If you’re regularly behind the wheel, fluctuating gas prices could put a surprise dent in your monthly budget. To lessen the pain at the pump, consider adding a gas credit card to your wallet. They specialize in earning rewards for gas spending and can help you earn as much as 5% cash back at the pump. Many offer rewards for other kinds of spending too, in addition to a number of other perks.
Here are some of our favorites.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card allows cardholders to earn 5% cash back on their highest eligible spending category, on up to $500 of expenditure within a billing cycle, then 1%. Gas stations are an eligible category. This 5% gets applied automatically depending on your spending within the billing cycle, so be sure to use this card primarily for gas. For most commuters, this card will maximize your cash-back earnings on gas savings over all others.
Other eligible spending categories include restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
Check out our full review of the Citi Custom Cash® Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card allows cardholders to earn 5% cash back on their highest eligible spending category, on up to $500 of expenditure within a billing cycle, then 1%. Gas stations are an eligible category. This 5% gets applied automatically depending on your spending within the billing cycle, so be sure to use this card primarily for gas. For most commuters, this card will maximize your cash-back earnings on gas savings over all others.
Other eligible spending categories include restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
Check out our full review of the Citi Custom Cash® Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi Premier Card is a great option for anyone who does most of their spending at gas stations (and supermarkets, restaurants, hotels or air travel). When you spend in those categories, you’ll earn 3x points for every dollar you spend, compared with just 1x points per dollar in all other spending categories.
These points can be redeemed for 1 cent each as a statement credit -- essentially netting you 3% return on gas station purchases. Plus, there’s no cap on the amount you can earn the 3x points on. The only downside is its $95 annual fee, so make sure you’re earning enough in rewards to make up for it. Check out our full review of the Citi Premier Card for more details on its other benefits.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi Premier Card is a great option for anyone who does most of their spending at gas stations (and supermarkets, restaurants, hotels or air travel). When you spend in those categories, you’ll earn 3x points for every dollar you spend, compared with just 1x points per dollar in all other spending categories.
These points can be redeemed for 1 cent each as a statement credit -- essentially netting you 3% return on gas station purchases. Plus, there’s no cap on the amount you can earn the 3x points on. The only downside is its $95 annual fee, so make sure you’re earning enough in rewards to make up for it. Check out our full review of the Citi Premier Card for more details on its other benefits.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go earns an impressive rate for dining out or ordering in, but it also offers good rewards for filling up your tank, whether it’s with gas or electricity at gas stations and EV charging stations. There’s no annual fee to worry about, and it comes with an introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
It’s also a good choice for binge-watchers, as it offers streaming rewards on top of an annual $15 streaming credit which could help limit your monthly expenses.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go earns an impressive rate for dining out or ordering in, but it also offers good rewards for filling up your tank, whether it’s with gas or electricity at gas stations and EV charging stations. There’s no annual fee to worry about, and it comes with an introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
It’s also a good choice for binge-watchers, as it offers streaming rewards on top of an annual $15 streaming credit which could help limit your monthly expenses.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers high cash-back rates for U.S. gas stations at 3%. But if you don’t drive, or commute via public transit or ride-share often, you also get 3% back on those purchases (and parking, tolls, buses, trains and more). In addition to these great transit rewards, you can also earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 of spending per year, then 1%, and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers high cash-back rates for U.S. gas stations at 3%. But if you don’t drive, or commute via public transit or ride-share often, you also get 3% back on those purchases (and parking, tolls, buses, trains and more). In addition to these great transit rewards, you can also earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 of spending per year, then 1%, and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Discover it® Student Chrome* is designed to help make credit more accessible for students and to help them build credit, but it still has surprisingly good rewards. You’ll earn 2% on gas station and restaurant spending (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, as well as an Unlimited Cashback Match™ at the end of your first year, as is tradition with Discover cards. Because it’s a student card, it doesn’t come with some of the other perks you might expect.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 10.99% for 6 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 6 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
The Discover it® Student Chrome* is designed to help make credit more accessible for students and to help them build credit, but it still has surprisingly good rewards. You’ll earn 2% on gas station and restaurant spending (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, as well as an Unlimited Cashback Match™ at the end of your first year, as is tradition with Discover cards. Because it’s a student card, it doesn’t come with some of the other perks you might expect.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 10.99% for 6 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 6 months
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
If you need a gas credit card for your small business, consider the Chase Ink Business Cash card. It’s one of the best business credit cards on the market right now. Not only does it offer cash-back rewards on categories that businesses often need like office supplies and telecommunications, but it also offers 2% cash back on gas station purchases (on up to $25,000 in combined gas station and restaurant purchases each year) -- netting you up to $500 in cash back per year just on gas station purchases. And despite the business perks and great welcome bonus, it has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months (18.49% to 24.49% variable APR thereafter).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you need a gas credit card for your small business, consider the Chase Ink Business Cash card. It’s one of the best business credit cards on the market right now. Not only does it offer cash-back rewards on categories that businesses often need like office supplies and telecommunications, but it also offers 2% cash back on gas station purchases (on up to $25,000 in combined gas station and restaurant purchases each year) -- netting you up to $500 in cash back per year just on gas station purchases. And despite the business perks and great welcome bonus, it has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months (18.49% to 24.49% variable APR thereafter).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you’re a Sam’s Club member, then this Mastercard might be a good option for a gas credit card. With the Sam’s Club Mastercard*, not only do you earn 5% cash back on gas purchases at Sam’s Club, but you earn the same 5% back at all other gas stations (on the first $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%). It’s an especially attractive card if you’re a Sam’s Club Plus member and can take advantage of the higher cash back at the store. However, this card doesn’t come with many of the perks you’d expect of a better rewards credit card, such as a large welcome bonus or 0% introductory APR.
Check out our full review of the Sam’s Club Mastercard for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.65% or 28.65% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
If you’re a Sam’s Club member, then this Mastercard might be a good option for a gas credit card. With the Sam’s Club Mastercard*, not only do you earn 5% cash back on gas purchases at Sam’s Club, but you earn the same 5% back at all other gas stations (on the first $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%). It’s an especially attractive card if you’re a Sam’s Club Plus member and can take advantage of the higher cash back at the store. However, this card doesn’t come with many of the perks you’d expect of a better rewards credit card, such as a large welcome bonus or 0% introductory APR.
Check out our full review of the Sam’s Club Mastercard for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.65% or 28.65% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
If you’re a Costco member -- or willing to become one -- the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi* offers 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for up to $7,000 per year (then 1%). Technically there isn’t an annual fee to maintain an account, but you’ll need to pay $60 annually for a Costco membership. If you’re averaging around $135 per week or less in gas, the 4% cash-back rate can cover your gas bill for the year. The catch is that you can only redeem your rewards on an annual basis.
For more details on how to redeem these rewards and other features, check out our full review of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
If you’re a Costco member -- or willing to become one -- the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi* offers 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for up to $7,000 per year (then 1%). Technically there isn’t an annual fee to maintain an account, but you’ll need to pay $60 annually for a Costco membership. If you’re averaging around $135 per week or less in gas, the 4% cash-back rate can cover your gas bill for the year. The catch is that you can only redeem your rewards on an annual basis.
For more details on how to redeem these rewards and other features, check out our full review of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Who should get a gas card?
Unless you can take advantage of other higher rewards categories, a gas credit card may not make sense for your wallet if you work from home or rely on public transit regularly. But a gas card may suit your budget if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
American families spend $5,000 on gas annually, and $150 to $200 monthly, according to a 2023 J.D. Power report. If you’re behind the wheel often, that’s a lot of unavoidable spending that you could be earning a return on.
Pros
You’ll earn rewards for everyday transit spending
Most gas cards offer additional benefits and perks
Certain cards will offer rewards in categories beyond just gas
Cons
Most gas cards require good to excellent credit (a 670 FICO score or above)
Loyalty gas credit cards generally require a membership, such as Costco and Sam’s Club
Few gas cards offer rewards for electric vehicle charging
General purpose gas cards vs. loyalty gas cards
Most gas stations offer loyalty programs that offer points for purchases that can then be used for merchandise or discounted gas. Some programs let you connect an existing debit or credit card with an account to earn rewards. However, gas credit cards are typically more rewarding and flexible.
In most cases, you can enhance the impact by using a credit card that offers rewards on gas station purchases with a loyalty program.
How to choose the best gas credit card
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a gas credit card. You can get benefits when buying gas and other popular categories with the right rewards credit card. Here’s what to think about when searching for the right gas credit card.
Annual fee
With any reward card, the annual fee can erode your earnings -- or, in a worst-case scenario, exceed them. To decide if a credit card’s annual fee is worth it, be sure that you can earn enough rewards to at least cover the fee through your normal spending. You don’t want to get into a situation where you’re spending more in order to justify the cost. That noted, plenty of cards have no annual fee, though the cards that do often offer higher reward rates, larger welcome bonuses and better card perks.
Rewards
Rewards generally come in two different forms, cash back or points. Cash back cards are usually more straightforward, earning 1 point or cent for every dollar spent and letting you redeem rewards for a statement credit or as cash deposited directly into your bank account. If your card offers points, you may have additional redemption options or a different valuation depending on how they’re redeemed.
Additional benefits
Some cards offer additional protections like purchase protection, which offers up to 90 days of coverage against damage or theft for your new purchase, and cell phone insurance, which protects your phone against damage or theft. Travel cards sometimes offer insurance for rental cars or other travel-related expenses. Travel cards with annual fees typically offer better perks and may include an annual credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
How do gas credit cards work?
With a gas credit card, you earn rewards at the pump every time you swipe. Your rewards will then show up in your account, and can typically then be redeemed for statement credits to lower your overall balance. However, statement credits won’t go toward your monthly required payment -- you’re still responsible for paying your balance off on time and in full to avoid accruing interest.
Some cards might allow you to redeem your rewards towards other purchases, like travel, instead of as a statement credit. In some cases, how you redeem will affect how much your points are worth. Generally, if you have a dedicated travel credit card, redeeming rewards for travel will be the best choice.
Alternatives to gas credit cards
If you can’t qualify for a gas credit card or already have too many credit cards, consider signing up for your favorite gas station’s loyalty program. That way, you can still earn a return for your spending.
Here are some alternative ways to save money at the pump.
If your credit is lower, consider working on your credit score with a secured credit card to build up your score before applying for a gas credit card. Secured credit cards require a refundable deposit in exchange for a line of credit. Your credit score should increase if you use your card responsibly, charging only what you can afford and paying off your bill in full.
How to apply for a gas credit card
Follow these steps to apply for a gas credit card:
1. Choose the card that best fits your budget.
2. Apply securely by following one of the links above.
3. Supply the issuer with the required financial and personal information.
4. Use your card responsibly and pay the statement balance in full and on time each month.
The bottom line
If you need to save money at the gas pump, a gas credit card can help you reduce your monthly expense with rewards. Look for a gas card that also suits your other spending habits, so you can maximize your earning potential.
FAQs
The credit score you need to qualify for a gas credit card depends on the specific card you apply for. Most credit cards on this list require a good credit score of 670 or higher. That being said, some may have stricter requirements.
On the other hand, cards like the Discover it Student chrome are designed for lower-credit borrowers and may require only average credit.
A cash-back credit card offers you a percentage of cash back on your spending -- either overall at a flat rate or on certain spending categories. A gas credit card is a type of cash-back card that specifically rewards you when you spend money at gas stations.
One of the benefits of the credit cards on our list is that they don’t just reward you for your gas purchases. Instead, they’re general cash-back credit cards that happen to include gas as one of their bonus categories. As a result, you can earn higher cash back for your gas purchases (and other spending categories) while still earning baseline rewards for all of your spending.
They do. So long as you’re paying your monthly bill on time, you’ll build a history of positive payments, which can contribute to a better credit score.
Our top choice for a gas credit card is the Citi Custom Cash Card. Its cash-back rate is much higher than competitors and it offers a degree of flexibility most cards can’t compete with.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Discover it Student Chrome, Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Sam’s Club Mastercard was collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.