Gas prices fluctuate constantly, making it crucial to find ways to save money at the pump. A gas rewards credit card can be a powerful tool, offering cash back or other rewards on your fuel purchases. With numerous options available, choosing the best card requires careful consideration of your spending habits and preferences. This guide will help you navigate the landscape of gas cash back credit cards and identify the perfect fit for your needs.
Comprehensive Comparison Table
| Card Name | Rewards Structure | Key Benefits & Features |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%), 1% on all other purchases. | Requires Costco membership; 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel; 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com; No annual fee (with Costco membership fee); Cash back is received annually as a reward certificate. |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (often includes gas stations), 1% on all other purchases. | No annual fee; Requires activation of quarterly categories; Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases in your first year (up to $20,000 spent); introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time. |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases, including gas. | No annual fee; Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time; Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases in your first year (up to $20,000 spent). |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, and on transit, 1% on all other purchases. | $95 annual fee (see rates & fees); Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits; Purchase protection and return protection benefits (terms apply). |
| Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%), 1% on all other purchases. | No annual fee; Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically; Good for individuals building or rebuilding credit. |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | 5x points on gas and EV charging stations, 3x points on groceries, 1x points on all other purchases. | Requires PenFed membership; Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, or travel; Low APR; No annual fee. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card | 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations, travel, dining, and streaming services, 2x points at grocery stores, 1x points on all other purchases. | $95 annual fee (waived first year); Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash back; Statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment. |
| Chevron and Texaco Rewards Visa® Card | Up to 50¢ per gallon savings at Chevron and Texaco stations (see terms for details), 1% on all other purchases. | Savings are applied as statement credits; No annual fee; Primarily beneficial for frequent Chevron or Texaco customers. |
| GetUpside App (paired with any card) | Varies, often 15-25¢ per gallon cash back at participating gas stations. | Requires using the GetUpside app to claim offers and pay at participating stations; Can be used in conjunction with any credit card for stacked savings; Cash back is deposited into your account via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift card. |
| Shell Fuel Rewards Program (paired with any card) | Varies, typically 5¢ per gallon savings at Shell stations with Gold Status. | Requires joining the Shell Fuel Rewards program; Savings are applied instantly at the pump; Can be stacked with credit card rewards for added savings; Gold Status requires frequent Shell purchases. |
Detailed Explanations
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: This card is ideal for Costco members who frequently purchase gas. The 4% cash back on gas worldwide (up to $7,000 per year) is a significant benefit, especially with high gas prices. The 3% back on restaurants and travel is a decent bonus, and you also get 2% back at Costco itself. However, remember that cash back is awarded annually as a reward certificate, which can be a downside for some users.
Chase Freedom Flex℠: This card offers a compelling rewards structure with its rotating 5% cash back categories, which often include gas stations. You need to activate the categories each quarter to earn the bonus. The 1% base rate isn't great, but the quarterly bonus makes this card very valuable when gas is a featured category. New cardholders also benefit from an introductory bonus and a 0% APR period.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: While not specifically a gas card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including gas. The 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3% back on dining and drugstores are attractive, making it a versatile everyday card. Like the Freedom Flex, it also offers an introductory bonus and 0% APR.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card provides 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, along with a generous 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year). The $95 annual fee can be offset by the high rewards rate if you spend enough on gas and groceries. The card also offers purchase protection and return protection benefits.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card: This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. It's a good option for those who don't want to pay an annual fee and are looking for a straightforward rewards program. Discover's Cashback Match at the end of the first year effectively doubles your rewards.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card: This card provides a high rewards rate of 5x points on gas and EV charging stations and 3x points on groceries. The requirement for PenFed membership is the main hurdle, but the low APR and no annual fee make it an attractive option for eligible members. Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: This card offers 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations, travel, dining, and streaming services. The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, giving you a chance to evaluate the card's value. The points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash back. A statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment is a valuable perk.
Chevron and Texaco Rewards Visa® Card: This card is specifically designed for frequent Chevron and Texaco customers. It offers savings of up to 50¢ per gallon at participating stations, although the exact savings can vary depending on location and promotions. The 1% back on other purchases is minimal, making this card most valuable if you consistently fuel up at Chevron or Texaco.
GetUpside App (paired with any card): GetUpside is an app that offers cash back at participating gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. The cash back amount varies, but it's often in the range of 15-25¢ per gallon at gas stations. You can use the app in conjunction with any credit card to stack your savings. The cash back is deposited into your account via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift card.
Shell Fuel Rewards Program (paired with any card): This program offers instant savings at the pump at Shell stations. The standard savings is typically 5¢ per gallon with Gold Status, which requires frequent Shell purchases. Combining this program with a gas rewards credit card can significantly reduce your fuel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for gas cash back if I'm a Costco member? The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is the best choice, offering 4% cash back on gas worldwide (up to $7,000 per year). It also provides rewards on restaurants, travel, and Costco purchases.
What is the best gas credit card with no annual fee? The Chase Freedom Flex℠ (when gas is a quarterly category), Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card are all excellent options with no annual fee. The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card also has no annual fee, but requires PenFed membership.
How do rotating category cards like Chase Freedom Flex℠ work? Rotating category cards offer bonus rewards (like 5% cash back) on specific categories that change each quarter. You typically need to activate the bonus categories each quarter to earn the higher rewards rate.
Can I combine a gas rewards credit card with a gas station loyalty program? Yes, you can often combine a gas rewards credit card with a gas station loyalty program like Shell Fuel Rewards or utilize apps like GetUpside for even greater savings. This allows you to "stack" the rewards.
What credit score do I need to get approved for a gas rewards credit card? Generally, a good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) is required for most gas rewards credit cards. Some cards designed for building credit may be available with a fair credit score.
How is cash back typically redeemed from a gas rewards credit card? Cash back can typically be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits into a bank account, gift cards, or travel. The redemption options vary depending on the card issuer.
Is a gas rewards credit card worth it if I don't drive much? If you don't drive frequently, the rewards earned might not outweigh the potential for overspending or the complexities of managing another credit card. Consider a general cash back card instead.
What is an EV charging station reward? Some credit cards offer rewards for charging electric vehicles at public charging stations, similar to gas rewards. The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card and U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card are examples.
What should I consider besides the gas rewards rate when choosing a card? Consider the annual fee, other rewards categories, APR, credit score requirements, redemption options, and any additional perks or benefits offered by the card.
How can I maximize my gas savings? Combine a gas rewards credit card with a gas station loyalty program, use apps like GetUpside, and pay your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Conclusion
Choosing the best gas cash back credit card depends on your individual spending habits and priorities. Consider your Costco membership, preferred gas station brands, and willingness to manage rotating categories. By carefully evaluating the rewards structures, fees, and benefits of each card, you can find the perfect option to save money every time you fill up your tank.