Saving money on gas is a priority for many drivers, especially with fluctuating fuel prices. A credit card that offers rewards on gas purchases can significantly reduce your expenses. This article explores the best credit cards for gas stations in 2024, focusing on maximizing your rewards and minimizing your costs.
This guide will help you navigate the options, understand the benefits, and choose the card that best fits your spending habits and driving needs.
| Credit Card | Rewards on Gas Purchases | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex | 5% cash back on rotating categories (often includes gas stations), 1% on all other purchases. | Rotating bonus categories, no annual fee, introductory APR period, travel and purchase protection benefits. Requires activation of bonus categories. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 2x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases. Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. | Valuable travel rewards, travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, annual fee. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 3x points on travel and dining, 1x point on all other purchases. Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. | Premium travel rewards, airport lounge access, travel and purchase protections, high annual fee. |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, 1% on other purchases. | High cash back rates on everyday spending, streaming subscriptions benefit, annual fee. |
| Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi | 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (on up to $7,000 per year, then 1%), 2% at Costco and Costco.com, 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, 1% on all other purchases. | High gas rewards, Costco membership required, cash back comes as an annual reward certificate. |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5x points on gas and EV charging stations, 3x points on groceries, 1x point on all other purchases. | High rewards on gas and groceries, no annual fee, requires PenFed membership. |
| Discover it Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating categories (often includes gas stations), 1% on all other purchases. | Rotating bonus categories, no annual fee, Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year. Requires activation of bonus categories. |
| Citi Custom Cash Card | 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent), 1% on all other purchases. | Automatically adjusts to your spending habits, no annual fee, introductory APR period. |
| Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Card | 10¢/gal discount on Shell gasoline up to 20 gallons per purchase. | Specifically designed for Shell customers, no annual fee, instant Gold Status in the Fuel Rewards program. |
| ExxonMobil Rewards+ Credit Card | 6¢/gal discount on Exxon and Mobil gasoline, plus points on in-store purchases. | Designed for ExxonMobil customers, no annual fee, points can be redeemed for fuel and convenience store items. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Freedom Flex: The Chase Freedom Flex card offers a rotating bonus category of 5% cash back, up to a quarterly maximum. Gas stations are frequently included in these categories. This means you can earn a significant return on your gas purchases during those periods. The card also offers 1% cash back on all other purchases. A key consideration is that you must activate the bonus categories each quarter to receive the 5% cash back. The Freedom Flex has no annual fee and often offers an introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers, making it a cost-effective option.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular choice for travelers. While it doesn't offer a specific bonus for gas purchases, it earns 2x points on travel and dining purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases. The real value lies in the redemption options. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This effectively increases the value of your points, making it a good option if you primarily redeem for travel. The card has an annual fee but offers travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the premium version of the Sapphire Preferred, offering even greater travel benefits. It earns 3x points on travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases. Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card also provides access to airport lounges through Priority Pass, travel insurance, and other premium perks. However, it comes with a high annual fee, making it best suited for frequent travelers who can maximize its benefits.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: This card is ideal for families who spend a significant amount on groceries and gas. It offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on other purchases. The high cash back rates on everyday spending make it a valuable card, despite its annual fee. The card also includes a streaming subscriptions benefit, adding to its overall value.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: If you are a Costco member, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card is an excellent option for gas rewards. It offers 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (on up to $7,000 per year, then 1%), 2% at Costco and Costco.com, 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, and 1% on all other purchases. The high gas rewards make it a standout choice for Costco members. However, the cash back comes as an annual reward certificate, which can only be redeemed at Costco.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a compelling combination of high rewards and no annual fee. Cardholders earn 5x points on gas and EV charging stations, 3x points on groceries, and 1x point on all other purchases. A key requirement is that you need to be a PenFed member to apply for this card. This card is a strong contender for those seeking high gas rewards without an annual fee.
Discover it Cash Back: Similar to the Chase Freedom Flex, the Discover it Cash Back card offers a rotating 5% cash back category, which often includes gas stations. It also offers 1% cash back on all other purchases. A unique benefit of the Discover it card is that Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year. Like the Chase Freedom Flex, you must activate the bonus categories each quarter. The Discover it card has no annual fee, making it a low-risk option for earning rewards on gas.
Citi Custom Cash Card: The Citi Custom Cash Card stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. It automatically rewards you with 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent), and 1% on all other purchases. If gas is your highest spending category in a given month, you'll automatically earn 5% cash back on those purchases. This card has no annual fee and offers an introductory APR period.
Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Card: Designed specifically for Shell customers, the Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Card offers a 10¢/gal discount on Shell gasoline up to 20 gallons per purchase. This discount is combined with the Fuel Rewards program, where you can earn additional savings. The card has no annual fee and provides instant Gold Status in the Fuel Rewards program, which offers additional discounts.
ExxonMobil Rewards+ Credit Card: Similar to the Shell card, the ExxonMobil Rewards+ Credit Card is tailored for Exxon and Mobil customers. It offers a 6¢/gal discount on Exxon and Mobil gasoline, plus points on in-store purchases. These points can be redeemed for fuel and convenience store items. The card has no annual fee, making it a straightforward option for loyal ExxonMobil customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for gas if I don't want to pay an annual fee? The Chase Freedom Flex, Discover it Cash Back, Citi Custom Cash Card, PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card, Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Card, and ExxonMobil Rewards+ Credit Card are all excellent options with no annual fee.
What is a rotating category credit card? Rotating category credit cards offer bonus rewards, typically 5% cash back, on specific categories that change each quarter. You usually need to activate these categories to earn the bonus.
How do I maximize my rewards on gas purchases? Choose a card with a high cash back or points rate on gas, consider rotating category cards that include gas stations, and always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
Are gas station credit cards worth it? Yes, if you drive frequently and spend a significant amount on gas, a gas station credit card can help you save money through rewards and discounts.
What is the difference between points and cash back? Points can often be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards, while cash back is typically credited directly to your account. The value of points can vary depending on the redemption option.
Do I need a Costco membership to get the Costco Anywhere Visa Card? Yes, you must be a Costco member to apply for and use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi.
What is an introductory APR period? An introductory APR period is a limited-time offer where you pay a lower or zero percent interest rate on purchases or balance transfers.
How do I choose the right gas credit card for me? Consider your spending habits, driving frequency, loyalty to specific gas stations, and whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for gas stations depends on your individual needs and spending habits. If you're looking for a no-annual-fee option with rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex or Discover it Cash Back are excellent choices. For loyal Costco members, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers high rewards on gas purchases. Consider your priorities and choose the card that will maximize your savings on fuel.