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Top Gas Credit Cards of 2018
Even though gas prices are significantly lower now than they were a few years ago, that doesn't mean you can't save even more. Whether you're looking to cut the cost of road trips or your daily commute to work, a gas credit card can provide good savings. We examined hundreds of credit cards to pick out the best ones for gas purchases.
Best Gas Credit Card Overall
BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card
- 0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
- 0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
Our Thoughts
We pick the BankAmericard Cash Rewards as the best credit card with gas rewards. This card is great for the average consumer who spends moderately and is looking for a good general credit card with gas bonuses. You'll earn 3% cash back on gas purchases and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (a decent bonus for these categories). Plus, the BankAmericard has no special eligibility requirements and charges no annual fee. However, bonus rewards are capped at $2,500 of combined gas, grocery and wholesale club purchases each quarter, which is why we recommend it for moderate spenders. Beyond this, all other categories only earn 1%, which is below what you could get with othergreat no-fee cash-back cards. Bank of America customers get a 10% bonus when rewards are deposited into their checkings or savings accounts. This relationship bonus may be available to many drivers since Bank of America is the second largest bank by deposits in the nation.
Highlights
- Get 3% cash-back gas rewards and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined spending each quarter (1% thereafter). Earn 1% on all other purchases.
- Get a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 90 days. Enjoy a 10% relationship bonus when you deposit rewards into a Bank of America checking or savings account.
- Pay no annual fee.
- BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card Review
Best Gas Credit Card from a Credit Union
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card
Our Thoughts
The PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card is one of the best gas credit cards for maximizing gas rewards if you don't mind fulfilling eligibility requirements. By using this card, you can get 4.3% cash back at gas stations and 2.6% cash back at grocery stores. Both of these rates are significantly better than most other gas credit cards—especially those with no annual fee. You'll have to be a member of the Pentagon Federal Credit Union to apply, but there are several ways to join. Currently, if you are affiliated with a number of military or government branches, make a small donation to the National Military Family Association or the Voices for America's Troops, or volunteer for the Red Cross, then you're eligible to join. You'll also have to maintain an active card account or other financial product with the the credit union to avoid an annual fee and to keep the superior rewards rate—otherwise, you'll slip down to the Standard Visa card with 3% gas rewards only for $25 a year (waived the first year).
Highlights
- Get 4.3% unlimited cash-back gas rewards, 2.6% unlimited cash-back supermarket rewards and 1% cash back on general spending.
- There are requirements for eligibility, and you must maintain a checking account with at least a $250 balance and direct deposit, a money market savings account, or credit product at PenFed.
- There's no bonus and no annual fee if you maintain Plus standards.
Best Wholesale Club Gas Credit Card
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Exclusively for Costco Members: Go Big with Cash Back Rewards
- 4% cash back on eligible gas 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
- Exclusively for Costco Members: Go Big with Cash Back Rewards
- 4% cash back on eligible gas 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
Our Thoughts
If you shop at Costco, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi may be the best credit card for you, since it combines a great gas rewards rate of 4% with some of the lowest gasoline prices per gallon. This is in addition to all the savings you'll find inside Costco stores—which other gas rewards credit cards just don't have. On top of that, you'll earn up to the same 4% cash back in refueling at any other gas station, so long as it's not another wholesaler. Beyond that, you can also earn 3% cash back on restaurant and travel spending and 2% back on Costco purchases.
Highlights
- Get 4% gas rewards on the first $7,000 per year, 3% cash back on restaurant and travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.
- There's no bonus, and the cash back is redeemable as an annual credit card reward certificate.
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Review
Best Gas Credit Card for Infrequent Drivers
Chase Freedom®
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.74-25.49%. Balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount transferred, $5 minimum
- Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 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
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - it's automatic
- Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
- Free credit score, updated weekly with Credit Journey℠
- No annual fee
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 16.74-25.49%. Balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount transferred, $5 minimum
- Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 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
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - it's automatic
- Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
- Free credit score, updated weekly with Credit Journey℠
- No annual fee
Our Thoughts
The Chase Freedom® is best for people who drive more seasonally and don't mind keeping track of rotating bonus categories to maximize the value on their card. Freedom cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter they activate. This sometimes will include gas station purchases. However, as we point out, these extra rewards are capped at $1,500 in combined category spending—so you'll have to monitor your spending if you're looking to maximize your rewards. To get the best value out of the Chase Freedom®, use it for the bonus categories and supplement with a no-annual-fee 1.5% cash-back credit card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
Highlights
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
- You can get a $150 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.
- $0 annual fee.
- Chase Freedom® Review
Best Gas Station Credit Card
BP Visa® Credit Card
- Introductory Offer: Earn 25¢ off** per gallon For every $100 you spend with your BP Visa® Credit Card or BP Credit Card for the first 90 days your account is open (excluding non-BP gas stations)
- 25¢ off per gallon for every $100 you spend at BP
- 15¢ off per gallon for every $100 you spend for eligible groceries, dining and travel
- 5¢ off** per gallon for every $100 you spend everywhere Visa® credit cards are accepted (excluding non-BP gas stations)
- No annual fee
- Introductory Offer: Earn 25¢ off** per gallon For every $100 you spend with your BP Visa® Credit Card or BP Credit Card for the first 90 days your account is open (excluding non-BP gas stations)
- 25¢ off per gallon for every $100 you spend at BP
- 15¢ off per gallon for every $100 you spend for eligible groceries, dining and travel
- 5¢ off** per gallon for every $100 you spend everywhere Visa® credit cards are accepted (excluding non-BP gas stations)
- No annual fee
Our Thoughts
The BP Visa® Credit Card from Synchrony Bank is an excellent card to keep in your wallet for more than just gas. With this card, you'll earn 5% cash back at BP gas stations; 3% cash back on grocery, dining and travel purchases; and 1% cash back on all other purchases (excluding non-BP gas stations). The card also comes with a decent welcome bonus: For the first 90 days, the 5% rate applies to all purchases (excluding non-BP gas stations). The major downside of the BP Visa® Credit Card is all the fine print. It has a high annual percentage rate (27.99%) and high late fees, and the points expire after 12 months. Be sure to read all the card agreements carefully before applying for it.
Highlights
- Get a welcome bonus: For the first 90 days, every $100 charged accrues a rebate of 25 cents per gallon.
- Get a rebate of 25 cents per gallon for every $100 of BP charges, 15 cents per gallon rebate for every $100 you spend on eligible groceries, dining and travel. Get a 5 cent gallon reduction for every $100 of other credit card spending (excluding other gas stations).
- Pay no annual fee.
Runner-up
Our Thoughts
The Chevron and Texaco Visa can be an OK gas station credit card if you meet two requirements: You spend $625 or less each month at Chevron and Texaco pumps, and you spend at least $300 on other purchases every month. That's because you'll trigger a fuel credit of 10 cents per gallon when you spend more than $300 a month on nongas purchases, for a maximum of $300 in fuel credits each year. If you spend $300 a month plus $625 on gas, you'd earn a 4% rewards rate. That's because you'd save 10 cents on about 250 gallons (250 x $0.10 = $25). The rewards rate is equal to how much you spend ($625), divided by the total savings ($25). While there is a higher 20 cent rebate, you'd have to spend $1,000 in nongas purchases each month. Because of the $300 annual cap on rewards, the higher savings rate doesn't make sense, and you'd be better off using a gas credit card with unlimited rewards. There's also a Premium version of this credit card that comes with a $25 annual fee. We don't recommend that card to anyone, as the rewards it offers aren't enough to justify the fee.
Highlights
- Get 5% cash back on all purchases for the first four months (excluding fuel merchants). The maximum payout for this bonus is $25.
- Get 3 cents off every gallon of gas.
- Get 10 cents off every gallon of gas when you spend $300 outside of fuel merchants each month. Get 20 cents off per gallon when you spend more than $1,000.
Quick Look at Other Gas Credit Cards
In order to provide you with a more comprehensive analysis, we include a look at other popular gas station credit cards and their rewards, along with a few thoughts about them. If you're a loyal customer of a single brand, it's worth giving this a look. Otherwise, you're better off choosing one of the more general credit cards from our list above.
|
Gas Credit Card | Discount | Rewards Rate | Our Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExxonMobil™ Smart Card | 6 cents off every gallon | 2.4% | Good choice if you already use the Plenti rewards program. |
| Conoco Phillips Credit Card | 5 cents off every gallon | 2% | Rewards have a very low cap of $99 per year. Anyone spending more than $125 per month on gas shouldn't get this. |
| Shell Drive for Five Card | 5 cents off every gallon | 2% | Poor rewards, with no extra loyalty benefits. |
| Sunoco Gas Card | 5 cents off every gallon | 2% | Poor rewards, with no extra loyalty benefits. |
| Valero Gas Consumer Card | 4–8 cents off every gallon | 1.6%–3.2% | Great for anyone who fuels up between 75 and 110 gallons each month at Valero. |
Compare Gas Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | 2-yr Net Rewards Rate The Net Rewards Rate is equal to the Rewards Value over two years divided by the total spending. The total spending is equal to the values entered into the tool and multiplied by 24 months. See the rewards Value note to see details on how it is calculated. The estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone. They are not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. All estimates are based on the spend assumptions entered above (which you can edit). |
Bonus Value The bonus field shows our estimate for the value of the card’s welcome bonus. If the bonus is point or mile based, we multiply the total bonus points/miles by our estimate for their value to arrive at a dollar equivalent. We display $0 if there is no bonus or if the user doesn’t qualify for the bonus based on the current spending entered into the tool. All estimates are based on the spend assumptions entered above (which you can edit). The estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone. They are not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. |
2-yr Rewards Value The Rewards value is calculated by adding together the rewards earned from charging purchases to the card over two years and any welcome bonuses (if applicable). They are then multiplied by our estimated point/mile value, with any annual fees (if applicable) subtracted. All values are based on our own estimates for the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using a card and on the spend assumptions entered above (which you can edit). The estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone. They are not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. |
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| Citi® Double Cash Card | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$0* | 2.00% | $0 |
$686 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graph Card | Read Review | More Details and Value Calculation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
*The value estimate is calculated using ValuePenguin.com rewards point value.
Card Details
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| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$0 | 1.74% | $0 |
$598 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graph Card | Read Review | More Details and Value Calculation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
*The value estimate is calculated using ValuePenguin.com rewards point value.
Card Details
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| Chase Freedom® | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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$0 | 1.44% | $150 Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening |
$493 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graph Card | Read Review | More Details and Value Calculation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
*The value estimate is calculated using ValuePenguin.com rewards point value.
Card Details
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| BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No Annual Fee | 1.95% | $150 $150 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening |
$668 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graph Card | Read Review | More Details and Value Calculation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
*The value estimate is calculated using ValuePenguin.com rewards point value.
Card Details
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How To Pick the Best Gas Credit Card
To get the best gas rewards credit card, you'll want to maximize the gas rewards rate and have the ability to earn rebates when paying for gas. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding how to earn the most gas rewards, and therefore, find the best gas credit card for you.
- Find the Right Type of Gas Credit Card
- Consider How Much You Spend
- What Cards Can You Qualify For?
- Guide to Understanding Gas Credit Cards
Find the Right Type of Gas Credit Card
There are three types of cards that reward gas purchases: co-branded gas credit cards, cash-back credit cards, and generic travel and rewards credit cards. Which one works best for you depends on your preferences or financial needs. Here are the key details of each.
Co-branded Gas Credit Cards
These cards are co-branded with a gas company such as BP, Shell or Chevron and typically offer the best rewards on gas purchases at their respective stations. They generally also don't charge an annual fee. But use this card as a supplemental credit card in your wallet. That's because the rewards rates for other purchases, such as groceries and restaurants, aren't as rewarding as other cards. You also can only use points you earn with these cards for discounts on gas purchases. Other card types have more flexible rewards redemption options.
Cash-back Credit Cards
Cash-back cards give money back on each purchase and come with a fixed cash-back rate or a rate on rotating categories. Cards with a fixed cash-back rate offer one cash-back rate on all purchases, such as 1.5% on every purchase. Cards with rotating categories cards give cash back for certain types of purchases that change each quarter. For instance, a card could provide 5% back for grocery purchases from January to March and then on gas from April to June. But the cash-back rate on purchases outside the rotating categories typically isn't as generous. Chase, Discover and U.S. Bank all offer rotating-category cards. Cash-back credit cards are a good option if you want simple rewards redemption options and a higher rewards rate for everyday purchases.
Generic Travel and Rewards Credit Cards
These cards typically reward points for purchases that can be redeemed for cash back, flights, hotel stays or statement credits. You'll typically get the best value if you use points for travel-related expenses. It's important to note that these cards don't generally consider gas purchases as travel purchases. Unless the card specifically lists gas stations as an awards category, you should expect to earn just 1 point per dollar spent. Generic travel rewards cards are best if you want to maximize your rewards value and have the most flexible rewards redemption. You'll also receive a higher rewards rate for entertainment, travel and restaurant purchases.
Co-branded vs Generic Travel and Rewards Credit Cards
Deciding between a co-branded and generic rewards credit card to maximize your gas purchases depends largely on where you consistently fill up. If you frequent a certain gas station chain, then a brand-specific credit card might make sense. Look for a card that offers 3% gas rebates or higher, because that's what general credit cards typically provide for gas rewards. Some gas cards can only be used at the chain's locations, limiting how much you can earn. Others cap gas rebates each month or quarter. Generally, you won't earn rewards at other stations and you'll earn just 1% on other purchases.
If you fill up at the cheapest or closest station, then a general rewards credit card is best for you. You can maximize your gas spending no matter where you refuel. But consider any caps on gas bonuses if you spend a lot on gas each month.
Consider How Much You Spend
Most gas credit cards don't charge an annual fee, but some do. Don't automatically write off credit cards with annual fees because they, at times, can deliver a better value. It usually depends on how much you spend. If you charge more than $12,000 a year on your card, the rewards you earn could offset the annual fee. But if you spend less than that, it's probably best to stick to a card with no fee. Don't forget to consider sign-up bonuses and other card perks that may be worthwhile and compensate for the annual fee. Try using our comparison tool above to compare the net rewards value per card, given your spending.
Alternatively, try this calculation: Multiply how much you spend annually by the card's rewards rate. Then, deduct the annual fee from the estimated value to get a card's net worth. Compare that with a 1.5% cash-back card with no annual fee. Multiply your annual spending by 1.5% to find out which card is the best option. Here are three scenarios.
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Annual Spending | Card A Net Rewards | Card B Net Rewards | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | (2% x $5,000) - $50 = $50 | (1.5% x $5,000) = $75 | Card B |
| $10,000 | (2% x $10,000) - $50 = $150 | (1.5% x $10,000) = $150 | Tie |
| $15,000 | (2% x $15,000) - $50 = $250 | (1.5% x $15,000) = $225 | Card A |
What Cards Can You Qualify For?
Credit requirements for gas credit cards vary widely. Some cards are easier to qualify for, while others—such as rewards cards with higher annual fees—require excellent credit with a long credit history. If your credit score is good or you have a shorter credit history, it may be harder to qualify for some of these cards. If you have average or poor credit, your choices are limited and you should be more selective.
Guide to Understanding Gas Credit Cards
Most credit cards explain how to earn rewards as points per dollar spent or a percentage of cash back on all purchases. But gas cards show how much money is discounted on every gallon, such as 10 cents off per gallon for every $100 you spend at the gas station. These rewards are usually capped at some limit, such as 20 gallons.
This can make comparing gas credit cards to other cards challenging. Is it better to get 10 cents off per gallon or 1.5% cash back? To simplify, here's how to get a rewards rate for a gas credit card for easier comparison.
Method A: When the card provides a discount on gas for every $100 spent
Take the previous example of 10 cents off per gallon for every $100 spent on gas. If you buy 16 gallons, you'll save about $1.60 ($0.10 x 16). The rewards rate is equal to your savings divided by how much you spent to earn that savings, or $1.60 / $100 = 1.6%. You can compare that to a 1.5% cash-back card. In this case, the gas station card offers a higher rewards rate. Rebates offered by these cards often are single-use, meaning you forfeit any unused rewards. For example, if you get 15 cents off per gallon on up to 20 gallons but only use 10 gallons, then you lose the discount on the remaining 10 gallons.
Method B: Gas credit card that provides a discount on every gallon
Some gas credit cards provide you a rebate or statement credit every time you fuel up. The rewards rate on these cards is always tied to the price of gas. For example, if you get 5 cents off every gallon, when a gallon of gas costs $2.51, your rewards rate is equal to $0.05 / $2.51 = 2%.
Paying With Cash vs Credit
Some gas station owners offer a discount if you pay with cash instead of a credit card to avoid paying a fee that Visa, Mastercard and other payment networks charge merchants. It's possible you'll save more money paying with cash than getting the rebate offered by your gas credit card. If the credit card surcharge is more than your rewards rate, consider paying cash to save.
Opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or endorsed by the issuer. We may be compensated through the issuer's Affiliate Program. For a full list of our advertisers see our disclosure page
* See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuer's website.
Info about the following cards: Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, Hilton Honors Surpass® Credit Card, American Express® Blue Sky, American Express® Green Card, The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express, The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express, The Plenti® Credit Card from Amex, Blue from American Express®, Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz, Bluebird, Centurion® Card from American Express, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, and Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card has been collected independently by ValuePenguin. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program.
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.
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.