10 best gas credit cards of November 2024
Gas is an essential and recurring expense for many Americans — which is why adding one of the best credit cards for gas is a great way to maximize these purchases. Whether you’re looking to earn airline miles, credit card points or cash-back rewards, there are many great options to save at the pump.
At The Points Guy, we’re passionate about helping you earn the best return on the purchases you’re already making, so we’ve curated a list of the best credit cards for gas. Consider adding one of these to your wallet ahead of your next fill-up.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for families
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for customized spending
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for straight-forward cash back
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Costco shoppers
- Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for rotating categories
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for beginners
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for flexible cash rewards
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card: Best for businesses that frequent Wyndham properties
- Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card: Best for frequent Wyndham guests
- U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD: Best for no annual fee travel card
Best for families
| 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 |
If you’re spending hundreds (or thousands) on supermarkets or gas in the U.S. and more each month, the Blue Cash Preferred is the perfect card to maximize those purchases for cash back. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Pros
- This card has one of the best earning structures out there for cash-back credit cards
- The card does come with access to Amex Offers (enrollment required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible 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 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible 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% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.49% - 29.49%.
- 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.
- 3% Cash Back 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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for customized spending
| 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. |
If you find that other cash-back cards don’t exactly match your lifestyle and spending habits, you’ll like the flexibility of the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. You have the power to pick your bonus category each month, which can appeal to those who don’t have traditional spending habits. Read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
Pros
- Flexible earning structure (3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs); up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter (then 1%)
- No annual fee or expiration on rewards
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Cons
- Maximum $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- $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.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- 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.
Best for straight-forward cash back
| 5% | Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply |
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day |
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards takes the guesswork out of earning cash-back rewards by offering an unlimited 1.5% earning rate on all purchases. Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Cash back doesn't expire
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits
- Other cards offer more potential and upside when it comes to redeeming cash back
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Best for Costco shoppers
| 4% | 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter |
| 3% | 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases |
| 2% | 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com |
| 1% | 1% cash back on all other purchases |
This no-annual-fee card is a no-brainer for Costco shoppers who want to earn even greater savings with cash-back rewards. Read our full review of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi.
Pros
- Purchase protection
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV purchases (on up to $7,000 per year; then 1%), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on in-store and online Costco purchases
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you're not a Costco shopper
- Cash back can only be redeemed in the form of a reward certificate
- Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Best for rotating categories
| 5% | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! |
| 5% | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3% | 3% cash back on dining and drugstores. |
| 1% | 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Chase Freedom Flex is a great all-around card for beginners and fans of cash back. It’s easier to be approved for than many top-tier cards from Chase and Amex, and it offers a great array of benefits for a no-annual-fee card. Read our review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Pros
- For a no-annual-fee credit card, the Chase Freedom Flex does offer additional benefits for cardholders including cell phone protection and food delivery perks
- The card comes with an intro APR offer
Cons
- You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5x on select purchases
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99%-28.74%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for beginners
| 5x | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3x | 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. |
| 2x | 2x on all other travel purchases. |
| 1x | 1x on all other purchases. |
Year after year, the Chase Sapphire Preferred wins at the TPG Awards for Best Travel Rewards Card. In exchange for a $95 annual fee, you’ll gain access to the incredible Ultimate Rewards program — unleashing tons of potential value for award travel. Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Pros
- Earn multiple points per dollar on things like travel and dining
- The current welcome bonus on this card is quite generous
- Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
Cons
- The card comes with a $95 annual fee
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Best for flexible cash rewards
| 5% | Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. |
| 3% | 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. |
| 1.5% | 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a surprisingly powerful card that earns cash back on every purchase. However, it doubles in potential value if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Pros
- Multiple bonus categories
- Incredible value when paired with a premium Chase card
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits
- Foreign transaction fees
- Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for businesses that frequent Wyndham properties
Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card
| 8X | Earn 8 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases. |
| 5X | Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible marketing, advertising and utility purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resort down payments). That means paying bills, buying home office supplies, car repairs, and more are earning you your next great vacation! |
Pros
- Automatic Wyndham Diamond status
- Go Free award nights cost 10% less
- 15,000 bonus points each anniversary year
Cons
- Points can only be redeemed through Wyndham
The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card* is a solid small business credit card that features various perks, a welcome bonus and automatic Wyndham Diamond status. Its standout feature is elevated earnings for various business expenses like 5 points per dollar spent on eligible marketing, advertising and utility purchases as well as 8 points per dollar spent at hotels by Wyndham and qualifying gas purchases. If you’re a Wyndham loyalist who frequently spends on advertising and gas for your business, having the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business is a great way to get the most out of your spending.
Best for frequent Wyndham guests
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
| 6X | Earn 6X points on eligible purchases made at Hotels by Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases. |
| 4X | Earn 4X points on eligible dining and grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®). |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Vacation Club down payments). |
Pros
- Great earning rate on Wyndham stays and gas purchases
- 10% discount on award redemptions by holding this card
- Access to transfer partners
- No foreign transaction fees
- Anniversary bonus points
Cons
- Has annual fee
- No anniversary free night
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus is a great option for those who want to earn Wyndham points and receive elite status while paying a low $75 annual fee. We also like the 7,500-point anniversary bonus and a cardmember discount on the best available rate on paid stays.
Best for no annual fee travel card
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
| 5X | 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. |
| 4X | 4X points on travel. And 4X points at gas stations/EV charging stations on your first $1,000 each quarter (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) |
| 2X | 2X points on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) |
| 1X | 1X point on all other eligible purchases |
Pros
- Multiple bonus categories
- Welcome offer
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- Few statement credits
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* is a solid option for those seeking a product with no annual fee that offers the ability to earn rewards and comes with travel perks like a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit.
Comparing the best gas credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | families | Earn $250 Open Intro bonus Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 1 - 6% cash-back | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Bank of America's secure site | customized spending | $200 Open Intro bonus $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 1 - 3% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | straight-forward cash back | $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1.5 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Citi's secure site | Costco shoppers | N/A | 1 - 4% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | rotating categories | $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening | 1 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | beginners | 60,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 5X points | $95 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | flexible cash rewards | Up to $300 cash back Open Intro bonus Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. | 1.5 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card * *The information about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 07/29/2024 | businesses that frequent Wyndham properties | 45,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. | 1 - 8X points | $95 |
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card * *The information about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 08/08/2024 | frequent Wyndham guests | 45,000 points Open Intro bonus Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. | 1 - 6X points | $75 |
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD * *The information about the U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 11/01/2024 | no annual fee travel card | 20,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 20,000 bonus points. Just spend $1,000 in eligible Net purchases in the first 90 days. | 1 - 5X points | None |
More details on the best gas credit cards
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is a top cash back credit card as it offers solid returns on multiple bonus categories, including 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations. It also offers a solid welcome bonus and rewards in multiple other categories, including 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 and 3% cash back 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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
If you’re looking to earn cash back on multiple bonus categories without having to manage rotating categories, the Blue Cash Preferred is a solid option. The card is also a good choice for those looking for a low annual fee, as the Blue Cash Preferred offers a $0 introductory annual fee (then $95; see rates and fees).
"The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet." — Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer
If you’re more interested in earning Amex points for gas purchases instead of cash back, the Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card earns 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations along with 3 points per dollar on supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 a year; then 1x). If you use the card 30 or more times in a billing period, you’ll earn 50% extra points on those purchases.
The information for the Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you some control over how you earn rewards, as you can earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice each calendar month with no annual fee. If you’re looking to use this card to maximize gas purchases, you can opt-in to earn 3% cash back on gas and EV charging stations. The card also earns 2% on groceries and wholesale clubs and 1% on everything else. The Bank of America Customized Cash has a cap at $2,500 on bonus category earnings each quarter, earning 1% cash back beyond that.
Anyone seeking out cash-back rewards who would enjoy the flexibility of selecting your own 3% cash back bonus category each month could find the Bank of America Customized Cash worthwhile. Those with spending habits that fluctuate could also find value in this customizable card with no annual fee. The card is also especially useful for Bank of America customers who qualify for the Preferred Rewards® program.
"This card is a great multipurpose tool in my wallet because it lets me pick a 3% cash back earning category each month. If I know I have some purchases coming up that don’t line up to a card where I get a solid earning rate, I’ll swap my 3% category and use this card to maximize my rewards. I also appreciate the clear information in the Bank of America app that shows me exactly what types of merchants line up into each spending category, so it’s easy to make my 3% category choice." — Gabe Travers, senior director
If you’re an existing Bank of America customer looking for a card for gas that collects points instead of earning cash back, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a flat rate on all purchases – an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar – along with a higher sign-up bonus than the Bank of America Customized Cash. Like the Bank of America Customized Cash, the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card does not charge an annual fee.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward cash back card, earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee (see rates and fees). It’s a simplistic way to earn back on gas purchases, as users won’t need to concern themselves with memorizing bonus categories, keeping up with rotating categories or selecting certain bonuses on a monthly or quarterly basis.
If you’re looking for simplicity, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards’ flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases keeps you from having to remember any bonus categories or select certain bonuses monthly or quarterly. It’s also a solid option for anyone who carries the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, as you can convert the cash back you earn on the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards into Capital One miles.
On top of the simple earning structure, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards comes with no annual fee (see rates and fees) and a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. It could be a solid option for anyone looking for easy cash back earnings.
The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) also has a simple, flat-rate earning structure, earning 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay) with no annual fee, similar to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers generous cash back (redeemed once per year in the form of a reward certificate). The card earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter. It’s not only valuable as a gas credit card, as the Costco Anywhere Visa also earns 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
For anyone who’s already a loyal shopper at the popular warehouse store, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a sensible choice as a gas card since it earns a high return (4% cash back) at the pump. It’s a good complement for anyone who already pays for a Costco membership, offering more rewards at the store on a frequent purchase.
“I love that the Costco Anywhere Visa earns a healthy 3% on restaurants and eligible travel on top of 4% cash back at gas stations since both are key spend categories for my household. As a Costco Executive member, I also love knowing that I earn 2% on all in-warehouse and Costco.com purchases with this card in addition to 1% cash back every time I tap my card wherever Visa is accepted. This card is a workhorse for earning cash back which is why it has become one I reach for again and again.” — Daisy Hernandez, credit cards editor
If you’re looking to get more cash back on gas and groceries with a card that isn’t directly affiliated with Costco, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a solid option, as you’ll earn 3% cash back on transit and on gas and U.S. gas stations as well as 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent per calendar year; then 1%). Cash back earned in the form of Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
The Chase Freedom Flex offers a 5% cash back earning rate on select bonus categories that rotate every quarter, so those looking to maximize on gas purchases could have the opportunity to maximize on strong earnings when they come up in that category. The card also offers 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Those comfortable with managing rotating bonus categories will appreciate the high earnings rate on the Chase Freedom Flex when gas purchases are within the 5% cash back category. The card also comes with no annual fee and a solid bonus offer, as new Freedom Flex applicants can earn $200 after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.
"As a points and miles enthusiast, I’m happy to keep up with the rotating quarterly categories that earn 5% cash back. I get the most value from this card when I can max out the $1,500 quarterly limit on Amazon, Target and PayPal purchases. My top tip for this card is to make sure that you ‘activate’ the categories every quarter so that you can maximize your points earning." — Matt Moffitt, managing editor
If you’re interested in earning Chase Ultimate Rewards at a flat rate, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a good option. With no annual fee, it earns at least 1.5% on all purchases, so you wouldn’t need to concern yourself with rotating bonus categories.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is among the most popular travel rewards credit cards as it earns solid returns on travel and dining purchases, including 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on all other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else for a $95 annual fee.
Anyone interested in collecting Chase Ultimate Rewards points would appreciate the earning currency on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, as the card gives back these points to redeem in a wide variety of ways. This includes (but is not limited to) redemptions on travel through Chase Travel℠ as well as transfers with Chase’s numerous airline and hotel travel partners.
"The Chase Sapphire Preferred has remained a top card in my wallet for years. Between the consistently strong sign-up bonus, low annual fee and continual improvements that have been made over the years, it's hard for any other mid-tier rewards card to compare. I love that I can earn bonus rewards on travel, dining, streaming and online grocery purchases — all with just one card. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valuable and easy to use whether you're new to points and miles or an expert." — Madison Blancaflor, managing editor
If you prefer American Express, the American Express® Green Card offers high earning rates on travel, restaurants and transit for a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees), which is slightly higher than the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s annual fee.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited features a simple earning structure and a flat 1.5% earning rate on all other purchases outside of key categories. This makes it a great go-to for everyday spending, especially to fill in any gaps in your earning strategy.
If you’re relatively new to credit card rewards programs, the Freedom Unlimited is a solid card to get started with since its earning categories are pretty straightforward and there are no rotating categories you have to worry about tracking and activating.
“The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option, especially for anyone with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It has solid bonus categories but also gives 1.5% back on all other purchases. And, if you have a higher-end Chase card, you can effectively convert these cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.” — Nick Ewen, Director of Content
Those seeking a travel rewards card with no annual fee should consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel in addition to 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. The VentureOne Rewards also has no foreign transaction fees making it an ideal travel companion, especially for starters (see rates and fees).
The card features automatic Diamond status and high earning rates in multiple business spend categories.
*The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Small business owners who are Wyndham loyalists could greatly benefit from this card’s reward rates and benefits.
“The Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card is my go-to for gas purchases due to its massive 8 points per dollar spent. Especially when traveling by RV around the southeastern U.S., I enjoy racking up Wyndham points quickly on gas purchases. Best of all, I can earn enough points for a free night after buying just $844 at gas stations with my card.” – Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer
If you want a similar Wyndham credit card but prefer a lower annual fee Wyndham card, consider the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card.
The Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus comes with automatic Wyndham Rewards Platinum status as well as an anniversary point bonus and discount on rewards redemptions.
*The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Anyone who stays at Wyndham properties can find value in the card’s automatic elite status and additional perks.
If you frequent Wyndham properties, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus allows you to unlock higher earning rates and receive a discount on award nights. This can provide tremendous value for your wallet.
If you like the idea of a no annual fee card but want to earn transferable rewards for added flexibility, consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). Capital One Miles can be redeemed with any of Capital One’s 15-plus transfer partners, including Wyndham Rewards.
We love that this card makes a great travel companion. It gets up to $100 as a statement credit toward your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application once every four years, annual lounge access and no foreign transaction fee.
*The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* is great for travelers who are looking to get into the travel rewards world but are not yet ready to commit to an annual fee.
It is a good choice for new travelers who are looking for a travel credit card that has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and can earn them some rewards on their next travel trip. Additionally, it comes with travel protection like trip cancellation and insurance — making it a great travel companion.
If you’re looking for a travel credit card with a few more perks and don’t mind an annual fee, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The card comes with a $95 annual fee but also earns 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and more — all of which are transferable to any of Chase’s transfer partners.
Maximizing gas credit cards
Choose a card with useful bonus categories
Are you often hitting the highway or driving the family around town? If you find yourself spending a sizable chunk of your budget on gas, selecting a card that earns a generous amount on those purchases could be a smart decision.
Cards that earn bonuses at gas stations often earn in other categories as well. It makes sense to evaluate your spending habits across multiple categories when selecting a card, even if you’re particularly focused on earning back on gas.
For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations — which is a solid offer for those looking to maximize purchases at the pump — but it also offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%) in purchases and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. So if you’re spending money on groceries and streaming as well, that card could be a strong option for you.
Deciding on a gas credit card all boils down to thinking through your own spending habits, and it can also involve considering where your other, non-gas-related purchases are happening.
Consider the rewards you’re looking to earn from a gas credit card
It’s important to think about what you want to get back from your purchases on a credit card for gas. For instance, are you looking for cash back, transferable points for airline and hotel redemptions or miles toward a specific trip you have in mind?
If you’re interested in collecting Chase Ultimate Rewards points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card makes sense for gas purchases since that’s the currency the card earns. If you’re looking to consistently earn cash back at gas stations, The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a solid choice since it returns 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
It’s wise to research which rewards you’d be earning from a gas credit card and select the card that aligns with your goals.
Use your gas credit card for all gas expenses and pay it off every month
To maximize a gas credit card, it’s logical to use the same card for every purchase at the pump and pay off your balance every month.
Whichever card you pick for gas purchases should be one that results in rewards that fit your personal goals and financial strategy. You should also prioritize paying off the full balance of purchases you make with a gas credit card each month.
We at TPG always recommend that you avoid carrying a balance from month to month. Rapidly compounding interest charges you accrue when carrying a balance will likely wipe away any gains you earn toward valuable rewards.
It’s best to keep any spending you do on gas purchases with a credit card within your personal budgeting strategy to truly maximize your rewards.
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What is a gas credit card?
A gas credit card is any credit card you choose to use regularly for gas purchases.
If you find yourself frequently filling up at the pump, it could make sense to prioritize a card that offers rewards for purchases made at gas stations. For anyone looking to maximize their earnings on gas purchases, a card that offers bonuses toward gas could be a worthwhile investment.
Types of gas credit cards
There are many different kinds of credit cards you can use for gas purchases, so be sure to carefully consider which one(s) would be the best for you.
A general-purpose gas credit card is any credit card you regularly use for purchases at gas stations that also offers rewards on those purchases.
A general-purpose gas credit card can be whichever card you pull for to maximize gas purchases, and the rewards you earn at the gas pump can be redeemed in multiple ways. It can be a card that earns cash back on gas purchases, such as the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, or a card that earns points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
To put it simply, a credit card that earns rewards – be it cash back, credit card points or airline miles – on gas purchases is a general-purpose gas credit card.
A loyalty gas credit card is a credit card that is cobranded with a gas retailer, such as BP, Shell or ExxonMobil.
These cards allow you to earn and potentially save on purchases at certain gas stations associated with the card, though those rewards are often limited to redemptions at that specific gas retailer.
Selecting a card without brand or location restrictions on cash back or points earning is the best option when it comes to flexible redemptions.
That kind of flexibility may not be available with most loyalty gas credit cards, though a cobranded card could be useful for those who frequently visit the same location or are consistently loyal to the same brand.
How to choose a gas credit card
- Choose a gas credit card with a generous sign-up bonus that you can easily meet the spending requirements for within your budget. Welcome bonuses are a solid way to rack up points, miles or cash back, and you'll often earn more with the sign-up bonus than you would with regular everyday spending.1Sign-up bonus
- Find a gas card that comes with an annual fee within your budget. You'll also want to consider if the benefits and perks on the card outweigh the annual fee.2Annual fee
- You'll certainly want to select a credit card that earns at a solid rate on gas to use at the pump, but you also may want to consider the other bonus categories on a gas card and how you would maximize those.3Bonus categories
Ask our experts
What's your favorite gas card — and why?
Pros + cons of gas credit cards
Pros
- Using a gas credit card responsibly can help boost your credit
- A credit card that earns more on gas purchases can help you quickly earn rewards to use toward travel and more
- Many credit cards for gas also have bonuses for other spending, such as groceries or dining
- Credit cards often provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
Cons
- Gas credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance on your credit card for gas purchases can negatively impact your credit score
- Some gas credit cards do not earn bonus rewards in all categories, so you may need other credit cards to boost your earnings in other categories
- Some credit cards for gas require a good credit score, which means those who haven't had a credit card before (or have a low score from past spending) may not be approved
Frequently asked questions
There isn’t one gas credit card that is perfect for everyone. As is always the case when deciding which card to take out, it comes down to picking a card (or cards) that will provide you with the most value given your own personal spending habits, preferences and financial goals.
For example, if you’re a loyal Costco shopper, using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a sensible option since it rewards you with 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.
On the other hand, if you could do with some extra cash, focus your attention on cards with no annual fee. Or, check to see which cards offer cash back as a sign-up bonus, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
For the typical U.S. household, gasoline purchases are the ninth-largest categorized expense for credit card spending in a typical year.
You probably shouldn’t make gas rewards your only priority when choosing your next credit card, but it’s an important factor if you’re driving the family around regularly. As always, your best bet is to find a card that offers great bonus category rewards on the spending you do most frequently, so if gas is a major part of your budget, make sure you consider at least one of the credit cards on this list.
You can apply for a gas credit card like you would apply for any credit card – online, by mail or by phone. The easiest option is to do it online. A credit card issuer will ask for some personal information, including your name, contact information, annual income, Social Security number and other financial details. You’ll be asked to read the terms and conditions of the card’s benefits, interest rates and applicable fees.
Once you apply, many issuers will give you a decision in just a few seconds, but you could end up having to wait for up to two weeks for an answer.
It’ll be no surprise to hear that gas credit cards reward those who use them when they fill up their vehicles at gas stations.
The best gas credit cards offer at least a 3% return in rewards on gas purchases and aren’t usually affiliated with any specific gas retailer meaning there are no brand or location restrictions on your cash back or points earning. These cards also often have perks for spending in other categories like groceries, travel and leisure.
Yes. Using a credit card for gas purchases and paying the statement balance on time each month is one way to help increase your credit score and build credit.