Gas rebate credit cards
By updated on May 25, 2012

If you have a long commute, you drive a lot for your job or you're always toting the kids around, gas rebate credit cards can save you a lot of money, especially as gas prices continue to climb.

Gas rebate credit cards are rewards credit cards that pay above-average rebates on vehicle fuel purchases at most neighborhood filling stations that accept credit card payments, regardless of brand. Like most rewards cards, gas rebate credit cards usually require an excellent to good credit score.

Don't confuse gas rebate credit cards with gas charge cards, which can only be used at a certain brand of filling station. Gas rebate credit cards give you a lot more flexibility and they don't just pay rewards on gas, either.

Who should get a gas card?

The best rewards credit card for your needs depends entirely on how you use your credit card. In general, a rewards card is best for people who pay their balance in full each month because interest rates are often a little higher on credit cards that come with rewards. Some cards are also available without an annual fee.

While rewards credit card offers that include bonus frequent flyer miles or free nights at a hotel may get attention for their glamour factor, if you drive a lot for work, have a long commute or travel often by car, a gas rebate card may be a better deal for you.

The more gas you have to buy for your commute or to haul your kids around to activities, the more you'll save with a gas credit card.  

You can go one of two ways to earn rewards for buying gas: either a gas credit card tied to a particular brand of gas or a gas rebate card that you can use at a variety of gas stations.

How many different types are there?

Gas rebate card or gas card?

The first factor in your choice of a gas rebate card is whether you are brand loyal to your gas station. If you always buy from the same place or travel in an area dominated by one particular gas station chain, you may want to choose a gas card tied to that chain.

  • Gas card: There are two types of credit cards associated with a particular brand of gas. You can get a regular credit card that can be used anywhere Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and will earn rebates only on gas purchases from that particular type of gas station. You may or may not also earn rebates on other purchases with these cards. The other type of gas card is one that can only be used at a particular retail location, such as all Exxon/Mobil stations. In general, you can earn cash rebates such as ten cents per gallon of gas with a gas card tied to a particular company.
  • Gas rebate card: If you buy from several different gas stations, or travel to places with a variety of gas station options, you may be better off with a gas rebate card that gives you rewards on gas purchased anyplace. These cards can be used anywhere Visa and MasterCard are accepted and will usually provide you rewards for all types of purchases, where spending on gas earns the highest rewards. You can earn two to five percent on your gas purchases along with earning one or two percent on other spending.

An example of a gas rebate card is the True Earnings Card from Costco and American Express. This credit card, which has no annual fee, earns customers three percent on all gas purchases up to $3,000 annually and one percent on all gas purchases above that limit. The gas can be purchased at any retail station. In addition, you can earn two percent on restaurant and travel expenses and one percent on groceries. This card requires good credit for an approval.

There are two different types of gas cards - those that are associated with one particular gas chain and those that allow owners to gas up at any station. Those affiliated with a particular gas chain offer excellent rewards when buying that brand of gas, but limit your choices. Apply for a gas rebate credit card that allows you to gas up at any station if you use many different brands of gasoline, or don't want to search for a particular brand of gasoline when you travel.

So these cards are only good for gas?

No. Typically you can use your gas rebate card anywhere your Visa or Mastercard are accepted. And you can earn rewards for using the card for non-gas purchases. But your best rewards are going to be accrued when you buy gas at the station sponsoring the card when you have a card affiliated with a particular gas chain, and whenever you buy gas using a gas rebate card that is not affiliated with a specific fuel retailer.  However, there are retail gas cards available which you would only be able to use at a specific retail chain. 

What are some of the other advantages?

In addition to the per-gallon fuel credit, many gas credit cards offer fuel credits for nonfuel purchases you make - either at the company's stations or wherever the card is taken. Some cards also offer no annual fee, and complete liability coverage. According to a Fox Business report, the average person could save up to $250 a year on gas alone.

What should you base your decision on?

In addition to analyzing the frequency with which you buy gas, you should also think about where you buy your gas. If you tend to stop at the same station all the time - or the same brand of station - then a credit card with that gas company would make sense. But if you tend to buy gas at many different stations, it is better to have a gas rebate credit card that does not tie you to one particular brand.

How to qualify for a gas rebate card

In general, gas rebates are only available on good credit credit cards or for people with excellent credit. Check your credit score before applying to make sure you can qualify for a gas rewards credit card.

Compare the gas rebate cards on this page to see which credit card might be the best choice for you.

So, if I buy at many different stations, should I forego a gas card?

Maybe. Another option for you would be a gas rebate credit card that provides rewards at a number of different stations. Cards such as Capital One's No Hassle Cash Rewards card offers 2 percent cash back on gas, and cards from Costco and American Express offer 3 percent cash back.

Discover® Open Road Card

Editor's Rating


  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%*
  • 2% automatically at gas stations and restaurants all year long*
  • Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Blue Cash PreferredSM Card From American Express - $150 Welcome Bonus

Editor's Rating


  • Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 6% cash back at supermarkets, 3% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $75 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • The annual fee pays for itself. With 6% cash back at supermarkets, if you spend just $25 weekly at your supermarket, you can receive over $75 cash back from these purchases alone.

TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express - 3% for the First $3K in Annual Gas Purchases

Editor's Rating


  • American Express® Card and Costco Membership Card in one -- with no annual fee for Costco members
  • Cash back on the things you buy: 3% for the first $3,000 in annual gasoline purchases (1% thereafter), 2% for restaurants, 2% for travel, and 1% everywhere else, including Costco
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in overall satisfaction by current TrueEarnings® Cardmembers from Costco and American Express

American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card - 25,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Editor's Rating


  • Membership Rewards®: 25K points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $250, when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of card membership
  • Membership Rewards® points multiply fast! Earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, 1X point on everything else
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Destinations and events - Enjoy special travel packages and amenities at hotels worldwide, as well as select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more, nationwide
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds

Chase Freedom® Visa

Editor's Rating


  • Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at grocery stores and movie theaters from 4/1/12 - 6/30/12
  • You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like gas stations, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!
  • Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
  • Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase
  • No annual fee and rewards never expire

PenFed Visa® Platinum Cash Rewards Card

Editor's Rating


  • Earn 5% cash back on gas purchases paid at the pump**
  • Earn 0.25% cash back on all purchases**
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Cash rewards automatically awarded to your account every month
  • No caps, limits or tiers on rewards
  • Variable 9.99% introductory purchase rate capped through June 30, 2014. During this time the rate can only decrease if the Prime Rate decreases. After June 30, 2014 the cap will be removed and the APR will increase or decrease with the Prime Rate
  • 4.99% APR, a promotional rate on transfers made from April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, for life of balance. After that the APR for any new balance transfers will be variable 9.99% APR and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. There is no balance transfer fee on transfers made between April 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012. The fee for balance transfers made after June 30, 2012 will return to 3% (Min. $10 - Max. $250) per transaction. This transaction subject to credit approval.

Ink CashSM Business Card

Editor's Rating


  • Up to $250 cash back bonus - $100 cash back bonus after your first purchase, plus an additional $150 after you spend $5,000 within 3 months!
  • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services
  • 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
  • Cash back rewards do not expire
  • 0% Introductory APR for 12 months
  • No Annual Fee

These quotes are from credit card issuers which have paid for a link to their website. Offers are subject to change without notice and may not be the same for all consumers.
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