Best gas credit cards for September 2024
Advertiser Disclosure: The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for and how we rate our cards.
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best overall
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for gas and groceries
- Citi Rewards+® Card: Best for everyday spending
- Discover it® Chrome: Best for low APR
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for no annual fee
Filter by:
Showing 5 results
Intro offer
$200
Rewards rate
1% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Why you'll like this: You can earn superb cash back on gas and groceries, and even exchange your gas category for one of five others once a month to suit your spending.
Best for gas and groceries
Intro offer
Earn $250
Rewards rate
1% - 6%
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: Its chart-topping U.S. supermarket rewards rate and stellar return on gas and transit make this perhaps the leading card for grocery runs and commuting.
Intro offer
20,000 points
Rewards rate
1X - 5X
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: The roundup and annual point redemption bonus could make this the most rewarding card for small, day-to-day purchases at gas stations and elsewhere.
Intro offer
Cashback Match
Rewards rate
1% - 2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
Why you'll like this: Discover cards famously carry some of the lowest rates and fees, making this one of the most cost-effective choices for year-round gas rewards.
Best for no annual fee
Intro offer
Earn $200
Rewards rate
1% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: The high-rate U.S. gas station, supermarket and online retail rewards, plus valuable credits, make this one of the most lucrative no-annual-fee cards.
Remove a card to add another to compare
Remove a card to add another to compare
Compare Bankrate's top gas credit cards
Card Name | Earns | Best for | Bankrate Review Score |
---|---|---|---|
3 percent cash back on select category purchases of choice; 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 of combined 3 and 2 percent category purchases each quarter, then 1 percent), plus 1 percent on all other purchases |
Flexibility + Best overall |
4.1 / 5 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.
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site
|
|
6 percent cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent); 6 percent back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3 percent back on U.S. gas station purchases; 3 percent cash back on transit; 1 percent back on all other purchases |
Gas and groceries |
4.4 / 5 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.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
2X points at supermarkets and gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points) and 1X points on all other purchases |
Everyday spending |
4.0 / 5 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.
Apply now
on Citi's secure site
|
|
2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1 percent) and 1 percent on all other purchases |
Low APR |
4.6 / 5 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.
Apply now
on Discover's secure site
|
|
3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases in each category (then 1 percent), and 1 percent cash back on other purchases |
No annual fees |
4.6 / 5 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.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees
, Terms Apply
|
|
![]() |
5 percent cash back on gas (up to $6,000 per year, then 1 percent), 3 percent back on dining ($5,000 cash rewards maximum per year), and 1 percent cash back on all other eligible purchases. |
Wholesale clubs |
|
What to know about gas credit cards
Like other rewards credit cards, gas cards can earn cash back or points at gas stations. But some of the best grocery cards and travel cards also earn rewards for spending at the pump, so any card that offers customized rewards or includes gas purchases in a bonus category can be your gas card.
How can gas credit cards be beneficial?
Gas credit cards can offer several benefits, including sizable welcome bonuses and rewards at gas and EV charging stations, potentially helping you save on travel and commuting costs. Some gas cards feature additional perks, such as roadside assistance or car rental insurance, which can be beneficial if you’re regularly on the road.
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 cards are simply credit cards that offer bonus rewards at gas stations. These may come with rewards programs that offer cash back or points as you spend. 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 wholesale clubs. However, it’s rare for gas to be the highest rewards tier.
Some gas station chains offer co-branded credit cards that allow cardholders to earn credits for gas and receive discounts on fuel. These perks can come in handy when gas prices increase. While these cards can provide discounts on the price of a gallon, they usually don’t offer rewards for purchases outside of the gas station chain. Even so, some of these options and the gas loyalty rewards programs they’re part of can bring in a nice chunk of savings.
Bankrate Insight
The average American spends $3,120 per year 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 would earn you $93.60 back per year.
What people are saying about gas credit cards
Discussions about gas credit cards online typically revolve around which cards earn the most cash back or points. The Citi Custom Cash® Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card are some of the most popular gas cards. Some users also note that paying for gas with a rewards card can be worth it even if a station offers a discount for cash transactions.
For example, one Reddit user in the r/CreditCards community compares how much you can earn with a credit card to what you can save by paying with cash:
“A nearby gas station that has a ‘cash discount’ is $4.799 with a card, and $4.699 with cash. I'm getting almost $0.10 back with a basic 2% cash back card. Paying almost nothing to not have to carry around a bunch of cash and wait in line at the register is totally worth it for me. I'd come out slightly ahead using my Autograph, and even better with a Custom Cash.
[Even if] I lived in nearby Arizona, where prices are maybe $1.40 less. If the gas station is the type that offers a cash discount and I have a 2% cash back card, I'm getting back about 7 cents per gallon. If the cash discount is 10 cents, I'd rather pay that additional 3 cents or so per gallon to avoid carrying a bunch of cash around, and avoid waiting in line at the register.”
— r/CreditCards Reddit user*
But the conversation isn’t limited to rewards and savings. Many people also discuss the enhanced security of credit cards, particularly as it relates to card skimmers.
Skimming devices closely resemble point-of-sale card readers and can collect card numbers, allowing thieves to steal your information to make fraudulent purchases. These devices pose a security threat when you use either chip or mag-strip payment methods on credit and debit cards. One user in the same r/CreditCards thread notes* that “gas stations seem to be a popular location for skimmers” and that debit cards are typically less secure than credit cards. Other users argue debit cards are just as secure.
To protect yourself from fraud, it’s important to keep an eye out for reports of card skimming at gas stations in your area. That said, credit cards are one of the most secure payment methods available and many come with fraud protection, so you shouldn’t let worries over card skimming prevent you from earning rewards at gas stations.
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
Expert experience with gas rewards
Gas isn’t the largest spending category for many people, because grocery, travel and dining spending largely outpace it. But that doesn’t mean gas rewards cards can’t be a valuable addition to your card strategy. Here’s how Bankrate writer Brendan Dyer uses his gas rewards to maximize his earnings:
“I spend roughly $50 each month on gas so I never set out to open a credit card solely for gas purchases. But of my three cards, two have boosted rewards for gas purchases and I use one at the pumps because it earns a very generous rewards rate. I know I won’t earn a lot of cash back from my gas purchases, but I’m satisfied knowing I’m doing everything I can to maximize rewards in that area of my spending. Every bit adds up.”
— Brendan Dyer, Writer, Bankrate
Expert advice on gas credit cards
Check out our expert advice on filling up the tank and rewards with a gas credit card to help you maximize your earnings.
Review current spending
Determine where gas station spending fits in your budget.
Gas credit cards are best for people who spend significantly at the pump. People who work from home or don’t drive often might not find value in earning cash back for gas station purchases. Using a gas card could help you earn some of the most significant rewards if you’re a commuter or take frequent road trips.
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 gas credit card that also rewards these purchases.
Monitor category rewards
Always check what counts as “gas” for earning rewards and monitor your rewards balance with each payment.
Read the fine print on the card’s gas category to make sure that you can earn on all gas station purchases everywhere — and not just on purchases at the pump. While you may spend the most while filling the tank, make sure you also get cash back when you run in to grab a snack or buy an energy drink.
It’s important to check the fine print before you apply for a card to fully understand how you can earn on your gas purchases and read up on merchant category codes that earn cash back.
For example, the Discover it® Chrome’s fine print states:
“Gas station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible.”
And Bank of America’s terms claim that the gas category for its Customized Cash Rewards credit card could include automated fuel dispensers, electric vehicle charging stations, fuel dealers for coal, fuel oil, liquefied petroleum and wood, marinas and marine service and supplies, and service stations with or without ancillary services.
If you notice that your gas card isn’t earning rewards when you run into the attached convenience store for a snack or fill up at a wholesale club’s gas station, check the fine print for the card’s rewards program or call the issuer for clarification.
Offset annual fees
A gas card—or any rewards card—is only rewarding if you make more in cash back or rewards than you pay to hold it.
While many gas cards don’t charge an annual fee, a few do. Cards with annual fees usually have better perks and benefits, but no-annual-fee cards are more accessible.
Here’s how much cash back two similar cards earn after annual fees, assuming you spend $2,000 per year on gas and remain below any spending cap for boosted rewards rates.
Card | Annual fee | Gas rewards rate | Cash back, minus annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Blue Cash Preferred | $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year) | 3 percent cash back | -$35 |
Blue Cash Everyday | $0 | 3 percent back at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in spending per year, then 1 percent) | $60 |
When only accounting for purchases at U.S. gas stations, the no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday is a clear winner over the Blue Cash Preferred. But the Blue Cash Preferred earns much more on U.S. supermarket purchases than the Blue Cash Everyday. When you factor in U.S. supermarket purchases, the Blue Cash Preferred may be a much more attractive option, even with its annual fee.
Check out this breakdown, which assumes you spend $4,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets and $2,000 per year at gas stations.
Card | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Gas and U.S. supermarket cash back, minus annual fee |
---|---|---|---|
Blue Cash Preferred | $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year) |
|
$205 |
Blue Cash Everyday | $0 |
|
$180 |
What type of spender are you? Our Credit Card Spender Type Tool gives you personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
More information on gas credit cards
Frequently asked questions about gas credit cards
How we assess the best gas credit cards
When evaluating the best gas rewards cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders. While a card’s gas rewards rate is important, we also take into account how its other bonus categories impact its ongoing value, the quality of its sign-up bonus, and whether it’s available at various credit levels and price points.
We analyzed over 150 of the most popular rewards cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, restimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best gas cards.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list of the best rewards cards.
How we rate rewards cards
Our rating methodology for gas cards focuses heavily on rewards value — what kind of return we’d expect based on the average person’s spending and a card’s added bonuses and annual fee.
Here’s how overall scoring breaks down for rewards and cash back cards.
-
Value 65.00%
-
Flexibility 15.00%
-
Perks 15.00%
-
Customer experience 5.00%