Best Credit Cards For Gas: Top Picks For Fuel Savings
Fuel expenses are an essential part of daily life. Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to spend while still saving on this cost? Choosing the right credit card for gas can be an effective solution. In this article, join NHI Money as we explore fascinating insights about the best credit cards for gas, highlight some of the top options for 2025, and focus on safe and effective financial solutions to help you manage your budget wisely.
What to consider when choosing a gas card?
In simple terms, a gas credit card is a variety of credit card that can help provide discounts, or rewards, for fuel purchases. There are two main types: branded gas station cards, which are from specific fuel companies and offer perks at their stations, and general rewards cards, which are from banks and offer cash back or points on gas and other purchases.
Being a smart investor then be careful and do an extensive research before any financial decision you take is of utmost importance. The same goes for choosing a gas credit card. So, before you arrive at a decision, let’s consider the card has offer in terms of the best credit cards for gas according to key criteria:
Reward rates and categories
These factors play a key role in determining the value you get from your spending, so they’re worth paying attention to. Specifically, they show how much cashback or points you can earn for every dollar you spend on gas.
Some gas credit cards even come with tiered rewards, so you can gain a higher cashback percentage the more you spend, for example. A card could offer 3% cashback on gas purchases, but increasing the spending above a certain threshold (say $1,500 in a quarter) will raise the limit for the remainder of the period to 5%. For those who drive regularly, these organized reward systems may yield even more value in the long-term.
With so many options available
It’s important to choose a gas credit card that not only rewards your fuel spending but also complements your overall lifestyle. Here’s what to look for when evaluating reward rates and categories:
- High cashback or rewards: Looking for 3-5% cashback or generous reward points on gas purchases
- Broad spending categories: A great gas card should provide additional benefits beyond fuel. Some credit cards extend their rewards to travel, auto insurance, or transit expenses, helping you earn points on related spending.
- Flexible redemption options: Rewards should be easy to redeem in ways that benefit you the most-whether as cashback, statement credits, or travel perks. For example, a card that allows you to redeem rewards as a statement credit toward your gas expenses can act as an automatic discount on future fuel purchases, providing instant value.
Annual fees and interest rates
Don’t forget to save savings like annual fees and interest rates when selecting the most suitable gas credit card. One of the key details to not overlook is the rewards. Remember, such expenses can offset fuel savings hence the need to weight them responsibility.
Gas credit cards that are considered premium gas credit cards most of the time come with an annual fee, these cards tend to give reward tier cashbacks and top privileges. Drivers who constantly fuel their cars should consider paying an annual fee, on average, between 50 dollars to 150 dollars making such payments only makes sense if the rewards are worth the cost.
Gas rewards can also be reduced by paying high interest on the smart card balance that does not get cleared monthly. Depending on the service provider, gas credit cards typically move with an APR of 15% to 29%. This means if you have a balance of unreimbursed cash, put it off as quickly as possible. That’s right, there are times when gas purchases put you in the negative, for instance, paying 25 dollars in interest incurring loss rather than saving money.
Therefore, before committing to a gas credit card, you should ask yourself two key questions first, in order to ensure that your gas credit card truly helps you save rather than costing you more in the long run:
Do the rewards justify the annual fee?
If the answer is no, meaning the cashback you earn on gas doesn’t exceed the annual cost, then it may not be worth it.
Will you be able to pay your balance in full each month?
If not, high-interest charges could cancel out your savings, making a lower-APR or no-annual-fee card a better option.
Additional perks and benefits
In addition to earning points on your gas purchases, many credit cards have additional perks that can improve their value. They frequently include perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and even complimentary roadside assistance services.
For instance, the American Express Platinum card offers 24/7 roadside assistance while the Citi Premier® Card offers purchase coverage for up to 90 days – all things that can save you a lot of money during an emergency. However, if you’re a frequent traveler or possess certain spending habits, these bonus perks could also increase the value of your gas card. They are more than a convenience – they can also provide added security and savings at your time of need.
Gas station compatibility
Imagine pulling up to a gas station and ready to fill up, with the intention of accruing money out of the transaction, only to find out the station in question does not accept your credit card linked to your gas attendant. It’s even true with the best gas credit cards, because they will not serve their purpose if the station where you refill does not accept them. Not all gas credit cards are the same, and some have special offers for specific companies. That’s why gas station compatibility is a crucial factor when choosing the right credit card.
With that being said, consider which gas stations you use the most frequently. If you prefer a particular station, you can find credit cards that give you and that gas station brand benefits. But if you do not mind which station you fill up at, choose a card that provides benefits for gas purchases. That way, you can remain flexible while getting some benefits.
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Best credit cards for gas in 2025
As we advance into 2025, certain credit cards stand out for their exceptional benefits related to gas purchases. Here, we delve into some of the best options available today:
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
Overview: The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has earned its spot among the top contenders for gas rewards. This card is well-known for offering an attractive cashback rate specifically for gas purchases.
- Reward rates and categories
- 6% cashback at U.S supermarkets
- 6% cashback on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cashback at U.S. gas stations and on transit expenses
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Annual fees and interest rates
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then turns to $95
- APR: 0% for the first 12 months, 19.24% – 29.99% variable, depending on creditworthiness
- Additional perks and benefits
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: Get a $7 monthly statement credit when spending $9.99+ on a Disney Bundle subscription in the US
- Amex Offers: Earn extra rewards or statement credits on qualifying purchases by adding offers through the Amex app or website
- Cash Back at Amazon.com checkout
- Covers stolen or accidental damage for up to 90 days
- Extended warranty with one extra year to manufacturer warranties of 5 years or less
- Gas Station Compatibility
- Accepted at most gas stations across the U.S
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card
Overview: The Chase Freedom Flex credit card stands out for its versatile reward structure. This card allows users to earn cashback in rotating categories each quarter, including gas stations.
- Reward rates and categories
- 5% Cashback on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined spending per quarter, activation required)
- 5% Cashback on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% Cashback on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1% Cashback on all other purchases
- Annual fees and interest rates
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest rates: 0% intro APR (for the first 15 months), from 19.49% after the intro period
- Additional perks and benefits
- Cell phone protection up to $800 per claim
- Purchase protection (up to $500 per item, 120-day coverage)
- Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
- Free credit score and identity restoration services
- Auto rental coverage
- Gas station compatibility
- 5% cashback at gas stations when included in the rotating bonus categories
Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
Overview: The Citi Custom Cash credit card takes a unique approach by automatically adjusting its reward categories based on your spending habits. This means that if you find yourself spending more on gas in a given month, the card will award you additional cashback for those purchases.
- Reward rates and categories
- 5% cashback on your highest eligible spending category per billing cycle (up to $500 in purchases, then 1%)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Annual fees and interest rates
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest rates: 0% Intro APR for 15 months at the beginning. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness
- Additional perks and benefits
- No activation required-the 5% category automatically applies to your highest spending category
- Extra 4% cashback on hotels and rental cars booked through Citi Travel (until June 30, 2026)
- Gas station compatibility
- Earns 5% cashback on gas if it’s your highest spending category for that billing cycle
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Overview: For those who want a well-rounded rewards card, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers competitive cashback options across multiple categories, including gas. One of its standout features is the ability to earn rewards on a variety of everyday spending, which can lead to substantial savings over time.
- Reward rates and categories
- Earn unlimited 3X points on: restaurants, travel, gas, transits, streaming and phone plans
- 1X points per $1 on all other purchases
- Annual fees and interest rates
- Annual fee: $0
- Interest rates: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases; then 19.24%, 24.24% or 29.24% variable APR
- Additional perks and benefits
- Cell phone protection up to $600 for damage or theft ($25 deductible applies)
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Gas station compatibility
- Accepted at most gas stations and EV charging stations nationwide
Tips for maximizing gas rewards
Once you’ve selected your preferred credit card for gas purchases, it’s essential to use it optimally to maximize your rewards. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your gas credit card:
Use your card at eligible gas stations
In fact, In fact, not all gas stations are eligible for cashback or rewards, so if you swipe your gas credit card at the wrong one, you could lose out on savings. Some gas stations may not register with your credit card issuer as “gas stations,” which could impact your ability to earn rewards.
Therefore, the first important step toward getting the most gas rewards is to make sure that your transactions are eligible for cashback at the correct petrol stations. That is all there is to it. Now we will look at the following notes:
- Review your credit card terms to ensure you’re using the right gas stations for rewards
- Check your previous credit card statements to confirm that your gas spending has been accurately categorized
- If you frequently fuel up at warehouse clubs, check to see if it offers a co-branded credit card and use that, so you earn cashback on fuel purchases
Combine with gas station loyalty programs
Using gas station loyalty programs is one of the best ways to save money on fuel without forgoing cashback or rewards from your credit card. Several large gas stations reward their customers with customer loyalty programs that provide discounts or points for every gallon purchased.
Now, a growing number of gas station will offer one or even more loyal programs to save additional bucks. For example, Shell Fuel Rewards (up to 10¢ off per gallon) and Exxon Mobil Rewards+ (3 points per gallon) offer fuel rewards programs. By linking your gas credit card to these programs, you can double dip on earning fuel rewards and credit card cashback.
How can you make the most of this strategy? It’s actually pretty simple:
- Sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite gas stations
- Connect your gas credit card to your loyalty account to automatically earn discounts and rewards
- Keep an eye out for fuel promotions and pair them with your credit card’s bonus categories to save even more
Take advantage of bonus categories
Many gas credit cards offer bonus categories, such as rotating quarterly rewards, automatic spending-based bonuses or seasonal promotions, which means you can earn extra cashback or points on gas purchases during certain times or under specific conditions. If you time your spending to match these bonuses, you can save a lot more on fuel.
For a clear illustration, let’s say you have two gas credit cards: Chase Freedom Flex℠ with 5% cashback on gas in Q2 and Citi Custom Cash℠ with 5% cashback on your highest spending category. So, you can definitely get more advantages of these gas credit cards with their bonus categories:
- April – June: Use Chase Freedom Flex℠ because gas is included in the rotating 5% cashback category
- July – December: If gas is your biggest expense, switch to Citi Custom Cash℠ to ensure 5% cashback continues
All of this to say, you can consistently earn 5% cashback on gas throughout the year, rather than just during Chase’s quarterly bonus period by this approach.
Avoid carrying a balance
When you carry a balance, your credit card issuer charges interest (APR) on the remaining unpaid amount, which can quickly outweigh the cashback or rewards you earn. That accounts for the importance of paying off your full credit card bill each month instead of only making the minimum payment.
By constantly completing your balance each month, you can:
- Keep all the rewards you earn without losing them to interest
- Avoid unnecessary debt and keep your credit utilization low
- Maximize your fuel savings since cashback stays in your pocket instead of going toward interest payments
The key takeaway here is that gas rewards only benefit you if you don’t pay interest on your purchases. Always pay your balance in full to fully maximize gas rewards and avoid losing money to high APRs.
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FAQ
What credit card is the best for gas?
Which credit card you are going to use is based on how much you spend and how often you refill, also called gas cards, and whether you like consistent bonuses or bonus options.
The Citi Custom CashSM card provides the best year-round cashback on gas. For drivers who drive frequently, it offers a 5% cashback on their highest spending category, including gas bottles, up to $500 per billing cycle. This is an excellent deal.
For those seeking a straightforward rewards system without categories, the Wells Fargo AutographSM is essentially worth it, it gives you 3X points for gas, travel, dining, and more-all at no annual fee.
The Chase Freedom FlexSM is a viable option for those who appreciate the flexibility of rotating bonus categories.
Which credit card is best for fuel use?
Fuel-optimizing credit cards are targeted broadly toward drivers who spend heavily on gas purchases, and the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is a terrific option. It automatically gives you 5% cashback on gas if it’s your top spending category each month (up to $500, then 1%). If you prefer a steady rewards rate, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers 3X points on gas year-round, and the Costco Anywhere Visa® gives you 4% cashback on gas at Costco stations.
What credit card has a 5% on gas?
Many credit cards offer gas purchases for cash back, but you can still get a small amount with gas rebates of 5%, just remember to check the terms and conditions. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card will give you 5% cash back automatically on your highest spending category (including gas) up to $500 per billing cycle. Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Discover it® Cash Back also offer 5% cashback on gas, but only on rotating quarterly categories (and only on up to $1,500 in spending that you must activate).
Which card gives the best cash back on gas?
The answer varies greatly, depending on whether you opt for fixed rewards or rotating bonus categories. Both Citi Custom CashSM and Wells Fargo AutographTM offer dependable gas cashback options that last all year. The Chase Freedom FlexSM is a feasible option for those who can adjust their spending preferences to accommodate rotating bonus categories, as they can receive rewards during certain quarterly promotions. Ultimately, it’s all about how you spend your gas when choosing the best credit card.
Is it worth getting a gas credit card if I don’t drive often?
If you don’t spend much on gas, a dedicated gas credit card might not be the best choice. A general rewards card that grants cashback or points on various spending categories could provide you with a better overall experience. Cards such as the Citi Custom CashSM Card and Wells Fargo AutographSM card offer not only good fuel rewards but also bonus rewards on various other everyday expenses, making them more adaptable to occasional drivers. The use of these cards not only provides you with automatic cashback on your most valuable purchases but also offers consistent rewards on dining and travel.
