At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for .
Why you can trust Bankrate
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly, people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit card industry year-round to:
Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options.
Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you\'re well-equipped to make confident decisions.
Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you.
At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience. Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way, we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next.
Editorial Integrity
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.
How We Make Money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
Insurance Disclosure
This content is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate.com. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states were it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Commuters, road-trippers and travelers know that fuel expenses can add up, but more people are cushioning the blow with gas credit cards to earn either cash back or points to fund their next trip. Since gas is a popular category on credit cards, finding the best gas credit card can be tough. Comparing credit cards for gas from our partners can help you decide how you want to earn more credit card rewards at the pumps in 2022.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
For a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on air travel and hotels up to $6,000 in the first 12 months and then 1 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent thereafter.
2X
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
1X
Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
Intro offer
20,000 points
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.24% - 24.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The true value of this card is in its unique roundup feature, which rounds up your purchases to the nearest 10 points — a feature that makes your daily $3 coffee worth 10 points. That’s a great rewards rate for low-cost purchases.
This card does have an intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
You can earn 10 percent back on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year.
Cons
This card charges a foreign transaction fee.
The Citi ThankYou points you earn as rewards can’t be transferred to travel partners.
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
For a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on air travel and hotels up to $6,000 in the first 12 months and then 1 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent thereafter.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 14.24% - 24.24%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
The Citi Rewards+® Card - the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase - with no cap.
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 14.24% - 24.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
5% cash back on gas anywhere (up to $6,000)
5%
Plus members earn 3% back on eligible purchases when shopping in-club or digitally through Sam’s Club when they use their Sam’s Club Mastercard and another 2% back from their Plus membership, for a total of up to 5% rewards on eligible purchases.
3%
3% cash back on dining and takeout
1%
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
N/A
Annual fee
No Annual Fee
Regular APR
15.65% or 23.65% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Sam's Club Mastercard is more than a gas card. If you're a Sam's Club Plus member, you can also earn up to 5 percent cash back on Sam's Club purchases, digital or in-club. Dining earns 3 percent and all other eligible purchases earn 1 percent.
This card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee.
Earn $30 in statement credits when you spend $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within 30 days of opening an account.
Cons
There is a cap on the 5 percent cash back rate on gas purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent).
A $45 Sam’s Club membership is required with this card.
Get a $30 statement credit when you open a Sam’s Club® credit card account and make $30 or more in Sam’s Club purchases within 30 days of date of account opening.
More value: 3 + 2 = 5: Plus members earn 3% back on eligible purchases when shopping in-club or digitally through Sam’s Club when they use their Sam’s Club Mastercard and another 2% back from their Plus membership, for a total of up to 5% rewards on eligible purchases.
Savings: For everyday eligible purchases, the credit card offers an industry leading 5% cash back on gas anywhere (up to $6,000), 3% cash back on dining and takeout, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Less contact: As consumers look for ways to transact without touching cash, cards, or keypads, Synchrony has enabled Sam’s Club with contact-free technology, including the integration of payments capabilities into Sam’s Scan & Go patented solution, both in-club and at the pump.
Mobile first: Sam’s Club cardholders can easily make purchases, track spending, check and pay balances, and securely manage and freeze accounts via the Sam’s Club mobile app enabled by the Synchrony plug-in (‘SyPi’).
Digitized rewards: No more paper checks! Rewards are automatically loaded onto membership cards and can be used for future purchases made both online and in-club, or exchanged for cash back.
Applying made easy: The Sam’s Club Mastercard is now available to apply for in all in-Club and digital channels including: at member services, at the point of sale – including through Scan & Go; on Sam’s Club Mobile App, SamsClub.com, Text-to-Apply, and Self-Checkout enabled with Synchrony’s patent-pending dApply technology, API’s, and the Synchrony plug-in (‘SyPi’).
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Intro offer
$300
Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is one of the most well-rounded cash back gas cards on the market. If you’re looking for a card that will reward your practical spending on gas and other everyday purchases, it’s hard to find a better choice for heavy spenders and family shoppers.
There is an introductory annual fee on this card of $0 for the first year, (then $95 after).
There is a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then 14.74 to 24.74 percent variable APR).
Cons
There are currently no intro APR offers on balance transfers with this card.
This card does charge a 2.7 percent foreign transaction fee.
Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2%
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74%-24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
True to its name, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express gives you plentiful ways to earn rewards on everyday purchases, including purchases at U.S. gas stations, without charging an annual fee. These rewards rates and categories, plus the lack of an annual fee, give the card excellent long-term value.
This card does have an intro APR on purchases (0 percent for 15 months then 14.74 to 24.74 percent variable APR).
Your rewards can be redeemed for statement credit or gift cards.
Cons
Stores like Walmart and Target do not count for rewards in the U.S supermarket category.
There is a cap on your rewards spending in the U.S. supermarket category (3 percent cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases a year, then 1 percent.)
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
3%
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
2%
Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
1%
Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.24% - 24.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
With the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you can obtain generous cash back returns by making gas your choice category. The flexibility in choosing your highest-earning rewards category helps make this card a versatile and valuable option long after you've earned the sign-up bonus.
You can choose which category (among the available 6 categories) earns the highest rewards with this card.
Cons
The 3 percent and 2 percent rewards spending categories have caps that apply (up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1 percent).
The required spend to obtain the sign-up bonus is high compared to other cards in this category.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 14.24% - 24.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee (min. $10) applies.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn cash back on your next road trip with 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
12.24% - 23.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The best feature of the Discover it chrome is that Discover will match the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year with this card. Other than that, the card offers a pretty standard 2 percent cash back rate at the pump (gas stations) and restaurants on up to $1,000 in spend each quarter and 1 percent on all other purchases.
This card has an intro APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers.
There is no annual fee to hold this card.
Cons
You must wait a year to reap the benefits of the cash back match welcome offer.
There is a cap on the 2 percent cash back spending categories (up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter, then 1 percent).
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn cash back on your next road trip with 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Redeem your cash back for any amount, any time. Cash rewards never expire.
New Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR‡ for 15 months on purchases. Then 12.24% to 23.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click "Apply Now" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
What we love about the Citi Rewards+ Card: The rewards earned from every purchase will be rounded up to the nearest 10 points. So, a $12 lunch order would earn 20 ThankYou points. Plus, the card earns an annual 10 percent bonus points on the first 100,000 points you redeem.
Who this card is good for: Everyday shoppers who want to earn points for purchases they make that are redeemable for purchases, gift cards, statement credits, direct deposits or on Amazon.com.
Alternatives: Going with a card that earns a higher point value for the purchases you make the most could be more to your advantage. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards and the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card cards provide the flexibility to plan a spending strategy that earns more across everyday spending.
What we love about the Sam’s Club Mastercard: Instead of rewarding you for purchases at Sam’s Club, this card rewards everyday purchases like gas and restaurant dining.
Who this card is good for: Sam’s Club members who want to earn rewards on more than just groceries.
Alternatives: If you aren’t—or don’t plan on becoming—a Sam’s Club member, then this card isn’t for you. However, if earning rewards on gas is your priority and you still want to earn rewards on Sam’s Club purchases, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card could be a great option. It has elevated rewards in categories like supermarkets, gas stations and wholesale clubs.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Best for gas and groceries
What we love about the Blue Cash Preferred: A cash back rate of 6 percent is stellar, especially when it’s attached to a rewards category as valuable as U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 on purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, then 1 percent).
Who this card is good for: People with a moderate to large grocery budget.
Alternatives: Maybe your grocery budget is not substantial enough to offset the card’s recurring $95 annual fee (after the $0 introductory annual fee for the first year) but you still want to earn generously for purchases made at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations. The card’s predecessor, the Blue Cash Everyday, also earns modestly at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. While rewards rates are not as high as those on the Blue Cash Preferred, the Everyday has the added advantage of no annual fee.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Best for no annual fee
What we love about the Blue Cash Everyday: In addition to U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, there’s a more rare bonus category: select U.S. department stores. For families, this trio of bonus categories can be valuable—all for no annual fee.
Who this card is good for: Everyday shoppers who want to stick to a budget and not worry about recouping an annual fee.
Alternatives: It’s tough to find a solid replacement for the Blue Cash Everyday because it costs nothing to hold and earns decent rewards in key categories. However, if you are looking to boost your rewards earning potential for gas specifically, a customized option like the Citi Custom Cash card boasts a phenomenal 5 percent cash back rate in your top spending category, including gas station purchases (on up to $500 per billing cycle, then 1 percent).
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for sign-up bonus
What we love about the Customized Cash Rewards: The ability to choose and change your bonus cash back category allows for a flexible rewards strategy and room for your credit card portfolio to grow.
Who this card is good for: Cash back strategists who want high rewards rates in more than one category.
Alternatives: Spending caps are common on a card like this, but if you’re looking to avoid limits on the amount of cash back or points you can earn, consider a card with a fixed, flat rate rewards model like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or another flat-rate cash back card. These cards earn flexibly across all of your spending and don’t require the same category enrollment the Customized Cash Rewards does to earn its best rate.
Discover it Chrome: Best for first-year cash back match
What we love about the Discover it Chrome: Discover will automatically match all of the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Who this card is good for: Someone who wants to earn rewards on both restaurant and gas station purchases.
Alternatives: Other no-annual-fee credit cards earn better rewards rates for gas, but if the cash back match is something that you’re heavily invested in, consider the Discover it® Cash Back. While the rewards program on the Cash Back card will require more legwork on your end, you could come out on top at the end of the year depending on how much you spend in the card’s rotating categories.
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: Best credit union rewards card
What we love about the PenFed Platinum Rewards card: In addition to gas purchases, this card also offers bonus points at electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, rewards are unlimited, and in the gas-at-the-pump category alone, spending $200 a month would earn 1,000 monthly reward points.
Who this card is good for: Frugal spenders who want to be rewarded for budget staples like gas, dining out and supermarket purchases.
Alternatives: Joining a credit union may push you away from a card like this despite its great rewards potential. If that’s the case, consider attempting to cover the rewards you would earn with the card with a spending strategy that includes multiple cards and earns at least 5 percent back on everything you purchase.
Gas prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as a result of supply chain imbalances and COVID cases decreasing, which prompted a return to offices and road trips. While commuters are bound for sticker shock at the pumps, Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst, says the best way to save on gas is with a gas rewards credit card.
Along with savvy tips like using grocery points to curb the cost and emptying your trunk, Rossman notes the best credit cards to save on gas are not co-branded gas station cards. Instead, general-purpose rewards or cash back cards are the best way to save on gas purchases because they offer lower APRs and percentage-based rewards rather than the cent-based discounts on co-branded gas station cards.
What is a gas credit card?
A gas credit card earns points, cash back or miles when you spend at the pump. Just like other credit cards, these can be either flat-rate or have rotating bonus categories with elevated rewards rates.
Furthermore, some of the best grocery cards and travel cards also earn rewards for spending at the pump, so any card that earns customized rewards can be used as your “gas card.” Customized rewards rates can typically be more rewarding than some credit cards that include gas as a lower-earning category.
Picking the one that’s best for you means determining where you spend the majority of your money and how exactly you want your gas credit card to fit into your rewards strategy.
Types of gas credit cards
The two main types of gas credit cards are co-branded and general-purpose. They both have their benefits, but general-purpose cards that include gas as a rewards category can be more versatile.
General-purpose gas credit cards
General-purpose gas cards are simply credit cards that offer bonus rewards at gas stations. These may come with rewards models that offer cash back or points earned per dollar spent. Typically the best general-purpose credit cards include a range of rewards categories and give you the flexibility to maintain your spending habits without thinking about how to maximize your rewards strategy.
A great general-purpose gas credit card might also earn generously at U.S. supermarkets or at wholesale clubs. However, it’s rare that gas will be included in the highest rewards tier, so to really maximize your rewards at the pumps you may opt for a card like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card in order to earn 3 percent back in a category of your choice, like gas (on up to $2,500 of combined 3 and 2 percent category purchases each quarter, then 1 percent).
Loyalty gas cards
Loyalty gas cards, or cards distributed by specific gas stations to promote loyalty (such as BP, Speedway or Chevron), allow cardholders to earn credits for gas and receive discounts on fuel.
Bankrate Insight
The average American spends $2,094 annually on gasoline, other fuels and motor oil, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent Consumer Expenditures Report. Charged on a credit card that earns 3 percent cash back on gas, those expenses equal an annual rewards haul of $62.82. While that’s not a staggering sum, think of it as a free fill-up or two.
Pros and cons of gas rewards cards
Like any type of rewards credit card, gas cards have their perks and drawbacks. Consider the following before you apply:
Pros
Affordability: There are plenty of gas cards on the market that do not charge annual fees.
Additional rewards: Most gas cards offer rewards in other valuable categories like dining or groceries.
Accessibility: Gas cards are available to people with a wide range of credit scores, so you can find a gas credit card with bad credit.
Cons
Loyalty cards lack flexibility: Gas rewards cards tied to a particular brand may be inconvenient if that gas station isn’t available everywhere you travel.
Not optimized for electric vehicles: There are few gas cards that earn rewards on electric vehicle charging.
Less utilized budget expense: Gas isn’t the largest component of most budgets, so getting a card solely for gas expenses could be pointless.
Who should get a gas credit card?
You might already have a good idea what type of spender you are and it may come as no surprise that gas credit cards are best suited for people who spend significantly at the pump. But not everyone can benefit from them—many people who work from home or don’t drive often might not find value in earning cash back for gas station purchases. However, the following people are most likely to earn the best bang for their buck with a gas card:
Traveling to and from work every day can definitely run up a gas bill. Using a gas card to fill up on regular commutes will lead to a significant stash of rewards in no time, and some of those rewards could even cover the cost of your next fill up.If expenditures at the pump are adding up and you’re already covered for grocery rewards, you might consider stacking your rewards strategy with a card that earns a higher rate for gas than any other card you have. There are a number of ways to do this, but the simplest is to find a customized cash rewards card that earns highly in a category of your choice. If you use the Citi Custom Cash card for all of your gas payments, you’ll earn 5 percent back if gas is your top spending category that billing cycle (up to $500 each billing cycle, then 1 percent), netting you an annual $104.70 if you spend $2,094 each year on gas and don’t exceed the monthly $500 cap on the 5 percent rate.
If your preferred method of travel is to head out on the open road, you may consider a gas card a helpful tool to cover travel costs. Unlike most traditional travel cards that offer rewards on flights and hotel purchases, you’ll earn most where you spend most and rack up cash back at the pump. For road-trip food stops, you should consider coupling gas rewards with rewards for restaurant purchases.A great option would be to grab a hotel loyalty rewards credit card like the Hilton Honors American Express Card. Not only will this reward you for hotel stays on the road at Hilton properties, but it also earns 5X points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, U.S. grocery stores and U.S. gas stations. The flexibility to use those rewards on Hilton hotel stays means that every dollar spent on the pump equates to less spent at the check-in counter.
Quite a few gas cards on the market also offer rewards in other popular spending categories like dining and grocery store purchases. These kinds of reward structures make gas cards ideal for on-the-go families who need to stock up often on gas and groceries.Those who want to earn consistent rewards across a range of categories like travel, groceries, gas and dining should consider the Citi Premier® Card which earns 3X points spent at restaurants, supermarkets, at gas stations, on air travel and hotel. This card can cover nearly every expense you’ll make on the road, in the air and at the hotel.
If you aren’t sure what type of spender you are, our Credit Card Spender Type Tool gives you personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
How to choose the best gas credit card for you
There are a variety of options when choosing among the best gas credit cards. Consider these questions when shopping around for the best gas card for you.
Do you want a general-purpose or loyalty gas card?
If you spend most of your time at one specific gas station, consider choosing a loyalty card that rewards purchases at that particular chain. If you want more flexible options, a general-purpose gas card will offer rewards at any station.
What perks and rewards do you need for non-gas purchases?
Outside of rewards on gas purchases, evaluate other major spending categories you’d like to earn in. Busy families with high grocery budgets or commuting professionals can apply for a cas credit card that also rewards these purchases.
How much are you willing to invest in your gas card?
While a lot of gas cards don’t charge an annual fee, there are a few that do. These annual fees often cover extra rewards and perks outside of your gas purchases. Some gas cards may also require you to have a membership with a specialty store or organization to qualify. Take note of these extra investments when deciding on a gas card that best fits your needs.
How we selected our list of top gas cards
Credit cards featured on Bankrate.com receive a score based on a 5-point scoring system. With individual categories such as gas credit cards, the analysis focuses on specific features relevant to that type of card, including:
Rewards rate
The highest-rated credit cards for gas purchases typically earn cash back or rewards points at a rate of 2 percent, 3 percent or even 4 percent for every dollar you spend on fuel purchases.
Versatility
The best gas cards offer rewards not just for filling up your vehicle but also for other types of everyday purchases, such as groceries.
Affordability
A truly outstanding gas credit card puts value front and center, meaning that it charges no annual fee (or a minimal fee).
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
Frequently asked questions about gas credit cards
Fleet gas cards are business credit cards specifically designed to provide rebates for company vehicle gas and maintenance spending.
If you’re looking to save money at the gas pump, a gas rewards card could definitely be an excellent addition to your wallet.
It depends on the gas card. If you’re considering a rewards credit card that earns points for more than just fuel purchases, you’ll most likely need good to excellent credit (about a 670 FICO score or higher).
Yes, when used responsibly. As with any credit card, make sure you pay your balance on time and in full to build positive credit history and avoid interest charges.
Bankrate expert Garrett Yarbrough strives to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for his readers. After regularly featuring his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis on NextAdvisor.com, he joined the CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com teams as a staff writer to develop product reviews and comprehensive credit ...
Mariah Ackary is a personal finance writer who specializes in small businesses and credit. Mariah is a lifelong writer, but joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to mackary@bankrate.com
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
Advertiser Disclosure
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
