Blog >> The Best Credit Cards For Gas
By Kevin Zanes / August 8, 2024
In the current fast-paced world, driving is a necessity for many of us, whether it is commuting to work, embarking on a road trip, or simply running errands around town. With gas prices often fluctuating, finding ways to save at the pump can make a significant difference in your budget. One of the smartest strategies to maximize your savings is by using a credit card that offers rewards specifically for gas purchases.
Imagine earning cash back or points every time you fill up your tank, effectively reducing your overall fuel costs. The right credit card can help you achieve this, turning an everyday expense into a valuable opportunity to save. Whether you are a daily commuter, a frequent traveler, or someone who simply wants to get more out of every mile, choosing the right credit card can put money back in your pocket.
Before You Apply: Know Your Credit Score
If you are new to cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, and credit in general, it is a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit or charge card. That way, you will be able to apply for credit cards which align with both your credit score and your financial goals.
Credit. Time. Credit Score Chart.
Credit Scores are shown numerically and range from 300 (Poor) to 850 (Excellent / Perfect). While there are a number of credit agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and credit scores (FICO and VantageScore), generally, scores above 750 are considered excellent*. While some agencies charge for a credit report, there are a number of “free” options as well:
- Personal Bank
- Credit Karma
- Annual Credit Report
The Best Credit Cards For Gas
Here is a quick overview of the best credit cards for gas, which includes a summary of card details, reward rates, benefits, and more.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. The unique and high-value cash back bonuses in key spend categories (i.e. U.S. Supermarkets, Gas Stations, etc) set this card apart from similar, simpler options. In addition, the card offers a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. However, there are fewer redemption options with a cash back credit card versus one which provides travel rewards.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
- APR: 18.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 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 on Transit (including taxis, ride-share, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
Note: Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Other Benefits
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.74% – 29.74%.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card launched in 2022 and quickly became one of the most popular credit cards with no annual fee. Cardholders are able to earn 3x in popular spending categories (i.e. Restaurants, Travel, Gas, and more) and enjoy benefits such as cell phone protection. The value of the card recently increased with the introduction of Wells Fargo Rewards, which now provides multiple transfer partner options. This pairs nicely with the existing fixed-rate redemption option, allowing cardholders to “pay with points.”
Credit. The Points Guy. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 3x on Restaurants
- 3x on Travel and Transit
- 3x at Gas Stations
- 3x on popular Streaming Services and Phone Plans
- 1x on Other purchases
Other Benefits
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter
- Enjoy up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card is one of the most underrated travel rewards credit cards for beginners. The value of the card comes from the broad range of earning categories, which cover the major expenses for the average household (i.e. supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, and travel), for a relatively modest annual fee of $95. In addition, cardholders can redeem Citi ThankYou points through the Citi Travel portal or transfer the points to one of many Citi transfer partners.
Citi Premier® Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- Annual Fee: $95
- APR: 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
Reward Rates
- 3x at Gas Stations
- 3x on Air Travel and Other Hotels
- 3x at Restaurants
- 3x at Supermarkets
- 1x on All Other purchases
Other Benefits
- For a limited time earn 10 points per $1 dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, attractions (excluding air travel) when book through Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024
- $100 annual hotel savings benefit (on single hotel stay bookings of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, booked through thankyou.com)
Note: Citi Premier is no longer available for new applicants.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a solid cash-back credit card with no annual fee. This card differentiates itself from other options on the market by providing a unique earning opportunity: 5% back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spend). The Citi Custom Cash® Card is the perfect credit card to help you maximize purchase which do not fit into other traditional bonus categories (i.e. Home Improvement). While the cash back comes in the form of Citi ThankYou points, which you can redeem for statement credits, pairing the Citi Custom Cash® Card with either the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants) unlocks higher value redemptions through various transfer partners.
Citi Custom Cash® Card.
Credit Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 19.24% – 29.24% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 580-740 (Fair / Good)*
Reward Rates
- 5% Cash Back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (1% cash back thereafter)
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025
Other Benefits
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, then a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24%
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is the perfect credit card for those who prefer cash-back rewards over travel rewards. The card offers a simple cash-back structure including ket categories such as U.S. Supermarkets and U.S. Gas Stations, with no annual fee. However, there are fewer redemption options with a cash back credit card versus one which provides travel rewards.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Card Details
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months of card membership
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 18.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit: 670-850 (Good / Excellent)*
- See Rates And Fees
Reward Rates
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. Online Retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%)
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%)
- 1% Cash Back on All Other purchases
Note: Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Other Benefits
- Balance Transfers: Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.74% to 29.74%
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of credit card rewards can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can transform a routine expense like gas into a rewarding opportunity. From cards offering cash back to those with robust points programs, the options available can significantly impact your savings and travel plans. Whether you’re seeking high cash back rates, flexible redemption options, or additional perks like travel insurance and purchase protection, there is a card out there that fits your needs. By strategically choosing a card that aligns with your fuel spending and overall financial goals, you can maximize your rewards and make every trip to the pump a little more rewarding. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also earn rewards that can be redeemed for travel, dining, or even more savings on future purchases.
*Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.