Find out which Gas Credit Cards can save you the most money at the pump in 2024. Get info on the top fuel rewards credit cards and how to maximize savings.
Gas prices have been volatile in recent years, with the average price per gallon reaching over $5 in June 2022. For drivers, high gas expenses can quickly eat into budgets. The good news is that using a rewards credit card for gas purchases can help soften the blow.
Gas rewards cards allow cardholders to earn bonus points, miles or cash back every time they fill up. Depending on the card, you could earn 3%, 4% or even 5% back on gas purchases. That can add up to hundreds of dollars in annual savings.
5 Best Cash Back Credit Cards: Maximizing Your Rewards
So which gas rewards credit cards are the best in 2023? I’ve evaluated over two dozen options based on bonus categories, redemption values and other perks. Here are my top picks:
1. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
- Gas Rewards Rate: 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: $350 back after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
- Key Perks: Up to $350/year in statement credits for grocery purchases; 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
With a strong 3% cash back earning rate on gas purchases, no foreign transaction fees and a generous welcome bonus, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best gas rewards cards available. You’ll earn an unlimited 3% back at U.S. gas stations (1% back on gas purchases elsewhere), with no caps on total rewards.
There’s a $95 annual fee, but you can offset that with up to $350 in annual statement credits for U.S. supermarket purchases (terms apply). This card also offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back at U.S. transit agencies like subways and buses, and 1% back on other purchases.
2. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
- Gas Rewards: 3X points per $1 (equivalent to 4.5% cash back)
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for 1st year, $45 after that
- Welcome Bonus: 30,000 points when you spend $1,500 in first 3 months (worth $450)
- Key Perks: Cell phone protection; up to $600 in cell phone protection claims/year
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers an exceptional 3X points on gas purchases - that's equivalent to 4.5% cash back. There are no caps on the bonus rewards you can earn, making this one of the highest gas rewards cards available.
You'll also earn 3X points on dining, travel, transit, rideshares, streaming services and phone plans. New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points by spending $1,500 in the first 3 months - worth $450 in cash rewards.
There's no annual fee for the first year ($45 after that). Plus this card offers up to $600 per year to cover cell phone damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell bill with it.
3. Citi Custom Cash Card
- Gas Rewards Rate: 5% cash back on first $500 spent at gas stations each billing cycle
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 back after $750 in purchases within first 6 months
- Key Perks: 5% cash back on top eligible spend category each billing cycle
While its 5% cash back rate on gas purchases only applies to the first $500 spent each billing cycle, the Citi Custom Cash Card still offers exceptional rewards for frequent drivers. If you routinely spend more than $500 per month on gas, you'll still earn an unlimited 1% back after hitting that threshold.
Aside from gas stations, you also have the flexibility each billing cycle to earn 5% cash back on one of the following categories based on your highest total spends: grocery stores, select travel, dining, select transit, select internet/cable/phone services, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement/furnishings stores.
There's no annual fee for this card. New cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $750 on purchases within the first 6 months.
4. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
- Gas Rewards: 3% cash back at gas stations
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 back after $1K spent in first 90 days
- Key Perks: 3% back on top everyday category you choose each month
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card allows you to earn higher rewards on the category you spend the most on each month. If you spend heavily on gas, you can choose the ‘gas stations’ category to earn an unlimited 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations - a top rate compared to other no-annual-fee gas rewards cards.
Aside from the customizable 3% category, this card offers 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1% back). All other purchases earn 1% back. New cardholders can also take advantage of a $200 cash rewards bonus after $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
5. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Gas Rewards: 5X points per $1 spent at gas stations (equivalent to 8% cash back)
- Annual Fee: $0 first year, $95 after that
- Welcome Bonus: 15K bonus points ($150 value)
- Key Perks: 4X points on supermarkets & streaming services
If your #1 spending priority is to maximize rewards on gas purchases, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Card delivers a market-leading 5X points per $1 spent at U.S. gas stations. That works out to an exceptional 8% back in cash rewards - among the highest gas rewards rates available.
This card does have a $95 annual fee after the first year. However, you can offset that by taking advantage of 4X points (6.4% cash back) at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services. New cardholders also get 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days - worth $150 in cash rewards.
6. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
- Gas Rewards: 4% cash back on first $7,000 per year in gas purchases, including gas at Costco
- Annual Fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
- Welcome Bonus: None
- Key Perks: 2% back at Costco & Costco.com; 3% on restaurants & eligible travel
If you have a Costco membership or are considering it, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers a very generous 4% cash back rate on the first $7,000 per year spent on gas purchases. This includes gas stations worldwide, not just Costco gas.
Beyond the $7K limit, you’ll still earn 1% back on additional gas purchases. This card also offers 2% back on Costco & Costco.com purchases, 3% back on restaurant & eligible travel expenditures, and 1% back elsewhere. Note that an active paid Costco membership is required. But there's no annual fee for the card.
7. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
- Gas Rewards Rate: 4X points per $1 spent on gas purchases worldwide
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for first 12 months, $60 after that
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus points (worth $500 in travel redemptions)
- Key Perks: 12-month 0% APR period on purchases; up to $30 in annual streaming service credits
While best known for its travel perks, the U.S. Altitude Connect Card also shines when it comes to gas rewards. You'll earn 4X points (equal to 4% cash back) per $1 spent at gas stations worldwide. New cardholders can take advantage of 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within 120 days of account opening.
There’s a lot to like about this card beyond its gas rewards too. You get 12 months of 0% APR financing on new purchases (then 16.49% - 25.49% Variable APR). U.S. Bank also reimburses up to $30 in annual streaming service charges including Netflix & Spotify. Note there's a $60 annual fee after the first year.
8. Chase Freedom Flex
- Gas Rewards Rate: 5% cash back on gas station purchases (on up to $1,500 spent) in select quarters
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 back after $500 spent in first 3 months
- Key Perks: 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories with no limit on rewards
Chase Freedom Flex is a flexible cash back card with no annual fee. Each quarter it offers 5% cash back in different bonus categories - and gasoline is regularly included. You just have to activate that 5% rate each quarter.
Aside from the quarterly bonuses, this card provides 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months too.
9. Sam’s Club Mastercard
- Gas Rewards: 5% cash back on first $6,000 per year in Sam’s Club gas purchases
- Annual Fee: $0 (Sam's Club membership required)
- Welcome Bonus: $45 Sam’s Club shopping card with card approval
- Key Perks: 3% dining and travel rewards
Sam's Club is warehouse giant Costco's biggest rival, and the Sam's Club Mastercard offers similar gas rewards benefits for members. You'll earn an exceptional 5% cash back rate on the first $6,000 per year spent on fuel purchases made at Sam’s Club gas stations. All other gas purchases only earn 1% back however.
On top of the gas savings for loyal shoppers, this card provides 3% cash back on dining and travel purchases (excluding warehouse purchases). There's no annual fee, but an active Sam's Club membership is required. New cardholders also get a $45 Sam's Club shopping card when approved.
10. Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard
- Gas Rewards Rate: 30 cents per gallon discount at Shell stations
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: 30 cents off per gallon (up to 20 gallons) during first 3 months
- Key Perks: 2% cash back at restaurants; no foreign transaction fees
The Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard offers a built-in gas discount at Shell stations across the U.S. While it has no multiplier rewards, you save 30 cents/gallon on ALL fills - for big savings. New cardholders also get 30 cents off for the first 20 gallons (up to $6 discount) during each of their first 3 months with this card.
Aside from instant savings at the pump, you'll earn 2% cash back on dining purchases including takeout and delivery. All other purchases only earn 1% back. Still, if your weekly fill-ups happen at Shell, this card can quickly pay for itself through instant gas discounts.
Choosing the best gas credit card for fuel rewards
With gas prices expected to remain elevated in 2024, a gas rewards credit card can help cushion the hit to your budget. But choosing the right card depends on your spending habits and needs.
Here are few quick tips for picking best gas credit cards for fuel rewards:
- Calculate your average monthly gas expenditure. Aim for a card like Citi Custom Cash or Wells Fargo Autograph if over $500/month. Or Fixed-value gas cards like PenFed Visa if under $500 per month.
- Consider cards like Costco Anywhere Visa or Sam’s Club Mastercard if you belong to a wholesale club for maximum savings
- Choose flexible cards like Chase Freedom Flex if you want gas rewards combined with other bonus categories
- Opt for no annual fee cards like Citi Custom Cash or Wells Fargo Autograph to minimize costs
- Look for valuable perks like cell phone protection that offset annual fees
Gas Up Your Rewards with the Right Card
Regardless if you are a road warrior or casual commuter, drivers can save big on gas by using rewards credit cards strategically. Just run the numbers on your average monthly expenditures at the pump.
Then opt for a gas rewards card that aligns with your spending profile and card preferences. My top picks like the Blue Cash Preferred or Wells Fargo Autograph offer exceptional ongoing value. But cards like PenFed Visa allow you to maximize rewards on gas specifically.
Whichever card fits your lifestyle the best, make sure to use it faithfully anytime you fill up. Doing so ensures you earn maximum points, miles or cashback every time you gas up!
Frequently Asked Questions about Gas Credit Cards
Are fuel credit cards worth it?
Yes, through discounts and incentive schemes, gas credit cards can offer substantial savings. However, if there is a balance, the benefits must exceed the interest costs.
What are the disadvantages of fuel cards?
Cons include paying interest if the debt is not paid in full, keeping close tabs on transactions, and the possibility of unauthorized usage if lost or stolen.
How to get discount on fuel?
Use gas station rewards programs, gas credit card rewards, fuel discount apps, warehouse club gas discounts.
What are the risks of fuel cards?
Risks include paying interest if the balance is not paid off each month, paying interest if the card is stolen or lost, and perhaps being used without authorization.
What is the easiest gas credit card to get?
Usually, gas cards with acceptable credit clearance standards or those without an annual fee are the easiest to get approved for. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card and the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card are two examples.
Do warehouse club gas cards require a membership?
Yes, gas cards like the Costco Anywhere Visa Card and Sam’s Club Mastercard require an active paid warehouse membership to qualify for rewards.
What are the benefits of gas rewards credit cards?
Gas cards allow drivers to earn bonus cash back, points or travel miles each time they fill up. Some top options provide 3-5% back on fuel purchases.
Which gas card has the highest rewards rate?
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers an industry-leading 5 points per $1 spent at the pump. That’s equivalent to 8% cash back on gas.
Are there gas cards with no annual fee?
Yes, many of the top no-fee options include the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card (2% cash back on gas) and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card (3% back).
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