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RATING
2021

Best Gas Credit Cards

By Brendan Harkness

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Credit cards that provide cash rewards for gas are some of the most popular on the market. A good gas credit card can be very useful, not only as a payment method but also to help offset gas prices.

How We Picked These Cards Is a Gas Card Right for You?

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The information related to Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, American Express® Business Gold Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express have been collected by Credit Card Insider and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of these products.

How We Picked These Cards

Be on the lookout for features like these if you’re in the market for a gas credit card.

  • Good rewards for gas spending: You can easily find cards that provide a 3% cash back equivalent for gas, though you can also get 5% back and occasionally more.
  • No annual fee, or a worthwhile fee: There are many very rewarding gas cards with no annual fees. But you might want a card with a fee if it would provide a better overall value.
  • Other bonus categories: It’s OK to have a card that you only use for gas, and nothing else. However, a card with other good bonus categories would be more useful.
  • Shopping and travel protections: Most credit cards today have some standard protections. Although they probably won’t come into play when buying gas, they could be handy in other situations.
  • Valuable extra benefits: The best cards come with cost-saving perks like travel credits or access to interesting experiences, although you’ll typically need to pay an annual fee to get these benefits.

Is a Gas Card Right for You?

Do you buy gas? Then there’s a good chance you could find value in a gas credit card. Do you buy a lot of gas? Then you’d almost definitely find a gas card useful.

If you’re already spending the money, why not earn some rewards?

A gas credit card is any card with a bonus reward category for purchases at gas stations. There are also some cards that are co-branded with certain gas stations, which are designed to be used primarily with that brand.

Gas credit cards vary quite a bit. Some offer just 2–3% back in rewards or have spending limits, while our top pick, the Ducks Unlimited Card, offers unlimited 5% cash back.

There are many gas cards without annual fees, so you can earn rewards at no cost whatsoever (as long as you avoid accruing interest and other fees).

A gas credit card can be an excellent way to collect cash back or points — if you use it responsibly. Your purchases will typically be covered by some basic shopping protections, and the better cards have some cost-saving perks too.

Like any rewards card, gas cards can help you build credit. Co-branded gas cards in particular are known for approving people with worse credit, which could make them a great option if you’re seeking to earn credit card rewards, but can’t get approved for a good general-use card.

You can use many gas credit cards to earn rewards for purchases at gas stations other than gas, like snacks or certain gift cards. But some specify that only fuel purchases will qualify for the gas bonus category.

Are you an Uber driver? If so, you should check out the Uber Visa Debit Card. It provides 3% cash back at Exxon and Mobil gas stations, 8% back for Sprint purchases, and 10% back at Advance Auto Parts. And there are some other useful features like discounted roadside assistance.

Best Pick For...

Travel

Citi Premier® Card

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  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$95
  • Purchase APR15.99% - 23.99% Variable

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  • Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
  • 80,000 Points are redeemable for $800 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Rewards

The Citi Premier® Card (Review) has a simple but effective rewards program, with a bigger-than-usual set of 3X categories.

Spending Rewards
  • 3X ThankYou points per dollar on:
    • Air travel
    • Hotels
    • Gas stations
    • Supermarkets
    • Restaurants
  • 1X ThankYou point per dollar on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 80,000 ThankYou points for spending $4,000 in first 3 months (worth $800 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com)

The Premier is pretty good for gas alone, but the other bonus categories make it much more useful.

ThankYou points can be redeemed in a variety of ways. The Premier gives you access to Citi’s travel partners, so we recommend transferring and looking for a good deal.

Key Features
  • $100 annual hotel credit: Valid when you book a hotel stay of $500 or more through thankyou.com, once per calendar year
  • Citi Concierge: Call 1-800-508-8930 to request assistance for non-emergency tasks like restaurant reservations, travel arrangements, finding lost luggage, and more.
  • Citi Private Pass: The Citi Private Pass service provides presale and preferred access tickets to select events and experiences in big cities.
  • Complimentary ShopRunner membership: Cardholders can register with ShopRunner at no cost, to get free two-day shipping and returns at select online retailers.
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95

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Gas and Groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
  • Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable

Rates & Fees

Read Our Review

  • Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • Terms Apply.
Rewards

For many people, modern life requires a constant flow of gas and groceries, and so you may want a credit card that’s good for both. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Review) fits the bill quite well, offering a lot of cash back at U.S. supermarkets and a competitive rate at U.S. gas stations too.

Spending Rewards
  • 6% cash back:
    • U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1%)
    • Select U.S. streaming services
  • 3% cash back:
    • U.S. gas stations
    • Transit
  • 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $300 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
Key Features
  • Amex Offers: Find offers for extra cash back at a changing selection of merchants.
  • $120 Equinox+ Credit: Get up to $10 per month for a stand-alone monthly membership to the Equinox+ app. Will not apply if you purchase the membership through the Equinox app or a third party.
  • ShopRunner membership: ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping and returns at participating online retailers.
  • Shopping protections: Return Protection, Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection
  • Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)

Runners Up5

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (earned as a statement credit; up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
  • 2% cash back at:
    • U.S. gas stations
    • Select U.S. department stores
  • 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $200 statement credit for spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership; Entertainment Access
  • Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice:
    • Gas
    • Online shopping
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Drugstores
    • Home improvement/furnishings stores
  • 2% cash back at:
    • Grocery stores
    • Wholesale clubs
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • 3% and 2% rewards only up to $2,500 spent per quarter, then 1% cash back
Introductory Bonus
  • $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • Perks: Free FICO credit score; Preferred Rewards cash back bonus
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
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Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 3X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets; up to $6,000 per year, then 1X
  • 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar:
    • U.S. gas stations
    • Eligible purchases at Amex Travel
  • 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
  • Earn 50% more points on eligible purchases for making 30 or more purchases in a billing period
Introductory Bonus
  • 15,000 points if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
  • Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership; Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee; Shopping and travel protections
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $95
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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Spending Rewards
  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar at:
    • U.S. Restaurants
    • U.S. Supermarkets
    • U.S. Gas stations
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar on other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 150,000 bonus points for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months; 50,000 bonus points for spending a total of $10,000 in the first 6 months
  • Perks: Hilton Honors Gold status; Priority Pass Select membership (10 free visits per year, then $32 per person); Annual Weekend Night Award for spending $15,000 in a calendar year; ShopRunner membership
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Baggage Insurance Plan, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95, $0 first year

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees)

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Hilton Honors American Express Card

Spending Rewards
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 5X Bonus points per dollar at:
    • U.S. supermarkets
    • U.S. restaurants
    • U.S. gas stations
  • 3X Bonus points per dollar for other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 80,000 Bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months; 50,000 Bonus points for spending a total of $5,000 in the first 6 months
  • Perks: Hilton Honors Silver status, with a fast track to Gold status; ShopRunner membership; Entertainment Access program
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Car Rental Insurance Plan, Global Assist Hotline
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Card (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

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Rotating Reward Categories

Discover it® Cash Back

Our rating:
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Purchase APRSee Terms

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Rewards

Some reward credit cards have bonus categories that rotate every three months, instead of providing a set amount throughout the year. These cards will usually have gas stations as one of the categories.

The best rotating reward card for gas is the Discover it® Cash Back (Review), which has no annual fee. The truly impressive thing about this card is the Cashback Match, which doubles all the cash back you earn in your first year.

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%; activation required):
    • January – March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, CVS
    • April – June: Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, Select Streaming Services
    • July – September: Restaurants, PayPal
    • October – December: Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the end of the first year

A good strategy could be to buy gift cards for your favorite gas stations during the three months in which you’ll earn 5% cash back at gas stations. Then you can use those gift cards to fill up your tank throughout the year, having already earned your 5% discount when you originally bought them.

Learn more about how to get the most out of the Discover it’s cash back categories.

Key Features
  • Free FICO credit score: Track your FICO Score 8 over time, based on your TransUnion credit report.
  • Social Security number alerts: Get notified if your SSN is found on any thousands of risky websites.
  • Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms (for transfers made in the first 90 days), then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
Runners Up1

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back on:
    • Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Lyft rides (through March 2022)
    • Grocery store purchases (not including Target or Walmart) up to $12,000 spent in the first year
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories, up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%
  • 3% cash back at:
    • Restaurants
    • Drugstores
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
  • Perks: Three-month DoorDash membership; Chase Offers/Shop through Chase; ShopRunner membership; Lyft credits
  • Purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details
Bad Credit

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card

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  • Min. credit levelBad
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Purchase APR23.99% Variable
  • 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, home improvement/furnishings
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
  • After you spend $2,500 in the 3% and 2% categories, you’ll earn 1% cash back until the quarter ends
  • Security deposit between $300-$4,900 is required to open your account upon approval
  • Bank of America will periodically review your account and return your security deposit if you qualify
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
Rewards

People with limited or bad credit have a harder time being approved for regular cards. Secured credit cards offer a different way forward. They’re easier to get for people with poor credit, but require a refundable security deposit at the start to fund their credit limits.

Most secured cards come don’t offer any rewards, and some have annual fees. But the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card is a bit of an outlier, with terms that seem to belong more to a regular rewards card. This card requires a security deposit of $300 to $4,900 when you’re approved.

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice:
    • Gas
    • Online shopping
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Drug stores
    • Home improvement/furnishings
  • 2% cash back at:
    • Grocery stores
    • Wholesale clubs
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • 3% and 2% rewards only up to $2,500 spent per quarter, then 1% cash back
Key Features
  • Free FICO credit score: Track your FICO Score 8 over time, based on your TransUnion credit report.
  • Security deposit: $300 to $4,900
Runner Up3

Discover it® Secured

Spending Rewards
  • 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter (then 1%), at:
    • Restaurants
    • Gas Stations
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Cashback Match: Double all cash back earned in the first year; awarded at the end of the first year
  • Perks: Free FICO credit score; SSN alerts; New account alerts
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Security deposit: $200–$2,500
View card details

NFCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter (then 1%), at:
    • Restaurants
    • Gas Stations
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Cashback Match: Double all cash back earned in the first year; awarded at the end of the first year
  • Perks: Free FICO credit score; Member Deals; Shopping and travel protections
  • No balance transfer fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Security deposit: $200+
View card details

Wells Fargo® Business Secured Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • Cash Back Option: 1.5% cash back for every purchase
  • Reward Points Option:
    • 1X point per dollar for every purchase
    • 1,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 in a monthly billing period
  • Perks: Earn More Mall; Upgrade to unsecured card
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Security deposit: $500–$25,000
View card details
Hotels

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

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  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$95, $0 first year
  • Purchase APR15.74% - 24.74% Variable

Rates & Fees

Read Our Review

  • Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn a Weekend Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • Annual fee: $95, $0 first year
  • Terms Apply.
Rewards

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Review) is designed for travelers who frequently stay at Hilton properties, but it also provides quite a few points for gas.

Spending Rewards
  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar at:
    • U.S. Restaurants
    • U.S. Supermarkets
    • U.S. Gas stations
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar on other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 150,000 bonus points for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months; 50,000 bonus points for spending a total of $10,000 in the first 6 months

You’ll need to redeem your points through the Hilton Honors system. That’s not a bad thing because it has quite a few options like free night stays, vacation packages, and resort-specific services.

Key Features
  • Hilton Honors Gold status: Includes an 80% point bonus, room upgrades when available, complimentary breakfasts, and more
  • Priority Pass Select membership: 10 free visits to Priority Pass lounges per year; additional visits cost $32 per person
  • Annual Weekend Night Award: For spending $15,000 in a calendar year
  • ShopRunner membership: ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping and returns at participating online retailers.
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Baggage Insurance Plan, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95, $0 first year

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Rates & Fees)

Runners Up4

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Spending Rewards
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 5X Bonus points per dollar at:
    • U.S. supermarkets
    • U.S. restaurants
    • U.S. gas stations
  • 3X Bonus points per dollar for other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 80,000 Bonus points for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months; 50,000 Bonus points for spending a total of $5,000 in the first 6 months
  • Perks: Hilton Honors Silver status, with a fast track to Gold status; ShopRunner membership; Entertainment Access program
  • Shopping and travel protections: Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Car Rental Insurance Plan, Global Assist Hotline
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Card (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

View card details

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 25X points per dollar at IHG hotels and resorts:
    • 10X points from the IHG credit card
    • 15X points for IHG Platinum Elite status
  • 2X Bonus points per dollar at:
    • Gas stations
    • Restaurants
    • Grocery stores
  • 1X Bonus point per dollar for all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 150,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • Perks: Free night stay; IHG Platinum Elite status; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; Shopping and travel protections
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $89
View card details

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Spending Rewards
  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio
  • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar for:
    • U.S. Gas stations
    • U.S. Wireless telephone services directly from providers
    • U.S. Restaurants
    • U.S. Shipping purchases
    • Flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
    • Car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus points per dollar on other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 130,000 Bonus points for spending $2,000 in the first 3 months; 50,000 Bonus points for spending a total of $10,000 in the first 6 months
  • Perks: Hilton Honors Gold status, and fast track to Diamond; Priority Pass Select membership (10 free visits per year, then $32 per person); Annual Weekend Night Award for spending $15,000 in a calendar year, and a second for spending $60,000; Amex Offers
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Baggage Insurance Plan, Global Assist Hotline
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $95

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

View card details

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Spending Rewards
  • 6X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Marriott Bonvoy Portfolio
  • 4X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar for eligible purchases at:
    • U.S. restaurants
    • U.S. gas stations
    • Wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. providers
    • U.S. purchases of shipping
  • 2X Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 125,000 Bonus points & 2 bonus Free Night Awards for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months; Bonus Free Night Awards have a redemption level up to 50K points. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/3/2021.
  • Perks: Free Night Award after account anniversary, and a second Free Night Award for spending $60,000 in a calendar year; Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, with a fast track to Gold Elite; Free premium in-room WiFi; 15 Elite Night Credits; $100 property credit at The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis
  • Shopping and travel protections: Baggage Insurance Plan, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline, Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $125

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

View card details

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The information related to Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.

Business

American Express® Business Gold Card

Our rating:
How To Apply
How To Apply
  • Min. credit levelGood
  • Annual Fee$295
  • Purchase APR14.24% - 22.24% Variable

Rates & Fees

Read Our Review

Rewards

If your business doesn’t have the same kind of spending from month to month, it can be hard to plan out a rewards strategy. But the American Express® Business Gold Card (Review) adjusts to fit your needs, with a variety of potential 4X bonus categories that include U.S. gas stations.

So if you don’t spend a lot on gas one month, that’s OK. You’ll earn points on the categories you spend more in, and 4X gas rewards will be waiting for you next month.

Spending Rewards
  • 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar in the two categories with the highest spend per billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year, then 1X):
    • Airfare purchased directly from airlines
    • U.S. advertising purchases: online, TV, radio
    • U.S. providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions
    • U.S. gas stations
    • U.S. restaurants
    • U.S. shipping
  • 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar for eligible purchases from Amex Travel
  • 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar for other eligible purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 70,000 bonus points for spending $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership
Key Features
  • 25% airline bonus: Get 25% of your points back when booking eligible airfare through American Express Travel using Membership Rewards Pay with Points.
  • The Hotel Collection: A $100 hotel credit and room upgrades when available for every eligible two-night stay
  • Point transfer: To a selection of airline and hotel partners
  • Amex Offers: Access to extra point offers at a wide variety of merchants
  • Shopping and travel protections: Baggage Insurance Plan, Trip Delay Insurance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline, Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $295

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

American Express® Business Gold Card (Rates & Fees)

Runners Up7

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice each month:
    • Gas
    • Travel
    • Office supply stores
    • TV/telecom & wireless services
    • Computer services
    • Business consulting services
  • 2% cash back on Dining
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • 3% and 2% rewards only up to $50,000 per year, then 1% back
Introductory Bonus
  • $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening
  • Perks: Bank of America Preferred Rewards cash back bonus; Shopping and travel protections
  • Annual fee: $0.00
View card details

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2022)
  • 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent per year at:
    • Office supply stores
    • Internet, cable, and phone services
  • 2% cash back on up to $25,000 spent per year at:
    • Gas stations
    • Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $750 cash bonus for spending $7,500 in the first 3 months after account opening
  • Perks: Chase Offers; Shop through Chase; Shopping and travel protections
  • Purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, then 13.24% - 19.24% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card

Spending Rewards
  • 1X point per dollar spent on everything else
Introductory Bonus
  • Extra bonus point per dollar spent on eligible purchases in the first 365 days, up to 100,000 bonus points
  • Perks: Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection; Concierge; Shopping and travel protections
  • Annual fee: No annual fee for the first year, $95 thereafter.
View card details

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Spending Rewards
  • 5X miles per dollar for:
    • Hotels booked through Capital One Travel
    • Rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles per dollar for every other purchase
Introductory Bonus
  • 50,000 bonus miles for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months
  • Perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit; Point transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs; Shopping and travel protections
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
View card details

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Spark Cash Plus
Spending Rewards
  • 2% cash back on all purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • $500 after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months; $500 after spending $50,000 in the first 6 months
  • Free employee cards
  • Shopping protections: Purchase Security, Extended Warranty Protection, Price Protection
  • Travel protections: Rental Insurance Coverage, Roadside Dispatch, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Travel Accident Insurance
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $150
View card details

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Spending Rewards
  • 2% cash back for every eligible purchase, up to $50,000 spent annually
  • 1% cash back for every eligible purchase after that
Introductory Bonus
  • $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • Perks: Amex Offers; Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee; Connect to QuickBooks
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
  • Annual fee: No annual fee

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

View card details

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Spending Rewards
  • 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year
  • 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar on other eligible purchases after that
Introductory Bonus
  • 15,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  • Perks: Amex Offers; Point transfer; Connect to QuickBooks
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months from date of account opening, then 13.24% - 19.24% Variable
  • Annual fee: No annual fee

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)

Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.

View card details

The information related to American Express® Business Gold Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.

Students

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students

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  • Min. credit levelLimited Credit History
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Purchase APR0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable

Read Our Review

  • $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
  • New Offer: Maximize your cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement /furnishings
  • Now earn 3% cash back in your choice category and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
  • You can update your choice category for future purchases once each calendar month using the Mobile banking app or Online banking, or do nothing and it stays the same.
  • No changing categories and no expiration on rewards
  • 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.99%–23.99% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
  • If you’re a Preferred Rewards client, you can increase that bonus to 25% – 75%. Click “Apply Now” to learn more about Preferred Rewards.
  • Now with chip technology for enhanced security and protection at chip-enabled terminals
  • No annual fee
Rewards

Take a gander at the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards™ Credit Card for Students (Review).

College students are typically new to credit, with limited or no credit history. This makes getting that first credit card tough. Student credit cards are designed with this in mind, and often come with less favorable terms to reflect that.

But this card from Bank of America is pretty great all-around, with a nice selection of bonus categories you can adjust from month to month.

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back in one category of your choice:
    • Gas
    • Online shopping
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Drugstores
    • Home improvement/furnishings stores
  • 2% cash back at:
    • Grocery stores
    • Wholesale clubs
  • 1% cash back on all purchases
  • 3% and 2% rewards only up to $2,500 per quarter, then 1% cash back
Introductory Bonus
  • $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
Key Features
  • Good Grades Reward: A $20 statement credit for each year that your GPA is 3.0 or higher, for up to five years
  • Free credit score: Track your FICO Score 8 over time, based on your TransUnion credit report.
  • Social Security number alerts: Get notified if your SSN is found on any thousands of risky websites.
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
Runners Up6

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 8% cash back at Vivid Seats (until 1/31/23)
  • 3% cash back for:
    • Dining
    • Grocery stores
    • Streaming services
    • Entertainment
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Perks: Capital One Shopping; Concierge service; Free credit scores with CreditWise; Premier Culinary Experiences; Must-See Music Events; Big-Time Sports Events
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty; Price Protection; MasterRental Coverage; Master RoadAssist Service; Travel Accident Insurance; Travel Assistance Services (benefits may vary by product; see your respective Guide to Benefits, as terms and exclusions apply)
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Spending Rewards
  • 1.5% cash back for all purchases
  • Perks: Capital One Shopping; Concierge service; Free credit scores with CreditWise; Premier Culinary Experiences; Must-See Music Events; Big-Time Sports Events
  • Shopping and travel protections: Extended Warranty; Price Protection; MasterRental Coverage; Master RoadAssist Service; Travel Accident Insurance; Travel Assistance Services (benefits may vary by product; see your respective Guide to Benefits, as terms and exclusions apply)
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Discover it® Student chrome

Spending Rewards
  • 2% cash back, up to $1,000 spent per quarter (then 1%), at:
    • Gas stations
    • Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Cashback Match: Double all cash back rewards earned in the first year
  • Perks: Good Grades Reward; Free credit score; SSN alerts; New account alerts
  • Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms (for transfers made in the first 90 days), then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%; activation required):
    • January – March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, CVS
    • April – June: Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, Select Streaming Services
    • July – September: Restaurants, PayPal
    • October – December: Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • Cashback Match: Double all cash back rewards earned in the first year
  • Perks: Good Grades Reward; Free credit score; SSN alerts; New account alerts
  • Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Wells Fargo Cash Back College Card

Spending Rewards
  • 3% cash back for the first 6 months, up to $2,500 spent, on:
    • Gas stations
    • Grocery stores
    • Drugstores
  • 1% cash back for every other purchase
  • Bonus cash back at participating merchants in the Earn More Mall
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months, then 12.15%–22.15% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 6 months then 12.15%–22.15% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Bank of America Travel Rewards® Credit Card for Students

Spending Rewards
  • 3X points per dollar on purchases from the Bank of America travel center
  • 1.5X points per dollar for all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 25,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
  • Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months, then 14.99%–22.99% Variable
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details
Military Members and Families

USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Our rating:
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  • Min. credit levelExcellent
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Purchase APR11.90%–25.90% Variable

Read Our Review

  • Earn 5% cash back on your first $3,000 in gas and military base purchases annually on these categories combined
  • Earn 2% on your first $3,000 on supermarket purchases per year
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • USAA membership is available to active and former military and their eligible family members
Rewards

USAA offers a variety of credit cards for military members and their families. The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card (Review) is one of the most rewarding, and with no annual fee it’s not a bad choice for gas purchases.

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back on the first $3,000 spent per year (then 1%) on:
    • Gas
    • Military base purchases
  • 2% cash back on the first $3,000 spent per year on Groceries (then 1%)
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

That 5% cash back is a relatively high offer, although it’s limited to the first $3,000 you spend in those categories every year. That means you can only earn a maximum of $150 per year in those categories, but if you’ll stay under that limit this could be the right card for you.

USAA cards come with a variety of useful benefits specifically designed for military members and their families. So even if you’re not getting the best rewards program, you might like the other features enough to value this card very highly.

Key Features
  • Special active duty rate: 4% APR for eligible balances for members who are on active duty, until one year after they have completed active duty.
  • Specially trained customer service: Dedicated, military-specific customer support to provide assistance before, during, and after deployment.
  • Shopping and travel protections: Including Travel Assistance Services and Identity Theft Resolution Services
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
Runners Up1

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Spending Rewards
  • 5X points per dollar:
    • Gas purchases at the pump
    • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • 3X points per dollar:
    • Supermarkets
    • Restaurants/dining
    • Cable, satellite, and other television/radio/streaming services
  • 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
Introductory Bonus
  • 15,000 points for spending $1,500 in the first 3 months
  • Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months, then 11.74% to 17.99% Variable
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details
Costco Members

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Our rating:
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  • Min. credit levelExcellent
  • Annual Fee$0 (Costco membership required)
  • Purchase APR15.24% (Variable)

Read Our Review

  • Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
  • 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
  • The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.24%. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi’s discretion.
Rewards

Costco members have a special advantage with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (Review), which is actually one of the better gas credit cards. This card has no annual fee but requires a Costco membership to apply, which is at least $60 annually.

Spending Rewards
  • 4% cash back on eligible Gas, including gas at Costco; up to $7,000 per year, then 1% back
  • 3% cash back:
    • At Restaurants
    • On Travel
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

In general, gas rewards credit cards don’t offer any bonus categories for wholesale clubs, like Costco. So this card is one of your only options for earning rewards for gas at Costco.

The other spending categories are pretty good as well. The 3% cash back for restaurants and travel is on the upper end compared to most cards without annual fees. And the 2% back at Costco will be a welcome bonus for any member.

Key Features
  • Just pay with the Costco Visa: Your credit card will be counted as your membership card when making Costco purchases.
  • Shopping protections: Like Purchase Protection
  • Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required, a minimum of $60 per year)
  • Open-loop card: You can use this card anywhere Visa is accepted.
Runner Up1

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

Spending Rewards
  • 4% cash back on eligible Gas, including gas at Costco; up to $7,000 per year, then 1% back
  • 3% cash back:
    • At Restaurants
    • On Travel
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
View card details

Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.

Sam's Club Members

Sam’s Club® Mastercard®

Our rating:
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  • Min. credit levelFair
  • Annual Fee$0
  • Purchase APR16.65%–24.65% Variable
  • 5% cash back for gas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including gas at Sam’s Club; only on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%
  • 3% cash back for dining and travel expenses
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Get a $45 statement credit if you open your account online and make a $45 purchase at samsclub.com on the same day
  • Cap of $5,000 in cash back rewards per year
Why We Picked It

The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® is an obvious choice for anyone who is already a Sam’s Club member. This card is available if you have a Sam’s Club membership, which costs a minimum of $45 annually.

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back for Gas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including gas at Sam's Club (up to $6,000 spent per year)
  • 3% cash back for:
    • Dining
    • Travel
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Cap of $5,000 in cash back rewards per year
Introductory Bonus
  • $45 statement credit when you spend $45 or more at samsclub.com, the same day you open your account online

The 5% back you’ll get on gas is a great rate, about as high as it usually ever gets for credit cards.

If you spend $900 on gas in a given year you’ll earn $45 in rewards, enough to offset the minimum Sam’s Club annual membership fee. And if you spend $2,000 on gas you’ll earn $100, enough to offset the Plus membership fee. And that doesn’t even factor in the cash back rewards you’ll earn from the dining and travel categories.

If you’re already paying for a Sam’s Club membership you might as well get some good rewards too. Since this card can be completely free to use as long as you avoid interest and fees, it should be a welcome addition to your wallet.

Key Features
  • Just use your credit card: The Sam’s Club Mastercard also functions as your membership card.
  • Shopping and travel protections: May include Price Protection, Extended Warranties, and Travel Assistance Services
  • Annual fee: $0 (Sam’s Club membership required, a minimum of $45 per year)
  • Open-loop card: Use this card anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Runner Up2

Sam’s Club Business Mastercard

Spending Rewards
  • 5% cash back for Gas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including gas at Sam's Club (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back on:
    • Dining
    • Travel
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Cap of $5,000 in cash back rewards per year
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Annual fee: $0
View card details

Co-Branded Gas Station Credit Cards

Most of the cards above are general-use rewards cards, which can be used at any gas station. But there are also co-branded gas credit cards that can only be used at their specific gas station brands. These “gas store credit cards” are similar to retail store cards in that way.

If you already have a member card with a particular gas station, or you always find yourself filling up at the same station over and over, you might find value in its co-branded credit card.

Anyone who does a lot of driving for work should consider a gas rewards card of some kind. Truckers might find these cards useful, as well as Uber and Lyft drivers. Some of these cards are designed for large companies with fleets of drivers.

These cards typically offer fuel discounts, like 5 cents off per gallon. In many cases the rewards are based on your spending: The more gas you buy, the bigger your discount.

But these branded gas cards, unlike the general-use cards above, usually won’t offer rewards for in-store purchases, like food and drinks. You may be able to use the card in the store — you just won’t earn cash back or points for those purchases.

Not every gas station offers a credit card. Keep in mind that some gas cards are issued by smaller companies, rather than the major credit card issuers (like Amex and Chase, for example). That could mean you’ll get sub-par customer support or payment processing systems. If that’s the case, try to pay your bill well before the due date to make sure your payment arrives on time.

Insider tip

Closed-loop refers to co-branded credit cards that can only be used with that particular brand. For example, the ExxonMobil Smart Card below can only be used at ExxonMobil stations. Open-loop refers to cards that can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted, and these will have a logo at the bottom-right (usually Visa or Mastercard).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best gas credit card?

There are quite a few rewarding gas credit cards, like:

How do gas credit cards work?

Gas credit cards work like any other credit card.

They usually offer credit card rewards for making purchases at gas stations. These rewards might be in the form of cash back, points, rebates, or gas discounts.

Some gas credit cards are general rewards cards, which offer rewards for gas and possibly other types of purchases. Others are co-branded with specific brands or gas stations, and they might only be accepted at their associated merchants.

Can gas credit cards help you build credit?

Yes, gas credit cards can help you build up your credit.

You just need to make sure that your card reports activity to the credit bureaus. In most cases this isn’t a concern, because most card issuers — including the major credit card companies — report activity to all three consumer credit bureaus.

You may find that some smaller issuers don’t report to all three credit bureaus, but this is rare. If you have any questions, you can always contact your issuer to ask.

Expert Q&A

Answer by: Matthew Fisher, Lecturer, Management, Marketing, and Economics, San Francisco State University

As with any credit card, one needs to consider their spending volume, whether a balance is generally carried, annual fee, and card benefits. These considerations must also be compared to alternative card offerings to determine if the card offer is worthy of applying for.

Answer by: James Philpot, Associate Professor, Director of the Financial Planning Program

I often recommend non-co-branded gas cards as a first credit card for building a credit history. The idea is that you can use the card for regular purchases, and as you pay the full balance each month you are developing a credit history. The fact that the card is accepted only for gas and convenience store items at one chain theoretically limits the amount of overspending that is possible due to having credit.

Answer by: Matthew Fisher

A cardholder should consider the benefits of the card against a realistic assessment of their spending and alternative offers. Gas prices are prominently displayed which often attracts the ire of consumers, but an objective analysis of how much is actually used often reveals that this may be misplaced angst. Newer vehicles with increased miles per gallon erode the per gallon discounts that many gasoline credit cards may offer and this benefit is all but eliminated if the consumer purchases an electric vehicle.

Therefore, it is advisable that the consumer seek out a zero annual fee card that offers a generous cash back bonus for any purchases made. I would advise most consumers to largely ignore the bonus reward for gasoline purchases at the branded stations because this often confuses the comparative benefits for most consumers. For example, if you drive 15,000 miles per year, then one must also consider whether all of these miles had access to the branded station and the efficiency of the vehicle. For example, if the car gets 30mpg and you drive 15,000 miles in a year, then you will purchase about 500 gallons of fuel. By contrast, if the car gets 50mpg, then only 300 gallons are purchased.

Additionally, factor in a couple of road trips where the branded card filling station might not be available and any gallon discount benefits are quickly eroded.

Answer by: James Philpot

First and obvious is look for a brand at which you will shop.  Does the brand have locations where you are and everywhere you want to travel?  Are the locations the types of places where you want to shop (clean, variety of products, convenient)?  Does this brand tend to have competitive prices on gasoline?  If the cash-only gas station across the street is always 10 cents cheaper, there’s little sense in using a 5 cent cash back gas card at the more expensive station.

Next, compare the cash-back and product discounts offered.  What is the amount of the cash-back/discount?  Is that amount permanent or simply an attractive introductory that gets less attractive after 90 days?   Is the gas discount cents per gallon or percent?  Is the store product discount different from the gas discount/cash back?

The APR and finance charge information is important if it is likely that you might not pay your balance in full each month.  I counsel paying off the balance in full monthly to avoid these charges, so the length of the grace period and billing cycle are important.

Answer by: Matthew Fisher

The benefits of a co-branded gas credit card are largely for business owners or those that might be travel by vehicle a great deal. Most gas cards offer up a generic cash back bonus on your purchases and a discount on gasoline, but only with that that firm’s stations. If the gas discount is tied to a specific brand, then the value of the card is significantly eroded for the fact that it might not be any cheaper than an alternative. Considering the fact that gasoline is undifferentiated, there is little benefit to the general consumer for gasoline credit card. However, a small business owner or truck driver may find value in a card that is used only for traveling or work.

One benefit to gasoline credit cards is that they often have generous qualification criteria. Therefore, an individual with little or challenged credit may find a gas credit card a good path to building a good credit profile.

Answer by: James Philpot

Pro: the near-universal acceptance allows you to use the card at any kind of vendor and thus earn cash-back on all other purchases.

Con: the near-universal acceptance also allows you to spend more money and run up higher bills.

Answer by: Matthew Fisher

It is often not beneficial to apply for a gas card with an annual fee. However, if a gas card offers a higher cash back reward for an annual fee, then it is necessary to forecast your spending patterns and volume to determine if the increased reward justifies the upfront cost. Additionally, it should be noted that humans are not particularly good at forecasting future benefits and experiments have often illustrated this cognitive bias. Furthermore, if the cardholder is carrying multiple cards and they offer rotating rewards, then the forecasting and arithmetic is even more challenging. In general, with the wide variety of credit cards available in the market it is rarely not advantageous to apply and hold an annual fee card.

Answer by: James Philpot

IF the annual fee card has enough of a higher gas discount over the no-fee card, AND you buy enough gas at that vendor, then an annual fee might make sense.  Here’s an example of the math.  Texxon Oil offers two versions of its card: one is no-fee with 3 cent discount per gallon, and the other is $100 annual fee with a 8 cent discount.  If you buy 100/(0.08 – 0.03) = 2,000 gallons per year (at Texxon), you break even on the annual fee.  I tend to counsel against annual fee cards because most people are unlikely to make the break-even. 

For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.

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