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Best Gas Rewards Program for You

Last Updated: September 5, 2024
5 min read
Credit card rewards

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Key Points:

  1. The best gas card for you depends on how much gas you buy and where you shop.

  2. Credit cards with gas rewards programs typically offer cash back or other kinds of rewards for fuel purchases.

  3. Some credit cards offer a higher level of cash back for gas purchases and a smaller cash back percentage for other eligible purchases.

Whether you spend significant time commuting to work, driving your kids to after-school activities, or side-hustling as a rideshare driver, gas costs can quickly add up. A gas rewards program is a great way to earn cash back rewards or gas discounts each time you fill up.

Some gas credit cards reward you for gas purchases at any station, while others reward you for loyalty to specific gas stations. Many gas rewards cards reward fuel purchases at one rate and eligible non-fuel purchases at a different rate. 

So, how do you know which gas credit card makes the most sense for you? Start by asking yourself: “Where do I typically fill up?”

How to choose a gas rewards program

When choosing a gas rewards program, there are a few important factors to consider, including what gas station you prefer to get gas from and the type of bonus rewards you want to earn.

There are also different methods you can use to earn gas rewards. You can sign up for a credit card that offers cash back on gas purchases as well as other purchases. Another option is to join a loyalty program at one or more gas stations, accumulate rewards for every gas purchase, or get other perks like a gift card or a gas discount. 

Credit cards with cash back rewards on gas

If you typically fill up your tank at different gas station brands, a cash back credit card might be a good fit since it rewards you for all your gas purchases, regardless of the gas station. Unlike gas station loyalty rewards, your credit card will reward you for every gallon of gas you buy. You won’t have to worry about finding familiar gas stations and you can fill up wherever you can get the best gas prices.

Did you know?

With the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Credit Card, you earn 2% Cashback Bonus® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.1

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Gas station rewards programs

You might prefer a gas station loyalty program if you usually buy the same gas brand. Gas station rewards programs are tied to a specific brand and reward you for any fuel purchase you make there. While loyalty programs may offer rewards points or an occasional gas discount, this kind of gas card has limits.

When your rewards are tied to a specific gas station brand, you’re tied to the gas prices at that gas station. You may not always be getting the best deal. Plus, your gas station rewards card may not earn rewards at merchants other than the gas station brand that issued the card.

If you plan to use your rewards card to purchase anything other than gas, an everyday card with cash rewards for all of your purchases, including fuel, may be the best gas credit card for you. Then, you can earn rewards for every gallon of gas you buy and on all other eligible purchases, too.

With the Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card, you pay no annual fee, and you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

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Can you get gas rewards with a secured credit card?

If you're building or rebuilding your credit history, you may still be able to earn rewards on your gas purchases. The Discover It® Secured Credit Card lets you earn 2% Cashback Bonus® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.1 Plus, there’s no credit score required to apply,2 and there's no annual fee.

You can have more than one gas rewards card

Even if you participate in the gas rewards program of the gas brand you buy most often, you may consider a gas rewards credit card that offers rewards at other stations and for non-fuel purchases. 

If you have a gas credit card that earns rewards on every purchase, you won't miss out on rewards that a gas station credit card wouldn’t earn. For example, if you go on a road trip and are less familiar with gas station brands available in other areas, you benefit from using a cash back credit card to earn rewards no matter where you fill up.

In addition, you can shop around for the best gas price and save the most with every gas up.

Get the most from your gas rewards

Whether you need a lot of gas for a long commute, or you only take short trips close to home, gas rewards programs are one way to put some money back in your pocket for every gallon you buy. When choosing the best credit card for gas rewards for you, consider where you do most of your shopping and choose the card that will maximize your total cash back rewards.

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  1. 2% Cash Back at gas and restaurants: You earn a full 2% Cashback Bonus® on your first $1000 in combined purchases at Gas Stations (stand-alone), and Restaurants each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Even if a purchase appears to fit in a 2% category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in that category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn 2% if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Learn more at Discover.com/digitalwallets. See Cashback Bonus Program Terms and Conditions for more information.

  2. No Credit Score Required (Secured Card): Based on 2023 Discover it Secured credit card application data, applicants without a credit score may qualify. You must meet other applicable underwriting criteria. When we evaluate your creditworthiness, we consider all the information you provide on your application, your credit report, and other information. If you have a credit score, we may use that in our evaluation.

  • Legal Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.