Best Credit Cards For Gas: Pump Up Your Savings

Filling up your tank can be expensive, but the right credit card can make it more affordable. These cards offer cash-back rewards, discounts, and special offers that can reduce your fuel costs. In this blog, we’ll explore the top gas credit cards, and how they can save you money. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional driver, there’s a card out there that can help you save!

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MoneyLion can help you explore a wide variety of credit card options tailored to different needs and preferences.

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9 Best Gas Credit Cards

Ready to find the best gas credit cards? Here are nine of the top best, each tailored for different types of drivers and spending habits. Whether you’re a road warrior or an occasional cruiser, there’s a card here that’s fueled up and ready to go.

1. Best for Overall Rewards: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a powerhouse when it comes to overall rewards, especially for gas purchases. This card offers 3% cash back on gas.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670 — 850)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 12 months
Intro bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
Annual fee: $95 (waived for the first year)	Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%

Pros

• High rewards rate on gas
• Great intro bonus
• Long 0% APR period

Cons

• Annual fee after the first year
• Foreign transaction fees
• Requires good to excellent credit

2. Best for No Annual Fee: Discover it® Chrome

For those seeking a gas card with no annual fee, the Discover it® Chrome is an excellent choice, offering 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.

Credit score needed: Good to Excellent (670 — 850)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 5%
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No annual fee
• Cash back match at the end of the first year
• Long intro APR period

Cons

• High APR after intro period
• Limited rewards categories
• Requires fair to excellent credit

3. Best for Cash Back: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco members, rejoice! The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers unbeatable 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%).

Credit score needed: 720 — 850 (Excellent)	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: N/A	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: None with Costco membership	Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%
Regular APR: 20.49% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High cash back on gas
• No annual fee with Costco membership
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• Requires Costco membership
• No intro APR offer
• No intro bonus

4. Best for Travel Rewards: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is perfect for travelers who also want to earn on gas. This card gives 5 points per dollar spent on gas, which can be redeemed for travel rewards.

Credit score needed: 670 — 850 (Good to Excellent)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 12 months
Intro bonus: 15k bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months	Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 17.99% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No annual fee
• Great rewards on travel and gas
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• Requires good to excellent credit
• Moderate intro bonus
• Balance transfer fee

5. Best for Bad Credit: Discover it® Secured

For those building or rebuilding credit, the Discover it® Secured card is a solid option. It offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.

Credit score needed: 300 — 670 (Poor to Fair)	Purchases intro APR: 10.99% for six months
Intro bonus: Match all cash back earned at the end of the first year	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 5%
Regular APR: 28.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• No annual fee
• Cash back match at the end of the first year
• Helps build credit

Cons

• High APR after intro period
• Requires a security deposit
• Limited rewards categories

6. Best for Business: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Business owners can benefit greatly from the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, which offers 2% cash back on gas up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year.

Credit score needed: 670 — 850 (Good to Excellent)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 12 months
Intro bonus: $350 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months plus an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months	Cash advance fee: $15 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 5%
Regular APR: 18.49% — 24.49% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• High cash back rate on gas
• No annual fee
• Great intro bonus

Cons

• High spending requirement for bonus
• Foreign transaction fees
• Requires good to excellent credit

7. Best for Flexibility: Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rotating categories, including gas, and 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate it.

Credit score needed: 670 — 850 (Good to Excellent)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months
Intro bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%
Regular APR: 20.49% — 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• No annual fee
• High rewards rate in rotating categories
• Great intro APR

Cons

• Rotating categories can be limiting
• Requires activation for bonus categories
• Foreign transaction fees

8. Best for Premium Rewards: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is for those who want premium rewards and perks. This card offers 3 points per dollar on gas purchases.

Credit score needed: 670 — 850 (Good to Excellent)	Purchases intro APR: N/A
Intro bonus: 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: $250	Balance transfer fee: N/A
Regular APR: 21.24% to 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: None

Pros

• High rewards rate
• Premium travel perks
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• High annual fee
• Requires good to excellent credit
• No intro APR offer

9. Best for Simplicity: Citi® Double Cash Card

For those who prefer straightforward cash back, the Citi® Double Cash Card is ideal. This card provides 2% cash back on all purchases, including gas: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.

Credit score needed: 670 — 850 (Good to Excellent)	Purchases intro APR: 0% for 18 months
Intro bonus: None	Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%
Annual fee: None	Balance transfer fee: 3%
Regular APR: 19.24% — 29.24% variable	Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Pros

• Simple cash back structure
• No annual fee
• Long intro APR period

Cons

• No intro bonus
• Foreign transaction fees
• Requires good to excellent credit

How do credit cards for gas work?

Gas credit cards are designed to reward you for your gas purchases. These cards often fall into three categories:

1. Closed-loop cards: Usable only at specific gas stations.
2. Co-branded cards: Partnered with specific gas station chains but can be used elsewhere.
3. General rewards cards: Offer cash back or points on gas purchases without station restrictions.

What qualifies as ‘gas’ for bonus rewards on credit cards?

Typically, “gas” includes any fuel purchases made at a gas station. This can cover gasoline, diesel, and sometimes other fuel types.

Should you get a gas credit card? 

If you drive frequently, the best gas credit card can save you a lot on fuel costs. These cards are best for individuals who:

• Drive long distances regularly.
• Want to maximize cash back or rewards on gas.
• Prefer using credit for most purchases.

How to choose the right gas credit card:

Choosing the right gas credit card can significantly impact how much you save at the pump. Here’s how to make the best choice for your wallet:

• Compare reward rates: Look for cards with high reward rates on gas purchases. The higher the rate, the more you’ll save every time you fill up.
• Consider other bonus categories: Some cards also offer cash back or points on other spending categories, such as groceries or dining. Evaluate these to maximize your overall rewards.
• Evaluate annual fees: Check if the card’s rewards outweigh its annual fee. Sometimes a card with a fee can offer more value through higher rewards or additional benefits.
• Check for station restrictions: Ensure your chosen card doesn’t limit you to specific gas stations. Flexibility can be crucial, especially if you travel frequently or don’t have a preferred gas station.
• Assess additional perks: Look for extra benefits like travel rewards, roadside assistance, or extended warranties. These perks can add significant value beyond just gas savings.

Pros and cons of owning a gas credit card

Before you rush off to apply for the best gas credit card, let’s weigh the pros and cons to ensure you’re making a smart move.

Pros • Significant savings on gas purchases. • Rewards that can be used for other expenses. • Additional perks like travel rewards or cash back on other categories.

Cons • Potential annual fees. • Requires good to excellent credit for the best options. •Some cards have station restrictions.

Fill up on savings

By now, you should have a good idea of which gas card suits your needs. From high cash back rates to valuable travel rewards, these cards can turn a routine expense into a rewarding experience. Remember to consider your driving habits, spending patterns, and credit score when choosing the best gas credit card.

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