With the right card in your wallet, you can maximize the cash back, points or miles you earn at the pump.
On average, Americans spent $1,968 on gasoline and other fuels in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you own a vehicle and spend that much or more on gas every year, it may make sense to get a cash rewards credit card for buying gas.
No, we’re not talking about the gas cards offered by gasoline companies like Shell and BP. The best rewards credit cards for gas stations offer accelerated rewards at gas stations, as well as great rewards on other everyday purchases you make.
The best cards to get a discount on health insurance
Credit cards can be a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for medical expenses, including health insurance premiums, copays, and deductibles. When choosing a credit card to use for these expenses, it’s important to consider factors such as rewards, interest rates, and annual fees.
If you’re looking for the best credit cards to use for health insurance expenses in Texas, consider a card that offers cash back rewards or flexible rewards points that can be redeemed for statement credits, travel, or other purchases. Some popular cash back cards in Texas include the Discover it Cash Back and the Citi Double Cash Card.
In California, a card that offers a sign-up bonus and a high rewards rate for healthcare-related expenses, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, may be a good choice. This card offers a one-time bonus of 100,000 miles if you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening, and earns 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
For health insurance expenses in York, Pennsylvania, a card that offers low interest rates, such as the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card, may be a good option. This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, as well as a low ongoing APR.
In Florida, a card that offers rewards and a low interest rate, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited, may be a good choice. This card earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
For those looking to compare health insurance quotes online, a card that offers rewards for online purchases, such as the PayPal Cashback Mastercard, may be a good option. This card earns 2% cash back on all purchases made online and through PayPal.
For individuals who need health insurance effective immediately, a card that offers a quick and easy application process, such as the Petal Visa Credit Card, may be a good choice. This card offers a quick pre-qualification process and no fees, making it a good option for those who need coverage quickly.
If you’re looking for affordable health insurance options, a credit card that offers low interest rates and a low annual fee, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, may be a good choice. This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, as well as a $0 annual fee.
Three-month health insurance plans can be an expensive and unpredictable option, and a credit card with a low interest rate and flexible rewards program, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, may be a good choice. This card offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, and earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases.
Zing health insurance may offer its own credit card options, but it’s important to compare the terms and conditions of these cards with other options to determine if they’re the best fit for your needs.
Best card to cover personal loan expenses
When it comes to personal loans, there are many options to choose from. From loan consolidation to debt relief, having the right credit card can help you manage your expenses and take control of your finances. Here are some of the best credit cards to use for personal loans, depending on your specific needs.
For those looking to upgrade their personal loan, a credit card with a high credit limit, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, may be a good option. This card offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and has a relatively high credit limit, making it a good option for those who need to take out a larger loan.
If you’re looking to consolidate your personal loans into one manageable payment, a card that offers a low interest rate, such as the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card, may be a good choice. This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, making it a good option for those who want to simplify their payments and save money on interest.
For those who don’t want to pay an origination fee for their personal loan, a card that offers a $0 origination fee, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, may be a good option. This card also offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and has a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to take out a loan.
If you’re looking for a 100k personal loan, a card with a high credit limit, such as the American Express Platinum Card, may be a good choice. This card offers a high credit limit and a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening, making it a good option for those who need a large loan.
For those looking for a personal loan up to 100k, a card that offers a high credit limit and rewards program, such as the Citi Premier Card, may be a good option. This card offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 ThankYou points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and earns 3 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases, making it a good option for those who need a large loan and want to earn rewards for their spending.
If you’re considering using your home as collateral for a personal loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a better option than a traditional personal loan. HELOCs are typically offered at a lower interest rate than personal loans and can be a good option for those who have significant equity in their home and want to use it as collateral.
When it comes to choosing between a fixed or variable interest rate for a personal loan, it’s important to consider your personal circumstances and goals. A fixed interest rate personal loan may be a good option for those who want a predictable payment and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their interest rate will not change. On the other hand, a variable interest rate personal loan may be a good option for those who are willing to take on a bit of risk in exchange for the potential for a lower interest rate over time.
For those who need debt relief, a debt consolidation loan or a credit counseling service may be a good option. Debt consolidation loans allow you to combine multiple debts into one manageable payment, and credit counseling services can help you create a plan to pay off your debts and improve your financial situation.
Best Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases From Our Partners
Depending on what else you spend your money on, these top rewards credit cards for gas station purchases will do a lot more than that. With all that in mind, here are our top choices from our partners.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0 (active Costco membership required)
Bonus: None
APR: Variable APR of 18.24%
Rewards Rate: 1%-4% Cash Back ⓘ
Terms and restrictions apply
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, one of our partners, is a credit card made exclusively for Costco members. It comes with 4% cash back on up to $7,000 in annual gas purchases and EV charging purchases (and then 1% after), 3% back on restaurant and travel purchases, 2% back at Costco and Costco.com and 1% on other purchases.
One unique feature of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card is how you get your cash back. While most credit cards give you a monthly credit or a credit when you hit a certain rewards level, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers an annual rewards credit for all of your cash back earned. Also, this co-branded Citi credit card doesn’t have an annual fee, but you will need to be an active Costco member to enjoy its benefits.
Citi Premier® Card
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $95
Bonus: 80,000 ThankYou Points ⓘ
APR: Variable APR Between 18.99% – 26.99%
Rewards Rate: 1X-3X ThankYou Points ⓘ
Terms and restrictions apply
More Details: The Citi Premier Card, from our partner Citi, is worth considering if you’re looking for a travel credit card, but don’t want to pay a huge annual fee. The Citi Premier Card offers new cardholders a sign-up bonus of 80,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 during the first three months of account opening.
Additionally, this Citi credit card offers a range of incentives, such as bonus points, gift cards and deals with retail partners. Best of all, you’ll get more value when you redeem points for flights, and potentially even better value when you transfer points to Citi’s travel partners.
Read our full review of the Citi Premier Card.
Citi Rewards+® Card
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0
Bonus: 20,000 ThankYou Points ⓘ
APR: Variable APR Between 16.49% – 26.49% After Intro 0% APR Period ⓘ
Rewards Rate: 1X-5X ThankYou Points ⓘ
Terms and restrictions apply
Citi Rewards+ Card, from our partner Citi, is a cash-back rewards credit card with no annual fee. The card includes unique features, including a round-up to the next 10 Thank You Points on any purchase and 10% back on redemptions. New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $1,500 in the first three months of the account opening date for a limited time. Additionally, new cardholders earn 5x ThankYou points per dollar spent at restaurants up to $6,000 in the first 12 months (then the points-per-dollar ratio becomes 1:1 thereafter).
When shopping with the Citi Rewards+ Card, you’ll earn 2x ThankYou Points per dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations up to $6,000 in annual purchases. That means you can earn up to 12,000 points per year from these bonus category purchases. Any other purchases beyond $6,000 earn the card’s regular rewards rate of 1x point per dollar. Read our full review of the Citi Rewards+ Card.
Citi® Double Cash Card
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0
Bonus: $200 ⓘ
APR: Variable APR Between 16.99% – 26.99% After Intro 0% APR Period ⓘ
Rewards Rate: 2% Cash Back
Terms and restrictions apply
More Details: For a limited time, the Citi Double Cash Card is offering a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months of opening the account. This cash-back card also comes with a competitive 18-month, 0% APR introductory balance transfer offer for new cardholders. After which, you’ll pay a variable APR based on your creditworthiness on any unpaid balances.
Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0
Bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus ⓘ
APR: 17.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% variable APR after low intro APR period.
Rewards Rate: 2% cash rewards on purchases
More Details: Many rewards credit cards tempt you with bonus rewards for specific purchases, but with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates and Fees), you simply receive a 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no need to register for anything, and there is no annual fee to carry this credit card in your wallet.
Plus, you now get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card. (subject to a $25 deductible).
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card applicants can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on the card within the first three months of account opening. Additionally, new accounts receive a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (17.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% variable APR after low intro APR period). Qualifying balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $99
Bonus: 140,000 Bonus Points
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1X-26X Points
Terms and restrictions apply
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a traveler’s dream, especially if you’re already a loyal IHG customer. The perks accompanying this co-branded Chase credit card are worth way more than the $99 annual fee. The IHG Rewards Premier Card comes with Platinum Elite Status, a free anniversary night every year and a free rewards night for reward stays three nights or longer. It’s great for international travel because there are no foreign transaction fees.
This hotel credit card comes with an attractive offer — new cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months of account opening. A sign-up bonus like this can go a long way towards free reward nights at participating IHG hotels around the world, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, EVEN Hotels, Indigo Hotels and Holiday Inn. Read our full review of the IHG Rewards Premier card.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0
Bonus: $750
APR: Variable APR After Intro 0% APR Period
Rewards Rate: 1%-5% Cash Back
Terms and restrictions apply
More Details: The Ink Business Cash Card is a valuable business cash-back card for entrepreneurs of all types. Earn an impressive rewards rate of 5% cash back on select business purchases. These include the first $25,000 you spend each account anniversary year at office supply stores and on phone, cable and internet services. Ink Business Cash also offers 2% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and gas stations. You’ll earn 1% cash back on virtually all other purchases.
As a new cardholder, get $750 in bonus cash back when you make $7,500 worth of purchases within the first three months of account opening. Additionally, this no-annual-fee card offers an introductory 0% APR during the first 12 months of account opening on new purchases (balance transfers are excluded from this intro APR offer). Read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Best American Express Credit Cards for Gas Station Purchases
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0 Intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95
Welcome Bonus: $250 ⓘ
Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months ⓘ
APR: 16.99% – 27.99% Variable
Rewards Rate: 1%-6% Cash Back ⓘ
Terms and restrictions apply
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed to help on-the-go households maximize cash-back earnings. While this card carries an annual fee after the first year, which is rare for a cash-back product, large families that spend heavily on gas and groceries will most likely spend enough to offset the $95 annual fee.
The card earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%) and 6% back on select U.S. streaming services. You’ll also earn 3% back on fuel purchases at U.S. gas stations and 3% on transit expenses, including parking, tolls, bus fare and more. All other eligible spending earns 1% cash back.
New cardholders have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus of $250 once they spend $3,000 with the card during their first six months of card membership. Learn more with our full review of the The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Offer Details
Why We Like It
Secure application on issuer’s website.
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $250 ⓘ
Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months ⓘ
APR: Variable APR
Rewards Rate: 1%-3% Cash Back ⓘ
Terms and restrictions apply
For a card with no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers an impressive amount of value. Right off the bat, new cardmembers can earn up to $250 Welcome Bonus after spending $2,000 on purchases during the first six months of Card Membership.
This card earns 3% cash back per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%). All other eligible purchases earn 1% back.
If you’re looking for a simple card to get cash back and earn a bonus on the popular groceries and gas categories, this card could fit your spending needs. Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
Rewards Credit Cards for Gas Versus Oil-Company Gas Cards
So, you know you want to be rewarded at the pump, but you still aren’t sure if you should go for a rewards card with gas perks or an oil-company card? We’ll help you do the math.
Many rewards cards will allow you to earn points or cash back on the amount you spend on fuel. You will earn the same percentage back on any U.S. gas station you use, so you don’t have to be a company loyalist. Even better, cash rewards credit cards come with other perks, as well as more opportunities to earn points or cash back on other spending. You can choose a card based on your spending habits to reap the most rewards.
Co-branded oil-company cards typically offer cents off per gallon or cents per gallon rebates. Gas credit cards that are more than just loyalty rewards credit cards tied specifically to the gas station will allow cardholders to earn cents per gallon per dollar spent elsewhere. For example, the Techron Advantage Visa card allows cardholders to earn 20 cents per gallon at Chevron and Texaco for the 90 days after opening an account.
There are pros and cons to both cards and the right card depends on your unique spending situation and credit score.
Gas Card Pros:
- Better chance of approval: Individuals who are working to rebuild their credit or who have been rejected from popular rewards credit cards are more likely to be approved for a gas card.
- Card limit: If you are afraid of overspending, gas cards come with smaller credit limits, so there is a less likely chance you will get yourself into unbearable debt.
- Comes with limited protection: Most gas cards come with some level of fraud protection which makes it a better choice than using a debit card at the pump.
- Cents off each gallon: Gas cards give you the opportunity to save money on what you are already spending. You might only earn an additional $50 to $100 per year, but that is more than if you were to pay with your debit card.
Gas Card Cons:
- High APRs (interest rates): You don’t want to hold a balance on these cards because the interest rates are high and will cost you more than any cents per gallon saved or earned.
- Limited rewards
- Reward caps
Cash Rewards Credit Cards Pros:
- Earn more back on a variety of spending
- Redeem rewards on what you want, not just gas
- Better APRs (interest rates)
Cash Rewards Credit Cards Reward Card Cons:
- Stricter credit approval
- Many cards come with an annual fee
How to Choose a Credit Card for Gas Rewards
When choosing the right card for your gas rewards, don’t just look at how much you earn for spending. You want to compare these important factors too:
- Rewards cap: Is there a limit to how much you can earn on your annual gas spending? Some cards might offer 5% cash back on gas for one quarter’s spending (usually three months) and then drop it down to 1%.
- Annual fee: Annual fees are not an automatic deal-breaker, but you need to weigh the card’s perks against the fee.
- Redemption value: How can you spend your gas rewards? Cards with redemption flexibility will allow you to use your rewards to benefit your budget rather than being wasted on programs that use points for magazine subscriptions.
- Membership requirements: Some credit cards have warehouse membership fees and rules attached to it. For example, the Costco Citi card requires a $60 annual Costco membership, but you can earn 4% on gas purchases at other fuel stations.
How Much Money Can a Gas Credit Card Save You?
On average, Americans spend $2,109 per year on gas. Your number might be higher if you are a regular commuter or drive a large vehicle. With an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, that comes out to almost 844 gallons per year. Using those stats, here’s how much you would save with a gas credit card versus a rewards credit card:
- A gas card that saves 5 cents per gallon: $42.20
- A rewards card that earns 2% back: $42.18
- A rewards card that earns 3% back: $63.27
- A rewards card that earns 5% back: $105.45
Choosing a cash rewards credit card that earns 2% or more cash back on gas will save you more on your gas purchases. While gas spending is pricey, there is probably another spending category (such as groceries or dining out) that you spend more on. Look for a card that will reward you both for gas purchases and your other frequent purchases.
Methodology
There are a lot of credit cards out there that offer bonus rewards on gas purchases or simply high rewards rates on every purchase you make. We picked our top five based on the overall value they can provide. We looked at the other bonus rewards rates the cards offer and focused on cards that provide extra cash back or points on purchases you’re likely going to make regularly.
In general, we focused on credit cards with no annual fee, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out how to make the card worth it every year. But in the case of the The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, we chose it because it makes it easy to recoup the annual fee every year.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gas Cards
Which Credit Card Earns the Most Points for Gas Station Purchases?
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature is the highest-earning card for gas purchases — it earns 5x points per dollar on gas at the pump, 3x points per dollar on groceries and 1x point per dollar spent everywhere else. Points are worth 1 cent apiece, so you’re getting about as high of a rewards rate on gas as possible. We like the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card because it focuses on giving you the best value at the pump. The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to join PenFed Credit Union in order to apply for the PenFed Platinum Card.
What gas stations take credit cards?
Nearly all gas stations accept most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and others. The biggest gas station brands such as Shell, Chevron, Texaco, QuikTrip, Love’s and more take credit cards. Some gas stations might charge a fee for paying with a credit card.
Are gas credit cards a good idea?
Gas credit cards can be a good idea for people who have a long, daily commute or live in communities where gas prices are above the national average. When you drive a lot, you’ll earn points every time you fill your tank. Additionally, a gas credit card can be a valuable option for those who live far from work, shuttle kids to school and other other activities, drive trucks or SUVs, or travel by car for trips and leisure.
What Is a Gas Credit Card?
A gas-branded credit card is one issued by the oil companies, usually in partnership with a bank. Many gas-branded cards can only be used at that fuel station, but research each fuel companies’ offerings for exact rules. For example, Shell offers a Fuel Rewards Credit Card and a Fuel Rewards Mastercard. The latter can be used on non-Shell purchases and earns rebates on dining and select expenditures. Gas credit cards usually do not have any fees and allow you to save a set amount of cents off of each gallon of gas purchased. Some cards come with rewards on non-fuel purchases made at the fuel station too.
How to choose a gas credit card?
You can start by looking for a gas card that is accepted at services stations near you. Some options earn rewards regardless of which gas station you frequent, while others earn accelerated rewards for spending at specific brands. Consider credit cards that also earn rewards for non-gas purchases. Additionally, you can increase your fuel rewards by opening a gas card without an annual fee.
How Do Gas Credit Cards Work?
Gas credit cards work similarly to a store credit card. For example, if you have a Kohl’s or JCPenney credit card, you know that your card is only useful at those stores. Like all other credit cards, you will be required to pay a monthly minimum and any amount that is carried over to the next month will earn interest. Gas credit cards generally have a higher interest rate than average rewards cards. Since oil-company cards are limited, individuals with fair credit have an easier time being approved. Gas cards are a good option for those who have fair credit or those who are looking to rebuild their credit. Since you can only use the card for gas, it will be harder to rack up the bill, making it easier to keep track of.
Who should not consider a gas card?
If you don’t drive often or work from home, then a gas card may not be for you. Also, anyone who drives a hybrid, fuel-efficient, or eco-friendly vehicle might not spend enough on gasoline to justify a gas credit card.
What Is a Statement Credit?
A statement credit is money paid to your account by your card issuer. It essentially works the same as a cash payment to your account. Some rewards card issuers like American Express often offer statement credits as a payout for cash rewards or other point redemption. Statement credit can be used to pay down your card balance or they can remain on your statement as a positive account balance for future purchases.