Gas prices fluctuate, and for many, filling up the tank is a recurring expense. Using the right credit card can help offset these costs through rewards, cash back, or other benefits. This guide explores the best credit cards for gas in 2024, helping you choose the option that best fits your spending habits and financial goals.
| Credit Card | Rewards/Cash Back on Gas | Other Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex | 5% cash back on gas stations (on up to $1,500 spent quarterly, after activation) | Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (requires activation), 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. Boasts strong rewards and travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection. No annual fee. |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Offers purchase protection, extended warranty, and return protection. Annual fee applies. |
| Citi Custom Cash Card | 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent) | Automatically earns 5% cash back on the category where you spend the most each billing cycle (up to $500), then 1% thereafter. This dynamically adjusts, making it excellent if gas is often your top spending category. Offers access to Citi Entertainment. No annual fee. |
| Discover it Cash Back | 5% cash back on gas stations (on up to $1,500 spent quarterly, when activated) | Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (requires activation), and 1% on all other purchases. Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically. Offers features like free FICO credit score tracking and no annual fee. |
| Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi | 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1%) | 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (including at Costco), 3% on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% at Costco and Costco.com, and 1% on all other purchases. Requires a Costco membership. |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5x points on gas at the pump | Earn 5x points on gas at the pump, 3x points on groceries, and 1x point on all other purchases. Requires PenFed membership. Has a low APR, making it a good option for carrying a balance (though this is generally not recommended). |
| Shell Fuel Rewards Card | Savings at Shell gas stations | Offers instant savings per gallon at Shell stations (often 5 cents per gallon) and additional savings through Shell Fuel Rewards Dining and Shopping programs. Can be stacked with other Shell Fuel Rewards tiers. |
| Chevron and Texaco Rewards Visa Card | Savings at Chevron and Texaco gas stations | Offers savings per gallon at Chevron and Texaco stations (specific amount varies) and additional rewards on other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits or Chevron and Texaco gift cards. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Earn 2x points on travel (including gas) | Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, online groceries, and select streaming services, and 2x points on all other travel purchases (including gas). Offers valuable travel insurance and purchase protection benefits. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards. Annual fee applies. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations | Earn 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations, 4x points on travel and at restaurants, 2x points at grocery stores, streaming services and on eligible electric vehicle charging stations and 1x points on all other eligible purchases. Offers a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Annual fee applies. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Freedom Flex: This card features rotating quarterly bonus categories, which often include gas stations. Earning 5% cash back (on up to $1,500 spent quarterly, after activation) makes it a very lucrative option when gas is a bonus category. Beyond gas, it offers solid rewards on dining, drugstores, and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The combination of strong rewards and no annual fee makes it a popular choice.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: This card offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit, making it a solid choice for everyday gas purchases. Its main strength lies in its 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1%) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions. While it has an annual fee, the high rewards in other categories can easily offset the cost for many users.
Citi Custom Cash Card: This card's unique feature is its ability to automatically adjust to your top spending category each billing cycle. You'll earn 5% cash back on the category where you spend the most (up to $500), then 1% thereafter. If gas is often your highest spending category, this card can provide excellent rewards without requiring you to track rotating categories.
Discover it Cash Back: Similar to the Chase Freedom Flex, the Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, and gas stations are frequently included. Remember to activate the bonus categories each quarter to maximize your rewards. The card also offers a unique "cash back match" at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: If you're a Costco member, this card is a strong contender. It offers 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (including at Costco), up to $7,000 per year, then 1%. It also provides rewards on restaurants, travel, and Costco purchases, making it a well-rounded option for Costco shoppers.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: This card stands out for offering 5x points on gas at the pump. While it requires PenFed membership, it can be a worthwhile option if you're eligible and spend a significant amount on gas. It also boasts a low APR, which can be beneficial if you occasionally carry a balance (though paying your balance in full is always recommended).
Shell Fuel Rewards Card: This card focuses specifically on savings at Shell gas stations. It offers instant savings per gallon, often 5 cents, and allows you to earn additional savings through their dining and shopping programs. It's a good option if you frequently fill up at Shell stations and want to maximize your fuel savings. The savings can be stacked with other Shell Fuel Rewards tiers for even greater discounts.
Chevron and Texaco Rewards Visa Card: Similar to the Shell card, this card provides savings at Chevron and Texaco stations. The specific amount of savings varies, but it offers a way to lower your gas costs if you regularly fill up at these stations. Rewards can typically be redeemed for statement credits or Chevron and Texaco gift cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: While not specifically a "gas card," the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 2x points on all travel purchases, which includes gas. However, its real value comes from its broader travel rewards and benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and purchase protection. Points earned can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a higher value, making it a great option for travelers who also want to earn rewards on gas.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: This card offers 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations, making it a valuable option for both traditional car drivers and electric vehicle owners. It also provides 4x points on travel and at restaurants, and 2x points at grocery stores and on streaming services. The card includes a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which can further enhance its value for frequent travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card offers the highest rewards on gas? The card with the highest rewards depends on your spending habits and whether you maximize rotating categories. The Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it Cash Back offer 5% cash back on gas when it's a quarterly bonus category, while the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers 5x points.
Is it worth getting a credit card just for gas? If you spend a significant amount on gas each month, a dedicated gas credit card can be worthwhile. The rewards and savings can offset the cost of the gas, and some cards offer additional benefits.
Do gas station credit cards have high APRs? APRs vary by card. Some cards, like the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card, offer a low APR, while others may have higher rates. Always compare APRs before applying and aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Can I use my gas credit card at any gas station? Most gas credit cards can be used at any gas station that accepts the card's payment network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). However, some cards, like the Shell and Chevron/Texaco cards, offer extra rewards specifically at their branded stations.
What is the best credit card for gas if I also want travel rewards? The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 2x points on travel, which includes gas, and provides valuable travel insurance and bonus travel rewards, making it a good choice.
How do rotating category cards work? Rotating category cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it Cash Back, offer bonus rewards (typically 5%) on specific categories that change each quarter. You need to activate the bonus categories each quarter to earn the higher rewards rate.
Are there any gas credit cards with no annual fee? Yes, many gas credit cards have no annual fee, including the Chase Freedom Flex, Citi Custom Cash Card, and Discover it Cash Back.
What's the difference between cash back and points? Cash back provides a direct monetary reward, typically as a statement credit or direct deposit. Points are a form of currency within a rewards program, often redeemable for travel, merchandise, or gift cards. The value of points can vary depending on how they are redeemed.
How do I choose the right gas credit card for me? Consider your spending habits, preferred gas stations, and desired rewards (cash back, points, or direct savings). Compare the rewards rates, annual fees, and other benefits offered by different cards to find the best fit.
Will applying for a credit card affect my credit score? Yes, applying for a credit card will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can slightly lower your credit score. However, if you manage your credit responsibly, opening a new credit card can ultimately improve your credit score over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for gas depends on your individual spending habits and preferences. Carefully evaluate the rewards rates, annual fees, and other benefits to find the card that provides the most value for your needs. Consider whether you prefer cash back, points, or direct savings at specific gas stations.