Best Credit Cards for Gas Savings

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With the right card in your wallet, you can maximize the cash back, points or miles you earn at the pump.

On average, Americans spent $1,968 on gasoline and other fuels in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the drastic increase in gas prices in 2022, that number has more than doubled to $5,000 a year, according to Yardeni Research. If you own a vehicle and spend that much or more on gas every year, it may make sense to get a cash rewards credit card for buying gas.

No, we're not talking about the gas cards offered by gasoline companies like Shell and BP. The best rewards credit cards for gas stations offer accelerated rewards at gas stations, as well as great rewards on other everyday purchases you make.

Rewards Credit Cards for Gas Purchases

Card	Gas Rewards	Annual Fee	Learn More
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Apply Now Rates & Fees	4% cash back up to $7,000 in annual gas and EV charging purchases (and then 1% after)	$0 More info Active Costco membership required	Apply Now Rates & Fees
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	3X ThankYou Points per $1 spent at gas stations	$95	Apply Now Rates & Fees
Citi Double Cash® Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	2% cash back on purchases, including gas stations	$0	Apply Now Rates & Fees
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Learn More Rates & Fees	Earn 3% cash back on gas from U.S. gas stations	$95 More info $0 Intro annual fee for the first year, then $95	Learn More Rates & Fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Learn More Rates & Fees	Earn 3% cash back on gas from U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%	$0	Learn More Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply Now Rates & Fees	2% cash rewards on purchases, including gas stations	$0	Apply Now Rates & Fees
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Apply Now	5X IHG points per $1 spent on on travel, gas stations, and restaurants	$99	Apply Now
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Apply Now	2% cash back on your first $25,000 spent in combined annual purchases at gas stations and restaurants	$0	Apply Now

>>Review the methodology our credit card experts use to evaluate credit products and determine the best-in-class cards from our credit card partners, or skip to the most frequently asked questions about gas rewards.

Best Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases From Our Partners

Depending on what else you spend your money on, these top rewards credit cards for gas station purchases will do a lot more than that. With all that in mind, here are our top choices from our partners.

The Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi, one of our partners, is a credit card made exclusively for Costco members. It comes with 4% cash back on up to $7,000 in annual gas purchases and EV charging purchases (and then 1% after), 3% back on restaurant and travel purchases, 2% back at Costco and Costco.com and 1% on other purchases.

One unique feature of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card is how you get your cash back. While most credit cards give you a monthly credit or a credit when you hit a certain rewards level, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers an annual rewards credit for all of your cash back earned. Also, this co-branded Citi credit card doesn't have an annual fee, but you will need to be an active Costco member to enjoy its benefits.

More Details: The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, from our partner Citi, is worth considering if you’re looking for a travel credit card, but don’t want to pay a huge annual fee. The Citi Strata Premier Card offers new cardholders a sign-up bonus of 75,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 during the first three months of account opening.

Additionally, this Citi credit card offers a range of incentives, such as bonus points, gift cards and deals with retail partners. Best of all, you’ll get more value when you redeem points for flights, and potentially even better value when you transfer points to Citi's travel partners.

Read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier Card.

With the Citi Double Cash^® Card, from our partner Citi, you earn a flat 2% back on all purchases with no limit on how much cash back you earn. However, this card takes a unique approach to earning cash back—you earn 1% back when you make a purchase, plus an additional 1% back when you pay for the purchase. To earn cash back, you also must pay at least the minimum due on time.

This card doesn’t have the highest rewards rate you can find when it comes to the cash-back credit card category. But with no annual fee and an easy-to-use redemption process, the card is still a worthwhile cash-back candidate to consider. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.

Many rewards credit cards tempt you with bonus rewards for specific purchases, but with the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card (Rates and Fees), you simply receive a 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no need to register for anything, and there is no annual fee to carry this credit card in your wallet.

Plus, get up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card. (subject to a $25 deductible).

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card applicants can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on the card within the first three months of account opening. Additionally, new accounts receive a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR after low intro APR period). Qualifying balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening with a 3% fee. Then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a solid card, especially if you're already a loyal IHG customer. The perks accompanying this co-branded Chase credit card are worth way more than the $99 annual fee. The IHG One Rewards Premier Card comes with Platinum Elite Status, a free anniversary night every year and a free reward night for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay. It’s great for international travel because there are no foreign transaction fees.

This hotel credit card comes with an attractive offer — new cardholders can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

A sign-up bonus like this can go a long way towards free reward nights at participating IHG hotels around the world, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, EVEN Hotels, Indigo Hotels and Holiday Inn. Read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Card.

The Ink Business Cash® Card is a valuable business cash-back card for entrepreneurs of all types. Earn an impressive rewards rate of 5% cash back on select business purchases. These include the first $25,000 you spend each account anniversary year at office supply stores and on phone, cable and internet services. Ink Business Cash also offers 2% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and gas stations. You’ll earn 1% cash back on virtually all other purchases.

As a new cardholder, you can get up to $750 in bonus cash back: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening. Read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.

American Express Credit Cards for U.S. Gas Station Purchases

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed to help on-the-go households maximize cash-back earnings. While this card carries a $95 annual fee after the first year (see rates and fees), which is rare for a cash-back product, large families that spend heavily at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets will most likely spend enough to offset the $95 annual fee.

The card earns:

6% back at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%)
6% back on select U.S. streaming services
3% back on gas at U.S. gas stations
3% on transit expenses, including parking, tolls, bus fare and more
Other eligible spending earns 1% cash back

New cardholders have the opportunity to earn a welcome offer of $250 once they spend $3,000 with the card during their first six months of card membership (Terms Apply; see rates and fees). Learn more with our full review of the The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

Enrollment is required for select benefits

For a card with no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express offers an impressive amount of value. Right off the bat, new cardmembers can earn a $200 welcome offer as a statement credit (Terms Apply; see rates and fees). To earn this welcome offer, you have to spend at least $2,000 on purchases using the card over the first six months. This will get you a $200 statement credit.

This card earns:

3% cash back per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%)
3% cash back per dollar spent at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%)
3% cash back per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases, up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%)
Other purchases earn 1% back, and cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit

If you’re looking for a simple card to get cash back and earn a welcome offer on the popular U.S. supermarkets and gas categories, this card could fit your spending needs. Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Rewards Credit Cards for Gas Versus Oil-Company Gas Cards

So, you know you want to be rewarded at the pump, but you still aren’t sure if you should go for a rewards card with gas perks or an oil-company card? We’ll help you do the math.

Many rewards cards will allow you to earn points or cash back on the amount you spend on fuel. You will earn the same percentage back on any U.S. gas station you use, so you don’t have to be a company loyalist. Even better, cash rewards credit cards come with other perks, as well as more opportunities to earn points or cash back on other spending. You can choose a card based on your spending habits to reap the most rewards.

Co-branded oil-company cards typically offer cents off per gallon or cents per gallon rebates. Gas credit cards that are more than just loyalty rewards credit cards tied specifically to the gas station will allow cardholders to earn cents per gallon per dollar spent elsewhere. For example, the Techron Advantage Visa card allows cardholders to earn 20 cents per gallon at Chevron and Texaco for the 90 days after opening an account.

There are pros and cons to both cards and the right card depends on your unique spending situation and credit score.

Co-Branded Gas Card Pros

Better chance of approval: Individuals who are working to rebuild their credit or who have been rejected from popular rewards credit cards are more likely to be approved for a gas card.
Card limit: If you are afraid of overspending, gas cards come with smaller credit limits, so there is a less likely chance you will get yourself into unbearable debt.
Comes with limited protection: Most gas cards come with some level of fraud protection which makes it a better choice than using a debit card at the pump.
Cents off each gallon: Gas cards give you the opportunity to save money on what you are already spending. You might only earn an additional $50 to $100 per year, but that is more than if you were to pay with your debit card.

Co-Branded Gas Card Cons

High APRs (interest rates): You don’t want to hold a balance on these cards because the interest rates are high and will cost you more than any cents per gallon saved or earned.
Limited rewards
Reward caps

Gas Rewards Cards Benefits

Earn more back on a variety of spending
Redeem rewards on what you want, not just gas
Better APRs (interest rates)

Gas Rewards Cards Downsides

Stricter credit approval
Many cards come with an annual fee

Maximizing Rewards How to Choose a Credit Card for Gas Rewards

When choosing the right card for your gas rewards, don’t just look at how much you earn for spending. You want to compare these important factors too:

1
Check if there is a Rewards cap

Is there a limit to how much you can earn on your annual gas spending? Some cards might offer 5% cash back on gas for one quarter’s spending (usually three months) and then drop it down to 1%.
2
Look for an Annual fee

Annual fees are not an automatic deal-breaker, but you need to weigh the card’s perks against the fee.
3
Determine the Redemption Value

How can you spend your gas rewards? Cards with redemption flexibility will allow you to use your rewards to benefit your budget rather than being wasted on programs that use points for magazine subscriptions.
4
See if a Membership is Required

Some credit cards have warehouse membership fees and rules attached to it. For example, the Costco Citi card requires a $60 annual Costco membership, but you can earn 4% on gas purchases at other fuel stations.

How Much Money Can a Gas Credit Card Save You?

On average, Americans spend $5,000 per year on gas. Your number might be higher if you are a regular commuter or drive a large vehicle. With an average gas price of $3.85 per gallon, that comes out to almost 1,299 gallons per year. Using those stats, here’s how much you would save with a gas credit card versus a rewards credit card:

A gas card that saves 5 cents per gallon: $64.93
A rewards card that earns 2% back: $100
A rewards card that earns 3% back: $150
A rewards card that earns 5% back: $250

Choosing a cash rewards credit card that earns 2% or more cash back on gas will save you more on your gas purchases. While gas spending is pricey, there is probably another spending category (such as groceries or dining out) that you spend more on. Look for a card that will reward you both for gas purchases and your other frequent purchases.

Methodology

There are a lot of credit cards out there that offer bonus rewards on gas purchases or simply high rewards rates on every purchase you make. We picked our top five based on the overall value they can provide. We looked at the other bonus rewards rates the cards offer and focused on cards that provide extra cash back or points on purchases you're likely going to make regularly.

In general, we focused on credit cards with no annual fee, so you don't have to worry about figuring out how to make the card worth it every year. But in the case of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, we chose it because it makes it easy to recoup the annual fee every year.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gas Cards

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature is the highest-earning card for gas purchases — it earns 5x points per dollar on gas at the pump, 3x points per dollar on groceries and 1x point per dollar spent everywhere else. Points are worth 1 cent apiece, so you’re getting about as high of a rewards rate on gas as possible. We like the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card because it focuses on giving you the best value at the pump. The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to join PenFed Credit Union in order to apply for the PenFed Platinum Card.
Many U.S. gas stations accept most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and others. The biggest gas station brands such as Shell, Chevron, Texaco, QuikTrip, Love’s and more take credit cards. Some gas stations might charge a fee for paying with a credit card.
Gas credit cards can be a good idea for people who have a long, daily commute or live in communities where gas prices are above the national average. When you drive a lot, you’ll earn points every time you fill your tank. Additionally, a gas credit card can be a valuable option for those who live far from work, shuttle kids to school and other other activities, drive trucks or SUVs, or travel by car for trips and leisure.
A gas-branded credit card is one issued by the oil companies, usually in partnership with a bank. Many gas-branded cards can only be used at that fuel station, but research each fuel companies’ offerings for exact rules. For example, Shell offers a Fuel Rewards Credit Card and a Fuel Rewards Mastercard. The latter can be used on non-Shell purchases and earns rebates on dining and select expenditures. Gas credit cards usually do not have any fees and allow you to save a set amount of cents off of each gallon of gas purchased. Some cards come with rewards on non-fuel purchases made at the fuel station too.
You can start by looking for a gas card that is accepted at services stations near you. Some options earn rewards regardless of which gas station you frequent, while others earn accelerated rewards for spending at specific brands. Consider credit cards that also earn rewards for non-gas purchases. Additionally, you can increase your fuel rewards by opening a gas card without an annual fee.
Gas credit cards work similarly to a store credit card. For example, if you have a Kohl’s or JCPenney credit card, you know that your card is only useful at those stores. Like all other credit cards, you will be required to pay a monthly minimum and any amount that is carried over to the next month will earn interest. Gas credit cards generally have a higher interest rate than average rewards cards. Since oil-company cards are limited, individuals with fair credit have an easier time being approved. Gas cards are a good option for those who have fair credit or those who are looking to rebuild their credit. Since you can only use the card for gas, it will be harder to rack up the bill, making it easier to keep track of.
If you don’t drive often or work from home, then a gas card may not be for you. Also, anyone who drives a hybrid, fuel-efficient, or eco-friendly vehicle might not spend enough on gasoline to justify a gas credit card.
A statement credit is money paid to your account by your card issuer. It essentially works the same as a cash payment to your account. Some rewards card issuers often offer statement credits as a payout for cash rewards or other point redemption. Statement credit can be used to pay down your card balance or they can remain on your statement as a positive account balance for future purchases.

Disclosures

_{For rates and fees of The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/blue-cash-preferred-credit-card/25330-10-0#FeeTable}

_{For rates and fees of The Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express, please visit https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-application/apply/prospect/terms/blue-cash-everyday-credit-card/25330-10-0#FeeTable}

Ben Luthi

Ben Luthi is a personal finance and travel writer and credit card expert. He has a degree in finance from Brigham Young University and worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance before writing full-time for NerdWallet and Student Loan Hero. Ben is now a full-time freelance writer and enjoys traveling and spending time with his two kids. His work has appeared in several publications, including U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Money, Success and Slickdeals.

Best Credit Cards for Buying Gas

Rewards Credit Cards for Gas Purchases

Best Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases From Our Partners

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Overview

Pros

Cons

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Overview

Perks

Pros

Cons

Citi Double Cash® Card

Overview

Pros

Cons

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Overview

Pros

Cons

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Overview

Pros

Cons

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Overview

Pros

Cons

American Express Credit Cards for U.S. Gas Station Purchases

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Overview

Pros

Cons

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Overview

Pros

Cons

Rewards Credit Cards for Gas Versus Oil-Company Gas Cards

Co-Branded Gas Card Pros

Co-Branded Gas Card Cons

Gas Rewards Cards Benefits

Gas Rewards Cards Downsides

How Do Gas Credit Cards Work?

Maximizing Rewards How to Choose a Credit Card for Gas Rewards

Check if there is a Rewards cap

Look for an Annual fee

Determine the Redemption Value

See if a Membership is Required

How Much Money Can a Gas Credit Card Save You?

Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions on Gas Cards

Which credit card earns the most points for gas station purchases?

What gas stations take credit cards?

Are gas credit cards a good idea?

What Is a gas credit card?

How to choose a gas credit card?

How do gas credit cards work?

Who should not consider a gas card?

What Is a statement credit?

Disclosures

Ben Luthi

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