The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Credit Card for Gas

Gas prices can be unpredictable, but one thing’s for sure: if you drive, you need to fuel up. And while you can't control the price per gallon, you can control how much value you get in return. That's where a gas credit card comes in.

The best credit card for gas doesn’t just help you save money at the pump – it can also reward your everyday spending, boost your travel points, or even help cover your groceries. Whether you’re commuting or road tripping, choosing the right card can help you enjoy long-term savings.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know to find the perfect fit for your fuel-up needs.

Analyze Your Gas Spending Habits

Before you pick a gas rewards card, it’s worth taking a moment to figure out how much you’re spending at the pump. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spent about $2,449 on gas in 2023 – that’s roughly $204 every month. If you drive a lot for work, have a long commute or take regular road trips, your costs might be even higher.

Knowing your monthly gas spending helps you estimate how much you could earn in cash back or points. For example, with a card that offers 3% back on gas and $300 in monthly fill-ups, you could get more than $100 a year in rewards – just from filling up your gas tank. That’s not even counting welcome bonuses or other perks.

Then think about your fueling habits by asking yourself the following questions:

• Do you usually stick to the same fuel brand?

• Do you already have a paid warehouse membership – like Costco or Sam’s Club?

• Do you drive an electric vehicle and charge up at electric vehicle charging stations?

These details can make a big difference when you’re choosing the best credit card for gas. If you’re loyal to a particular brand, a co-branded gas card might be a good match. But if you want more flexibility, a general cash rewards credit card could give you more options and better overall value.

For drivers focused on building credit while keeping things simple, the Juzt Credit Card can be a strong contender. With no security deposit, no annual fee, and a fully digital application process, the Juzt Card can be ideal for users who want to establish or strengthen their credit. Juzt also offers instant virtual access through Apple Pay or Google Pay, so you can use your card at the pump as soon as you're approved.

Juzt Credit Card is issued by tbom®, Perryville, MO. Standard credit approval required. Terms, rates (APRs), and fees are subject to change. See the Juzt Credit Card Terms and Conditions for complete information, including APRs, fees, and repayment obligations. Approval is not guaranteed.

Instant decisions and immediate digital/virtual access are not available in all cases and may be delayed by additional verification, fraud checks, or system availability. Merchant and pump terminal acceptance of Apple Pay/Google Pay varies; contactless or wallet tokenization may not be supported at all locations.

Identify Key Features for Gas Rewards

Not all gas credit cards work the same way. Some cards offer flat-rate cash back across all of your purchases, while others focus on specific bonus categories. There are also cards with rotating bonus categories that include gas for only part of the year.

Here are the three primary types of gas rewards cards:

• Rotating bonus category cards: Some cards may offer 5% cash back on specific categories that change quarterly – including gas stations, on occasion. These rewards usually come with a quarterly spending cap (around $1,500), and you have to activate the rewards category each quarter.

• Flat-rate cash back cards: Other cards may give you more consistent rewards. For example, some card issuers automatically give you up to 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, which may be gas if that’s where you spend the most money. And while traditional rewards cards offer cash back or points on gas, newer credit-building cards like the Juzt Credit Card focus on helping users build their credit. If your priority is responsibly building your credit instead of racking up rewards, Juzt offers a straightforward, easy-to-use solution.

• Co-branded gas or warehouse cards: These include brand-specific options tied to individual fuel providers. These cards may offer generous gas discounts, but they also may limit rewards to brand-only stations or require a paid warehouse membership.

Compare Gas Rewards Programs

Once you know your spending and card type preference, your next step is to compare how different cards reward your fuel costs. For example, some cards offer high cash back but may impose limits on them. Others may seem attractive on the surface but come with limited rewards redemption options.

Below is an example of how rewards might break down based on annual spending:

• 1% back on $2,449/year = $24.49

• 2% back = $48.98

• 3% back = $73.47

• 5% back (limited to one quarter) = up to $31.25

It’s important to look beyond the gas pump, too. Many cards offer rewards on grocery stores, travel, streaming or wholesale club purchases. In fact, some cards may offer everything from cash back at supermarkets and gas stations to special perks at hotel properties – which can be ideal if you’re a frequent road-tripper.

Evaluate Annual Fees and Interest Rates

While many of the best gas credit cards come with no annual fee, others charge fees in exchange for higher rewards or better perks. It’s important for you to consider whether your gas rewards will offset any fees you might be charged.

For example, a card may have a $0 intro annual fee, which then increases to $95 starting the second year. But its high rewards in several different categories – usually including gas or groceries – could more than make up for the cost if you’re a big spender in those categories. It’s important to calculate whether you’ll earn enough in rewards to make up for the annual fee.

You should also take a close look at interest rates associated with any cards you’re considering. If you tend to carry a balance, a low APR or cards with 0% balance transfer offers might serve you better than a high-reward card. The best gas card in the world won’t help you if high interest charges cancel out your savings.

Understand Introductory Offers and Bonuses

Some cards offer online-only offers or intro bonuses that can dramatically boost your first-year earnings. For example, a card may provide a welcome statement credit after you meet a minimum spend.

Other cards offer unique incentives like matching all the cash back you earn in your first year. If you take advantage of rotating bonus categories, you could easily double your rewards with an option like this. Similarly, a card may give you introductory cash back in the category of your choice – including gas.

While some cards offer sign-up bonuses or intro APRs, the Juzt Card takes a different approach, focusing on simplicity and helping you build credit from day one. It’s designed for people who want to take control of their financial future without chasing complex reward structures.

Examine Redemption Options for Gas Rewards

Gas rewards won’t do you any good if they’re too hard to use. Make sure to research whether your chosen card lets you flexibly redeem rewards – for statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, travel or other perks.

Some cards are rigid in how they allow you to redeem your rewards. For example, some wholesale card rewards programs issue cash back only once a year in the form of a certificate that can only be redeemed at that warehouse. If that kind of model doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you should look for a card that offers easier access to rewards.

Also note the rewards value: just because you earn three times the points on a purchase doesn’t mean you’re getting 3% back. Many points are worth only one cent each – or even less in some cases.

Consider Additional Card Benefits
When comparing gas credit cards, it’s easy to focus only on the cash back or points you’ll earn at the pump. But the best gas cards will take your benefits even further by offering valuable extras that increase their value – especially if you travel, commute or just want added protection for your everyday purchases.

Here are some extra perks worth paying attention to:

• Travel protection: Some cards offer trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement or roadside assistance. These benefits can come in handy for drivers and travelers, especially during longer road trips or vacations.

• Cell phone insurance: Some cards may cover damage or theft when you pay your phone bill with your credit card. This can save you money on a separate phone protection plan.

• No foreign transaction fees: If you travel internationally or fill up abroad, a card with no foreign transaction fee will help you avoid the typical 1 to 3% surcharge many issuers tack on for non-U.S. purchases.

• Car rental coverage: Some cards offer primary or secondary rental car insurance when you use the card to book and pay for your rental. That could save you from buying extra insurance at the counter.

• Exclusive deals and discounts: Credit card issuers sometimes provide access to partner offers, including limited-time savings, pre-sale events or bonus rewards opportunities.

For example, in addition to earning bonus points on U.S. gas station purchases, with some cards you can also achieve elite partner hotel status, which gets you room upgrades, late checkouts and free breakfast at participating hotels. For frequent travelers, that’s a serious value add beyond just filling up the tank.

Meanwhile, a card focused on everyday spending may cover categories based on common expenses like gas, transit, dining, streaming services and travel.

Bottom line: If you’re choosing between two gas rewards cards with similar rates, these kinds of extra perks might tip the scales. A little added protection or convenience can make a big difference – especially if you're already spending money in those categories.

Check for Compatibility with Gas Stations

One important detail that’s easy to overlook when choosing a gas rewards card is where you’ll actually be able to earn those top-tier rewards. Not every gas credit card treats all gas stations the same, and some have fine print that could limit your savings.

For instance, many cards only offer elevated rewards at U.S. gas stations, so if you travel internationally or take cross-border road trips, you could miss out on earning points or cash back on gas purchases you make outside the country. In those cases, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a better bet, since it rewards gas spending abroad and won’t charge extra for currency conversion.

It’s also worth checking into how card issuers define a gas station purchase. Some issuers include purchases made inside the convenience store, at an attached car wash or even in-store snacks and drinks, while others limit rewards to only pay-at-the-pump transactions. That small distinction could affect how much you actually earn over time.

Keep in mind that co-branded gas cards often have the strictest rules. A card tied to a specific fuel brand might offer gas discounts that you enjoy, but only at brand-specific locations. That’s fine if you’re loyal to that brand, but if you ever fill up somewhere else, you may not earn any rewards at all.

By contrast, a more flexible option from a general issuer can help you earn rewards on eligible gas purchases across a wider collection of gas stations, regardless of brand, making it a better choice if you don’t always stick to one fueling location.

If you’re someone who fills up wherever it’s convenient, or if you drive for work or travel a lot, flexibility matters. Look for cards that let you earn bonus rewards at any gas station.

In short, to truly maximize your gas rewards credit cards, make sure the places you fill up are actually covered – and that your definition of gas purchases aligns with your card issuer’s terms. Otherwise, you might end up pumping more than you're earning.

Review User Reviews and Ratings

Before you hit “apply,” it’s worth doing just a little more homework. Credit card terms can look great on paper, but real-world experiences can show you how a card actually performs. Taking time to read customer feedback and expert reviews can give you a more complete picture of what to expect once the card is in your wallet.

Start by checking for the following:

• Ease of use: Is the online account portal intuitive? Is it easy to redeem rewards or change your selected category?

• Customer service: How quickly does the issuer respond to issues? Do customers report helpful support when something goes wrong, such as a declined transaction or unauthorized charge?

• Mobile app features: A smooth digital experience matters, especially if you want to track spending, manage your balance or redeem rewards on the go. Look for reviews that mention app reliability and features.

• Reward reliability: Are users actually receiving the rewards they were promised? Do cash rewards credit card holders report getting their statement credit in a timely manner? Are there complaints about rewards not posting or category tracking being inconsistent?

For instance, if you’re trying to decide between two attractive card options, comparing reviews can help you spot key differences. While some users may prefer a card’s travel-friendly features, others may favor other characteristics that help you make an informed choice.

Many issuers now highlight customer ratings on their product pages, but they don’t stop there. Reputable personal finance sites and credit card comparison tools may give you even deeper insights. These sources rate cards based on performance, value and how they stack up against competitors in real-world use.

In short, customer reviews can offer clues that the fine print simply can’t. They’ll help you decide whether a card’s benefits are worth it – or if the reality doesn’t live up to the marketing. A little extra research could save you time, frustration and missed rewards down the road.

Factor in Credit Score Requirements

Most of the best gas credit cards require good to excellent credit scores for approval – typically 670 or above. However, there are still options if your credit is less than perfect.

Wondering how to get a gas card with bad credit? A good option is to start with a secured card or store-branded gas card that reports to credit bureaus. Over time, using your card responsibly can help you build credit and qualify for more rewarding options.

Another good option is the Juzt Credit Card, which is designed specifically to help consumers build or rebuild their credit. With Juzt’s digital-first approach, you can get a decision in minutes, and you can start using your card at the pump immediately.

Make a Decision and Apply for the Card

At this point in the process, you should have a clear sense of what you’re looking for in a gas rewards card:

• High cash back on gas purchases

• Flexibility in redemption

• Compatibility with your favorite stations

• Valuable welcome bonus

• No or low annual fee

Whether you’re loyal to warehouse clubs, prefer all-purpose cards or simply want the card that’s best for gas discounts, the right option is out there. Just make sure your credit profile matches the card’s requirements and apply when you’re ready.

For the best experience, consider combining cards – for example, using a high-rewards gas card at the pump and a flat-rate card other places.

And remember – if you're just starting out or want a card that helps you build credit without added complications, the Juzt Credit Card can be a great option. The online application is quick, with instant access to your digital card upon approval – so you can start using it at gas stations right away while working on your credit profile over time.

Choosing the right gas credit card is about more than just earning rewards – it’s about matching your card to your lifestyle. With a little planning, you can turn everyday gas purchases into real savings, statement credits, travel perks or more.

Look for features like high cash back rates at the pump, flexible redemption options or discounts at specific gas stations to get the most value. And remember – using your card responsibly by paying on time and keeping your balance low can also support your long-term credit health. Whether you’re a frequent commuter or a weekend adventurer, a well-chosen card can help you go the extra mile.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Product availability, credit approval, APRs, fees, rewards, limits, and timelines vary by issuer and applicant; no outcome is guaranteed. Review the applicable cardmember agreement and program terms before applying or using any card.