Best Gas Credit Cards
April 2024
Gas credit cards give you rewards and discounts on gas purchases at eligible locations. Redeem the points you earn for discounts, cash, or other rewards, such as travel or merchandise.
SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more
Americans love their cars. In the U.S., drivers pump over 391 million gallons of gasoline daily. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, that's more than a gallon for every person who lives in America. So what are the best gas credit cards for consumers to use to save some cash?
We’ve rounded up our current top picks based on SuperMoney's algorithms and community reviews. Make the most of your gas purchases by discovering which card will provide you with the highest return on your spending.
FAQs on Gas Credit Cards
Why Should You Use a Credit Card to Buy Gas?
Although the price of gasoline may go up and down, a good gas card can save you up to 5% each time you fill your tank. That adds up to more than $130 each year for the average driver. So using a credit card for fuel brings significant benefits for those who love long road trips or are daily commuters.
Gas-station-branded cards may be enticing, but you're likely to get more value overall with a general reward card while enjoying the flexibility of earning rewards at any gas station pump.
What gas credit card is best?
Choosing the best gas rewards credit card can be difficult. Be sure to check the restrictions on which type of gas stations the card allows you to use. Some credit cards for gas don't include fuel purchases at wholesale clubs, supermarkets, or superstores. That includes Walmart, Safeway, Costco, and BJs, for example.
Before you make your final decision, look for a gas credit card that can maximize your rewards. For instance, pick a gas card you can use closer to where you live, instead of a card for a gas station that's far away.
What should you consider when choosing a gas credit card?
A great gas credit card will not only offer strong rewards for gas purchases, but for all other spending as well. That said, if you're a heavy driver, narrowing into a card that offers generous gas rewards might be your best strategy. In any case, you should aim for at least 3% back on every dollar spent on gas.
- Rewards - This is the primary incentive that credit card companies offer you for regularly using their card when you buy gas, such as 3% cash back on gas purchases. Higher rewards mean you get more money back in the long run.
- Annual fee - Some credit cards charge an annual fee while others don't, so you'll want to pick a card that nets you more rewards and earnings than what you're paying for the card every year.
- Earning limit - Some cards impose a cap on the number of rewards you can get over a year or a quarter. Check your average gas spending and see whether you'll end up reaching those limits. If you think you will, go for a card that sets higher limits or doesn't have any caps. Alternatively, you can use more than one card, so you don't go over the rewards cap no matter how much you refill your tank.
What other rewards should you consider when choosing a gas card?
To be more competitive, some companies offer benefits on top of the usual rewards. Here are a few to look for:
- Partnerships -- Credit card companies may partner with certain brands and then offer cashback rewards when you make purchases from them. You might find a card is more beneficial to you depending on where you shop or buy your groceries.
- Sign-up bonuses -- As the name suggests, they reward you for signing up for the credit card. They give you more value for your card even before you've made your first gas purchase.
- Matching rewards -- Some cards offer matching programs in which they double your cash back after a certain period.
- Revolving categories -- Other cards offer such perks as cashback at different percentages in multiple categories, which may vary throughout the year.
What other benefits should consider when choosing a gas card?
Some credit cards offer additional perks and advantages to their customers, such as:
- Insurance coverage with significantly lower annual fees.
- Free credit score monitoring.
- Exclusive access to travel discounts, product sales, etc.
Do gas cards build credit?
Gas cards can help build your credit score. Retail cards, like gas cards, typically approve consumers with lower credit scores and report to the credit bureaus so that cardholders who pay regularly and on time can build a positive credit history.
What credit score do you need for a gas card?
As with any credit card, the better your credit score is, the better your chances of qualifying. The vast majority of gas-station branded credit cards will want you to have at least fair credit, which means a FICO credit score above 580, and applicants with scores above 650 will have the best approval odds.
What are the main types of credit cards for buying gas?
The two main types of gas cards are oil company credit cards and cashback rewards cards.
Oil Company Credit Cards
Many people use gas credit cards from major oil companies. The oil company partners with a financial institution or bank to issue the cards. Most major oil companies provide a variety of credit cards for the average consumer, as well as for businesses that own a fleet of vehicles. Typically, they offer five to six cents off every gallon of gas you pump at their stations. Some oil company gas cards also offer cash back on airlines, hotels, and car rentals, as well.
Gas cards that come from major oil companies don't usually have annual fees. However, their interest rates can be more than 20%. Also, to get the discount on gas, you usually have to shop at certain gas stations.
Cashback Rewards Cards
Many credit card issuers provide incentives for drivers to use their cards at the gas station. With cashback rewards cards, you get more money back on gas than on other purchases.
Most items you buy will earn you 1%, but with gas, it can be 2% to 5%. The most significant benefit of rewards credit cards is you are not restricted to a specific gas station. Some cashback rewards cards rotate their credit card bonus categories from month to month, so always check all the fine print before signing up.
Which card is the best gas credit card for you?
It all depends on how you plan to use the card. However, if you want a straightforward way to earn rewards on your gas purchases, consider a cashback rewards cards with generous rates. Cashback cards are useful because you can use them at a variety of businesses, not just the gas pump. Some cashback rewards cards give you 3% to 5% on your fuel purchases, which can be more than the 5 to 6 cents savings on the gallon offered by oil company cards.
An oil company card is an option for those who don't qualify for major rewards cards because they are easier to get. However, oil company cards usually come with a lower credit limit than other cards.
What is the best way to choose a credit card to save on gas?
The best way to choose a credit card to save on fuel is to read all of the fine print. Some gas credit cards put a limit on the number of gallons you can get a discount on. That won't work if you drive a lot or own a fleet of vehicles. Another factor is the card's balance. Be sure to pay it down each month to avoid those high-interest charges.
The final option to check out is good, old fashioned cash. Many gas stations offer extra discounts for those who use cash at the pump because it reduces their credit card transaction fees.
Everyone wants to save money these days, especially on the purchases they make the most. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, a good gas credit card can save you money. But you have to use it wisely. Pay off your monthly balance and get to know its terms to make the most of your gas card.
About the Author
SuperMoney
SuperMoney is the most comprehensive financial services comparison site around. We have published hundreds of personal finance articles and provide detailed reviews on thousands of financial products and services. Our unbiased advice and free comparison tools help consumers make smart financial decisions based on hard data, not marketing gimmicks.