With gas prices breaking records, fuel costs are biting into wallets. However, using a Cash Back Gas Credit Card strategically for gas station spending can help soften the hit. This guide covers the best cash back credit cards for gas , providing the highest percent cash back rewards specifically at the pump.
Overview of Cash Back Gas Credit Cards
Cash Back Gas Credit Cards offer statement credits equal to a percentage of your spending in certain categories. The best credit cards with cash back on gas have bonus earn rates between 3-6% cash back per $1 spent at gas stations. Some also have quarterly bonuses or tiered rewards.
Compared to the average 1-2% baseline cash back rate on general purchases, gas cash back category cards put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket per year. Even cards with no annual fee can yield high gas station rewards.
Below are the top Cash Back Gas Credit Cards offering the highest possible cashback on fuel purchases :
1. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
- 6% cash back at U.S. gas stations [1]
- $95 annual fee
- Up to $300 cash back per year on gas purchases before hitting the card’s $6,000 annual spend cap
The Blue Cash Preferred Card tops the list by providing an industry-leading 6% cash back on the first $6,000 per year you spend at U.S. gas stations. This can amount to $300+ per year back in rewards. You also earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to the same $6,000 cap).
There is a $95 annual fee, but if you spend more than $1,583 per year at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets combined, you come out ahead.
2. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
- 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases, worldwide [2]
- No rewards caps
- Requires an annual Costco membership
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card provides a strong 4% cash back rate on the first $7,000 per year you spend on gas. You earn this elevated rate on gas purchases worldwide - including gas stations like Shell, Exxon, Sunoco, etc. in addition to Costco gas.
There is no annual fee for the card itself. However, you must have an annual Costco membership (starting at $60) to qualify for this card and its rewards.
3. Citi Premier Card
- 3% cash back on gas station purchases
- $5,000 annual spending cap
- $95 annual fee (waived year 1)
The Citi Premier Card offers 3% cash back across a wide range of common purchases, including gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and air travel. The 3% earn rate on the first $5,000 in combined eligible spend each year can score you up to $150 back annually just from your gas purchases.
There is a $95 annual fee starting year 2, but 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers helps offset that cost.
4. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 3% cash back (or 5.25% if you qualify for their preferred rewards program) [4]
- Monthly cap of $2,500 in combined choice category spending
- No annual fee
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to select your 3% cash back category from options including gas stations - making it one of the best no annual fee gas cards. If you also have significant assets in qualifying Bank of America investment accounts, you can earn a rewards bonus of up to 75% through their Preferred Rewards program.
This would boost your earnings on the first $2,500 per month in gas purchases to 5.25% cash back instead of the standard 3%.
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, including gas [5]
- $0 annual fee
- New cardholder bonus of $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
While not the highest percent back, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card provides an unlimited 2% cash rewards across all eligible purchases - with no category restrictions or quarterly spend caps. This includes filling up at gas stations.
With no annual fee, enjoying a flat 2% back on gas station runs is valuable. New cardholders also receive a welcome bonus of 20,000 points by spending $1,000 within 3 months of opening your account.
6. Chase Freedom Flex
- Quarterly 5% cash back bonus category, including gas stations
- $0 annual fee
- $1,500 quarterly bonus category spend cap
The Chase Freedom Flex gives you opportunities to earn 5% cash back in quarterly bonus spend categories - one of which is often gas stations or wholesale club gas purchases. So you can maximize gas station rewards during those periods.
Chase Freedom Flex Card Bonus Categories: Gas, Electric Vehicle (EV), and Entertainment
Outside of the quarterly bonuses, baseline earn is 1% back. But if you also hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred card, you can convert those base points to Chase travel rewards worth at least 50% more in redemption value. This amplified return helps offset everyday gas costs.
7. Discover it Cash Back
- 5% cash back bonus each quarter when you activate, including gas stations ([1])
- $1,500 spend cap per quarter
- Cashback Match - effectively 10% cash back the first year
Discover offers 5% cash back during new cardmembers’ first year in quarterly rotating categories including gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and more. And through their Cashback Match promotion, they automatically match all the rewards you’ve earned during your initial 12 months. So you’re essentially getting 10% back on gas station runs during your first year.
Plus, cardholders earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases outside the categories. New cardholders can also take advantage of 0% interest for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (fees apply).
8. Sam’s Club Mastercard
- 5% cash back on gas purchases, up to $6,000 per year spent
- No membership fee when linked to a Sam’s Club membership
- Sam’s Club fuel stations + other gas stations
The Sam’s Club Mastercard allows holders to earn 5% cash back on gas purchases made within the United States - up to $6,000 spent per year. Then you still earn 1% back thereafter. This card has no annual fee; however, it does require an annual or per-use Sam’s Club membership to qualify and access gas stations.
Even if you factor in a $45 Sam’s Club base membership, you can generate over $270 in statement credits each year from your gas station spending alone with this card if you maximize the rewards.
Choosing the Best Gas Card for Your Needs
Prioritizing a gas rewards card into your wallet rotation is a strategic money move amid fluctuating fuel prices. Consider the above cards based on:
- Highest % cash back earned at gas stations
- Gas purchase rewards caps
- Annual fees
- Grocery/club store requirements
Using your optimal Cash Back Gas Credit Card consistently at the pump can generate hundreds of dollars in annual cash back savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the top gas rewards cards?
Most gasoline rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit, or FICO scores over 690. However, options like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card are available with lower credit scores in the low 600's.
Where can you use a gas rewards credit card?
In most programs, rewards can be earned at gas stations selling unleaded and diesel fuel for automobiles nationwide - including brands like Shell, Exxon, Sunoco, BP, Citgo, Marathon, Mobil, Texaco, Sinclair, Phillips 66, Valero, Chevron, etc.
Can you use a gas credit card for public transportation?
Generally fuel rewards credit cards specify they apply to gas station merchants coded for automobile fueling. So purchases of public transportation passes/tickets or transit system gift cards may not qualify in most programs. Check your card's specific terms.
What credit card gives 4% back on gas?
Up to the first $7,000 of purchases made with the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, you can earn 4% cash back on qualified gas and electric car charging purchases made anywhere, not just at Costco.
Can you get cash back with a credit card at a gas station?
Yes, a lot of credit cards provide gas station cash back. For instance, American Express's Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers 3% cash back at petrol stations in the United States.
Do gas cards build credit?
Particularly for those with poor credit, gas cards might aid in credit building. Positive credit habits are facilitated by their responsible use and prompt payment.
Is it smart to use a credit card for gas?
It makes sense to use a credit card to pay for petrol, particularly if it offers points or cash back. Because of its strong cash back percentage at US petrol stations, American Express's Blue Cash Preferred Card is advised.
How do I qualify for a gas card?
Having a decent to good credit score is usually required to qualify for a gas card. While specific requirements may differ, keeping a clean credit record and proving prudent credit use are crucial.
With gas prices eating into budgets, maximizing the cash back earned using a strategic gas rewards credit card makes sense. Use this guide to lock down the optimal option for your wallet and driving habits.
Summary of Cash Back Gas Credit Cards :
The Cash Back Gas Credit Cards offering the highest percent cash back rewards on gasoline purchases include:
- Blue Cash Preferred (American Express) - 6% back, up to $6,000 spent per year
- Costco Anywhere Visa - 4% back with no cap + Costco membership required
- Citi Premier - 3% back, up to $5,000 per year in combined purchases
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards - 3-5.25% back depending on account status
Key factors like annual fees, cash back caps per year, and any required retail store memberships determine the best gas credit card fit based on individual consumer driving and spending habits.
With fuel prices hitting record highs, using a strategic gas rewards credit card can help lessen the pain at the pump. Cards like the Blue Cash Preferred, Costco Visa, and Citi Premier offer between 3-6% cash back on gas station purchases - much higher than typical 1% baseline card rewards.
Maximizing gas cash back category bonuses, balancing annual fees, and combining perks like loyalty memberships amplifies potential savings. With some no annual fee options providing strong rewards too, savvy drivers can offset hundreds in yearly gas expenditures through a tailored gas cash back card approach. Evaluating personal driver profiles and spending habits makes it easy to identify the most lucrative gas credit card to carry.
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