- Redeem your cash back as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
- Earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
If you're looking for the best gas card for small business, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card is an excellent choice. The card lets you Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You can change your category once each calendar month, or keep the same category. Because travel is one of the category options, we argue this card is also one of the best travel rewards credit cards for gas.
Best gas credit card for dining, food and restaurants
Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is an excellent card for everyday spending, particularly if you are willing to keep up with bonus categories that change every three months. You can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. New cardholders can also become eligible for a sign up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening! Plus, earn 5% back on up to $12,000 spent on groceries the first year. There's a $0 annual fee, and an intro APR offer for purchases and balances transfers sweetens the pot even more.
Best card for gas rewards
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
$200 after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles
$0
17.74% to 28.74% variable
See website for details
- $200 after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles
- You’ll earn at least 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time. Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually.
- Cash back is automatic – there’s no need to enroll or track rotating categories
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening. Then a variable APR, currently 17.74% to 28.74% based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card has the best gas rewards program of 2022, because it earns a high rate of cash back on gas without a lot of restrictions. In fact, it's one of the best credit cards for gas and restaurants: Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually. 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time.
Best gas card for travel
Citi Premier® Card
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
$95
20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
660 - 850
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
- 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
The Citi Premier® Card has a ton going for it, including the fact new customers can Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. You can Earn 3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels and 1X per $1 spent on all other purchases. In addition to the $100 annual hotel savings benefit this card offers, customers can also enjoy easy point transfers to Citi ThankYou travel partners. This combination of perks makes the Citi Premier® Card great for gas but also for all kinds of travel.
Best gas card with no annual fee
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$0
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
660 - 850
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
If you love the thought of earning bonus cash back on gas only during the months when you use the most gas, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is worth a look. The card offers a customizable 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases. One drawback: Your bonus purchases are limited to $2,500 in purchases per quarter. Still, this is a pretty generous limit compared to cards like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which caps your top bonus category purchases at $6,000 per year.
Best gas card for flat-rate cash back
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
None
$0
18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
660 - 850
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is one of the market-leading cash back credit cards available. It’s a simple card that earns a high rate of cash back on every purchase and doesn't require you to track spending categories like other cards. Customers also get an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers (followed by an APR of 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)). On the downside, the card lacks additional features and benefits and charges 3% in fees on purchases made abroad.
Best gas card for bad credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
See terms
See terms
0 - 600
- No credit score required to apply.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
- Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best gas cards for bad credit, as well as for college students without a strong credit history. You only need a credit score of 0 - 600 to be approved, along with a refundable security deposit. Cardholders enjoy a great cash back rewards program, including bonus rewards on gas and restaurant purchases.
That said, you should know that bonus rewards on gas and restaurant purchases are capped at $1,000 in spending per quarter, after which you earn just 1% back.
Best gas card for Costco
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
$0
19.49% (Variable)
720 - 850
- Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
If you frequently visit your local Costco, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a must have. While it is a Costco-branded card, you can use this credit card at any vendor that accepts Visa. Either way, you can earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.
While the rewards are extremely generous, it's worth noting that you'll only get a rewards certificate once per year when your February account statement closes.
How to pick a gas credit card
Choosing a gas credit card can be difficult, especially if you like the features and perks of more than one. With that in mind, you'll want to consider the following points when determining which card is best suited for your needs.
Decide if proximity to specific gas stations is important
Consider if you prefer to stick with one particular gas station brand, or if you prefer to visit the cheapest station around. Note that choosing a credit card that's affiliated with one particular gas station brand can limit your earning potential. You're better off picking a general gas card so you can earn rewards whenever and wherever you decide to fill up.
Decide if you want rewards for gas purchases only, or if you want to maximize rewards on everything you buy
Where some cards offer their best rewards rate on gas purchases only, others offer exceptional rates on groceries, dining, and more. If you want a card that lets you maximize cash back or other rewards on all your regular spending, you should pick a card with the broadest possible bonus categories.
Decide which benefits and perks you want the most
These should include things like cost of card ownership, value of benefits like branded incentives, purchase protections, sign-up bonuses and more.
Consider your current credit score
If you're concerned you won't be accepted due to poor credit, consider one of our suggested easy approval gas credit cards instead. Be sure you can afford the annual fee (if any) and will be able to attain the sign-up bonus if one is offered. When used frequently and responsibly, gas credit cards can help improve your credit health, which is a valuable benefit if your score could use a boost.
Types and features of gas credit cards
Types of gas credit cards
Rewards
Cash back
Many consumers want to save money on gas and visit the cheapest station around. A general rewards card that offers a bonus on gas purchases is the best way to do just that, although you'll want to remember that some cash cards only offer bonus rewards at U.S. gas stations. Also note that some rewards cards offer points that are more flexible than others, so you should compare redemption options before you apply.
Rewards
Many consumers want to save money on gas and visit the cheapest station around. A general rewards card that offers a bonus on gas purchases is the best way to do just that, although you'll want to remember that some cash cards only offer bonus rewards at U.S. gas stations. Also note that some rewards cards offer points that are more flexible than others, so you should compare redemption options before you apply.
Cash back
There are also cash back credit cards that earn rewards on gas and other purchases. Cards in this category may let you redeem rewards for statement credits or other options like gift cards or merchandise. Note that cash back credit cards are less likely to charge annual fees than travel rewards cards or general rewards cards.
Gas card features
Co-branded
Sign-up bonus
No annual fee
Co-branded gas cards are affiliated with a particular gas station brand and only earn bonus cash back at their respective gas stations.
Co-branded
Co-branded gas cards are affiliated with a particular gas station brand and only earn bonus cash back at their respective gas stations.
Sign-up bonus
In many cases, the best gas credit card for you will offer a sign-up bonus once you're approved for the card and meet a minimum spending requirement. These bonuses can help you earn considerably more in rewards the first year.
No annual fee
Finally, note that many of the best credit cards for gas purchases come with no annual fee required. When you get a card with no annual fee, this helps you maximize rewards while keeping your out-of-pocket costs at a minimum.
How do gas credit cards work?
You may want to consider different cards if you're looking for the best credit card for bonus points on gas than you would if you wanted the best credit card for gas discounts. This is mainly due to the fact that some gas cards offer rewards for purchases, whereas others offer rebates instead. Some gas cards also offer a sign-up bonus that applies when you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. Other perks can apply as well, such as purchase protections, extended warranties, or travel benefits.
Ultimately, you'll earn rewards or discounts when you use your gas credit card to pay for gas and everything else you buy. However, credit cards charge a variable interest rate that can make carrying a balance incredibly costly. Therefore, you'll only want to use a gas credit card to fuel up if you have a plan to pay your balance in full each month.
What are the benefits of having a gas credit card?
A gas credit card gives consumers bonus rewards (in the form of cash back or points) for their gas purchases and is essential if you regularly visit gas stations.
Pros
Cons
Gas station rewards programs
Gas station rewards programs are offered by specific gas station brands. These programs sometimes have their own co-branded credit cards (e.g. Shell | Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®), but you don't necessarily have to have a credit card to participate.
- Speedy Rewards. For example, Speedway's "Speedy Rewards" program lets users earn rewards when they fuel up or make in-store gas station purchases and use their loyalty card. From there, customers can redeem their points for various snacks and drinks offered in Speedway stores, as well as Speedway gift cards. However, Speedway also offers a co-branded card that lets customers earn even more rewards on their purchases.
- Costco. There are also gas station rewards programs that can only be used by members, such as Costco. However, it's worth noting that regular Costco members do not earn rewards on Costco gas purchases. Only those who pay for an Executive membership get the chance to earn 2% back on gas at Costco. However, individuals who also pick up the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi earn additional cash back on Costco gas and other purchases they make.
Ultimately, you should note that gas rewards programs come in many different forms, both with and without a co-branded credit card. This is one of the main reasons you should read all you can about these programs before selecting the best gas credit card for your needs.
Can gas credit cards help you build credit?
Gas credit cards help you build credit by reporting your credit balances and payments to the three credit bureaus. This is true if you have a gas credit card offered through a major credit card network like Visa or Mastercard, but it's also true if you get a store credit card from a gas station such as the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™.
To use a gas credit card to boost your credit score, you'll want to pay your balance on time every month with no exceptions. This step is important since your payment history is the most important determinant of your FICO credit score.
Also note that you'll want to keep the credit utilization rate on your gas credit card on the low end since this factor makes up another 30% of your FICO credit score. This means paying down unsecured debt you owe instead of just moving it around from one card to the next.
To improve your credit with a gas credit card, however, you'll need to get approved for one in the first place. If you have poor credit or bad credit, you may want to consider applying for a secured credit card that earns rewards on gas at first. This type of credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral, but you get the chance to build credit while earning rewards on your purchases. Once your credit score has improved, you can see about upgrading to an unsecured credit card and getting your security deposit back.
How to maximize a gas credit card
Using a gas credit card is ideal to reach a specific goal like saving money on your commute or earning travel rewards to take a vacation.
- Plan ahead: Research which gas credit card will benefit you most long before you hit the road
- Be aware of reward limits: Some of the cards above have limits on how many rewards you can earn at gas stations. If you spend a significant amount of money on gas each year, it may be best to avoid those cards.
- Use your gas card to activate your rewards:
- Visit the pump
- Swipe card
- Fill your tank
- Earn rewards
- Sign up for a gas station rewards program: You can sign up for a gas station rewards program to help you double-dip your savings. The best gas rewards programs include big gas brands, like BP or Shell, and will help you earn discounts on gas purchases.
Frequently asked questions
The best credit card that offers 5% cash back on gas is the PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card. This card lets you earn 5x points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations. 3x at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants and TV, radio, cable, streaming services. 1x points on all other purchases. Plus, there's no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Some gas credit cards are geared to consumers with good to excellent credit, whereas others are available to people with fair credit or poor credit. If you know your credit score is on the low end but you still want a gas card, you can consider applying for a secured credit card like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
There are an array of store cards offered by gas station brands, including the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ and the Speedway FleetCards for business. These cards only let you charge fuel and gas station purchases, and you earn rewards or get fuel discounts in return.
Credit cards are very safe to use at the gas pump since they almost always come with zero liability policies for fraudulent purchases. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you can only be liable for a maximum of $50 when you report your credit card as lost after someone else uses it.
You'll need to have your physical credit card to pay for fuel at the pump. However, you may be able to buy gas station gift cards with just your card number online.
Methodology
Fuel savings calculations are based on an average $2,148 annual spend on gas per car, cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021.
We are constantly reviewing hundreds of credit cards across both ValuePenguin and major issuer platforms in order to compile a list of the best gas credit cards available in 2023. Our recommendations are based on a number of factors — including the rewards value in gas and additional spending categories, gas savings, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as branded incentives, purchase protections, sign-up bonuses and more. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
Gas prices naturally fluctuate throughout the year, but you can find the national average gas price at any time on the AAA website.
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here
The information related to PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card, Sam's Club Mastercard, Shell | Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®, Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card, Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Advertiser Disclosure: The products that appear on this site may be from companies from which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). ValuePenguin does not include all financial institutions or all products offered available in the marketplace.
How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).