Overview
With gas prices always seeming to rise, finding ways to save at the pump is more important than ever. Luckily, paying for gas doesn’t have to be a drag when you’re earning rewards. With the right card, each trip to the pump is a chance to earn cashback, points, or statement credits. These savings can add up fast, helping offset the cost of fuel or even fund other purchases. Think of it as turning a necessary expense into an opportunity to save or splurge later.
In this roundup, we’ve done the legwork to bring you the best credit cards for gas rewards. From cards that offer high cashback rates at gas stations to those with perks like travel points or rewards on other everyday spending, there’s something for everyone. Many of these cards even come with additional benefits, like discounts on repairs, roadside assistance, or sign-up bonuses that sweeten the deal.
With the right credit card in your wallet, your daily commute could become more than just a routine drive; it could be the ticket to your next beach vacation.
The Bottom Line:
The best gas rewards credit card depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. If you’re someone who drives often or has long commutes, choosing a card that offers high rewards on fuel purchases is a no-brainer. Take a look at the options in this list and pick one that not only helps you save at the pump but also delivers perks you’ll actually use.
The quick pick:
How Gas Credit Cards Work
At their simplest, gas credit cards reward you for fueling up, but the way they do so can vary significantly from card to card. Some focus on straightforward cash back, others tie rewards to points or miles, and a few are designed for loyalty with a specific gas station.
Take flat-rate cashback cards: these keep things simple. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express gives you 3% back at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 per year, before dropping to 1%. Similarly, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card lets you earn 3% back on gas (or another category you choose), though it caps at $2,500 per quarter in combined purchases. Both are no-annual-fee cards that work well for everyday drivers.
Then there are category-focused or rotating rewards cards, which can be more lucrative if you’re strategic. The Citi Custom Cash® Card, for instance, automatically gives you 5% back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, including gas, up to $500. Anything beyond that earns 1%. The Chase Freedom Flex® rotates its 5% categories every quarter, and when gas is included, you can earn up to $1,500 in combined purchases at the higher rate. These cards take a little more attention, but they can pack a punch if you line up your spending.
Finally, station-branded or co-branded cards are designed for brand loyalists. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is one of the strongest here, giving 4% back on eligible gas and EV charging worldwide (5% at Costco pumps), up to $7,000 per year. The Shell Fuel Rewards® Card works differently. It offers a flat cents-off discount (5¢ per gallon at Shell) rather than a percentage, plus 2% back on dining and groceries. These types of cards tend to shine if you regularly fill up at the same place.
The Rundown
Best for high earning power: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for beginners: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for small business owners: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best for beginner travelers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for everyday earning: Citi Strata Premier℠
- Best for: High Earning Power
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1%-6%
- Recommended Credit: Good to Excellent
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
$250 intro offer
Offer Details:
Earn $250 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of card membership
Why we like it
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred is an almost indispensable card for racking up serious cash back. Even considering its annual fee (which has a $0 annual fee the first year), it represents tremendous value. Combined with another, more specific rewards-earning, the Blue Cash Preferred could be the foundation of an outstanding cash-back earning strategy.
Reward details
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%)
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases
1% cash back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Cons
Not the most lucrative intro offer
- Best for: Beginners looking for a low risk entry point
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- Reward Rate: 1.5%-5%
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Earn a $200 Bonus
Offer Details:
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Why we like it
The Chase Freedom Unlimited does seem like a strong choice for beginners, but its quirks mean it can still find a place in a seasoned points and miles enthusiast’s wallet. While it’s a cashback earning product, those with another Ultimate Rewards earning card can convert that cashback into super-valuable points. The unique bonus structure means the card can be a hugely valuable asset to anyone trying to build their Ultimate Reward points, effectively earning a minimum of 3% or 3 points per dollar on everything.
Reward details
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.
1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Generous introductory earning rate
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Strong earning rates after the introductory year
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No annual fee
Cons
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Another Chase card is required to earn points
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Some cards have better rates after the introductory year
Terms Apply
- Best for: Small Business Owners
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 17.49% - 23.49% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1.5%
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
$750 Cash Back
Offer Details:
$750 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Why we like it
The Ink Business Unlimited Card shines with its large intro bonus, currently sitting at $750 of cash back. The card has no annual fee and a simple but strong rewards-earning rate, with 1.5% cash back (1.5x points) on all purchases. This means you don’t have to worry about tracking any bonus categories and still know that each time you swipe the card you’ll be racking up points.
Even better, if you have a companion Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card, or the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can pool your rewards from the Ink Unlimited and make them more valuable by transferring them to Chase’s travel partners like Hyatt, United Airlines, British Airways, Southwest, and more.
Reward details
1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase for your business
Pros & Cons
PROS
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For small business owners and freelancers it’s one of the best cards for turning spending into valuable rewards. The welcome bonus alone is worth $750 of cash back and you’ll continue to rack up rewards with a solid earning rate that applies to all purchases.
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It has no annual fee.
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If you have another Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred, you can pool your points and make them more valuable. You’ll be able to transfer your points to Chase’s travel partners like Marriott, Air Canada, Southwest, United, and more.
CONS
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It does lack some of the juicier benefits attached to other business credit cards likes the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. But with no annual fee, it’s hard to argue with its value proposition.
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It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
Terms Apply
- Best for: Beginner Travelers
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
- Reward Rate: 1X - 5X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
75,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Why we like it
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the ultimate all-around travel credit card—it fits perfectly into almost any points-earner’s wallet. Points novices can enjoy a significant intro bonus and easy to grasp spending categories with an approachable annual fee. The more experienced can utilize its high value earning potential as a secondary card and also gain access to Chase’s strong travel booking portal.
Reward details
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
The $50 dollar hotel credit for stays purchased on the Chase Travel Portal already cuts the already approachable $95 annual fee significantly.
10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
Along with all of the above, cardholders also have access to a string of travel protections like rental coverage, cancellation insurance, and purchase protection.
Cons
It’s subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule. So, if you’ve opened five cards in the last two years, you’re most likely not going to be accepted.
Competing cards like the Capital One Venture have a better earning rate for non-bonus spend.
Chase has a once-per-lifetime rule for sign-up bonuses on their Sapphire cards, including the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Sapphire Reserve for Business. So, once you’ve earned a welcome bonus on any of these cards, you’ll never be eligible for the bonus again on the same card.
Terms Apply
- Best for: Everyday Earning
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 20.49%- 28.49% (Variable)
- Reward Rate: 1X-10X
- Recommended Credit: 670-850
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
75,000 Bonus Points
Offer Details:
75,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in your first 3 months of account opening - redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Why we like it
The Citi Strata Premier Card is an underrated travel credit card that offers both high points-earning potential and simplicity. While the mid-tier card doesn’t come with any premium benefits, its earning on popular spending categories is almost unmatched. Holders earn 3X points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, supermarkets, and restaurants, making it ludicrously easy to accrue points. Throw in the healthy 75,000-point bonus and you’ve got a great haul of rewards on your hands.
Reward details
10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas, and EV Charging Stations.
1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Pros & Cons
Pros
The 75,000-point intro bonus is worth $750 in gift cards and well over $1,000 when transferred to travel partners, making the $95 dollar annual fee an afterthought. You could ignore the card for a decade, and it would still be worth it.
Its earning potential is phenomenal: Earning 3X points on categories like gas and supermarkets, which are part of the average American’s biggest expenses, means the Citi Strata Premier will work hard for you on a daily basis.
Cardholders get a $100 hotel benefit each year on a hotel purchase of $500 or more. Not the greatest perk in the world, but a nice saving on an unexpected hotel stay that wipes out the yearly fee itself.
As it’s a World Elite Mastercard, cardholders will enjoy varied benefits like Lyft credits, upgrades and breakfast at select hotels, and cell phone protection.
Cons
Citi’s transfer partners are mainly foreign airlines, so using the points on US-based carriers will require some extra research.
Other mid-tier cards may offer some more interesting perks.
Terms Apply
Factors to Compare When Choosing a Gas Credit Card
Picking the right gas card isn’t just about the headline rewards rate; it’s about how well the card matches your actual driving and spending habits. You should look at the following factors when choosing a credit card for your gas purchases.
Rewards Rate & Caps – Compare both the percentage back and any limits.
Annual Fee vs. Gas Spend – If you gas up frequently, a card with a $95 fee could pay off
Where Rewards Apply – Some cards reward you everywhere; others only at specific brands.
Activation & Redemption Complexity – Cards like Chase Freedom Flex require quarterly activation, so if you’re forgetful, flat-rate cards are easier
Sign-up Bonuses & Intro Offers
Extra Perks – Look at roadside assistance, travel insurance, or even EV charging reimbursements.
Who Shouldn't Get a Gas Card
Despite their appeal, gas credit cards aren’t suitable for everyone. If you don’t drive much, live in a walkable city, primarily rely on public transport, or work remotely, then the rewards simply won’t accumulate. In that case, a flat-rate cashback card like the Citi Double Cash®, which offers 2% back on everything, might make more sense since it rewards all types of spending equally.
You should also think twice if you already carry a strong all-purpose card. The Chase Freedom Unlimited®, for example, gives 1.5% cash back on every purchase, along with higher rates on dining and travel through Chase. For many, that’s enough to cover gas without the trouble of managing multiple cards and categories.
Another group that should probably avoid gas cards is people who carry a balance. Most gas cards, like rewards cards in general, come with relatively high APRs. Any cash back earned at the pump is quickly negated if you’re paying interest month after month. In that case, a low-APR card that helps you manage debt is a better option.
Finally, drivers who have switched to electric vehicles may want to skip gas cards altogether, though it’s worth noting that some cards, like Costco’s, now reward EV charging stations as well. If your household uses both gas and electric vehicles, a flexible option like the Citi Custom Cash might still offer value since it can automatically reward your top category, whether it’s fuel, charging, or groceries.
FAQ's
Do gas credit cards really save you money?
Yes, but how much depends on how much you drive and which card you choose. If you’re a commuter filling up multiple times a week, a card that gives 3% to 5% back on gas can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. For example, spending $250 a month on gas with a 3% cash back card like the Amex Blue Cash Everyday® means $90 back annually. But if you only buy gas once in a while, the savings might be too small to matter, and a general rewards card could be a better fit.
Do gas rewards apply at all gas stations?
Not always. Many general cashback cards (like the Citi Custom Cash® or Chase Freedom Flex®) count purchases at virtually any U.S. gas station. But co-branded cards often limit rewards to their own pumps. For example, the Shell Fuel Rewards® Card gives discounts only at Shell stations, while the Costco Anywhere Visa® gives its best gas rewards only when you fill up at Costco. It’s always worth double-checking the fine print before assuming your favorite corner station qualifies.
Do gas credit cards work for electric vehicle (EV) charging?
Some do, but it’s not universal yet. The Costco Anywhere Visa® card specifically lists EV charging stations as eligible for its 4% back category. Others, like the Citi Custom Cash®, can reward EV charging if it falls into your top spending category for the month. But traditional gas station-branded cards, such as Shell’s or ExxonMobil’s, won’t help you at a charging station. If you’re an EV driver, it’s best to pick a card that explicitly includes charging in its reward categories.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
