Updated: June 28, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
The best gas credit cards make it convenient to fill up at the pump, but they also offer valuable rewards and cardholder perks that are worth signing up for. For example, many of the best credit cards for fuel let you earn cash back on your spending, and some fuel credit cards even offer fuel discounts and consumer benefits like purchase protection and guaranteed returns.
Read more about gas credit cards
Recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the average family spends $2,094 per year on fuel, but what are they getting in return? With some research and planning, you could be earning up to 3% back (or more) on fuel purchases as well as rewards on other spending.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the best gas credit cards. We'll even explain the different types of gas credit cards, from fuel credit cards to traditional rewards credit cards that let you rack up points on gas and other purchases. And if you're a business owner looking to capitalize on your company's gas purchases, be sure to check out the best fuel credit cards for small businesses too.
A number of the top gas credit cards we’ve selected come with no annual fees. The best cards from this segment offer high reward/cash back rates on other bonus categories such as EV charging stations, grocery stores, restaurants and online streaming services. Examples of good cards with multiple bonus categories include the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card, the Discover it Cash Back Rewards Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card. If you plan to use your card outside of the U.S., you can also find options that charge no foreign transaction fees.
Card Name | Annual Fee | Reward Rate | Gas Reward Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | $0 | 1–5 points | 5x | |
2. | $95 | 1–5 points | 4x | |
3. | $0 | 1–3 points | 3x | |
4. | $95 | 3% Cash Back | 3x | |
5. | $95 | 1–3 Points per $1 | 3x | |
6. | $0 | 1.5–5% Cash Back | 1.5x | |
7. | $0 | 1–4% Cash Back* | 1x | |
8. | $0 | 1% – 5% Cash Back | 1x | |
9. | $0 | 1–5% Cash Back* | 1x |
The best fuel cards help users earn rewards, score discounts or gain consumer protections when they fill up at the pump. Make sure you understand the different types of gas credit cards before you sign up, as well as their pros and cons.
On Partner's Website
Our credit card experts collect 57 data points from credit card issuers' websites, our various partners and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau with the aim of giving you the most accurate information possible. They put all new and existing cards from this category through our unique ranking methodology to develop a revised list of the best gas credit cards. The process involves assigning specific percentages to all important parameters. Examples include:
The sheer number of gas credit cards to choose from can leave you feeling overwhelmed, yet it's not too hard to find the best gas credit card for your needs if you know which questions to ask and the most important factors to compare.
Some of the best gas credit cards charge an annual fee, although many waive their fees for the first year. Paying an annual fee can often get you more rewards and better perks. Even so, there are plenty of card options with no annual fee to choose from.
If you're trying to find a credit card for everyday spending, look for a cash back credit card that also offers bonus points on groceries or dining. Also compare cards based on their bonus offers, keeping in mind whether you can easily meet any minimum spending requirements.
Think over the type of rewards you want to earn, whether your preference is cash back or rewards that let you redeem for flexible options, including travel.
You should strive to never carry a balance on your credit card, but we all know it can happen from time to time. Make sure you compare variable interest rates among the gas credit cards you're considering.
Which other perks does each card offer? And which benefits do you care the most about? Consider whether the gas credit cards you prefer offer additional benefits like no foreign transaction fees, protection for purchases, extended warranties or travel insurance.
Though the fixed-priced discounts at the pump that come with many co-branded gas cards may sound incentivizing, these may not be worth as much with the rising gas prices. Many industry experts recommend choosing a general credit card that rewards more for fuel purchases.
Maybe you're looking for the best credit card for gas and groceries, or perhaps you're looking for a fuel credit card that lets you save money on every gallon of gas you buy. Either way, the key to finding the best possible credit card is making sure you know what you're looking for.
Think about what you hope to accomplish with your new gas credit card, the cardholder benefits you want the most and your current credit score. From there, compare the card options you may be eligible for, as well as the ones that make sense for your long-term goals.
There are different types of credit cards for gas, ranging from traditional rewards credit cards that happen to give bonus points at gas stations to gas station credit cards, fleet fuel cards and gas rebate cards. Learning how each type of card works can help you decide which is best.
Some gas credit cards are simply rewards credit cards that happen to offer more points on gas. Cards in this niche are available through traditional card issuers like Chase and American Express. They tend to offer the broadest range of rewards and cardholder benefits compared to other gas credit cards. Also note that most rewards credit cards that offer bonus points on gas give you cash back or statement credits, although some offer flexible rewards that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards and other options.
Rewards credit cards for gas are best for consumers who want to rack up points on all their spending and bills, as well as those who want access to cardholder benefits like purchase protection or extended warranties.
Gas rebate credit cards offer discounts on gas instead of a traditional rewards program. It's possible you'll earn some rewards on other purchases you make. Still, gas rebate card rewards aren't as lucrative for non-gas-related purchases when compared to traditional rewards credit cards.
Interestingly, some gas rebate credit cards are only for fuel, whereas others are offered by Visa or Mastercard, making it possible to use them for other expenses. Either way, gas rebate credit cards are best for consumers who primarily want to save on gas and don't care about earning rewards or gaining access to common credit card perks.
Fleet fuel cards are geared to small businesses who spend a lot on gas and want to make their purchases more convenient and organized. Business owners can give each of their employees a card to use for gas, and many fleet fuel cards offer benefits like detailed reports and expense tracking. Some even let you use your card to pay for maintenance at participating locations.
Fuel rebates are also common among cards in this niche, although users often have to use a specific fuel station network to be eligible. Also note that some fleet fuel cards are offered through major card issuers, meaning you can use them for non-fuel purchases. Others are fuel-only cards, meaning you can only use them for gas, maintenance and sometimes in-store gas station purchases like drinks or food.
A fleet fuel card only makes sense if you're a business owner who wants to track gas purchases while earning fuel discounts. However, regular consumers still have to decide which type of gas credit card to get — a gas rewards credit card or a gas rebate card. From there, there are several important steps to take.
General rewards credit cards are a good option for everyday spending and bills, whereas gas rebate cards may only be good for fuel and gas station purchases.
Traditional rewards credit cards are typically geared to consumers with good or excellent credit. But you may be able to qualify for a fuel-only credit card or co-branded gas station credit card if you have "fair" or okay credit.
Gas rebate cards are best for consumers who are loyal to a specific gas station or chain. A regular rewards credit card makes more sense for people who fill up their tank with different gas brands all the time.
Rewards can often be redeemed for cash back or statement credits as well as for other things like gift cards, merchandise or travel. Rebates come in the form of fuel discounts, so you cannot save them up to spend later.
Still can't decide on the best credit card for gas rewards? Knowing which questions to ask can help in your search.
Gas rebate cards offer discounts on fuel, while gas rewards credit cards let you earn cash back or flexible points. Also note that gas rebate cards may be good for fuel-only or with a specific gas station brand, whereas traditional credit cards can be used anywhere you shop.
Gas credit cards can be worth it due to the convenience they offer, yet many people sign up to earn rewards or gain consumer protections. Only you can decide if a gas credit card is right for you.
The best gas credit card for bad credit depends on your needs and goals. If your credit score is lower than it needs to be, we suggest looking at fuel-only credit cards that let you build credit and get discounts on fuel.
The best gas credit card for fair credit varies from person to person. We suggest comparing gas credit cards based on their fees, rewards and cardholder benefits.
Gas credit cards do help you build credit since they report to the three credit bureaus. For a gas credit card to improve your credit score, however, you'll need to pay your credit card bill early or on time each month and avoid maxing out your available credit.
Now that you know what to expect from the best gas credit cards, determine if getting one might be worth your while. If you decide to apply for a new card, remember to do so after comparing your top options against parameters such as other bonus categories, reward rates, annual fees, APRs, welcome bonuses and intro APR offers.
About Holly D. Johnson
Holly Johnson is an award-winning insurance writer, a financial expert and the co-founder of Club Thrifty, a platform that helps people use their money wisely. Her works have been featured in the Business Insider, Forbes, Policy Genius and Fox Business. She also contributes financial content to MoneyGeek.
Johnson attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
