A driver uses their credit card at a gas pump to pay for gas.

Best Gas Rewards Program for You

5 min read

Last Updated: April 11, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

The best gas card for you depends on how much gas you buy and where you shop.
Credit cards with gas rewards programs typically offer cash back or other kinds of rewards for fuel purchases.
Some credit cards offer a higher level of cash back for gas purchases and a smaller cash back percentage for other eligible purchases.

Do you spend a lot of time commuting to work? How about driving kids to after-school activities? Do you have a side-hustle as a rideshare driver? If any of these scenarios sound like you, you know that 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 credit cards reward you for 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. What gas station do you prefer to get gas from? What type of cash rewards do you want to earn?

There are also different methods you can use to earn fuel 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 fuel purchase, or get other perks like a gift card or a gas discount.

Credit cards with cash back rewards on gas

If you look for deals and fill up your tank at different gas station brands, a cash back credit card might be a good fit. Cash back credit cards often reward 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 linked with 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 rely a specific gas station brand, you’re bound to the gas prices at that gas station. You may need to weight the benefit of the rewards to the cost of cheaper gas at another station. Plus, your gas station rewards card may not earn rewards with any purchase made outside of the gas station.

Do you plan to use your rewards card to purchase anything other than gas? The best gas credit card for you might be an everyday card that rewards you for all of your purchases. 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 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% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still 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

At home, you might participate in the gas rewards program where you fill-up most often. But you could consider a gas rewards credit card that offers rewards at other stations and for non-fuel purchases.

Why is it worth it to have a gas credit card that earns rewards on every purchase? You won't miss out on rewards that a gas station credit card won’t earn. For example, if you go on a road trip and are less familiar with gas station brands, you can 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.

The bottom line

Whether you need a lot of gas for a long commute, or you only take short trips close to home, gas rewards programs can be worth it. It’s 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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