Below you find a detailed account of the best credit cards for gas in 2018. Whether I am commuting to work or enjoying a weekend road trip, I look for ways to pay less at the gas pump. I found there are sometimes better credit card options than those offered by gas retailers. The cards listed here offer rewards on purchases made at gas stations.
People with good and excellent credit can apply for new credit cards having a zero percent APR when the zero APR expires on existing cards without hurting their credit. When I look at for the best credit cards for gas purchases, I look for a zero introductory APR, no annual fee, and bonuses for gas purchases.
Why Do You Need a Gas Credit Card?
While gas prices continue to rise, gas cards offer some relief. With the card, I pay for gas while taking advantage of the perks and discounts offered by companies that issue the best credit cards for gas. There is a difference between gas credit cards and gas rewards credit cards. Gas credit cards, distributed by a gas station, often have no offer of rewards such as cash back or points that I receive from gas reward cards. Anyone approved for traditional cards finds general purpose credit reward cards are frequently a better value if paid in full each month.
What Are the Best Credit Cards for Gas?
With general purpose credit cards, earning three to five percent in rewards when purchasing gas is possible. If credit needs work, a gas card is a better place to start. Approval is easier, and there are fewer opportunities to increase debt. Savings of three to five percent is not helpful unless I make full payments when the interest rate on the card is more than the discount.
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Gas cards and regular credit cards differ in places that accept them. Gas credit cards are good for building credit. Most are not as reward-friendly as traditional credit cards. Before applying, I suggest weighing the pros and cons and the costs to determine the best credit cards for gas in your situation.
Compare the cards to find the one that offers the most savings. Estimate the value the rewards save under normal driving conditions for a year. I also compare the price of gas charged at the retailer in my area. When applying for cards, I weigh the rewards against any annual fee charged.
5. Citi ThankYou Premier Card
There are no category restrictions for earning cash back. You earn three points per dollar spent on travel including purchases at gas stations. There is no cash back cap or expiration.
How to Apply
- Applicants need an excellent credit score;
- Apply here;
- Call 877-625-6382;
Benefits
- $95 annual fee is waived for the first year;
- Triple points on travel which includes gas stations;
- No foreign transaction fees;
Drawbacks
- The $95 annual fee is good for only one year.
How to Use It
With no introductory APR advantage, paying the balance in full each month is the only way to avoid interest charges. I would consider applying for a new card when the annual fee kicks in. This is a great card for those who travel outside the U.S.
4. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Four percent cash back on eligible gas everywhere in the world is available for the first $7000 each year, then the cashback is one-percent. Everything you buy earns cash back.
How to Apply
- Cardholder applicants need excellent credit scores;
- Apply here;
Benefits
- Four-percent cash back rewards on eligible gas for up to $7000 for the first year;
- No annual fee;
- No foreign transaction fees;
Drawbacks
- No introductory APR;
- Must be a Costco member;
- Rewards are in the form of an annual credit card certificate issued in February of each year;
How to Use It
Because there is no introductory APR advantage, make payments in full to realize the four percent gain. This is also a good card for world travelers.
3. Ink Business Cash Credit Card
After making $300 in purchases during the first three months, consumers earn a $500 bonus. Kiplingers Personal Finance named the card ‘Best Reward Card for Small Business Owners in July of 2017.
How to Apply
- Consumer needs an excellent credit score;
- Apply here;
Benefits
- 12-month introductory zero percent APR on purchases and balance transfers;
- No annual fee;
- Earn two percent cash back on first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants each year;
Drawbacks
- Excellent credit required;
- Three percent fee on foreign transactions;
How to Use
Take advantage of the savings available during the introductory APR period by making timely payments. Pay off balances each month when the introductory period expires to realize the gain.
2. Chevron and/or Texaco Techron Advantage Visa Card
This is a retail card that pays excellent benefits on gas purchases when used in conjunction with other items purchased.
How to Apply
- A credit rating is not stated in the application information;
- Apply here;
- Call 800-243-87667;
Benefits
- Highest rewards available;
- No annual fee;
Drawbacks
- No zero percent introductory APR;
- Three percent fee on foreign transactions;
- Gas purchases limited to Texaco and Chevron stations;
How to Use It
Pay the balance each month to realize the gain. Use the card for other purchases. For the first four months, consumers earn five percent cash back. Gas cash back is three cents per gallon at Texaco and Chevron stations. The gas rebate is ten cents per gallon with $300 in other purchases made each month. Extra purchases of $1000 per month earn 20 cents per gallon cash back.
1. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
This is my number one pick.
How to Apply
- Consumer needs excellent/good credit;
- Apply here;
- Call 800-528-4800;
Benefits
- 15-month introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers;
- Two percent cash back on gas station purchases made in the U.S.;
- No annual fee;
Drawbacks
- Consumer needs excellent, good credit;
- Foreign transaction fee of 2.7 percent;
How to Use It
Cards that offer cash back rewards require payments made during the zero APR period or full payments after that to realize the gain.
Bottom Line
The cards, chosen for this list vary in meeting all the criteria that I like in choosing the best credit cards for gas. What put them on the list of best credit cards for gas was the rewards they offer. My number one pick among best credit cards for gas is Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express because it offers a 15-month introductory zero percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers. There is no annual fee, and good credit is acceptable.
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