The Best Credit Cards for Gas Rewards: Fuel Your Wallet While You Fuel Your Car

In today’s world, where gas prices can feel like a rollercoaster ride, saving money at the pump is more important than ever. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road trip enthusiast, or just someone who wants to stretch their budget further, gas rewards credit cards can be a game-changer. These cards offer cash back, points, or discounts on fuel purchases, helping you save money every time you fill up. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Let’s dive into the best credit cards for gas rewards and explore how they can help you maximize your savings.

Why Gas Rewards Credit Cards Are Worth It

Gas rewards credit cards are designed to reward you for one of life’s unavoidable expenses: fuel. By earning cash back, points, or discounts on gas purchases, these cards can help offset the cost of filling up your tank. Many also offer additional perks, such as rewards on dining, groceries, or travel, making them versatile tools for everyday spending.

The key to maximizing these cards is understanding your driving habits and spending patterns. Do you spend a significant amount on gas each month? Do you prefer cash back or travel rewards? Answering these questions will help you choose the card that aligns best with your lifestyle.

Top Credit Cards for Gas Rewards in 2023

Here are some of the best gas rewards credit cards on the market today:

1. Citi Custom Cash® Card

• Rewards: 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent), including gas stations.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Why It’s Great: If gas is your top spending category, this card offers an unbeatable 5% cash back. Plus, it’s flexible—if your spending habits change, you can earn rewards in other categories like dining or groceries.

2. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Rewards: 3% cash back in the category of your choice (including gas) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Why It’s Great: This card lets you customize your rewards to match your spending. If gas is your biggest expense, you can earn 3% cash back on every fill-up.

3. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

• Rewards: 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (including Costco gas) for the first $7,000 per year, then 1% after.
• Annual Fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
• Why It’s Great: If you’re a Costco member, this card is a no-brainer. It offers one of the highest cash back rates for gas purchases and additional rewards at Costco and other retailers.

4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit purchases.
• Annual Fee: $95
• Why It’s Great: While it has an annual fee, this card offers generous rewards on gas, groceries, and streaming services, making it a great all-around option for families.

5. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

• Rewards: 3x points on gas, dining, travel, and more.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Why It’s Great: This card is perfect for those who want flexibility in their rewards. Earn points on gas and other everyday expenses, then redeem them for travel, cash back, or gift cards.

How to Choose the Right Gas Rewards Card

When selecting a gas rewards credit card, consider the following factors:

1. Rewards Structure: Do you prefer cash back, points, or travel miles? Choose a card that aligns with your preferred redemption method.
2. Spending Habits: If gas is your largest expense, prioritize cards with high rewards rates for fuel purchases. If you spend more on groceries or dining, look for a card that offers bonus rewards in those categories as well.
3. Annual Fees: Some gas rewards cards have annual fees, while others are free. Make sure the rewards outweigh the cost of the fee.
4. Additional Perks: Many cards offer extra benefits, such as sign-up bonuses, travel insurance, or discounts at specific retailers. Consider these perks when making your decision.

Tips for Maximizing Your Gas Rewards

• Pay Your Balance in Full: To avoid interest charges, always pay off your balance each month. This ensures that your rewards aren’t offset by fees.
• Use the Card for Other Purchases: Many gas rewards cards offer bonus rewards on other categories, such as dining or groceries. Use the card for all your eligible purchases to maximize your earnings.
• Check for Rotating Categories: Some cards, like the Citi Custom Cash® Card, offer higher rewards in rotating categories. Keep an eye on these to ensure you’re earning the most rewards possible.
• Combine with Gas Station Rewards: Many gas stations have their own loyalty programs. Combine these with your credit card rewards to save even more.

The Hidden Perks of Gas Rewards Cards You Might Not Know About

While the primary appeal of gas rewards credit cards is their ability to save you money at the pump, many of these cards come with additional benefits that can add significant value. For example:

• Price Protection: Some cards offer price protection on gas purchases, meaning if the price of gas drops after you fill up, you could be reimbursed for the difference.
• Travel Insurance: Cards like the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card include travel insurance benefits, such as rental car coverage and trip cancellation protection, which can be a lifesaver for frequent travelers.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: If you’re planning a road trip across the border, look for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. This can save you money on gas purchases abroad.
• Sign-Up Bonuses: Many gas rewards cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses, such as $200cashbackafterspending$500 in the first three months. These bonuses can significantly boost your savings.

These hidden perks make gas rewards cards more than just a way to save on fuel—they’re a versatile financial tool for everyday life.

Gas Rewards Cards vs. General Cash Back Cards: Which Is Better?

You might be wondering whether a dedicated gas rewards card is worth it compared to a general cash back card that offers rewards on all purchases. The answer depends on your spending habits:

• Gas Rewards Cards: If you spend a significant amount on gas each month (e.g., long commutes or frequent road trips), a gas rewards card with a high cash back rate (like 4-5%) can save you more money than a general cash back card, which typically offers 1-2% on all purchases.
• General Cash Back Cards: If your gas spending is minimal and you want a card that rewards you for a variety of expenses, a general cash back card might be a better fit. However, some cards, like the Citi Custom Cash® Card, offer the best of both worlds by allowing you to earn high rewards in your top spending category, including gas.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique spending patterns and financial goals.

How to Track and Redeem Your Gas Rewards

Earning rewards is only half the battle—knowing how to track and redeem them effectively is key to maximizing your savings. Here are some tips:

• Use Mobile Apps: Most credit card issuers have mobile apps that allow you to track your rewards in real-time. Set up notifications to stay updated on your earnings.
• Check Expiration Dates: Some rewards points or cash back may expire if not used within a certain timeframe. Make sure to redeem them before they’re lost.
• Redeem Strategically: Some cards offer higher redemption values for certain rewards, such as travel or gift cards. For example, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers 1:1 point redemption for travel, making it a great option for frequent flyers.
• Combine Rewards: If your gas station has its own loyalty program, combine those rewards with your credit card rewards for even greater savings.

By staying organized and proactive, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your gas rewards.

The Environmental Angle: Gas Rewards Cards and Eco-Friendly Driving

While gas rewards cards are designed to save you money, they can also align with eco-friendly driving habits. Here’s how:

• Rewards for Hybrid/Electric Vehicles: Some cards, like the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card, offer rewards on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. If you drive a hybrid or EV, these cards can help you save on charging costs.
• Encouraging Fuel Efficiency: By tracking your gas spending, you may become more aware of your fuel consumption and take steps to drive more efficiently, such as carpooling, using cruise control, or maintaining proper tire pressure.
• Carbon Offset Programs: A few credit card issuers offer carbon offset programs that allow you to use your rewards to support environmental initiatives. While not directly related to gas rewards, these programs can help you offset the environmental impact of your driving.

Choosing a gas rewards card that supports your eco-friendly lifestyle can make your savings even more meaningful.

The Future of Gas Rewards: What’s Next?

As the world shifts toward electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative energy sources, the landscape of gas rewards credit cards is evolving. Here’s what to expect in the coming years:

• EV Charging Rewards: As EVs become more popular, expect to see more credit cards offering rewards for charging stations. Some cards, like the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, already include EV charging in their gas rewards categories.
• Flexible Rewards Categories: Cards with customizable rewards categories, like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, will likely become more common, allowing cardholders to adapt to changing spending habits.
• Integration with Apps: Future gas rewards cards may integrate with apps that track your driving habits, offering personalized rewards based on your mileage, fuel efficiency, and even carbon footprint.

By staying informed about these trends, you can choose a card that will continue to meet your needs as the automotive industry evolves.

Real-Life Savings: How Much Can You Really Save with a Gas Rewards Card?

Let’s break down the potential savings with a gas rewards card. Suppose you spend $200 per month on gas:

• With a card that offers 5% cash back (like the Citi Custom Cash® Card), you’d earn $120 per year.
• With a card that offers 4% cash back (like the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card), you’d earn $96 per year.
• With a card that offers 3% cash back (like the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card), you’d earn $72 per year.

Over time, these savings can add up significantly, especially if you use the card for other purchases as well. For example, if you spend 500permonthongasandgroceriescombined,acardliketheBlueCashPreferred®CardfromAmericanExpresscouldearnyou500permonthongasandgroceriescombined,acardliketheBlueCashPreferredR◯CardfromAmericanExpresscouldearnyou180 per year on gas alone, plus additional rewards on groceries.

Easy approval gas credit cards

If you’re looking for gas rewards credit cards that are easier to get approved for, you’ll want to focus on cards designed for individuals with fair or average credit. These cards may not offer the highest rewards rates, but they can still help you save on gas while building or rebuilding your credit.

What Makes a Gas Credit Card “Easy to Approve”?

Easy approval credit cards typically have lower credit score requirements and are designed for people with limited or less-than-perfect credit histories. These cards often come with fewer perks and higher interest rates, but they can be a great stepping stone to better financial health. When applying for an easy approval gas credit card, look for:

• No annual fee: Many easy approval cards don’t charge an annual fee, making them more accessible.
• Low credit score requirements: These cards are often available to people with credit scores in the fair range (580–669).
• Opportunities to build credit: Some cards report your payment history to the major credit bureaus, helping you improve your credit score over time.

Top Easy Approval Gas Credit Cards

Here are some of the best gas rewards credit cards that are easier to qualify for:

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

• Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Why It’s Great: This secured card is designed for people with limited or poor credit. It requires a refundable security deposit, but it offers cash back rewards and helps you build credit. Discover also matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.

2. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

• Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible purchases, including gas.
• Annual Fee: $0–$95 (based on creditworthiness)
• Why It’s Great: This card is tailored for people rebuilding their credit. It offers cash back on all purchases, including gas, and provides free access to your credit score.

3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

• Rewards: No rewards program, but it’s easy to get approved.
• Annual Fee: $35
• Why It’s Great: While this card doesn’t offer gas rewards, it’s one of the easiest secured cards to get approved for because it doesn’t require a credit check. It’s a good option if your primary goal is to build credit before applying for a rewards card.

4. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

• Rewards: No rewards program, but it’s designed to help you build credit.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Why It’s Great: This secured card is accessible to people with poor or limited credit. While it doesn’t offer gas rewards, it’s a great tool to improve your credit score so you can qualify for better rewards cards in the future.

5. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®

• Rewards: No rewards program, but it’s easy to get approved.
• Annual Fee: $0–$99 (based on creditworthiness)
• Why It’s Great: This unsecured card is designed for people with poor credit. While it doesn’t offer gas rewards, it’s a good option if you’re looking for an easy approval card to help rebuild your credit.

Tips for Getting Approved for a Gas Rewards Card

If you’re struggling to get approved for a gas rewards card, here are some tips to improve your chances:

1. Check Your Credit Score: Before applying, check your credit score to understand where you stand. Many free tools, like Credit Karma or Experian, can help you monitor your score.
2. Start with a Secured Card: If your credit score is low, consider applying for a secured credit card. These cards require a security deposit but are easier to get approved for and can help you build credit over time.
3. Pay Down Debt: Lowering your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total credit limit) can improve your credit score and increase your chances of approval.
4. Apply for Cards with Lower Requirements: Focus on cards designed for fair or average credit, as they’re more likely to approve applicants with less-than-perfect credit histories.

The Bottom Line

While easy approval gas credit cards may not offer the highest rewards rates, they can still help you save money at the pump while building or rebuilding your credit. Cards like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® are excellent options for those with fair or limited credit. Over time, as your credit improves, you can upgrade to cards with more generous rewards and perks.

Remember, the key to maximizing your savings is to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. With responsible use, an easy approval gas credit card can be a valuable tool for saving money and improving your financial health.

Final Thoughts

Gas rewards credit cards are a smart way to save money on one of your most frequent expenses. By choosing the right card and using it strategically, you can turn every fill-up into an opportunity to earn cash back, points, or discounts. Whether you’re a frequent driver or just looking to cut costs, these cards can help you fuel your car—and your wallet.

Before applying, take the time to compare your options and consider your spending habits. With the right gas rewards card in your wallet, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your savings and making every mile count. Happy driving! 🚗⛽

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