The best gas credit cards offer higher-than-usual reward rates on gas purchases. Plus, many of them offer rewards on purchases in other categories so that you can further capitalize on your everyday spending.
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
MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 9 Gas Credit Cards
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 PenFed 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.
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.
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
A great no annual fee gas rewards card
ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
5xRewards Rate on Gas
3xRewards Rate on Groceries
12 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
We recommend the no annual fee Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card to individuals who wish to earn high reward rates on gas purchases. This card offers 5x points per dollar on gas purchases paid at the pump and EV charging stations. You get 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets (including most Walmart and Target locations), and TV, radio, cable, and streaming services. All other purchases earn 1x points.
New cardholders may earn 15,000 bonus points if they spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 90 days. You may use this card to transfer debt from other credit cards by using its 0% APR offer on balance transfers for 12 months. However, a 3% balance transfer fee applies.
This card is perfect for international use as it comes with no foreign transaction fees. Cardholders get access to PenFed Member and Visa Signature discounts.
Pros
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
High rewards for gas and grocery purchases
Cons
High APR
Need excellent credit score to qualify
Mediocre rewards structure for general categories
0% intro APR for balance transfers for 12 months
15,000 Bonus Points for spending $1,500 in first 90 days
No annual fee
5x points on gas purchases and 3x points on other bonus categories
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A good rewards card with multiple bonus categories
ExcellentCredit Needed
$95Annual Fee
1-5 pointsRewards Rate
5xRewards Rate at Hotels
4xRewards Rate on Gas
We like the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card because it offers high reward rates on various categories. It also comes with a welcome offer that lets you earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 120 days. While this card charges a $95 annual fee, you don’t have to pay it for the first year.
Using this card to pay for prepaid hotel and car rental bookings through the Altitude Rewards Center comes with 5x points per dollar. You earn 4x points on other travel purchases as well as at gas and EV charging stations. You get 2x points at grocery stores and on grocery delivery, dining and streaming services. All other purchases earn 1x points.
Cardholders may benefit by receiving $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases through service providers such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and Spotify. You also get up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fees once every four years.
Using this card internationally makes sense as it comes with no foreign transaction fees. It also offers cell phone protection.
Pros
$0 intro annual fee for the first year
Generous rewards
No foreign transaction fee
Cons
Has a $95 annual fee after the first year
Limited to individuals with excellent credit
Get 5x points on car rentals and hotels booked through the Altitude Rewards Center.
Earn up to 4x points on travel and at gas and EV charging stations.
Earn 2x points on grocery and dining.
Get a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases through popular streaming service providers.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A good no annual fee rewards card for people with average credit
9.65% - 18.00%APR
$0Annual Fee
1-3 pointsRewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Dining
3xRewards Rate on Groceries
The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card is ideal for people who wish to high reward rates on bonus categories without needing to pay any annual fees. You might qualify for this card even if you have average credit. As a new cardholder, you may earn 20,000 bonus points (valued at $200) by spending $2,500 within 90 days of account opening.
This card offers 3x points per dollar at restaurants and on food delivery, at supermarkets and on gas and transit. All other purchases earn 1x points. There is no limit to the number of points you may earn. You may redeem your points for cash, gift cards, travel or merchandise.
This card is well-suited for use outside of the U.S. because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. It does away with balance transfer fees and cash advance fees as well.
Additional benefits come in the form of up to 25% off on car rental, car rental loss & damage insurance and roadside assistance.
Pros
Generous rewards in everyday spending categories including supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations
Low standard APR
No rewards limit or expiration
No annual fees
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
Only Navy Federal Credit Union members can apply
No 0% introductory APR
No annual fees
3x points per dollar on bonus categories
Earn 15 points per dollar if you shop online through Navy Federal’s Member Deals platform
Get up to 25% discount on car rentals
Up to 30% off on select hotel bookings through Booking.com on the Amex Benefits platform
Car rental loss & damage insurance
Roadside assistance
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great cash back card for gas and grocery shopping
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$95Annual Fee
3% Cash BackRewards Rate
6xRewards Rate on Entertainment
6xRewards Rate on Groceries
We've taken a liking to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express mainly because of its noticeably high cash back rates.
Shopping at supermarkets and paying for select streaming subscriptions gives you a whopping 6% cash back, although a maximum limit applies on grocery spending. The 3% cash back on gas and transit and 1% on all other purchases are also very welcome.
American Express gives you the ability to pay for your purchases in installments through two Pay It Plan It methods.
Fraud protection ensures that you will not have to bear the brunt of fraudulent charges.
Pros
0% intro APR for the first year
Annual fee waived for the first year
Generous welcome offer
Cash back up to 6% on select categories
Use earned cash back as a statement credit
Cons
High annual fee
Foreign transaction fee
Cash advance fee
Penalty APR may apply in cases of late and returned payments
Cannot use cash back to pay minimum due
6% cash back on groceries applies to $6,000 worth of spending in a calendar year — then it becomes 1%
Advanced cash back rates apply only on purchases made in the U.S.
Get 6% cash back at supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in spending — followed by 1%.
Get 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions.
Get 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (trains, buses, taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, etc.).
Get 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem reward dollars as statement credit.
Benefit through intro APR, annual fee and bonus cash back offers.
Use the Pay It method for purchases under $100 and make payments through the month.
Use the Plan It method for purchases over $100. Split them up into monthly payments with fixed monthly fees and no interest.
Get added peace of mind through car rental loss and damage insurance, return protection and fraud protection.
Use the American Express Experiences platform and access presale tickets and member-only events.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
An excellent travel rewards card for international use
ExcellentCredit Needed
$95Annual Fee
1–3 Points per $1Rewards Rate
3xRewards Rate at Hotels
3xRewards Rate on Groceries
We feel the Citi Premier® Card is a great alternative for travelers not just because of its generous sign-up offer but also because it lets you transfer your reward points to different airline loyalty programs.
As a new cardholder, you may earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 in the first three months. You earn 3x points per $1 for spending on flights and hotels, at restaurants, at supermarkets and at gas stations. All other purchases come with 1x points.
Transferring your points to popular frequent flyer programs such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, JetBlue TrueBlue and Emirates Skywards is an option, and you pay no extra fee.
Having to pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card outside of the U.S. is great. You also get $100 off a single hotel stay that costs $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) once every year. You may offset the card's $95 annual fee by using this benefit alone.
Getting additional cards for authorized users comes at no extra cost and gives you the ability to earn points faster.
Pros
Opportunity to earn a sizeable sign-up bonus
3x points for travel purchases and on a few other categories
No foreign transaction fees
Transfer points to popular frequent flyer programs or redeem them in other ways
$100 hotel savings benefit each year
Cons
Annual fee of $95
No complimentary insurance
No purchase protection
Cash advance and balance transfer fees
Penalty APR may apply in case of a late or returned payment
Earn 80,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued at $800 when you redeem them for gift cards).
Earn 3x points on air travel, on hotel bookings, at gas stations, at supermarkets and at restaurants.
Earn 1x points on all other purchases.
Get $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding fees and taxes) when you book through thankyou.com (online or over the phone).
Transfer your points to airline loyalty programs such as Aeromexico, Asia Miles, Avianca LifeMiles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue, InterMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Malaysia Airlines Enrich, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Qatar Privilege Club, Singapore Airlines, Thai Royal Orchid Plus, Miles & Smiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Other ways to redeem your points include getting gift cards, shopping online, paying for travel, getting statement credits, making online bill payments and making charitable donations.
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card internationally.
Additional cards come with no annual fees.
Access to Citi Entertainment gives you the means to buy tickets to various events as well as presale tickets.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back
ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1.5–5% Cash BackRewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Dining
5xRewards Rate on Air Travel
We're in love with the Chase Freedom Unlimited card because it comes with no annual fee and gives you the ability to earn unlimited rewards. Depending on your spending habits, you stand to earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases. Another plus is that the cash back rewards you earn don't expire for the life of the card.
An intro 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months enables you to make big-ticket purchases without having to pay interest — provided you repay the entire amount during the intro period. Cardholders can also eliminate interest on existing debt with a balance transfer. You'll enjoy 15 months with no interest to pay off your transferred balances After the promo period expires, you might benefit by getting a low ongoing rate depending on your credit score.
Complimentary purchase and travel protection might come in handy in various scenarios, such as if you miss your flight or an item is damaged or stolen after you buy it.
If you use Lyft to get around, you stand to benefit even more — by earning 5% cash back until March 2022.
Pros
No annual fees
0% APR on purchases for 15 months from account opening
Intro bonus cash back offer
Earn 5% cash back on travel purchases
Earn 3% cash back on dining-related purchases
Earn 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
You may earn unlimited cash back that never expires
Redeem rewards for cash back, for gift cards, for travel or through Amazon.com
Get complimentary purchase and travel coverage
Cons
Foreign transaction fees
Cash advance and balance transfer fees
Penalty APR may apply in case of late and returned payments
Pay $0 annual fee for the life of your card
Pay no interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards earn 5% cash back
For the first year, earn 5% cash back at gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases)
Spending at restaurants, on takeout and through other eligible delivery services, as well as drugstore purchases, earn 3% cash back
All other purchases earn 1.5% cash back
You get to earn unlimited cash back rewards, and they don't expire as long as your account remains active
Different ways to redeem your cash back include receiving a statement credit, withdrawing it through a direct deposit, using it to get gift cards or using it to pay for travel
Zero liability protection, 24/7 fraud protection, purchase protection and extended warranty protection are in place to provide extra peace of mind
Feel better when traveling by knowing that you have access to travel and emergency assistance services, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage coverage.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
One of the best cards available for Costco members who spend a lot on gas
ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1–4% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Dining
3xRewards Rate on Air Travel
We recommend the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi to Costco members who want to earn higher than usual cash back across specific categories. You earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 you spend toward eligible gas purchases (including gas at Costco), 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, and 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
You pay no annual fee to use this card. It’s ideal for use outside of the U.S. too, as it comes with no foreign transaction fee. Damage and theft protection work as a safeguard for purchases made using this card. Cardholders also get access to Citi Entertainment.
Pros
Generous reward program for gas purchases, travel and restaurant expenses
No foreign transaction fees
No annual fee for Costco members
Purchase protection for all purchases made using this card
Cons
Limited reward redemption options
No welcome bonus
Requires Costco membership
Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
Earn 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
Get purchase protection on all your purchases
Get cash back as an annual credit card reward certificate redeemable for cash or merchandise at any U.S. Costco warehouse
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great no annual fee cash back card with a unique bonus category system
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1% - 5% Cash BackRewards Rate
15 monthsAPR Offer Duration
15 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card might be a great addition to your credit card portfolio if you wish to earn higher-than-usual cash back without paying any annual fees. In addition, you stand to earn $200 cash back if you spend $750 on purchases within the first three months.
This card offers 5% cash back on purchases up to $500 from your highest eligible spend category every billing cycle. The categories include grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, home improvement stores, drugstores, live entertainment, fitness clubs, and select travel, transit and online streaming services. All other purchases come with 1% cash back. What helps is you don’t have to sign up for bonus categories, and the allocation of cash back happens automatically.
You may redeem the cash back you earn as a statement credit, a check by mail or a direct deposit to your bank account. You may also use it for booking travel, shopping at Amazon.com or buying gift cards.
This card might also work well for you if you want to transfer a balance from a different credit card or if you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account. This is because it comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Other benefits include free access to your FICO Score and Citi Entertainment.
Pros
$200 cash back after you spend $750 within the first three months
5% cash back on up to $500 spent in the top category every month
An introductory APR offer that is valid for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
No annual fee
Protection against unauthorized charges
Cons
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
Relatively low limit of $500 per month for a 5% cash back on the top-spending eligible category
You need a credit score that is either good or excellent.
Only 1% cash back for purchases made on categories other than the high spend category
One-time balance transfer fee of $5 or 5%
Late payment fee of $40
No annual fee.
5% cash back on the top purchase category on spending of up to $500 every month.
The spend category can change from one month to another, depending on what you spend most on.
You get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro 0% APR applies for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
An easy-to-use cash back card with quarterly rotating bonus categories
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1–5% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
5xRewards Rate on Air Travel
3xRewards Rate on Dining
We recommended the Chase Freedom Flex℠ to people who wish to earn high category-based cash back without paying an annual fee. You get 5% cash back on combined purchases of up to $1,500 in bonus categories you activate every quarter and on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You get 3% cash back on multiple bonus categories. You also get higher-than-usual cash back at gas stations during the first year.
This card comes with an introductory APR applies on purchases and balance transfers. However, if you use this card to transfer a balance, you need to pay a balance transfer fee. This card also comes with foreign transaction fees.
Some of the additional benefits come in the form of purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
Pros
Generous welcome offer
Rotating cash back bonus categories
No annual fee
Excellent customer-facing features
Grocery store perks
DoorDash and Lyft benefits
Cons
Modest base cash back rate
Your interests might not align with quarterly rotating bonus categories
Foreign transaction fees
5% cash back on quarterly rotating bonus categories
5% cash back on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases
3% cash back on dining, takeout, delivery and drug store purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A good no-annual-fee rewards card to capitalize on your Royal Caribbean spending
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1-2 PointsRewards Rate
We recommend this Royal Caribbean Visa Signature® Card to people who wish to capitalize on the money they spend toward Royal Caribbean Cruises. Plus this card does away with annual fees, and you don’t have to pay any foreign transaction fees when you use it outside of the U.S.
Making one eligible transaction within the first 90 days qualifies you to earn 10,000 bonus points. Every dollar you spend on Royal Caribbean Cruises earns 2x points, and all other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. You may also get $50 off an airline ticket booked through the Royal Caribbean Air2Sea program if you spend $3,500 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Additional perks include roadside dispatch, purchase security and access to travel and emergency services.
Pros
No annual fees
No foreign transaction fees
Get welcome bonus points by meeting a simple criterion
Earn up to 2x points per dollar
Redeem points for free cruises, upgrades and more
Cons
Points cap
Points expire in 60 months
Making a late payment might lead to a penalty APR
No annual and foreign transaction fees
Get 10,000 bonus points by making a purchase, balance transfer or cash advance in the first 90 days
Get a $50 Air2Sea Discount by spending $3,500 on purchases in the first 90 days
Redeem points for free cruises, cruise upgrades and discounts, or as onboard credits to use in any way you deem fit
Earn up to 540,000 reward points each calendar year
Points expire 60 months from the time you earn them
Complimentary lost luggage protection, emergency cash worldwide, common carrier travel accident insurance and roadside dispatch
$0 liability guarantee
Free access to your FICO score
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
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:
Rewards rate on gas purchases: 30%
Annual fee: 10%
Average APR: 10%
5 Tips for Comparing Gas Rewards Cards
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.
1
Check for annual fees
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.
2
Compare earning rates and welcome bonuses
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.
3
Look at specific rewards programs
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.
4
Understand the APR
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.
5
Consider other cardholder benefits
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.
MoneyGeek’s Guide to Finding the Right Gas Card for You
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.
Understanding How the Different Types of Gas Cards Work
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.
General Credit Cards with Rewards on Gas Purchases
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn rewards on all your spending
More cardholder perks
Cons
Must have good or excellent credit
High APRs on spending
Co-Branded Gas Rebate Credit Cards
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn discounts on eligible fuel purchases
Potential for rewards on other spending
May be available for consumers with fair credit
Cons
Unimpressive rewards on regular spending
Few cardholder benefits
High APRs on spending
Branded Fuel-Only Cards / Fleet Cards
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Helps small businesses organize and track gas purchases across the company
Can earn fuel rebates or discounts
Can set limits on employee purchases
Cons
No lucrative rewards programs
Not a good option for everyday consumers
Some fleet fuel cards do not allow cardholders to carry a balance
How to Choose Between a Gas Rewards Card and a Rebate Card
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.
1
Decide if you need a credit card that works for other purchases
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.
2
Check your credit score
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.
3
Determine your level of brand loyalty
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.
4
Compare rewards with rebates
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.
Common Questions About Gas Credit Cards
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.
Gas credit cards affiliated with a specific brand that are only good for fuel are often available for consumers with "fair" credit or better, or any FICO score above 580. However, traditional rewards credit cards usually require good credit or better, or any FICO score above 670.
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.
Rebates vary among gas credit cards, yet some offer up to 30 cents off per gallon during the first several months and up to 10 cents off per gallon after the promotional period ends. For example, the Shell Fuel Rewards Card.
Rebates on fleet fuel cards can change over time, yet you'll frequently find offers for 5 cents off per gallon or higher. For example, the SuperFleet Mastercard.
Next Steps
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.
Holly Johnson is the co-founder of Club Thrifty, co-author of the book Zero Down Your Debt, and is recognized as one of the top credit card experts in the field. She is also a financial expert and award-winning writer who has traveled to over 40 countries and counting.
Holly's work has been featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Fox Business. She is also a regular contributor to publications that include Business Insider, Bankrate, Money.com, LendingTree, U.S. News and World Report Travel, CreditCards.com, and more.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
