Unless you primarily commute via public transit, chances are you’ve recently stopped to gas up. Whether your total was a couple of dollars or you ended up paying triple digits to fill your tank, if you didn’t use a gas credit card, you’re missing out on earning rewards.
At TPG, we’re all about maximizing spending wherever possible, whether that means maximizing the bonus categories on a cash-back card or transferring your rewards points to leverage a killer transfer bonus.
My household includes my partner, a daily commuter who drives 76 miles round-trip to and from work every weekday. That mileage adds up, which is why I added him as an authorized user on my Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (see rates and fees).
Out of all the cards I currently hold, my Costco Anywhere Visa offers the highest reward rate in this category — 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases for the first $7,000 in combined spend per year, then 1% thereafter. Because of these rates, using it to fill up is a no-brainer.
In fact, my February 2025 Costco reward certificate (for all of my 2024 spending) came in at $226.73. A large portion of that spending fell into two main categories: Costco groceries and Costco and non-Costco gas fill-ups.
Whether you’re a road warrior, an occasional driver or fall somewhere in the middle, here’s why you need a gas credit card in your wallet — plus our top picks for the best gas cards.
The best gas credit cards
*The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card, the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparing the best gas credit cards
Here are TPG’s top recommendations for the best gas credit cards.
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| Card | Best for | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Families | Earn $250 in the form of a statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening. |
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at amazon.com checkout. |
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees) |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card | Customized spending | Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Straight-forward cash back | Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi | Costco shoppers | None |
|
$0, though a Costco membership is required to get this card |
| Chase Freedom Flex | Rotating categories | Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | Beginners | Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | Flexible cash rewards | Earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first three months of account opening |
|
$0 |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card | Business owners loyal to Wyndham | Earn up to 75,000 bonus points: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within 90 days of account opening and earn another 25,000 points after spending $12,000 on purchases within 365 days of account opening |
|
$95 |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card | Frequent Wyndham guests | Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90days of account opening. |
|
$75 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | No-annual-fee travel | Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on net purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. |
|
$0 |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn $250 cash back after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at amazon.com checkout.
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees).
Standout benefits: The Blue Cash Preferred is a fantastic starter card for those just getting into credit card rewards. It offers simple earning and redeeming options, but it’s also great for the more seasoned credit card veteran seeking to maximize their spending across multiple categories.
I’ve had this card for 11 years, and every single year I’ve held it, it has more than paid for itself thanks to the hundreds of dollars I’ve earned in cash-back rewards. I’m not a huge Amazon shopper, but when I do have a couple of items in my cart, I’ll put my Blue Cash Preferred Reward Dollars toward those online purchases.
Usually, though, I redeem my cash back for statement credits, which offset some of my spending on this card. In May 2024, I reserved a private room at a Manhattan karaoke bar for a birthday celebration for around $300; more than half that figure was covered by the cash back I had earned on my Blue Cash Preferred.
This card is ideal for those who prioritize earning cash back above other currencies, although keep in mind that redemption options are limited compared to other cash-back cards that let you pocket rewards by adding them to a bank account or opting to receive a check for your rewards balance.
Though I’ve graduated to other cards that earn valuable travel points instead of cash back, I still have the Blue Cash Preferred in my wallet for two main reasons:
- The up to $7 monthly Disney Bundle statement credit (up to $84 back per calendar year, subject to auto-renewal; enrollment required, and terms apply)
- The 3% cash-back rate on transit (paying for metered parking hurts a tiny bit less when I’m earning rewards on these charges)
Before I made the Costco Anywhere Visa my primary gas credit card, the Blue Cash Preferred was my go-to thanks to earning a decent rate of 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
This, coupled with the crown jewel reward category on this card — 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) — has earned the Blue Cash Preferred a well-deserved spot in my wallet year after year for over a decade.
For more details, see our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred.
Apply here: Blue Cash Preferred
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: The Bank of America Customized Cash card doesn’t charge an annual fee, so you can keep it year after year without worrying about that additional expense. Each month you get to select which category you want to earn 3% cash back in from the following options:
- Gas and EV charging stations
- Online shopping (which includes cable, streaming, internet and phone service charges)
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings
Cardholders also earn 2% cash back on grocery store and wholesale club purchases (which is great considering you usually need to get a wholesale club cobranded card to earn rewards at these stores).
Both the 2% and 3% categories noted above are limited to a $2,500 maximum each quarter — once you hit it, you’ll earn 1% cash back on purchases.
If you’re prioritizing earning cash back and looking for flexibility — or if your spending varies between a couple of different categories month to month — the Customized Cash Rewards is a great card to add to your wallet.
Another bonus? If you already have a relationship with Bank of America, you may qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® Program, which could net you bonuses ranging between 25% and 75% depending on which tier you’re in.
For example, if you’re a Preferred Rewards Program member at the Gold tier (which nets you a 25% bonus), instead of earning 3% on gas purchases, you’ll earn 3.75% cash back on each fill-up. Platinum tier members will enjoy a 50% bonus and earn 4.5% cash back, while Platinum Honors, Diamond and Diamond Honors members will each receive a 75% bonus for a total of 5.25% cash back.
For more details, see our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card.
Apply here: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is a solid card for the cash-back fan who occasionally travels but is still getting their footing under them when it comes to credit card rewards.
Though this card doesn’t earn an elevated reward rate in the gas category, it does earn unlimited 1.5% cash back across all purchases. If you don’t care to track specific spend categories and want a (mostly) flat-rate earner, the Quicksilver Cash Rewards may be a good fit.
This card also gives you access to Capital One Travel, where you’ll earn a standout 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked with the Quicksilver Cash Rewards card. Remember how I said this is also a decent travel card? Cardholders enjoy no foreign transaction fees when using their card abroad, which is nice for a product that doesn’t charge an annual fee.
Plus, there’s no minimum redemption amount, and you have options when it comes to redeeming your cash back. You can opt to receive a statement credit, check or gift card or use your reward balance on amazon.com purchases and through PayPal.
Learn more: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards review
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Welcome offer: None.
Annual fee: $0, though a Costco membership is required to get this card.
Standout benefits: Costco fans can easily benefit from holding the Costco Anywhere Visa. If you have a Costco membership, getting — and keeping — this card costs nothing thanks to its lack of an annual fee (see rates and fees). This card features solid gas earning rates and even covers EV charging, making it versatile as well.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card holders can earn 5% cash-back rewards on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 in combined spend per year; then 1%). This means you’re earning rewards every time you fill up your tank or charge your EV, which is especially useful for households that use both types of vehicles.
Another perk of having the open-loop Costco Anywhere Visa is that you can earn solid cash-back rates in other popular categories, like 3% at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases. Better yet, the travel rate can be stacked on top of the 2% cash back Executive members get with their premium membership for a combined 5% cash back on travel purchases. This additional 2% rate applies to the first $50,000 spent each year at Costco, costco.com and Costco Travel but does not apply to the gas category. Even so, you’re still earning between 4% and 5% on filling your tank or charging your EV.
Though I love shopping at Costco and being a Costco Anywhere Visa Card holder, and I personally don’t mind waiting a year to get my reward certificate each February, I can see how this calendar may be off-putting to some. If you prefer to earn your credit card rewards on a rolling monthly basis, this card may not be for you.
The good news is that there are plenty of other cards to choose from that earn elevated reward rates on gas purchases and offer reward access more frequently.
For more details, see our full review of the Costco Anywhere Visa.
Apply here: Costco Anywhere Visa
Chase Freedom Flex
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: The Freedom Flex is easily one of the best cash-back cards on the market. It earns generous rates in key spend categories, including 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate) and at least 1% cash back across all other purchases that don’t fit into any of its other reward categories.
Gas has been included as a bonus category one quarter per year since TPG began tracking the bonus categories for this card in 2014. Though these categories fluctuate, chances are that you’ll be able to take advantage of earning 5% on gas expenses three months out of the year as a Freedom Flex cardholder.
The Freedom Flex makes it so that you’re earning rewards every time you pay, no matter the purchase. This card also features some impressive perks for a no-annual-fee card, such as cellphone protection, shopping protections and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Whether you’re getting gas on a cross-country road trip or just filling up for your daily commute, you’re earning — at minimum — 1% cash back each time you hit the pump. Plus, when you pair this card with another Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points — like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card — you can convert your cash back to this valuable point currency.
For more details, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
Standout benefits: This card is a staff favorite at TPG thanks to stellar travel protections and solid earning rates in popular categories. The Sapphire Preferred is also an excellent card for those who are ready to add another card to their roster that earns valuable transferable points.
Gas is not a specific bonus category on this card, but you will earn a flat rate of 1 point per dollar spent when you pay with this card at the pump. That may not sound like much, but every point you earn on this card is valuable since Chase has lots of great airline and hotel transfer partners — and there are often several opportunities to take advantage of transfer bonuses throughout the year.
The Sapphire Preferred is a chameleon, earning generous reward rates across popular spending categories, though it really shines as a travel rewards card.
Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked via Chase Travel, plus an up to $50 annual hotel statement credit on hotels booked through this portal. My partner has this card, and we make sure to use this hotel credit every year (which is easy to do since the credit is applied automatically without the need for activation).
Cardholders also enjoy 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online groceries and 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases.
Because this card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, you’ll enjoy the previously mentioned earning rates throughout the U.S. and abroad, making the Sapphire Preferred the perfect travel companion.
For more details, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Welcome offer: Earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: Chase Freedom Unlimited cardholders will enjoy earning at least 1.5% cash back across all purchases outside of the bonus categories featured on this card.
If you choose this as your primary gas rewards card, you also enjoy the following earning rates:
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants — including takeout and eligible delivery services
A flat cash-back rate in all nonbonus categories means fueling up will automatically earn you 1.5% back on every dollar you spend, and since this card doesn’t come with an annual fee, getting and keeping it is a net positive year after year assuming responsible card usage.
This card is a great option for card novices and pros alike because it helps fill in any gaps in your reward-earning strategy.
Like the Freedom Flex, the Freedom Unlimited allows you to transfer your cash rewards into Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you hold another Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred, the Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred.
For more details, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card
Welcome offer: Earn up to 75,000 bonus points: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within 90 days of account opening and earn another 25,000 points after spending $12,000 on purchases within 365 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $95.
Standout benefits: In addition to being a solid earner on gas purchases — netting a generous 8 points per dollar spent — this card offers cardholders a reward balance boost of 15,000 bonus points each anniversary year.
This product makes the most sense for small-business owners who are also Wyndham loyalists, as it earns 8 points per dollar spent on Hotels by Wyndham. Others are better off with a general rewards or travel card.
In addition to a decent welcome bonus of up to 75,000 points, cardholders can maximize their business expenses by earning 5 points per dollar spent on marketing, advertising and utilities.
The cherries on top are the automatic Diamond elite status that confers perks like suite upgrades and a welcome amenity at check-in, the ability to get complimentary employee cards for easier expense tracking and the absence of foreign transaction fees — ideal for the business traveler.
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards
Learn more: Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card review
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
Welcome offer: Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $75.
Standout benefits: The consumer Wyndham Rewards Earner card features a smaller annual fee ($75) than its business counterpart and still comes loaded with perks.
If you frequent Wyndham properties, you’ll enjoy earning 6 points per dollar spent at Hotels by Wyndham and on gas purchases, making this card another sleeper hit when it comes to earning gas rewards.
This card also comes with automatic Platinum elite status and 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year.
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Learn more: Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card review
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on net purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: For a no-annual-fee card, the Altitude Connect Visa offers some pretty stellar perks and earning rates where you want them — especially if you’re a traveler, commuter or foodie:
- 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
- 4 points per dollar spent at gas and EV charging stations (up to your first $1,000 each quarter; excludes discount stores, supercenters and wholesale clubs)
- 4 points per dollar spent on travel purchases made directly with airlines, hotels and rental car companies
- 2 points per dollar spent on dining, on streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding discount stores, supercenters and wholesale clubs)
Cardholders can also enjoy up to $100 in statement credits toward their TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee (every four years) and a complimentary Priority Pass membership that allows four no-cost visits to over 1,600 airport lounges all over the world.
When it comes to earning points, don’t discount the Altitude Connect Visa. There are other cards that earn a more valuable reward currency than the points issued by U.S. Bank, but if these bonus categories align with your spending, this card can be a solid choice.
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Learn more: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card review
What to consider when choosing a gas card
You have tons of options if you’re looking to choose a gas credit card. The good news is that we’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting for you. If you want a card that earns cash back or prefer one that earns travel rewards points, you’ll find an option for you on this list. Here’s what else you should think about before applying.
Preferred rewards
If you’re into transferable credit card points and want a multipurpose product that earns solid rewards across several categories, a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent option. If you’re a cash-back enthusiast, consider an option like the Amex Blue Cash Preferred or the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards.
If you’re still relatively new to credit card rewards, a cash-back card may offer a more comfortable introduction to earning and redeeming this specific reward currency. If you’re eager to start earning valuable points you can transfer to partner programs, a product like the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be more your speed since it features a healthy welcome bonus and solid transfer partners like World of Hyatt, Air Canada Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Just make sure you prioritize a card that’s well suited to your needs.
Related: Who are the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners? Everything to know
Welcome bonus
A welcome bonus presents a stellar opportunity to earn a stash of cash back, points or miles depending on the card you choose. When it comes to applying for a gas-specific credit card, factor in whether the welcome bonus offers you decent value in addition to the main reward categories featured on the card you’re considering.
For me, getting the Costco Anywhere Visa made sense since I already had a Costco membership and was looking for ways to maximize my reward-earning strategy across my main spending categories.
Spending habits
The best reward strategy is one that covers the categories you spend the most money in; for me, groceries, travel, dining, streaming and gas are big ones.
I’ve set up my wallet to include cards that cover all these bases. When choosing your gas credit card, consider which card will earn you elevated reward rates each time you fuel up and across other categories, too.
Annual fee
Annual fees run the gamut from $0 to sky-high. Whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee — or want to avoid them altogether — our picks for best gas cards offer something for every budget.
How we chose the best gas credit cards
To choose the best gas credit cards, we selected options suitable for different types of budgets and spenders.
We also took care to choose versatile cards that earn rewards in popular spending categories like streaming, groceries and transit, as well as cards from various issuers that offer hidden gems like purchase protection and even trip delay insurance. For a deeper dive into our selection process, check out our methodology here.
Redemption options for gas credit cards
Most of the gas cards on this list earn cash back, though the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to several airline and hotel partners.
The best gas credit card is the one that is going to build up your reward currency stash and work for your specific needs.
Bottom line
If you drive a vehicle that runs on gas or needs to be charged, you need a gas credit card. Otherwise, you’re leaving money on the table — especially when there are so many flexible options when it comes to cards that earn elevated rates in this category.
If you already have a Costco membership, consider the Costco Anywhere Visa. If you want a no-annual-fee gas card, consider the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. If you’re willing to pay a sub-$100 annual fee and spend a lot on groceries in addition to gas, you can’t go wrong with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred. You have options, and once you decide what type of rewards you’d like to earn and what your most popular spending categories are, you can narrow down your selection from there.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred, click here.
