The best credit cards for gas purchases in September 2024
Published 3:31 PM EDT, Fri June 7, 2024
With the average US household spending more than $3,000 on vehicle fuel annually, it pays to maximize your return when you fill up. By using a gas credit card that earns bonus rewards at the pump, you can reduce your net cost for fuel while adding benefits and protections you won’t get from other payment methods. Read on to see our pick for the best credit card for gas purchases and learn how to choose the right credit card for your needs.
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Our team of experts reviewed dozens of credit cards for gas purchases, considering various factors including rewards, select fees, sign-up bonuses and benefits. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the top nine credit cards that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below.
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Citi Strata Premier? Card: *Best gas credit card
The information for the Citi Strata Premier? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best card for flat-rate rewards
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Citi Custom Cash? Card: *Best no-annual-fee gas card
The information for the Citi Custom Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card: *Best gas card for cash back
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card: *Best gas card for airline miles
The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card: *Best gas card for hotels
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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American Express? Business Gold Card: *Best small-business gas card
The information for the American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card: *Best small-business gas card for hotels
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard?: *Best small-business gas card for airlines
The information for the CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All information about American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Citi Strata Premier? Card
*The information for the Citi Strata Premier? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Citi Custom Cash? Card
*The information for the Citi Custom Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card
*The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card
*The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card
*The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
American Express? Business Gold Card
*The information for the American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
All information about American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card
*The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard?
*The information for the CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Our picks at a glance
| ? | Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Rewards rate on gas | Notable feature? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Strata Premier? Card
*
The information for the Citi Strata Premier? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $95
| 70,000 bonus ThankYou? Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
| 3x
| Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
| $95
| 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
| N/A
| Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
|
Citi Custom Cash? Card
*
The information for the Citi Custom Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou? Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back
| Up to 5x
| 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening (then a 19.24% – 29.24% APR)
|
U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card
*
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, after that $95
| 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
| 4x
| Annual streaming bonus
|
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card
*
The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $95
| buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account
| 2x
| Companion fare for $99 plus taxes and fees
|
Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card
*
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $0
| 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
| 5x
| Automatic Wyndham Rewards Gold status
|
American Express? Business Gold Card
*
The information for the American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $375
| 100,000 Membership Rewards? points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of opening an account
| 4x
| Monthly $20 credit toward FedEx, Grubhub or office supply stores
|
Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card
*
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $95
| Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.
| 8x
| Annual bonus of 15,000 points
|
CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard?
*
The information for the CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
| $99, waived for the first 12 months
| Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening
| 2x
| Free checked bag on American Airlines
|
All information about American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
What is a gas credit card?
A good gas credit card should have some or all of the following features:
- Maximizes fuel purchases: A gas credit card offers incentives when you use it to buy fuel, which helps lower the net cost of filling up your tank.
- Provides discounts or bonuses: Some gas credit cards provide a fixed discount on each gallon of gas you pump. Others earn rewards like points or cash back at an accelerated rate on qualifying purchases.
- Rewards other purchases: Many gas credit cards also earn rewards for spending on groceries, dining, travel and more.
- Comes with perks and protections: Many gas credit cards offer features you won’t get when paying with a debit card or cash. Those include basics like fraud protection and no foreign transaction fees, but may also include travel benefits like hotel status and free checked bags.
Who should consider a gas credit card?
A gas credit card is a natural fit if you buy a lot of fuel. Daily commuters, long-haulers, frequent road-trippers and anyone else who’s often behind the wheel can use a gas credit card to maximize their return on fuel purchases. Families with multiple drivers and small-business owners who cover a lot of ground can also benefit from using a credit card that maximizes gas purchases.
Are gas cards worth it?
There’s no universal answer, and the decision to get (or not get) a gas credit card hinges on your driving, spending and fueling tendencies. Because some cards boost your return on spending at gas stations generally (not just on fuel), a gas credit card is worth considering if your local fill-up spot doubles as your mechanic, carwash or convenience store. However, if you don’t drive much or your fuel costs are otherwise relatively low, then a gas credit card isn’t ideal. You’ll be better served by a card that emphasizes other spending categories more pertinent to your lifestyle.
That said, some gas credit cards, such as the Citi Strata Premier, earn bonus rewards on other spending. Choosing a card that rewards gas purchases as well as categories such as dining or groceries can turbocharge your rewards on everyday expenses. A gas credit card that earns rewards at an accelerated rate can easily pay off, even if it comes with an annual fee.
Types of gas credit cards
A gas credit card can be a general rewards credit card that earns a high rate of cash back, points or miles on gas station purchases (and possibly in other everyday spending categories, such as internet and cable or travel). You’ll also find co-branded credit cards from gas station chains such as Sunoco and Chevron, which may offer bonus rewards or discounts on fuel, but come with few benefits outside of spending with the brand.
General rewards cards vs. gas station-branded credit cards
Branded cards tend to offer rewards in the form of a discount on each gallon you purchase, which stacks with discounts you may receive from the station’s own loyalty program.
General gas rewards cards earn cash back, points or miles based on how much you spend, which yields a better return when gas prices are high. Plus, you’ll have more flexibility to fill up where it’s convenient or cost-effective rather than being tied to certain stations for rewards. Many general gas rewards cards also reward spending in other categories, making them a better fit for typical household or small business expenses.
What counts as gas for credit card bonus rewards?
Fuel purchases made at the pump or at the gas station register generally count as gas for earning bonus points or cash back. Many gas cards also reward non-gas purchases made inside the station, such as snacks, coffee or motor oil.
Some cards have clear rules about what does not count as gas. For example, the terms and conditions on the Citi Custom Cash Card specifically exclude gas purchases at warehouse clubs, discount stores and convenience stores.
Pros and cons of gas rewards cards
Before getting a gas rewards credit card, you should consider these advantages and potential pitfalls.
Pros
- Earn more rewards: Gas credit cards earn a high return on fuel and other eligible purchases, which helps keep costs down. Many cards offer additional perks that can provide value even when you’re not driving.
- Fraud protection: You won’t be liable for fraudulent charges in the event your card is lost, stolen or otherwise compromised. You don’t get the same degree of protection when using a debit card.
- Add authorized users: Most gas credit cards let you add card holders (such as family members or employees) to your account. With those additional cards in hand, you can maximize fuel purchases for your entire family or business, not just your own.
Cons
- Rewards tradeoff: A card that rewards you primarily for gas purchases may be less rewarding elsewhere. If fuel isn’t a major expense for your household and you don’t want to carry multiple cards, you’ll be better served by maximizing your return in whichever categories you spend the most.
- High interest rates: You may be charged interest and fees when you don’t pay your credit card balance in full and on time. If you lack experience managing a credit card, consider getting one with a low interest rate and more lenient repayment policies even if it doesn’t earn as many rewards.
- Location-lock (for branded cards): Gas-station-branded credit cards reward you for purchases within their brand, but offer a minimal return (if any) when you fill up elsewhere. That lack of flexibility is inconvenient unless you consistently buy fuel from a single company.
How to choose the best gas credit card for you
The best credit card for gas rewards is the one that suits your individual needs, so evaluate each card comprehensively to see if it’s a good fit before you apply. Your first consideration should be whether your application is likely to get approved. Your odds are favorable if your credit score is in the good to excellent range, but less so if you have a negative or limited credit history.
The next step is to decide what kind of rewards you want to earn. Cash back rewards offer consistent value and are easy to redeem, making them ideal if your focus is on trimming costs. Travel rewards (like hotel points and airline miles) yield a less predictable return but present a greater upside when used strategically. Try to maximize the value of the rewards you earn from each dollar spent, but don’t overlook the advantage of simplicity, especially if you’re new to award travel.
Other important considerations include the card’s welcome bonus offer (where applicable), annual fee, additional benefits you’re likely to use and other terms such as a quarterly cap on bonus rewards. Once you have a complete picture, go with the card that seems most apt.
How to get a gas credit card
You can apply for gas credit cards online or, in the case of general rewards credit cards, by visiting the issuer’s branch. Co-branded gas station cards may allow you to apply online, but you should also be able to apply at the gas station.
When you apply for a credit card, you’ll typically need to provide basic details such as your name, date of birth, address and Social Security number (SSN). You may also be asked for your employment status, annual gross income, monthly housing payment and citizenship status. Having this information handy before you apply will save you time.
Building credit with gas credit cards
Many gas credit cards have relatively low credit score requirements, so you have a reasonable shot at getting one even if your credit history is limited or lightly dinged. Since gas credit cards report your balances and payments to credit bureaus just like other credit cards, using one responsibly can improve your credit score over time. That makes these cards viable options for inexperienced credit card holders as well as those with established credit histories.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams evaluated dozens of credit cards available to consumers that are best for earning on gas spending. From there, we narrowed down our list of the best credit cards for gas by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
Rewards value (35%)
When it comes to the best credit cards for gas, one of the most important aspects is how much you’ll earn for your purchases. The cards that earn more for your gas purchases got a boost in our rankings — and those that earn more valuable rewards were scored higher.
Sign-up bonus (25%)
A sign-up bonus is an additional perk for most credit cards, including the best for gas purchases. We ranked cards with valuable sign-up bonuses higher than cards with low or no sign-up bonuses.
Select fees (25%)
If you’re paying an annual fee on a credit card, consider the value you can get from its benefits. Cards with no annual fees scored higher in this category. Plus, some credit cards on the market charge a fee for purchases made abroad, which can add up quickly on extended trips. Cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees received priority over cards that do.
Benefits (10%)
Some of the best credit cards for gas also come with non-fuel-related benefits. We scored cards that earn additional perks — such as purchase protections and automatic elite status — higher.
Annual credits and bonuses (5%)
Credits and bonuses can help to offset annual fees and help you extract more value from your card. We scored cards that offer annual bonuses and credits higher.
What didn’t make the cut
You may see these entries on other lists for the best gas credit cards. However, there are some reasons why they may not be the best pick for your wallet.
- Wyndham Rewards Earner? Plus Card * The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner? Plus Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This card is the big sibling to the Wyndham Rewards Earner, and actually earns 1 more point per dollar on gas. But its earning boost isn’t enough to offset its $75 annual fee.
- Platinum Rewards Visa Signature? Card * The information for the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : With this card, you’ll earn unlimited 5 points per dollar on gas purchases, but getting the card requires having a PenFed Credit Union membership, and points are worth less than 1 cent apiece.
- Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express: Its 3% cash back categories (including U.S. gas stations) are capped at $6,000 of spending annually (then 1%) (terms apply, see rates and fees).
- Blue Cash Preferred? Card from American Express: This card earns uncapped 3% back at U.S. gas stations, but charges an annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 and offers few additional benefits (terms apply, see rates and fees).
- Co-branded gas cards (e.g. Shell Fuel Rewards? Credit Card * The information for the Shell Fuel Rewards? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ): Co-branded gas cards offer a high return on gas purchases, but provide little value otherwise.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You can maximize rewards from a gas credit card by using it for every purchase that earns a bonus. Don’t stop at maximizing your purchases; consider getting authorized user cards for additional drivers at your home or small business to earn bonus points on all eligible purchases, not just your own.
Maximizing rewards involves avoiding costs as well as capturing value. Pay your bill in full and on time, since interest charges and late fees can outweigh the value of the rewards you earn. Likewise, don’t overspend just to chase rewards.
Finally, remember to redeem your rewards! Some points and miles expire, so use them or lose them!
Fleet gas cards are charge or credit cards designed for businesses that consume large quantities of gasoline, such as trucking or delivery companies. They offer a bulk discount that typically exceeds the return everyday consumers get from gas credit cards, and provide fueling data that can help fleet managers budget for consumption and spot irregular usage. Fleet gas cards have limited acceptance, and many charge setup and monthly fees, so they’re not ideal for individual use.
You can earn rewards for EV charging with many gas credit cards, but not all. Some cards explicitly offer bonus points for EV charging — for example, the U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. earns 4x points on EV charging, gas stations and travel. Conversely, some cards categorically exclude EV charging purchases from bonus rewards, while other cards don’t specify at first glance. If earning rewards for EV charging is essential to you, read the terms and conditions of each card’s rewards structure carefully before you apply.
Your credit score affects getting a gas credit card much like it would other credit cards. A lower credit score makes your application less likely to be approved, while a higher credit score increases the likelihood of approval. General gas rewards credit cards tend to have lower credit thresholds for approval than premium credit cards; a credit score in the good to excellent range should suffice. Gas-station-branded cards have even lower requirements, so a credit score in the fair range may qualify.
To view rates and fees of the American Express? Business Gold Card * The information for the American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred? Card from American Express please visit this page.
All information about Alaska Airlines Visa Signature? credit card, American Express? Business Gold Card, Citi Custom Cash? Card, Citi Strata Premier? Card, CitiBusiness? / AAdvantage? Platinum Select? Mastercard?, Platinum Rewards Visa Signature? Card, Shell Fuel Rewards? Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude? Connect Visa Signature? Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner? Business Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner? Card and Wyndham Rewards Earner? Plus Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
Note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed or may no longer be available.
