Gas is a spending category which applies to most people. A recent CNBC article said the average American household spends $2,218 per year on gas. To maximize cash back rewards, this page will showcase the best options. If you happen to know about a credit card which should be here, feel free to let us know so we can update this list.
Note that gas-station-specific cards are rarely worthwhile, especially when gas prices are high. Sunoco for example gives a perpetual discount of $0.05 per gallon, but if gas is $3 per gallon, 5% cash back cards give triple the value (at $0.15 per gallon). Rewards programs (like through T-Mobile Tuesdays) may give additional discounts.
1. Abound Credit Union Visa Platinum
This card earns an unlimited 5% cash back on gas. Formerly issued under the Fort Knox Credit Union banner, this is easily the best card for gas purchases. It doesn’t have spending limits and cash back is automatically applied as statement credits. You do need Abound Credit Union Membership. 5% back on $2,218 of spending is $110.90 in cash back.
2. USAA Cashback Rewards Plus
This card earns 5% cash back on gas, up to $3,000 in annual spending. Most people don’t spend $250+ every month on gas, so the spending limit could be reasonable. Heavy travelers with gas-guzzling vehicles may bump into this limit. You’ll need to know your expenses/budget to see if this card makes sense for you. The other downside is that USAA membership is restricted to military members and their families, so most people can’t get USAA cards. 5% back on $2,218 of spending is $110.90 in cash back.
3. Citi Custom Cash
This card earns 5% cash back on gas, if you only use the card for gas. It’s usually better to aim for the Abound card, and use the Custom Cash in a different spending category. The CCCC is typically best used for other expenses. There’s also a $500 spending limit per billing period. This shouldn’t be a problem for 99% of people, and it’s higher than USAA’s limit. If you want an easy 5% cash back on gas, this is definitely an option to consider, even if it isn’t “optimal.” 5% back on $2,218 of spending is $110.90 in cash back.
4. PenFed Platinum Rewards
Platinum Rewards can earn “up to” 5% cash back on gas, but Penfed’s points have a variable value. At minimum, you’ll earn at least 4.25% cash back. Unlike many other gas-related cards, Platinum Rewards works for electric vehicle charging stations. It earns another 2.55+% cash back on groceries, streaming, and dining.
5. PNC Cash Rewards
This card earns 4% cash back on gas and 3% back at restaurants. The main downside is the $8,000 annual spending limit, which is largely irrelevant since it’s so high. It’s arguably better than its closest competitor, the Citi Costco credit card; see our Costco review for more details. 4% back on $2,218 of spending is $88.72 in cash back.
6. Costco Anywhere
The Costco card is usable only for active Costco members, so it effectively has an annual fee. It gets 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 in annual spending) plus 3% back for restaurants and travel. Read our full review for more information on the pros and cons.
7. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
If you choose “gas” as your 3x category, the Customized Cash Rewards card earns at least 3% cash back. If you’re in the Preferred Rewards program however, you can earn much more. The downside is that the top tier requires at least $100,000 in assets.
- 3% category with Gold status: 3.75%
- 3% category with Platinum status: 4.5%
- 3% category with Platinum Honors or higher: 5.25%
8. Coinbase Debit
The Coinbase debit card can earn up to 4% cash back on all purchases. It’s a fair all-in-one everyday card if you don’t mind the downsides. Transactions in cryptocurrency have tax implications, among other potential issues. And gas stations may put large holds on debit cards until the funds clear. Credit cards are generally better.
9. Wells Fargo Autograph
This is basically the same thing as the older Wells Fargo Propel. It earns 3% cash back on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming, and phone plans. Straightforward earnings on all types of transportation.
10. Navy Federal Credit Union More Rewards
The More Rewards card earns 3% cash back on gas, groceries, dining, and transit. Although other cards have higher earn rates, having 4 bonus categories is convenient. The only downside is the restrictions for joining Navy Federal. Many people can’t join the credit union. 3% back on $2,218 of spending is $66.54 in cash back.
Runner-ups:
M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards
The M1 credit card gets 5% cash back at gas stations owned by Amoco, BP, Chevron, Exxon, Mobil, and Texaco. It can get up to 10% cash back with other companies, although the card has an annual fee to consider ($95 or $125 per year depending on your status with M1 Finance).
Sam’s Club Mastercard
If you’re a Plus member ($100 per year) then you can get 5% back on gas ($6,000 annual spending limit) and 5% back at Sam’s Club. If you’re already a Sam’s Club member, this is a reasonable card to consider. Otherwise, a different option is likely better.
UMB Simply Rewards Visa
This card earns 3% back on gas, plus 3% at grocery stores and restaurants. 3% back on $2,218 of spending is $66.54 in cash back.
American Heritage Credit Union Cash Reward Mastercard
Anyone can join this credit union with a $5 donation during the member application process. It gets an unlimited 3% back for pharmacies, home improvement stores, gas, and groceries.
American Express Blue Cash Everyday
This card earns 3% back on gas, plus 3% at grocery stores and online retail purchases. There’s a spending limit of $6,000 per year in each category. This is an unnecessary complication considering how many other cards give unlimited cash back.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
AMEX BCP gets 3% on gas and transit, plus 6% on groceries and streaming. Its downside is a $95 annual fee which reduces the value of rewards earned. Blue Cash Preferred is best if it’s your only card. Otherwise, a mix of no-fee cards can outdo this.
Citi Premier
Citi Premier gets 3% cash back for gas, airlines, hotels, restaurants, and groceries. Like the Blue Cash Preferred above, it has a $95 annual fee, which reduces the value of rewards earned. There generally isn’t a reason to hold the Premier long-term. No-fee cards can outperform it.
Honorable mentions
- Discover It – usually gives 5% back for one quarter in a year
- Chase Freedom Flex – usually gives 5% back for one quarter in a year
- Nusenda – usually gives 5% back for one or two quarters per year
- PCMCU Platinum Rewards Mastercard – 5% cash back on everything ($1000 monthly spending limit), waivable annual fee, limited to Wisconsin (Marinette or Green Bay only)
- Kroger Family of Companies – 5% cash back on mobile wallet transactions, limited to $3,000 per year (not supported at every gas station)
- U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite – earns up to 4.5% cash back when using mobile wallets (not supported at every gas station)
- Capital One Venture X Visa Infinite – can potentially earn more than 3% cash back on everything (with good utilization of their transfer partners)
Note: This page was last updated in November 2022. Details may have changed since then.