Earn rewards when you use your card to fill up your car.
The best gas rewards credit cards offer the highest earning rate on gas purchases and solid rewards in other categories as well. The Finder credit cards experts spent over 200 hours reviewing available gas credit cards and ranked the best among them into several categories to help you choose the most valuable one for your needs.
We compared a few factors when selecting the best gas credit cards, including eligible gas stations, points or cash back earned per dollar spent, rewards point value when redeemed, annual fees, introductory APRs and other perks or features a consumer might look at when selecting a gas credit card. The cards that stood out were some of the top performers in one or several of these areas, earning spots on our list.
The Sam's Club® Mastercard® earns a higher rewards rate on gas purchases than most competitor cards. What's more, you earn this rate on all gas stations, not only at Sam's Club. But gas isn't the only rewards category. You earn a solid cashback rate on dining and takeout purchases, and on your Sam's Club purchases. And if you're a Sam's Club Plus member, you earn even more cash back on purchases at the store.
Welcome Offer
$30
Rewards
Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
670
The Sam's Club® Mastercard® earns a higher rewards rate on gas purchases than most competitor cards. What's more, you earn this rate on all gas stations, not only at Sam's Club. But gas isn't the only rewards category. You earn a solid cashback rate on dining and takeout purchases, and on your Sam's Club purchases. And if you're a Sam's Club Plus member, you earn even more cash back on purchases at the store.
Pros
Cash back. Earn up to 5% cash back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases (3% with Sam's Club® Mastercard® in addition to the 2% you earn with Plus membership), 5% back on gas purchases on up to $6,000 annually (reverting to 1% after), 3% back on dining and takeout, and 1% back on all other purchases.
No annual fee. The Sam's Club® Mastercard® doesn’t carry an annual fee, though you’ll need to be a Sam’s Club member to apply. Basic membership is $45 and Plus membership is $100.
Cash advance at register. Request up to $100 as a cash advance at checkout. You should generally stay away from cash advances, but this can prove useful in an emergency.
Cons
One annual redemption. You can only redeem your rewards in February of each year for that prior year’s earnings. Redeem your rewards online at SamsClub.com or at any Sam’s location.
No intro APR. You won’t find an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers with this card.
Tied to Plus membership. If you don’t have a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you can only earn 1% back on your Sam’s Club purchases with this card.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.4% to 28.4% variable
Balance transfer APR
20.4% to 28.4% variable
Welcome Offer
Get a $30 statement credit when you open a new account and make $30 in Sam's Club purchases within 30 days.
This card offers a great cashback rate on eligible gas and transit. But the real stars of the show are the even higher accelerated cash back at US supermarkets and on select US streaming subscriptions. If you spend a lot on gas but spend even more on groceries, this is the ideal everyday gas card.
Welcome Offer
$250
Rewards
Up to 6% cash back
Annual fee
$95 after the first year intro
Minimum credit score
670
This card offers a great cashback rate on eligible gas and transit. But the real stars of the show are the even higher accelerated cash back at US supermarkets and on select US streaming subscriptions. If you spend a lot on gas but spend even more on groceries, this is the ideal everyday gas card.
Pros
Welcome offer. Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases during your first 6 months of card membership.
Earn cash back. Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year. After that, you'll earn 1% back. You'll also earn 6% on select U.S. streaming services and 3% on transit purchases. At U.S. gas stations, you'll earn 3% back. For all other eligible purchases, you'll get 1% back. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
Intro APR period. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 18.74% to 29.74% applies.
Cons
Annual fee. The card comes with a $95 annual fee after the first year intro.
Cashback cap on groceries. Your 6% cashback rate at U.S. supermarkets is capped on up to $6,000 each year, and 1% after that.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Purchase APR
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 18.74% to 29.74% variable)
Balance transfer APR
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 18.74% to 29.74% variable) Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Welcome Offer
$250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi doesn't offer quite as high a rewards rate on gas as some other credit cards. But it comes close, and it offers excellent cash back on travel, something no other gas card offers. The card can also serve as your Costco membership card, which is a convenient extra.
Welcome Offer
n/a
Rewards
Up to 4% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
740
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi doesn't offer quite as high a rewards rate on gas as some other credit cards. But it comes close, and it offers excellent cash back on travel, something no other gas card offers. The card can also serve as your Costco membership card, which is a convenient extra.
Pros
Annual fee. None with your paid Costco membership.
Rewards. Great cash back for several categories. Earn 4% cash back on your first $7,000 in eligible gas purchases (then 1%), 3% back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases, 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases and 1% back on all other purchases.
No foreign transaction fees. Use this card freely online with foreign merchants or abroad and you won't pay any foreign transaction fees.
Cons
Limited reward redemption. You can only redeem your rewards once every year.
No intro APR period. There's no 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfer, or a 0% deferred interest on Costco purchases.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.24% variable
Balance transfer APR
19.99% variable Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card lets you earn 5% back on your highest eligible spending category up to $500 each billing period, reverting to 1% after. Your available options naturally include gas, but also include other everyday essentials, including, dining, grocery stores, travel and home improvement stores. This makes it an excellent card to maximize your earnings without needing to worry about rotating categories.
Welcome Offer
$200
Rewards
Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
670
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card lets you earn 5% back on your highest eligible spending category up to $500 each billing period, reverting to 1% after. Your available options naturally include gas, but also include other everyday essentials, including, dining, grocery stores, travel and home improvement stores. This makes it an excellent card to maximize your earnings without needing to worry about rotating categories.
Pros
Flexible rewards. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card earns 5% back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, on up to $500 that cycle. After meeting the cap you’ll earn 1% back until the next billing cycle. Eligible categories are grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, drugstores, live entertainment, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, travel, transit and streaming services.
Signup bonus. The card’s $200 bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months is higher than the average you’d find on a 5% cashback card.
No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card.
Cons
High penalty APR. Missing payments on this card can result in a hefty penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable.
Foreign transaction fees. This card isn’t great for travelers abroad. You’ll pay 3% on transactions made outside of the US.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.99% to 28.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.99% to 28.99% variable) Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Welcome Offer
$200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. Fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back
If gas takes the biggest chunk out of your monthly budget, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice. The card is a good pick for groceries as well, offering 3x points on eligible purchases and comes with a potentially low variable APR.
Welcome Offer
$150 points
Rewards
Up to 5x points
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
670
If gas takes the biggest chunk out of your monthly budget, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice. The card is a good pick for groceries as well, offering 3x points on eligible purchases and comes with a potentially low variable APR.
Pros
Intro APR on balance transfers. Any balance transfers you make — up to a rolling deadline — get a 0% intro APR. After that, a 17.99% variable APR will apply.
Reward points. Pay at the pump and earn 5x the points, shop at supermarkets for 3x the points and for everything else you'll get 1x the points.
Signup bonus. Spend $1,500 in the first 90 days you own the card and you'll earn $150 as a statement credit.
Cons
No intro APR for purchases. There's no intro APR period offered for purchases made on this card. Once you get the card, you'll earn a 17.99% variable APR based on your creditworthiness.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
17.99% variable
Balance transfer APR
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 17.99% fixed)
Welcome Offer
15,000 Bonus Points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days
If you frequent Chevron or Texaco gas stations and can consistently earn 20 cents a gallon in Fuel Credits, this card can give you a better rewards rate than the some of the general gas rewards cards on our list. In that sense, the Chevron and/or Texaco Techron Advantage Visa® Card may be the best gas station card you'll find.
Welcome Offer
$0.20
Rewards
20 cents off a gallon
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
580
If you frequent Chevron or Texaco gas stations and can consistently earn 20 cents a gallon in Fuel Credits, this card can give you a better rewards rate than the some of the general gas rewards cards on our list. In that sense, the Chevron and/or Texaco Techron Advantage Visa® Card may be the best gas station card you'll find.
Pros
No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this credit card.
Signup bonus. $0.20 cents per gallon in fuel credits at Chevron and Texaco for the first 90 days from account opening.
10 cents per gallon in fuel credits each month you spend at least $300 at non-fuel merchants. 20 cents per gallon in fuel credits each month you spend at least $1,000 at non-fuel merchants.
3 cents per gallon in fuel credits at Chevron and Texaco. You'll earn 5 cents per gallon on Plus fuel and 7 cents per gallon on Supreme and Premium fuel.
Cons
This card carries a high APR of 29.99% variable. The market average in comparison is 16%.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
29.99% variable
Balance transfer APR
N/A
Welcome Offer
20 cents per gallon for the first 90 days at Chevron and Texaco stations
Rewards on a student card are a rarity, but the Discover it® Chrome for Students delivers just that. Rewards on gas and dining are solid — though limited quarterly — and the card also offers a modest intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Welcome Offer
Other
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
580
Rewards on a student card are a rarity, but the Discover it® Chrome for Students delivers just that. Rewards on gas and dining are solid — though limited quarterly — and the card also offers a modest intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Pros
Cash back. Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, reverting to 1% after and on all other purchases.
No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card.
Signup bonus. Discover will match any cash back you've earned during your first year of card ownership.
Cons
Short intro APR periods. The Discover it® Chrome for Students comes with intro APRs on purchases and balance transfers, though they're just 6 months in length.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
0% intro for the first 6 months (then 17.74% to 26.74% variable)
Balance transfer APR
10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 17.74% to 26.74% variable)
Welcome Offer
Discover will match cash back at the end of your first card year
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back
Welcome Offer
Other
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
580
Best secured card
Discover it® Secured
4.4
★★★★★
Finder score
The Discover it® Secured is another generous offering from Discover, providing accelerated rewards on dining and gas for no annual fee. Secured cards don't often provide rewards, so this is a welcome addition if you're trying to rebuild your credit.
Welcome Offer
Other
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
300
The Discover it® Secured is another generous offering from Discover, providing accelerated rewards on dining and gas for no annual fee. Secured cards don't often provide rewards, so this is a welcome addition if you're trying to rebuild your credit.
Pros
Signup bonus. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all of the cash back you’ve earned without any limits.
Cash back. Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. After that, and on all other purchases, earn 1% cash back.
Credit reporting to the three major bureaus. Discover will report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus — TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. With consistent on-time payments, you’ll build your credit score.
Possible security deposit return after eight months. After eight months, Discover will review your account every month. If they deem you’ve been a responsible cardholder, they may return your security deposit while you continue using your card. This effectively turns your secured card into an unsecured card.
Cons
It hurts to pay late. Your first late fee is waived, but making subsequent late or returned payments could result in fees as high as $41.
Time limit for balance transfers. If you want to take advantage of the intro balance transfer APR, your transfers must post to your account within the first months.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
27.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 27.99% variable) Balance transfer fee of 3%
Welcome Offer
Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back
Welcome Offer
Other
Rewards
Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
300
Best for reward flexibility
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards
4.6
★★★★★
Finder score
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards, you'll earn 1% back on the category of your choice, which can include gas. Of course, you can swap out your chosen category each quarter, giving you some agency in how you maximize your rewards.
Welcome Offer
$200
Rewards
From 1% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
670
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards, you'll earn 1% back on the category of your choice, which can include gas. Of course, you can swap out your chosen category each quarter, giving you some agency in how you maximize your rewards.
Pros
Signup bonus. Make at least $1,000 in purchases within 90 days of opening your account to earn a $200 bonus cash reward.
No annual fee. Get cash back without the weight of making up for an annual fee.
Intro APR. Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles. The APR reverts to a standard 18.74% to 28.74% variable after the promotional period is up.
Cons
Foreign transaction fees. Avoid using the card abroad or online with foreign merchants or you'll pay a 3% fee of the amount.
Balance transfer limitations. Transfer your balance within the first 60 days when you open your account or you won't get the 0% intro APR period on balance transfers.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
0% intro for the first 18 billing cycles (then 18.74% to 28.74% variable)
Balance transfer APR
0% intro for the first 18 billing cycles (then 18.74% to 28.74% variable)
Welcome Offer
$200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Rewards
From 1% cash back
Welcome Offer
$200
Rewards
From 1% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Minimum credit score
670
What is a gas card?
A gas credit card offers rewards when you spend on fuel. These rewards can come in the form of discounts, cash back, points or miles. For example, a gas card might give you fuel credits that reimburse you after you fill up. Another gas card might offer bonus points as you fill up, which you can redeem for flights, hotel stays and more.
Your gas-station card may also give you larger discounts as you make a set amount of purchases each month. At the same time, it may limit the number of gallons on which you can receive a discount per fill-up. To understand exactly what you’re getting for rewards, check your card’s terms and conditions.
What makes a good gas card?
Generally, the higher the savings or better the rewards, the stronger the gas card. Whether you can use the gas card at all gas stations or select gas stations also plays an important role.
Examples of strong gas credit cards
One gas card might offer 3 cents off every gallon of gas, while another might offer 6 cents off every gallon of gas. Everything else being equal, the latter card is better.
Normally, the base rewards rate for general credit cards is 1 point earned for every dollar spent. However, a gas card might offer 5 points per dollar you spend on fuel.
Two types of credit cards with benefits on gas purchases
There are two major types of credit cards with gas rewards.
Gas station credit cards
These cards give you discounts or rebates for gas. Most major oil companies — Shell, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil and the like — offer their own credit cards.
Here’s an example of a discount: When you use your card at the pump, you’ll automatically save 10 cents per gallon of gas you buy.
Here’s an example of a rebate: When you use your card for non-gas purchases, you’ll earn gas rebates at a 1% rate. After you use your card for eligible gas, your rebates will be redeemed automatically for statement credit.
General-rewards credit cards
These cards aren’t affiliated with specific gas companies, but they offer elevated rewards on general gas purchases.
For example: A card might offer 4% cash back on gas, which is an excellent rate. It might also offer elevated rewards in different categories, such as travel and dining.
Some rewards credit cards may limit the number of gas purchases you earn elevated rewards on, such as $6,000 annually. Once you’ve reached that threshold, your gas purchases will typically earn rewards at the base rewards rate — usually 1%.
After you accumulate rewards, you can often redeem them for statement credit, bank deposits, gift cards, travel, merchandise or other options your credit card issuer offers.
Some gas rewards restrict where you can earn rewards
Gas station cards may be closed-loop, meaning they can only be used at gas stations owned by the affiliated oil company. Alternatively, they may be cobranded with a major payment network such as Visa or Mastercard. These cards can be used with their affiliated gas companies and anywhere else that accepts cards in their payment networks.
Gas credit cards vs. general rewards credit cards
Gas credit card
Rewards credit card
Can often only be used at gas stations affiliated with a single company.
Can be used almost anywhere.
May offer instant discounts on gas purchases.
Allows you to accumulate rewards that you can redeem later.
Typically has higher interest rates.
May offer lower interest rates. May also offer promotional interest rates on purchases and balance transfers.
Potentially low credit limit.
Chance for a higher starting credit limit.
Typically, no rewards on gas purchases with other gas stations.
Earn rewards on all gas purchases.
Usually requires good to excellent credit.
How do I choose a gas credit card?
Gas benefits are likely most important to you, but other features of each card — such as fees and additional perks — might factor into your decision.
Decide whether you want to be tied to a specific gas-station brand. If you get fuel with one company, a gas-station card might offer attractive benefits. Otherwise, you might like a general-rewards card you can use at different gas stations.
Initial bonus. For a gas-station credit card, you might receive more fuel credits or a bigger discount on gas purchases during an initial period. For a general-rewards card, you might receive a welcome bonus for spending a set amount on your card within a specified period.
APR. Gas-station cards tend to have very high APRs. Consider paying off your balance in full each month to avoid expensive finance charges if you end up going with one.
Annual fee. If you want to save money, an annual fee might not be worth paying. Look for a card with a low or $0 annual fee. If a card has an annual fee, calculate if your potential for rewards earned will offset the card’s cost.
Other rewards and perks. While your primary goal is to find a credit card that will reward you for gas purchases, any other rewards you receive will only sweeten the deal. A general-rewards card is more likely to offer elevated rewards in additional categories.
How to maximize your gas rewards
Choose a gas card based on nearby gas stations. It may not be worth burning fuel to drive to a gas station that’s out of the way. If there are no credit cards affiliated with gas stations near you, choose a general-rewards product that pays rewards on all gas purchases, regardless of the brand.
Watch out for gas stations that charge more for credit-card purchases. Many gas stations charge different prices for cash and credit-card purchases. Cash purchases get a discount, while credit card purchases are charged a few cents more per gallon.
Buy all your fuel with your gas card. You’ll save the most money — and earn the most rewards — when you make your gas purchases exclusively with your gas card.
Combine credit cards. Those who spend on gas over the cashback limit could consider adding a second gas card. This way you could benefit from additional perks and you’ll make sure to always earn a top rewards rate on gas purchases.
Should I get a gas card?
Strongly consider getting a gas credit card if both of these apply to you:
You spend a lot on gas each month. A gas credit card will give you a big break on gas costs if you spend several hundred dollars or more each month on gas.
You pay your balance in full each month. Pay special attention if you have a gas-station card, as it likely has a very high APR. Paying your balance in full every month lets you avoid paying interest on your purchases. If you carry a balance from month to month, however, you’ll accrue finance charges that will offset your gas rewards.
How to choose the best gas credit card for bad credit
The available choices for gas cards are rather slim if you have bad credit. To make picking the right card easier, you’ll want to make your decision based on a few factors:
Can you afford an annual fee? An annual fee can eat into your rewards and can hurt if you have poor credit. If you decide to pay for a card, consider whether the rewards will outweigh the cost.
Do you want to redeem on travel? Though unusual for a secured card, the LATAM offering earns points you can redeem on travel through a variety of airlines. It can pay to go with the LATAM Visa Secured if you often fly with Oneworld Alliance airlines or plan on continuing to build LATAM points after you’ve rebuilt your credit score.
Are you spending on more than just gas? The cards from Discover and SunTrust each offer accelerated cash back on gas and one other category. Consider where you typically spend, and whether it’ll bring you bonus rewards. The SDFCU and LATAM cards don’t offer accelerated rewards, but you’ll earn at least 1 point per dollar you spend on all purchases.
Prioritize your credit score first and rewards second
Gas rewards should be lower on your priority list when it comes to picking a secured card. That goes for all rewards, in fact. If your main goal is to build your credit score, you should prioritize a card with the terms that fit your financial circumstances, even if it doesn’t offer gas rewards. For most consumers, this will include the following attributes.
A modest or achievable security deposit.
The card reports to all three major credit bureaus.
As few card fees as possible.
As few penalties as possible.
A path to a credit limit increase or card upgrade.
If a gas rewards secured card checks all of these boxes for you, or there are some features you don’t especially care about (such as card upgrades), then feel free to shoot for that card. Just remember: a non-secured gas card will earn you bigger rewards than a secured version, so getting your credit to a place where you can take your pick of powerful gas cards should be your top priority.
Compare rewards cards
Want a close look at your reward options? Select your credit score from the options below and hit “Show cards” to start comparing side-by-side.
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Bottom line
A gas credit card is a smart choice if you’re constantly filling up. Consider a gas-station card if you buy fuel with one company. Otherwise, a general-rewards card may be a better pick.
Kevin Chen is a personal finance expert and a former writer at Finder. His expertise has been featured in CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com, among other top media. See full bio
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