Gas prices fluctuate constantly, and for many, commuting is a necessity. Finding the best credit card for gas purchases can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and provide additional rewards. This article will explore the top credit cards for gas, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
Comprehensive Credit Card Comparison Table
| Card Name | Rewards on Gas | Other Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2x points on all other travel and dining; 1x points on all other purchases. | Strong travel benefits; $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit; 25% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; Trip Delay Reimbursement; Baggage Delay Insurance; No Foreign Transaction Fees. |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate; 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3% on dining and drugstores; 1% on all other purchases. | Rotating bonus categories offer high rewards; $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening; 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%); 6% Cash Back on U.S. streaming subscriptions and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%); 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. | Generous rewards on everyday spending categories; $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95; Amex Offers provide additional savings; Purchase Protection; Extended Warranty; Return Protection. |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (on up to $500 spent, then 1% thereafter). Gas stations are an eligible category. | Automatically adjusts rewards to your highest spending category; No rotating categories to track; 1% on all other purchases; 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories each quarter (like gas stations at certain times of the year, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate); 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically. | Rotating bonus categories; Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year, automatically; No annual fee; Credit Scorecard; Freeze it® (ability to freeze your account); Cashback Bonus. |
| Shell Fuel Rewards® Mastercard® | 5¢/gal instantly on every fill, with an additional 5¢/gal after spending $1,200 outside Shell each month. | Rewards are stackable with Shell Fuel Rewards program; Earn 10¢/gal for every $100 spent at participating Shell stations; 2% on dining and grocery purchases; 1% on all other purchases; 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%); 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide; 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com; 1% cash back on all other purchases. | Requires a Costco membership; Strong rewards on gas and dining; Annual cash back certificate; No foreign transaction fees. |
| 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; Low APR; No annual fee; Points can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, or travel. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card | 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations; 4x points on travel and at restaurants; 2x points on grocery stores, streaming services and on eligible purchases at grocery delivery services; 1x points on all other purchases. | $30 Annual Streaming Credit; $100 TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® Credit; Travel and purchase protections; Annual Fee of $95. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for those who spend a significant amount on travel and dining. While it doesn't offer the highest gas rewards directly, the 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 2x points on all other travel and dining, and 1x points on all other purchases can be a valuable trade-off. The points are particularly valuable when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal (25% more value) and the card offers a comprehensive suite of travel insurance and benefits. The $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit can also help offset the annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex®
The Chase Freedom Flex® card offers a rotating 5% cash back on various categories, which can include gas stations during certain quarters. Beyond the rotating categories, you'll earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. This card is a great option for those who are willing to track and activate the bonus categories each quarter. The lack of an annual fee and the generous introductory bonus make it a compelling choice.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express provides strong cash back rewards on everyday spending categories. You'll earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%), 6% cash back on U.S. streaming subscriptions and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The high rewards on groceries and streaming services, combined with the gas rewards, make this card a good choice for families. However, note the annual fee of $95 (waived for the first year).
Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card simplifies rewards by automatically giving you 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (on up to $500 spent, then 1% thereafter). If gas stations are your highest spending category, you'll automatically receive the 5% cash back. This card is ideal for those who want a no-fuss rewards program without rotating categories or complicated bonus structures. The 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is also a valuable perk.
Discover it® Cash Back
Similar to the Chase Freedom Flex, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories each quarter, which can include gas stations. The main difference is that Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year. This card is a good option for those who are new to credit cards or who want to maximize their rewards during the first year. There's no annual fee, and the rotating categories can help you earn significant cash back on various types of purchases.
Shell Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®
The Shell Fuel Rewards® Mastercard® is specifically designed for Shell gas station users. You'll receive an instant 5¢/gal discount on every fill-up, with an additional 5¢/gal after spending $1,200 outside Shell each month. These rewards stack with the Shell Fuel Rewards program, potentially saving you even more at the pump. While the rewards are limited to Shell stations, the potential savings can be significant for frequent Shell customers.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
If you're a Costco member, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a strong contender. You'll earn 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The high rewards on gas and dining, combined with the Costco rewards, make this card a valuable addition to your wallet. However, it's important to note that you need a Costco membership to apply for and use this card, and you receive your cash back annually in the form of a certificate.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers 5x points on gas and EV charging stations, 3x points on groceries, and 1x points on all other purchases. This card stands out for its low APR and the fact that there's no annual fee. To be eligible, you'll need to become a PenFed member, which is relatively easy to do. The points can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, or travel.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is a good all-around travel and rewards card. It offers 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations, 4x points on travel and at restaurants, 2x points on grocery stores, streaming services and on eligible purchases at grocery delivery services, and 1x points on all other purchases. The card includes a $30 Annual Streaming Credit and a $100 TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® Credit. The annual fee is $95.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card offers the highest cash back on gas?
The card offering the highest cash back on gas depends on your spending habits and whether you are willing to manage rotating categories. The Citi Custom Cash® Card can offer 5% if gas is your highest spending category, while the Discover it® Cash Back and Chase Freedom Flex® offer 5% on rotating categories that sometimes include gas.
Do gas rewards cards have annual fees?
Some gas rewards cards have annual fees, while others do not. Cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card have annual fees. The Chase Freedom Flex®, Discover it® Cash Back, and Shell Fuel Rewards® Mastercard® do not.
Can I use gas rewards cards at any gas station?
Most gas rewards cards can be used at any gas station. However, the Shell Fuel Rewards® Mastercard® offers the best rewards specifically at Shell stations.
Are there any credit cards that offer rewards on EV charging?
Yes, some credit cards offer rewards on EV charging. The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card both offer bonus rewards on EV charging stations.
What is the best credit card for gas and travel?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a strong contender for gas and travel, as it earns Ultimate Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel at a higher value. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is also a good option if you're a Costco member, offering rewards on gas, travel, and dining.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for gas purchases depends on your individual spending habits and preferences. Consider factors like annual fees, rewards categories, and redemption options before making a decision. Evaluate your specific needs and spending patterns to select the card that provides the most significant savings and benefits for your gas purchases in 2024.