When used wisely, the right credit card can turn your gas station stops into opportunities for meaningful cashback. But these perks often come with fine print, rotating categories, and spending limits that can reduce the benefit—or backfire if you’re not careful.
Here’s a guide to the best credit cards for fuel savings, and when you may want to look beyond them for better value.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Earn 3% cashback at U.S. gas stations year-round, plus grocery and streaming benefits. $95 annual fee after the first year. - Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Earn 5% cashback on your highest spending category each month (gas eligible), no annual fee. - Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards
Get 3% cashback on gas or another category you choose—higher if you’re a Preferred Rewards member. - Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
Earn 5% cashback on gas for the first $6,000 annually; ideal if you’re already a Sam’s Club member. - Discover it® Chrome
Earn 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants with a cashback match in the first year.
When Credit Cards Might Not Be the Best Option
Even with strong cashback rates, credit cards aren’t always the ideal solution:
- Rotating bonus categories or monthly spending caps can limit potential
- High APRs can eliminate savings if balances aren’t paid off
- Many stations offer cash discounts at the pump
- Managing rewards can become overwhelming with multiple cards
Alternative: Use Prepaid Gift Cards with Cashback
For a more controlled approach, you can buy digital gas gift cards from platforms like Fluz and earn cashback upfront—no credit required.
- Buy a Shell gift card online
- Shop discounted Chevron gift cards
- Get a Texaco gift card with cashback
- Earn cashback at Speedway
These cards can be used in tandem with gas station loyalty programs like Shell Fuel Rewards.
Tips for Maximizing Fuel Credit Card Rewards
