The best 5 credit cards for gas

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Americans spent an average of $3,120 (or $260 per month) on gas in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you regularly use your car to get from point A to point B, consider a gas credit card. 

The best gas credit cards offer high rewards rates on gas station purchases, along with benefits like cash back on other categories, introductory bonuses, and low or no annual fees.

Whether you're a loyal customer of a particular gas station chain or just looking for the highest rewards rate possible, there's a gas credit card on this list for you.

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 Strata 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. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.

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 Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for travel rewards 

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

Rewards: 

• 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
• 3X points on purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, and airlines
• 1X points on all other purchases

Annual fee: $95

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (formerly 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.

What are gas credit cards?

Gas credit cards are rewards credit cards that offer bonus points, miles, or cash back on fuel purchases made at gas stations. These cards are designed to help frequent drivers save money on one of their biggest regular expenses.

There are two main types of gas credit cards:

1. Co-branded gas station cards: These cards are partnered with a specific gas station chain, like Shell, Chevron, or BP. They often offer the highest rewards rates on gas purchases made at that brand's stations, along with additional perks like discounts on fuel or in-store purchases.
2. General gas rewards cards: These cards offer bonus rewards on gas purchases made at any station, regardless of brand. They may also offer rewards in other categories like groceries, dining, or travel, making them a good choice for those who want to earn rewards on multiple aspects of their budget.

How do gas credit cards work?

Gas credit cards work by offering a percentage of your gas purchases back in rewards, usually in the form of points, miles, or cash back. The earning rate varies by card, but typically ranges from 2% to 5% back on gas purchases.

For example, if you have a card that earns 4% cash back on gas and you spend $50 on a fill-up, you'll earn $2 in cash back rewards. Over time, these rewards can add up to significant savings, especially if you drive frequently or have a long commute.

To earn rewards with a gas credit card, simply use the card to pay at the pump or inside the gas station. Some cards may require you to enter your loyalty number or rewards ID at the pump to earn bonus rewards, while others will automatically apply the bonus rate to all gas purchases.

What is the best gas credit card?

Our top pick for the best gas credit card is the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card, which offers 4% back at U.S. gas stations and has no annual fee. 

Runners-up:

• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Costco shoppers 
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for earning cash back at both U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. 

How to choose the best gas card for you.

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

• Rewards structure: Look for a card that offers a high rewards rate on gas purchases, ideally 3% or more. Consider whether you want to earn cash back, points, or miles and whether the card offers bonus rewards in other categories you spend a lot in.
• Annual fee: Make sure the rewards you earn will outweigh the cost of the annual fee based on your spending habits.
• Redemption options: Cash back cards offer the most flexibility, while points and miles cards may provide more value when redeemed for travel or other specific categories.
• Brand loyalty: If you always fill up at the same gas station chain, a co-branded card may offer the best rewards and perks. However, if you're not loyal to a particular brand, a general gas rewards card may be a better fit.
• Additional benefits: Look for cards that offer additional perks, such as introductory bonuses, 0% APR promotions, or travel protections, that can add value to the card.

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 picked the best gas credit cards 

To find the best everyday cards, we evaluated each card's sign-up bonus, rewards earning rates on purchases, added perks and benefits, and annual fees.

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. Read more about our methodology here. 

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 credit score do you need for a gas credit card? 

The credit score required for a gas credit card varies by issuer and specific card. Some premium gas cards may require excellent credit (FICO scores of 740 or higher), while others are available to those with good credit (FICO scores of 670 or higher). Be sure to check the issuer's requirements before applying.

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.

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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