Best Gas Rewards Program for You

Whether you spend significant time commuting to work, driving your kids to after-school activities, or side-hustling as a rideshare driver, 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 rewards cards reward 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?”

Choosing a gas rewards program

When choosing a gas rewards program, there are a few important factors to consider, including what gas station you prefer to get gas from and the types of bonus 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 purchases as well as other purchases. Another option is to join a loyalty program at one or more gas stations, accumulate rewards for every gas purchase, or get other perks like a gift card or a gas discount. 

Credit cards with cash back rewards on gas

If you typically fill up your tank at different gas station brands, a cash back credit card might be a good fit since it rewards you for all your gas purchases, regardless of the gas station. That means you’ll be rewarded for every gallon of gas you buy, even if there aren’t any familiar gas stations around, or you want to fill up wherever you can get the best gas prices. 

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 typically tied to 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 are tied to a specific gas station brand, you won’t always be able to get the best gas prices since that brand may have higher gas prices when you go to fill up your tank. Remember, your gas station rewards card may not earn rewards at merchants other than the gas station brand that issued the card. 

If you plan to use your rewards card to purchase anything other than gas, an everyday card with cash rewards for all of your purchases, including fuel, may be the best gas credit card for you. 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 pay no annual fee, and you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate³.

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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.¹ Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, there’s no credit score required to apply,⁴ and there’s no annual fee.

You can have more than one gas rewards card

Even if you participate in the gas rewards program of the gas brand you buy most often, you may consider a gas rewards credit card that offers rewards at other stations and for non-fuel purchases. 

If you have a gas credit card that earns rewards on every purchase, you won’t miss 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 benefit from using a cash back credit card to earn rewards no matter where you fill up.  

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 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.