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ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2021 || Best rewards credit cards || Best cash back credit cards || Best travel credit cards
Gas isn’t a huge part of the typical household budget. So for most people, the trick to choosing a great gas credit card is picking one that rewards you well not just on gas station purchases, but also for other spending. Still, especially for heavy drivers, getting outsized rewards on gas can be key. Aim to earn at least 3% back on every dollar spent at the pump.
Gas-station-branded cards might be tempting, but you’re likely to get more value overall with a general rewards credit card — and you won’t be tied to a single brand of service station.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2021 || Best rewards credit cards || Best cash back credit cards || Best travel credit cards
Gas isn’t a huge part of the typical household budget. So for most people, the trick to choosing a great gas credit card is picking one that rewards you well not just on gas station purchases, but also for other spending. Still, especially for heavy drivers, getting outsized rewards on gas can be key. Aim to earn at least 3% back on every dollar spent at the pump.
Gas-station-branded cards might be tempting, but you’re likely to get more value overall with a general rewards credit card — and you won’t be tied to a single brand of service station.
Our pick for
Families
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$300
Recommended Credit Score
The rewards structure of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is unusually generous to people who spend a lot on gas, transit and groceries, such as those with families and long commutes. No cap on gas rewards means that even if you’re a salesperson with a multistate territory, you'll be able to fill your tank all year long without getting bumped to a lower rewards rate.
The rewards structure of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is unusually generous to people who spend a lot on gas, transit and groceries, such as those with families and long commutes. No cap on gas rewards means that even if you’re a salesperson with a multistate territory, you'll be able to fill your tank all year long without getting bumped to a lower rewards rate.
Pros
Earning 3% back on U.S. gas station purchases year-round is excellent when there are other lucrative bonus categories, too. Large households especially will appreciate what the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can earn on other expenses: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Terms apply.
Cons
Make sure what you'll earn in rewards will outstrip the card's $0 intro for the first year, then $95 annual fee — grocery shopping can likely get you there faster than gas guzzling.
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.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Travelers
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
50,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers excellent rewards on gas, but also on general travel expenses. And the card's perks — including statement credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fees — can help offset its annual fee.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers excellent rewards on gas, but also on general travel expenses. And the card's perks — including statement credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry application fees — can help offset its annual fee.
Pros
You'll earn quadruple points on both gas and travel expenses, one of the richest rates on the market in those categories. In addition, there's a generous sign-up bonus, especially given the fact that the annual fee is waived in the first year. There's also a TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit and an annual streaming credit that can make up for that fee.
Cons
The card's other bonus rewards (on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores) are decent, but not extraordinary. And if you happen to also have the higher-tier version of this card — the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card — you won't be able to pool points and redeem them at that card's higher rate for eligible travel via U.S. Bank. (Some other travel cards allow such pooling.)
Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That's a $500 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Earn 4X points on travel and at gas stations.
Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services.
$30 credit for annual streaming service purchases such as Netflix and Spotify®.
Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® application fee once every four years.
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Smaller spenders
on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call 877-754-6706
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is already a good card for certain purchases, but if you’re a Bank of America® customer and can qualify for Preferred Rewards, this card becomes exceptional for use at the pump. But mind the quarterly spending cap.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is already a good card for certain purchases, but if you’re a Bank of America® customer and can qualify for Preferred Rewards, this card becomes exceptional for use at the pump. But mind the quarterly spending cap.
Pros
You earn 3% cash back on your chosen spending category, which can be gas, and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined spending each quarter. Earn 1% cash back on other purchases. (Other 3% choices: online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement and furniture stores. You can update your choice category once each calendar month.) If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can get bonuses of 25% to 75% of the rewards you earn.
Cons
The spending cap on the 3% and 2% rewards can be complicated to manage and might be too low for larger households. Earning more than 3% back on purchases requires a high loyalty to Bank of America®.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 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
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee 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. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our picks for
Strategic quarterly use
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
Chase has traditionally offered gas purchases as a bonus category at least one quarter a year (and two quarters in some years). Earning 5% back at the pump with an annual fee of $0 is hard to beat. Still, this card does require some maintenance.
Chase has traditionally offered gas purchases as a bonus category at least one quarter a year (and two quarters in some years). Earning 5% back at the pump with an annual fee of $0 is hard to beat. Still, this card does require some maintenance.
Pros
You earn 5% back on rotating bonus categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. Gas is usually among the 5% categories one or two quarters per year. This card also earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on everything else. There's a terrific offer for new cardholders, too.
Cons
The card is great for bonus-category spending but earns a low 1% back outside those categories. You have to keep track of the 5% categories and activate them each quarter, which some consider a hassle.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
See if you qualify for a better offer with Chase:
Get Pre-Qualified
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
The Discover it® Cash Back pays 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, and 1% cash back on other purchases. Every year going back to at least 2014, gas stations have been among the 5% categories.
The Discover it® Cash Back pays 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, and 1% cash back on other purchases. Every year going back to at least 2014, gas stations have been among the 5% categories.
Pros
Bonus categories in recent years have included not just gas stations but also grocery stores, restaurants and Amazon.com (among other merchants), making this a card worth carrying year-round. You also get Discover's signature cash-back match bonus and an annual fee of $0.
Cons
The rewards rate is low outside the bonus categories. You have to keep track of the categories and activate them each quarter, which some consider a hassle. Bonus earnings are capped.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
#1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily.
No annual fee.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Credit union fans
on Pentagon Federal Credit Union's website
on Pentagon Federal Credit Union's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-5x
Points
Intro offer
15,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
For some, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card won’t be an easy card to apply for, and redeeming points might be a hassle. But if you need a sky-high return on your gas spending, it may be the card for you.
For some, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card won’t be an easy card to apply for, and redeeming points might be a hassle. But if you need a sky-high return on your gas spending, it may be the card for you.
Pros
If you’re willing to endure a little hassle in joining this credit union and using its points, it’s hard to beat the return in points on the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card, which has an annual fee of $0. Each $1 spent on gas earns the equivalent of 4.25 cents when redeemed for gift cards, which is a superb return. It also helps at the supermarket. The card is also our only choice that isn’t issued by a megabank, if that appeals to you.
Cons
To apply, you need to become a member of Pentagon Federal Credit Union, an organization that caters to military and government employees. Everyone is eligible to join. There is no cash-back option; just merchandise, gift cards and travel. Also, points aren’t worth the traditional penny per point. You'll typically get a value of 0.85 cents each, although they can be worth more than a penny when used for travel. Finally, gas rewards are for pay-at-the-pump purchases only, so snacks, wiper fluid and car washes bought at the service station checkout counter won’t count for bonus rewards.
Rate and offers current as of October 1, 2021 and subject to change.
New Acquisition Bonus: 15,000 points after $1,500 spend during first 3 months of card open date
Earn 5x points for gas purchases at the pump and electric vehicle charging stations
Earn 3x points for supermarket purchases, restaurants/dining, and cable, satellite and other television/radio/streaming services
Earn 1x point on all other purchases
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
No cash advance fee
Chip and Contactless ‘Tap to Pay’ enabled for added security, ease and convenience at the point of sale
Click and Pay eligible, via Secure Remote Commerce, so you can enjoy easy and secure online buying checkout
Digital wallet capable
Purchase variable rate as low as 13.49% APR
0% promotional rate for 12 months on balance transfers made between now and March 31, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
Cash Advance APR 17.99%
Want to compare more options? Here are our other top picks:
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: NERDWALLET'S BEST GAS CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Our pick for: Families
If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming services — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice bonus offer for new cardholders and an introductory 0% APR period, too. The generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one charges an annual fee. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travelers
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and at gas stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95. Read our review.
Our pick for: Smaller spenders
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel and others. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
Our pick for: Rewards tailored to your spending
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back elsewhere). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.
Our pick for: Strategic quarterly use
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and a 0% intro APR period, too. Read our review.
Our pick for: Strategic quarterly use
The Discover it® Cash Back earns bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate. In past years, those categories have included common spending areas like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and Amazon.com. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending aligns with those categories (and for most households, it probably will), you can rake in serious rewards. You also get the issuer's signature "cash-back match" bonus in your first year. Read our review.
Our pick for: Wholesale club members
The Sam's Club® Mastercard® delivers terrific cash back on gas and restaurants and extra rewards on Sam's Club purchases if you're a "Plus" member. There's no annual fee for the card, but you have to be a Sam's Club member, and that does involve a fee. Read our review.
Our pick for: Credit union fans
For some, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card won’t be an easy card to apply for, and redeeming points might be a hassle. But if you need a sky-high return on your gas spending, it may be the card for you. Read our review.
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page.
Last updated on October 7, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen in multiple categories.
