Top Gas Credit Cards for 2024

This series on credit cards, rewards points, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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Going on a road trip is an excellent way to explore stunning landscapes. However, the excitement of the journey comes with a significant ongoing cost – fuel. Whether traveling across the Midwest or along the picturesque Big Sur coast, fuel costs can quickly escalate. Even during your daily routine, you likely find yourself refueling multiple times a week. The secret to saving money and maximizing rewards lies in utilizing travel rewards credit cards.

With these cards, you can not only accumulate significant rewards from daily purchases, but also redeem points and miles to cut travel expenses. The best credit cards can offer a 5% return or more on your gas purchases. However, navigating this intricate landscape to find the ideal card can be tough. To assist you in making the right choice, we’ve curated a list of top credit cards for gas spending along with tips to help refine your options:

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Top Credit Cards for Fuel Purchases

• Best Overall: Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card (5% cash back)

• Best for Gas and EV: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect (4X points)

• Best for Transferable Points: Citi Premier® Card (3X points)

• Best for Cash Back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express* (3% cash back)

• Best for Credit Union Members: Penfed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card (5X points)

• Best for Hilton Rewards: Hilton Honors Card from American Express (5X points)

• Best No Annual Fee Option: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card (3X points)

• Best for Businesses: Costco Anywhere Visa Business (4% cash back)

• Best for Simplified Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (2X miles)

Top Credit Cards for Road Trips

Best Overall: Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card is an outstanding option for gas expenditures, offering an appealing rewards structure and flexible benefits. This card provides 5% cash back on combined purchases at gas stations and grocery stores, up to $12,000 in the first year. Additionally, gas purchases frequently appear on the rotating 5% calendar, allowing you to earn higher rewards on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter.

This feature enables cardholders to earn significant cash-back rewards while filling up their tanks, making it an excellent choice for those who regularly spend on fuel. The card's versatility in earning rewards across different categories adds to its attractiveness, particularly for those in search of a comprehensive cash-back card for daily expenses.

If you hold a Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards points, you can convert your cash-back rewards from Freedom Flex into points. This allows you to transfer Ultimate Rewards to 14 different airline and hotel loyalty programs for valuable rewards. The combination of a strong cash-back program, flexible bonus categories, and introductory offers makes the Chase Freedom Flex a premier option for optimizing gas spending without extra costs.

Welcome bonus: Receive a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy fresh 5% categories every quarter! Additionally, earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Benefits: Trip cancellation and interruption protection (up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip), secondary rental car insurance, and cell phone protection (up to $800 per claim and $1,000 annually).

Required credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. (view rates and fees)

Advantages

• Possibility of earning an extra 5% cash back on gas purchases through the rotating cash back calendar.

• Generates substantial ongoing rewards in other popular spending categories.

• Provides valuable purchase and travel protections.

Disadvantages

• 5% cash back earnings are capped.

• International purchases incur a 3% foreign transaction fee.

• No annual fee applies.

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U.S. Bank Altitude Connect: Ideal for gas and EV expenses

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card excels in gas and Electric Vehicle (EV) spending. Cardholders earn a remarkable 4 points for every dollar spent at gas stations and EV charging locations. Rewards are valued at one cent each for travel and cash back, making the 4X points equivalent to 4% cash back—among the highest for gas purchases.

Beyond gas and EV charging, the card offers 5X points on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked through the Altitude Rewards Travel Center, and 2X points on grocery, dining, and streaming services. This flexibility enables cardholders to earn points on not just gas but also daily expenditures, enhancing its overall value.

Moreover, the Altitude Connect card offers an attractive welcome bonus and substantial travel benefits, including a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees, enhancing its appeal for travelers looking for perks beyond gas and EV rewards.

With a strong rewards structure across various categories, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is an outstanding option for optimizing spending on gas and EV charging.

Welcome bonus: Receive 50,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 within the first 120 days of opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel at gas stations and EV charging stations; 2X points on grocery shopping, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; and 1X point on all other eligible purchases.

Benefits: Enjoy four annual Priority Pass Select lounge visits, a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases, up to $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees every four years, up to $600 in annual cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, SmartDelay, no foreign transaction fees, and complimentary GigSky global mobile data plans redeemable until 8/31/2024.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95. (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Attractive welcome bonus with a manageable spending threshold.

• High earning potential for gas, EV charging, and other major spending categories.

• Offers valuable travel benefits and protections.

Cons

• Points cannot be converted to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

• Annual fee of $95 applies after the first year.

• Does not include rental car insurance.

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Citi Premier® Card: Ideal for transferrable points

The Citi Premier® Card excels in earning transferable points on gas expenses. It offers an attractive 3X points per dollar on purchases at gas stations, making it ideal for frequent drivers. This high earning rate extends to supermarket, restaurant, and travel spending, enabling cardholders to gather points quickly and boost the overall value of their rewards.

The Citi Premier Card's appeal for gas purchases also lies in its flexible rewards. Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to 18 airline and hotel loyalty programs. Partner programs such as Turkish Miles&Smiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and Flying Blue provide access to affordable award flights, with options like 7,500 Turkish miles for US flights and 10,000 points for Virgin Atlantic trips to London.

This adaptability, along with strong rewards for gas and other categories, makes the Citi Premier an outstanding option for optimizing points.

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account.

Rewards: Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked via the Citi Travel portal until 6/30/2024; 3X points on dining, groceries, gas, air travel, and hotels; 1X point on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Receive an annual $100 discount on a hotel stay of $500 or more, plus no foreign transaction fees.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Offers some of the highest rewards across various spending categories, including gas stations.

• Generous welcome bonus.

• Citi ThankYou points are exceptionally valuable when transferred to programs like Avianca Lifemiles, Flying Blue, and Turkish Miles&Smiles.

Cons

• Does not include essential travel and purchase protections.

• The $100 hotel credit is applicable after taxes, which diminishes your overall savings.

• Has an annual fee of $95.

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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Ideal for cash back

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out as a top choice for gas cash back rewards. Unlike other cash-back cards that may cap rewards, the Blue Cash Preferred allows unlimited earnings. Cardholders receive 3% cash back on gas and transit spending without any limits. The cash back accumulates as Reward Dollars, redeemable as a statement credit or during checkout on Amazon.com.

Furthermore, the card provides 6% cash back on eligible streaming subscriptions and U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually). Additionally, users earn 3% cash back on gas and transit, and 1% on all other purchases. This varied rewards framework enables cardholders to accrue significant cash back not just on gas, but also on essential household expenditures. Cash back is also issued as Reward Dollars that can be used as a statement credit or at Amazon.com.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card features a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 annually, offset by valuable ongoing benefits. These include a Disney Bundle credit (spend $9.99 or more monthly on a Disney Bundle subscription to receive a $7 monthly statement credit, valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or ESPN.com in the U.S.) and secondary rental car insurance. Additionally, the card offers 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from account opening* (see rates and fees), providing a convenient option for financing purchases without interest.

Welcome bonus: Receive a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of opening your new Card.

Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on eligible streaming subscriptions and up to $6,000 annually at U.S. supermarkets; 3% cash back on gas and transit expenses (including taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, and buses); 1% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back is issued as Reward Dollars, redeemable as a statement credit or at checkout on Amazon.com.

Benefits: Monthly $7 credit for the Disney Bundle and secondary rental car insurance coverage.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95. (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Receive $250 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card ownership.

• Provides generous cash-back rewards on gas and other favored spending categories.

• Offers over $200 in annual statement credits to help cover the annual fee.

Cons

• Rental car loss and damage insurance is only secondary to your primary coverage.

• Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on international purchases.

• Has a $95 annual fee.

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PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card: Ideal for credit union members

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card is a top pick for credit union members looking to rack up significant gas rewards, offering an impressive 5X points on gas purchases and EV charging.

In addition to gas rewards, this card provides 3X points at supermarkets and 1X points on all other spending. This diverse earning potential allows cardholders to accumulate points on groceries and everyday expenses, maximizing the card's value.

With no annual fee, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card is a compelling choice for gas rewards. It also waives foreign transaction fees on international purchases and offers access to special discounts for members.

Welcome bonus: Earn 15,000 bonus points by spending $1,500 within the first 90 days of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on gas purchases at the pump and EV charging; 3X points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants, and for TV, radio, cable, and streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases.

Benefits: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months (with a 3% fee), no foreign transaction fees, and exclusive member discounts at select retailers.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees).

Pros

• Competitive 17.99% variable APR. (see rates and fees)

• No annual fee.

• No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

• Welcome bonus is lower compared to other gas credit cards.

• Membership in PenFed Credit Union is required.

• Lacks travel-related protections.

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Hilton Honors Card from American Express: Ideal for earning Hilton points

The Hilton Honors Card from American Express excels as a hotel credit card, particularly for accumulating Hilton Honors points on gas purchases. It rewards 5 points per dollar at gas stations, U.S. restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets, while offering 7 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties and 3X points on all other expenses.

At present, the Hilton Honors Card provides an attractive welcome bonus of 100,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first six months of having the card. Members automatically receive Hilton Honors Silver status, offering perks such as spa discounts, bonus points, and complimentary bottled water, adding significant value to their Hilton experiences.

Although it's not primarily advertised as a gas rewards card, its 3X points at U.S. gas stations combined with the benefits of the Hilton Honors program make it a compelling choice for earning points while refueling.

Welcome bonus: Receive 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 in the initial six months of card membership.

Rewards: Earn 7 points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels and resorts; 5X points on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations; 3X points on all other eligible purchases.

Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, Hilton Honors Silver elite status, secondary rental car insurance, and complimentary ShopRunner membership with free two-day shipping at select retailers.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Earns 3X points on purchases at gas stations and U.S. supermarkets.

• Automatically upgrades to Hilton Honors elite status.

• Annual fee waived.

Cons

• Hilton points hold less value compared to other rewards.

• Provides limited travel benefits.

• Rental car insurance is secondary and unavailable for rentals in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand.

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Ideal for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is an excellent choice for gas expenditures among no-annual-fee options due to its lucrative rewards system. With this card, you earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, gas, dining, transit, and popular streaming services. Whether you're on a road trip or handling daily errands, these categories likely represent a significant portion of your spending.

Its simple rewards structure makes it perfect for those looking for substantial gas rewards without the hassle of rotating categories or tiered systems. As points are valued at a consistent one cent each, the card effectively offers 3% cash back on gas, positioning it as a top contender. Plus, with no annual fee, cardholders can fully benefit from cash back on gas without additional costs, providing clear savings on fuel.

Additionally, the card offers a welcome bonus for new users and includes valuable travel protections along with cell phone travel insurance.

Welcome bonus: Receive 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three months of opening the account.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on travel, gas, dining, transit, and popular streaming services; 1 point on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Enjoy no foreign transaction fees; assistance for travel and emergencies; primary auto rental collision damage waiver overseas, plus secondary coverage within the US; and up to $600 annually in cell phone protection.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Offers very competitive rewards on popular spending categories.

• Provides cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card.

• No annual fee.

Cons

• The welcome bonus is relatively modest.

• Points are valued at a flat one cent each, without any transfer options.

• The card’s rental car insurance offers only secondary coverage.

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Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi: Ideal for business use

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card is an excellent option for gas rewards, offering a generous 4% back on eligible gas and EV charging. Although this 4% rate is limited to the first $7,000 spent annually, most consumers typically won’t exceed this amount on travel. Additionally, cardholders earn 3% on dining and qualifying travel, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on all other transactions.

This enhanced cash-back rate for fuel purchases significantly benefits businesses with high fuel expenses, leading to considerable savings. Coupled with solid travel protections and no annual fee, this card is perfect for businesses aiming to boost their rewards without incurring additional costs.

Welcome bonus: None.

Rewards: Earn 4% on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 annually, then 1%; 3% on restaurants and qualifying travel (including Costco travel), 2% on all other Costco purchases, and 1% on everything else.

Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, lost luggage coverage, travel and emergency assistance, global car rental insurance, travel accident protection, roadside assistance services, and purchase protection against theft and damage.

Credit score required: Excellent.

Annual fee: $0. (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Enhanced rewards for gas and EV charging.

• Offers important travel protections along with generous rewards for dining and travel.

• No annual fee.

Cons

• The 4% cash back on gas and EV charging is capped at the first $7,000 spent each year.

• No introductory bonus offered.

• Membership in Costco is required.

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Ideal for straightforward rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stands out as the top choice for easy-to-understand rewards on any purchase, including fuel. Cardholders earn a consistent 2 miles per dollar on all spending, making it a fantastic option for maximizing gas-related rewards. Plus, it provides valuable travel perks like Hertz Five Star Status, roadside assistance, and primary rental car insurance, perfect for road trips.

Miles earned can be redeemed at a value of one cent each for travel expenses or transferred to 18 airline and hotel partners. Alternatively, miles are also worth one cent each for direct travel purchases such as flights, hotels, and rental cars. With a $95 annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Card offers an excellent opportunity to enhance rewards for gas and other expenses.

Welcome bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Global Entry benefits: Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years.

Benefits: Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, travel accident coverage, Hertz Five Star status, and up to two complimentary lounge visits each year to Capital One and Plaza Premium lounges.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

Pros

• Receive a $120 credit every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

• Attractive welcome bonus with straightforward redemption options.

• Affordable annual fee for a card that reimburses the Global Entry application cost.

Cons

• No category bonuses outside of purchases made through Capital One Travel.

• Capital One conducts credit checks across all three major bureaus.

• Annual fee of $95 applies.

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Who should consider a gas rewards credit card?

A gas rewards credit card can be advantageous for those who frequently commute or depend on their vehicles for personal use. Long-distance commuters, individuals who often drive for work, and anyone looking to cut fuel costs can gain from these cards. They typically provide cashback or points on fuel purchases, rewarding a common expense for many Americans.

Many credit cards that offer bonuses for gas purchases come with no annual fee, making them easy to keep for the long term. Additionally, these cards often provide bonus points in other popular spending categories, so you're not limited to gas. For instance, the Citi Premier Card gives 3X points on gas, dining, groceries, air travel, and hotel stays. Since these represent significant expenses for most, paying the $95 annual fee can be worthwhile for maximizing rewards.

Furthermore, those who manage their finances well and keep up with credit card payments can gain from a gas credit card. Making payments on time and using the card responsibly can enhance your credit score over time. For individuals aiming to build or improve their credit history, using a gas credit card for regular expenses and paying it off consistently can be a useful strategy.

Conversely, if you reside in a large city and mainly rely on public transit, opting for a card that rewards gas purchases may not be practical. It's usually best to choose credit cards that reflect your spending patterns.

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How to select the ideal credit card for gas stations

When selecting the best credit card for gas expenses, it’s crucial to find one that matches your spending habits and financial objectives. Begin by reviewing the rewards structure. Seek cards that provide significant rewards or cashback for gas purchases, as well as for other everyday expenses. Many cards that offer bonus rewards on gas also grant enhanced rewards at grocery stores, restaurants, and travel costs. The more categories in which you can earn bonus points, the better you can optimize your spending.

Moreover, take into account any annual fees tied to the card. While some gas rewards cards have no annual fee, others might charge a steep fee that could negate the benefits if your gas spending isn't substantial. Evaluate whether the offered rewards and advantages justify the fee.

After determining the key factors, it's essential to examine the versatility of reward redemptions. Some cards may provide cashback, while others accrue points that can be converted into airline miles or hotel points for greater value. Choosing a card that suits your reward redemption preferences can significantly boost its overall worth. Finally, consider the card's extra benefits, like annual statement credits and purchase or travel protections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit card is the best for gas purchases?

The ideal credit card for gas expenses varies based on your individual preferences. For those seeking maximum cashback rewards, top contenders include the Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card, the Penfed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card, and the Hilton Honors Card from American Express.

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Which credit card offers 4% back on gas?

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card provides the equivalent of 4% cash back on gas purchases, earning 4 points for every dollar spent on gas and EV charging. Additionally, the Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card allows you to earn 5% cash back at gas stations, offering 5% on combined gas and grocery store purchases up to $12,000 in the first year.

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Is it beneficial to get a credit card solely for gas purchases?

Acquiring a credit card specifically for fuel expenses can be advantageous if you regularly spend a considerable amount on gas.

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* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For further details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not reflect those of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these organizations.