Best Gas Credit Cards of November 2024 (Updated Monthly)
The [data-lightrail id="1468"]{name}[/data-lightrail] is our favorite gas credit card. It offers excellent rewards rate on gas, supermarket spending and restaurants with no annual fee.
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The average American spends approximately $2,148 per year on gas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using a gas card to earn cash back or rewards on this everyday expense is smart, especially when gas prices tend to go up.
With some of the best gas credit cards offering 3% to 5% cash back on gas purchases, you can easily earn $100 or more per year in rewards just by fueling up with the right card. The trick is deciding between a general rewards card or a co-branded card, and you'll want to weigh options like gas station proximity to decide on the best gas credit card for your needs.
Best gas credit card for rewards
[affiliate-lightrail id="1468" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Winner" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1468"]The {name} offers an excellent rewards rate on gas, supermarket spending, restaurants and several other bonus categories, and all with {fee.annual.text} annual fee and no foreign transaction fees required. New cardholders can even earn {signUpBonus}
You do have to be a PenFed Credit Union member to apply, but membership is open to everyone. Also note that rewards must be redeemed through the PenFed portal, although you can use points for options like gift cards, merchandise and travel.
Best gas card for groceries
[affiliate-lightrail id="495" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Groceries" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="495"]The {name} is a great product for consumers who fill up their car with fuel regularly. This card is also great for families, who are likely to spend heavily in its bonus categories, especially U.S. supermarkets and streaming services. The card has a {fee.annual.text} annual fee, which may be well worth it if you spend a lot on supermarkets and gas — you'll be able to earn hundreds of dollars per year in valuable cash back, redeemable for statement credits.
Best gas card for groceries and no annual fee
[affiliate-lightrail id="152" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Groceries and no annual fee" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="152"]If a no-annual-fee card with various spending categories is your preference, the {name} is a great product to choose. It’s very similar to the [data-lightrail id="495"]{name}[/data-lightrail], though without the annual fee. It offers a lower rate of {rewardsRateDesc} Redeem your cash back for statement credits to cover your purchases.
Best gas credit card for wholesale clubs
[affiliate-lightrail id="1495" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Wholesale clubs" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1495"]The {name} is a great gas credit card for consumers who are already Sam's Club members, as well as those who value a high earning rate on gas purchases. This card provides a strong rewards rate for dining and travel as well, making it a valuable card for everyday use. Plus members also earn 3% back on Sam's Club purchases with their card on top of the rewards they earn with their membership, which can add up quickly.
Best gas station card
[affiliate-lightrail id="2007" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Gas station card" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="2007"]If you consistently fill up your tank at Shell gas stations, the {name} is certainly worth considering. {rewardsRateDesc}
Best gas credit card for business
[affiliate-lightrail id="942" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Business" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="942"]If you're looking for the best gas card for small business, the {name} is an excellent choice. The card lets you {rewardsRateDesc}.
You can change your category once each calendar month, or keep the same category. Because travel is one of the category options, we argue this card is also one of the best travel rewards credit cards for gas.
Best gas credit card for dining, food and restaurants
[affiliate-lightrail id="1311" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Dining, food and restaurants" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1311"]The {name} is an excellent card for everyday spending, particularly if you are willing to keep up with bonus categories that change every three months. You can earn {rewardsRateDesc} New cardholders can also become eligible for a sign up bonus: {signUpBonus} Plus, earn 5% back on up to $12,000 spent on groceries the first year. There's a {fee.annual.text} annual fee, and an intro APR offer for purchases and balances transfers sweetens the pot even more.
Best card for gas rewards
[affiliate-lightrail id="1170" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Gas rewards" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1170"]The {name} has the best gas rewards program of 2022, because it earns a high rate of cash back on gas without a lot of restrictions. In fact, it's one of the best credit cards for gas and restaurants: {rewardsRateDesc}
Best gas card for travel
[affiliate-lightrail id="136" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Travel" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="136"]The {name} has a ton going for it, including the fact new customers can {signUpBonus}. You can {rewardsRateDesc}. In addition to the $100 annual hotel savings benefit this card offers, customers can also enjoy easy point transfers to Citi ThankYou travel partners. This combination of perks makes the {name} great for gas but also for all kinds of travel.
Best gas card with no annual fee
[affiliate-lightrail id="131" view="benefits_box" featured_title="No annual fee" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="131"]If you love the thought of earning bonus cash back on gas only during the months when you use the most gas, the {name} is worth a look. The card offers a customizable {rewardsRateDesc}. One drawback: Your bonus purchases are limited to $2,500 in purchases per quarter. Still, this is a pretty generous limit compared to cards like the [data-lightrail id="152"]{name}[/data-lightrail], which caps your top bonus category purchases at $6,000 per year.
Best gas card for flat-rate cash back
[affiliate-lightrail id="710" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Flat-rate cash back" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="710"]The {name} is one of the market-leading cash back credit cards available. It’s a simple card that earns a high rate of cash back on every purchase and doesn't require you to track spending categories like other cards. Customers also get an intro APR of {balanceTransferIntroRate} (followed by an APR of {purchaseGoToRate}). On the downside, the card lacks additional features and benefits and charges 3% in fees on purchases made abroad.
Best gas card for bad credit
[affiliate-lightrail id="953" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Bad credit" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="953"]The {name} is one of the best gas cards for bad credit, as well as for college students without a strong credit history. You only need a credit score of {creditScore.neededLabel} to be approved, along with a refundable security deposit. Cardholders enjoy a great cash back rewards program, including bonus rewards on gas and restaurant purchases.
That said, you should know that bonus rewards on gas and restaurant purchases are capped at $1,000 in spending per quarter, after which you earn just 1% back.
Best gas card for Costco
[affiliate-lightrail id="1030" view="benefits_box" featured_title="Costco" signupbonus="true" /] [data-lightrail id="1030"]If you frequently visit your local Costco, the {name} is a must have. While it is a Costco-branded card, you can use this credit card at any vendor that accepts Visa. Either way, you can earn {rewardsRateDesc}.
While the rewards are extremely generous, it's worth noting that you'll only get a rewards certificate once per year when your February account statement closes.
How to pick a gas credit card
Choosing a gas credit card can be difficult, especially if you like the features and perks of more than one. With that in mind, you'll want to consider the following points when determining which card is best suited for your needs.
Decide if proximity to specific gas stations is important
Consider if you prefer to stick with one particular gas station brand, or if you prefer to visit the cheapest station around. Note that choosing a credit card that's affiliated with one particular gas station brand can limit your earning potential. You're better off picking a general gas card so you can earn rewards whenever and wherever you decide to fill up.
Decide if you want rewards for gas purchases only, or if you want to maximize rewards on everything you buy
Where some cards offer their best rewards rate on gas purchases only, others offer exceptional rates on groceries, dining, and more. If you want a card that lets you maximize cash back or other rewards on all your regular spending, you should pick a card with the broadest possible bonus categories.
Decide which benefits and perks you want the most
These should include things like cost of card ownership, value of benefits like branded incentives, purchase protections, sign-up bonuses and more.
Consider your current credit score
If you're concerned you won't be accepted due to poor credit, consider one of our suggested easy approval gas credit cards instead. Be sure you can afford the annual fee (if any) and will be able to attain the sign-up bonus if one is offered. When used frequently and responsibly, gas credit cards can help improve your credit health, which is a valuable benefit if your score could use a boost.
Types and features of gas credit cards
Types of gas credit cards
Rewards
Cash back
Many consumers want to save money on gas and visit the cheapest station around. A general rewards card that offers a bonus on gas purchases is the best way to do just that, although you'll want to remember that some cash cards only offer bonus rewards at U.S. gas stations. Also note that some rewards cards offer points that are more flexible than others, so you should compare redemption options before you apply.
Rewards
Many consumers want to save money on gas and visit the cheapest station around. A general rewards card that offers a bonus on gas purchases is the best way to do just that, although you'll want to remember that some cash cards only offer bonus rewards at U.S. gas stations. Also note that some rewards cards offer points that are more flexible than others, so you should compare redemption options before you apply.
Cash back
There are also cash back credit cards that earn rewards on gas and other purchases. Cards in this category may let you redeem rewards for statement credits or other options like gift cards or merchandise. Note that cash back credit cards are less likely to charge annual fees than travel rewards cards or general rewards cards.
Gas card features
Co-branded
Sign-up bonus
No annual fee
Co-branded gas cards are affiliated with a particular gas station brand and only earn bonus cash back at their respective gas stations.
Co-branded
Co-branded gas cards are affiliated with a particular gas station brand and only earn bonus cash back at their respective gas stations.
Sign-up bonus
In many cases, the best gas credit card for you will offer a sign-up bonus once you're approved for the card and meet a minimum spending requirement. These bonuses can help you earn considerably more in rewards the first year.
No annual fee
Finally, note that many of the best credit cards for gas purchases come with no annual fee required. When you get a card with no annual fee, this helps you maximize rewards while keeping your out-of-pocket costs at a minimum.
How do gas credit cards work?
You may want to consider different cards if you're looking for the best credit card for bonus points on gas than you would if you wanted the best credit card for gas discounts. This is mainly due to the fact that some gas cards offer rewards for purchases, whereas others offer rebates instead. Some gas cards also offer a sign-up bonus that applies when you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. Other perks can apply as well, such as purchase protections, extended warranties, or travel benefits.
Ultimately, you'll earn rewards or discounts when you use your gas credit card to pay for gas and everything else you buy. However, credit cards charge a variable interest rate that can make carrying a balance incredibly costly. Therefore, you'll only want to use a gas credit card to fuel up if you have a plan to pay your balance in full each month.
What are the benefits of having a gas credit card?
A gas credit card gives consumers bonus rewards (in the form of cash back or points) for their gas purchases and is essential if you regularly visit gas stations.
Pros
Cons
Gas station rewards programs
Gas station rewards programs are offered by specific gas station brands. These programs sometimes have their own co-branded credit cards (e.g. [data-lightrail id="2007"]{name}[/data-lightrail]), but you don't necessarily have to have a credit card to participate.
- Speedy Rewards. For example, Speedway's "Speedy Rewards" program lets users earn rewards when they fuel up or make in-store gas station purchases and use their loyalty card. From there, customers can redeem their points for various snacks and drinks offered in Speedway stores, as well as Speedway gift cards. However, Speedway also offers a co-branded card that lets customers earn even more rewards on their purchases.
- Costco. There are also gas station rewards programs that can only be used by members, such as Costco. However, it's worth noting that regular Costco members do not earn rewards on Costco gas purchases. Only those who pay for an Executive membership get the chance to earn 2% back on gas at Costco. However, individuals who also pick up the [data-lightrail id="1030"]{name}[/data-lightrail] earn additional cash back on Costco gas and other purchases they make.
Ultimately, you should note that gas rewards programs come in many different forms, both with and without a co-branded credit card. This is one of the main reasons you should read all you can about these programs before selecting the best gas credit card for your needs.
Can gas credit cards help you build credit?
Gas credit cards help you build credit by reporting your credit balances and payments to the three credit bureaus. This is true if you have a gas credit card offered through a major credit card network like Visa or Mastercard, but it's also true if you get a store credit card from a gas station such as the [data-lightrail id="1174"]{name}[/data-lightrail].
To use a gas credit card to boost your credit score, you'll want to pay your balance on time every month with no exceptions. This step is important since your payment history is the most important determinant of your FICO credit score.
Also note that you'll want to keep the credit utilization rate on your gas credit card on the low end since this factor makes up another 30% of your FICO credit score. This means paying down unsecured debt you owe instead of just moving it around from one card to the next.
To improve your credit with a gas credit card, however, you'll need to get approved for one in the first place. If you have poor credit or bad credit, you may want to consider applying for a secured credit card that earns rewards on gas at first. This type of credit card requires a cash deposit as collateral, but you get the chance to build credit while earning rewards on your purchases. Once your credit score has improved, you can see about upgrading to an unsecured credit card and getting your security deposit back.
How to maximize a gas credit card
Using a gas credit card is ideal to reach a specific goal like saving money on your commute or earning travel rewards to take a vacation.
- Plan ahead: Research which gas credit card will benefit you most long before you hit the road
- Be aware of reward limits: Some of the cards above have limits on how many rewards you can earn at gas stations. If you spend a significant amount of money on gas each year, it may be best to avoid those cards.
-
Use your gas card to activate your rewards:
- Visit the pump
- Swipe card
- Fill your tank
- Earn rewards
- Sign up for a gas station rewards program: You can sign up for a gas station rewards program to help you double-dip your savings. The best gas rewards programs include big gas brands, like BP or Shell, and will help you earn discounts on gas purchases.
Frequently asked questions
The best credit card that offers 5% cash back on gas is the [data-lightrail id="1468"]{name}[/data-lightrail]. This card lets you earn [data-lightrail id="1468"]{rewardsRateDesc}[/data-lightrail] Plus, there's no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Some gas credit cards are geared to consumers with good to excellent credit, whereas others are available to people with fair credit or poor credit. If you know your credit score is on the low end but you still want a gas card, you can consider applying for a secured credit card like the [data-lightrail id="953"]{name}[/data-lightrail].
There are an array of store cards offered by gas station brands, including the [data-lightrail id="1174"]{name}[/data-lightrail] and the Speedway FleetCards for business. These cards only let you charge fuel and gas station purchases, and you earn rewards or get fuel discounts in return.
Credit cards are very safe to use at the gas pump since they almost always come with zero liability policies for fraudulent purchases. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you can only be liable for a maximum of $50 when you report your credit card as lost after someone else uses it.
You'll need to have your physical credit card to pay for fuel at the pump. However, you may be able to buy gas station gift cards with just your card number online.
Methodology
Fuel savings calculations are based on an average $2,148 annual spend on gas per car, cited by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021.
We are constantly reviewing hundreds of credit cards across both ValuePenguin and major issuer platforms in order to compile a list of the best gas credit cards available in 2023. Our recommendations are based on a number of factors — including the rewards value in gas and additional spending categories, gas savings, cost of ownership and value of benefits such as branded incentives, purchase protections, sign-up bonuses and more. Our choices are not influenced by our advertisers. Learn more on how we calculate rewards.
Gas prices naturally fluctuate throughout the year, but you can find the national average gas price at any time on the AAA website.
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Advertiser Disclosure: The products that appear on this site may be from companies from which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). ValuePenguin does not include all financial institutions or all products offered available in the marketplace.
How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).