The best 5 credit cards for gas

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If you regularly use your car to get from point A to point B, consider a gas credit card. These cards offer higher rewards at gas stations, helping you save on fuel costs.

Americans spent an average of $3,120 (or $260 per month) on gas in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By opting for a gas credit card, you can alleviate some of the cost that comes with commuting or running errands.

The best gas credit cards also come with elevated rewards on other types of everyday spending, like groceries. Here are some of the best credit cards for gas purchases.

What are the best credit cards for gas?

Here are our top picks for the best credit cards for earning rewards on gas purchases:

• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Costco members
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for gas and groceries
• PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card: Best for no annual fee
• Citi Premier® Card: Best for travel rewards
• PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card: Best for high gas rewards rates

Whether you're looking for cash back, points, or travel miles, there's a gas rewards card on this list for you. Let's take a closer look at each one and see how they compare.

1. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Costco members 

Who it's best for: Frequent Costco shoppers who want to maximize their gas rewards and enjoy cash back on everyday shopping.

Rewards: 

• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases including gas at Costco (for the first $7,000 per year, then 1%) 
• 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases 
• 2% cash back on all Costco and Costco.com purchases 
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 with Costco membership ($60 annually) 

The Costco Anywhere Visa is a top choice for anyone who already shops at Costco regularly and spends a lot on gas. 

The 4% cash back rate on gas is among the highest you'll find, and it applies worldwide, not just at Costco gas stations. Just keep in mind that you'll need to be a paid Costco member to apply, and your rewards can only be redeemed once per year for a Costco shop card.

2. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for gas and groceries 

Who it's best for: Everyday spenders who want cash back rewards on essential categories like groceries and gas.

Rewards: 

• 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
• 3% cash back on transit purchases (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0 

The Blue Cash Everyday Card is a solid choice if you want to earn bonus rewards on both gas and groceries without paying an annual fee. The 3% cash back rate on U.S. online retail purchases is a nice perk as well. 

Just be aware of the $6,000 annual spending cap on each 3% category, after which your earning rate drops to 1%.

3. PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card: Best for no annual fee 

Who it's best for: Consumers who want high cash back rewards on their everyday spending and will spend under the annual limit.

Rewards: 

• 4% cash back at gas stations
• 3% back at restaurants
• 2% back at grocery stores, 
• Elevated rewards apply up to $8,000 in combined purchases annually (then 1%)
• 1% back on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $0 

The PNC Cash Rewards Visa is a good option if you want to earn a high cash back rate on gas purchases without worrying about an annual fee. The 3% cash back on dining and 2% on groceries are nice bonuses as well. 

Just be aware of the $8,000 annual spending cap on the combined bonus categories.

4. Citi Premier® Card: Best for frequent travelers 

Who it's best for: Frequent travelers looking to earn flexible rewards on everyday spending.

Rewards: 

• 3X points on purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, and airlines
• 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $95

The Citi Premier Card is a great choice if you want to earn flexible rewards points on a variety of travel and everyday spending categories, including gas. The ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners can potentially make them worth even more than the standard 1.25 cents per point when redeemed for travel.

5. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card: Best for high gas rewards rates 

Who it's best for: Offering some of the highest rates on gas purchases, this card is great for those looking to maximize fuel rewards — and are willing to become credit union members to do so.

Rewards: 

• 5X points on gas and EV purchases
• 3X on groceries, restaurants, and streaming services
• 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

If you spend a ton on gas and want to earn the highest possible rewards rate, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card is definitely worth considering. The 5X points per dollar rate on gas is unmatched, and the 3X rate on supermarkets is solid as well. 

Just keep in mind that you'll need to join PenFed Credit Union to apply, which anyone can do with a $5 deposit into a savings account.

Should you get a gas credit card?

While gas may be a significant expense, it’s likely not your only expense. It’s essential to consider your spending habits to decide if getting a gas-centric card is worth it.

One of the main advantages of a gas credit card is the ability to earn points or cash back on fuel purchases. If you drive frequently and spend a lot on gas each month, a gas credit card can help you save money. If you’re loyal to a chain or gas station, a co-branded gas card can offer specific rewards and discounts.

A gas card doesn't make sense if you don’t drive frequently. You can often find a different credit card with better rates on categories like travel or groceries. Plus, if you have poor credit or struggle to manage multiple credit cards, it may be best to avoid getting a gas card to prevent racking up additional debt.

Which gas credit card is right for you?

The right gas credit card for you will depend on several factors, including:

• How much you spend on gas each month
• Where you typically fill up your tank (e.g. Costco, Sam's Club, major gas station chains)
• What other categories you spend a lot in (e.g. groceries, dining, travel)
• Whether you're willing to pay an annual fee for higher rewards rates or added perks
• What type of rewards you prefer (e.g. cash back, points, miles)
• Your credit score and approval odds

To help you decide, here are some general recommendations based on different spending profiles and preferences:

• If you spend a lot on gas and shop at Costco: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• If you spend a lot on gas and groceries: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• If you want a high gas rewards rate with no annual fee: PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card or PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
• If you want to earn flexible travel rewards on gas and other purchases: Citi Premier® Card
• If you're a brand loyalist who always fills up at the same place: Consider a co-branded gas station card like the ExxonMobil™ Smart Card+ or Shell Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®

Ultimately, the best gas credit card for you is one that aligns with your spending habits and rewards preferences. By considering the factors above and reviewing the top options on the market, you can make an informed decision and start earning valuable rewards on every fill-up.

How to maximize your gas rewards

Once you've chosen the best gas credit card for your needs, here are some tips for making the most of your rewards:

• Use your card for all gas purchases to ensure you're earning maximum points, miles, or cash back.
• Take advantage of any additional bonus categories like groceries, dining, or travel to boost your overall rewards rate.
• Consider pairing your gas card with a general rewards card that earns bonus points on non-gas purchases.
• Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can negate the value of your rewards.
• Redeem your rewards regularly and strategically for maximum value, whether that's cash back, statement credits, travel bookings, or point transfers.
• Monitor your account for signs of fraud or unauthorized charges, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
• Keep an eye out for special promotions, bonus offers, or partner deals that can help you earn even more rewards on your gas purchases.

By following these tips and using your gas credit card wisely, you can turn your everyday fuel purchases into valuable rewards that save you money over time.

How we rated the best gas credit cards

To determine the best credit cards for gas, we carefully evaluated a wide range of factors, including the card's sign-up bonus, rewards earning rates on purchases, added perks and benefits, annual fees, and overall value for consumers.

Our team analyzed numerous credit card offers and selected the top contenders based on these key criteria. The options on this list represent the best value, rewards, and benefits available.

Here are some of the key factors we considered:

• Rewards: Rewards are the primary reason many people use credit cards, as they allow you to earn valuable points, miles, or cash back on your everyday spending.
• Redemption flexibility: What good are rewards if they're a hassle to redeem? Flexible redemption options allow you to use your rewards in the way that best suits you, whether that's offsetting your bill with statement credits or booking a dream vacation.
• Benefits: Credit card benefits can provide significant value and make your life easier, from saving you money on checked bags to providing peace of mind with travel insurance.
• Annual fee: The annual fee is a key factor because it's a recurring cost that can eat into your rewards earnings. It's important to make sure you're getting enough value from the card to justify the fee.
• Welcome bonus: A lucrative welcome bonus can give your rewards a massive head start, especially in the first year, making it a great way to kickstart your earnings.
• Rates & other fees: High interest rates and fees can quickly negate the value of any rewards you earn, so it's important to understand these costs and how to avoid them.

Frequently asked questions about gas credit cards 

Still have questions about choosing and using a gas rewards credit card? Here are some common FAQs:

What is the best gas credit card?

The best gas credit card depends on your individual spending habits and rewards preferences. Our top picks include the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for Costco members, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express for gas and groceries, and the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card for the highest gas rewards rate.

Do gas credit cards have annual fees?

Some gas credit cards charge annual fees in exchange for higher rewards rates or added perks, while others do not. For example, the Citi Premier® Card has a $95 annual fee, while the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express have no annual fee.

How do gas credit cards work?

Gas credit cards work like any other rewards credit card, but with bonus points, miles, or cash back on gas purchases. When you use your gas credit card to fill up your tank, you'll earn rewards based on the card's earning rate for gas purchases. For example, if your card earns 3% cash back on gas and you spend $50 on a fill-up, you'll earn $1.50 in cash back rewards.

Can you use a gas credit card anywhere?

Most general gas credit cards can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards, not just at gas stations. However, some co-branded gas station cards may only be accepted at that specific brand of gas station. Be sure to check your card's terms and conditions for any usage restrictions.

What credit score do you need for a gas credit card?

The credit score you need for a gas credit card varies by issuer and card. Some gas cards require excellent credit (FICO scores of 740 or higher), while others may be available to those with good credit (FICO scores of 670-739) or even fair credit (FICO scores of 580-669). If you're not sure what credit score you need, check the card issuer's website or speak with a representative for more information.

The bottom line

By using a gas credit card, you can maximize your rewards and save money on fuel costs in the long run. But make sure you consider any annual fees and ensure that the rewards you earn outweigh the card's cost.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

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