Driver uses their credit card at a gas pump to pay for gas

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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