Find the Best Gas Rewards Credit Card

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What is a Gas Rewards Credit Card?

Gas rewards credit cards are cards that offer exclusive rewards on purchases of gasoline at gas stations. Gas credit cards typically provide their bonuses like cash back. However, some options let cardholders use their gas savings towards other types of loyalty program rewards. One example of such a card is the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature, which allows holders to use their rewards for travel, merchandise, and other awards.

Fuel rewards cards are divisible into two unique groups: cards branded for one gas station chain (like the Marathon Visa , or cards with Exxon or Shell) and cards that offer savings no matter which station they are used at. The earning rate with these cards varies, from five cents to ten cents per gallon, or 1% to 3% cash back on gas purchases. There are, however, gas cards that earn much more than 3%, with the PenFed Platinum Rewards earning 5% on all gas purchases.

Another common feature of a gas rewards card is no annual fee. This is in line with many other cash back rewards credit cards, which don’t charge cardholders a yearly fee for the privilege of earning savings with their purchases.

How Much Can You Save With A Gas Credit Card?

Gas rewards credit cards offer significant savings. Taking a card like the Ducks Unlimited Visa as an example shows the value of a gas rewards card. According to statistics, the average American spends approximately $287 per month on gasoline.

Over a year, that equates to $4,644 per year. Because the Ducks Unlimited Visa earns 5% back on gas purchases, using the card to pay for $4,644 in gas earns a whopping $232.20 in cash back.

If you spend even more per month on gas, the rewards are even higher. While very few cards offer 5% back, as the Ducks Unlimited, many cards provide either 1% to 3% back on gas purchases, or five cents off per gallon.

Using the 1% back figure, spending $4,644 on gas with a 1% back gas rewards card earns $46.44 in cash back per year. A 3% cash back card with the same spend would earn $139.32. Not bad for a card with no annual fee.

If you would like more information on how much you’re spending on gasoline per month, check out this helpful guide to automobile energy costs per state from ChooseEnergy.com.

What to Look for In the Best Credit Cards with Gas Rewards

Gas cards come in different shapes and sizes. When comparing different cards, here’s what to look out for:

• Where Can You Earn Rewards? Do you live near a specific brand of a gas station? Or is there a chain you prefer? Or do you want a credit card that offers you the flexibility to earn rewards no matter where you fill-up or even on everyday purchases?
• Are There Restrictions on Rewards? Does the gas station cap the number of rewards you can earn? Some brand-specific cards limit savings to the first 20 gallons, for example.
• Does the Card Offer a Signup Bonus? Some gas cards come with additional savings for the first few months.
• What Are the Credit Score Requirements? Gas credit cards typically have lower requirements than travel rewards credit cards. Some, however, have stricter rules than others, so make sure you read our comprehensive reviews before applying.
• What Fees Are There? Pay attention to the APR. Is there a 0% intro APR offer? If you plan on using the card outside of the United States, make sure it charges no foreign transaction fees.

Gas Rewards Credit Card FAQs

Here are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about gas and fuel rewards credit cards:

Is it worth it to get a gas credit card?

• If you frequently purchase gasoline, the answer is yes. Gas and fuel rewards credit cards provide impressive savings for people who fill up regularly on their daily commute.

Do you get free gas with a fuel rewards credit card?

• How rewards are redeemed and earned will vary between credit cards and loyalty programs. With Exxon Mobil Rewards, for example, cardholders earn additional rewards when using the mobile app. Rewards often appear as statement credits, offsetting costs of purchasing fuel.

Are there any gas cards for fair credit?

• Gas rewards credit cards are a type of retrial card. Since they are retail cards, they are typically easier to get than other credit cards, which have higher credit score requirements. A fair credit score is usually enough to get a good fuel rewards credit card. A fair FICO score is above 580 (between 580 – 669).

Do fuel cards work anywhere that sells gas?

• No. Some gas cards or retail cards do not work at all locations. Some Kroger credit cards, for example, do not earn rewards for fill-ups, instead only working at grocery stores. BJs credit cards may also only work for groceries or wholesale purchases – and not fuel. Always read the terms and conditions with a card before applying.

Other Types of Cards to Consider

Not sure if a gas rewards card is right for you? Different types of cards also earn rewards at the fuel pump:

Cash Back Credit Cards

Many cash back credit cards offer savings on gasoline. The most notable of these cards are those with 5% cash back calendars. The Discover It, for example, earns 5% cash back on gas station purchases (plus Uber, Lyft, and wholesale clubs from April through June.

The Chase Freedom is another card that offers rotating 5% back categories – for no annual fee. That card doesn’t provide details of future cash back categories ahead of schedule. Still, gas stations were one of the 5% categories for Q1 of 2020.

Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Some travel rewards credit cards offer savings at the pump as well. These can include general travel rewards cards, airline credit cards, and hotel rewards credit cards. These might be an excellent option for those who want to earn while filling up – and when traveling.

Find Your Best Gas Card

Trying to find a credit card that gives you rewards on your fuel purchases? BestCards.com has comprehensive and impartial reviews of over 800 top credit with gas rewards on the market today.

Scan our hundreds of reviews, use our comparison tool, and take advantage of our extensive credit card resources and advice. Ready to start looking? Let’s find your best card today!