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Best Gas Rewards Program for You
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Best Gas Rewards Program for You

Published August 23, 2022
3 min read

Let’s Learn About: Gas Rewards Programs

  1. When you spend money on gas, cash back rewards can add up

  2. Credit cards that offer cash back for gas purchases may also reward other purchases

  3. Gas station rewards programs offer rewards for gas purchases, but not for other purchases

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

One of the first questions to ask yourself when choosing the best gas rewards program for you is, “Where do I like to fill up?”

Choosing the best gas rewards program for you

When choosing a gas rewards program, there are a few important factors to consider, including where you prefer to get gas and the types of 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 and other purchases, or you can join a loyalty rewards program at one or more gas stations.

Credit cards with cash back rewards on gas

If you frequent a variety of gas station brands, a cash back credit card like the Discover it® Chrome card might be a good fit.

With this card, you Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.1 Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

The Discover it® Chrome card also offers Cashback Match. Discover gives you an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, automatically.2 There is no limit to how much we’ll match. So, if you earn $100 in cash back, it turns into $200. Plus, there’s no annual fee.

Gas station rewards programs

If you always buy the same brand of gas, regardless of how far you have to drive or how much you have to pay, you might choose a gas station loyalty rewards program. Gas station rewards programs are typically tied to a specific gas station brand.

While loyalty programs offer rewards or discounts, there are limits. When your rewards are tied to a specific gas station brand, you won’t necessarily get the best gas price or rewards opportunities. If you shop anywhere besides gas stations, it’s important to remember that your gas rewards card may not earn rewards at merchants other than gas stations.

You can have more than one gas rewards program

Even if you participate in the gas rewards program of the gas brand you buy most often, you may want to consider adding a second credit card that offers gas rewards at other stations and other types of merchants.

If you have a gas rewards credit card that earns rewards on every purchase, you can avoid missing 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 may prefer a cash back credit card allows you to earn rewards no matter where you fill up. Instead of searching for a specific gas station brand, you can earn rewards at the station that offers the lowest price. You can also earn rewards everywhere you shop, not just at gas stations.

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. When choosing which gas rewards card is best 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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Chrome Disclosure: 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. 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 further detail.

Cashback Match: We’ll match all the cash back rewards you’ve earned on your credit card from the day your new account is approved through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, and add it to your rewards account within two billing periods. You’ve earned cash back rewards only when they’re processed, which may be after the transaction date. We will not match: rewards that are processed after your match period ends; statement credits; rewards transfers from Discover checking or other deposit accounts; or rewards for accounts that are closed. This promotional offer may not be available in the future and is exclusively for new cardmembers. No purchase minimums.

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.

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