A driver uses their credit card at a gas pump to pay for gas and earn rewards.

Gas Station Rewards Programs

5 min read

Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Some credit cards may offer cash back for gas station purchases.
Gas stations may offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn rewards or receive a fuel discount when you buy gas there.
You may be able to maximize your rewards by participating in a gas loyalty program while using your rewards credit card.

Do you spend a lot of time commuting to work? How about driving kids to after-school activities? Do you work as a rideshare driver? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you know that gas costs quickly add up. A gas rewards program may be a great way to earn cash back rewards or discounts each time you fill up your tank.

Gas loyalty programs allow you to earn points or perks from specific gas retailers, while gas credit cards may offer rewards for fuel purchases from any merchant. Some gas credit cards may offer rewards on other types of purchases, too.

With so many options, how do you know which gas rewards program makes the most sense for you? Start by asking yourself: “Where do I typically fill up?”

How to choose a gas rewards program

Most gas rewards cards fall into one of two categories: they’re either traditional credit cards that offer rewards on gas purchases or loyalty cards connected to a specific merchant.

When you’re selecting a gas station rewards program, you may want to keep a few factors in mind. Consider where you usually shop for gas, what other purchases you regularly make, and how you prefer to earn rewards.

Credit cards with cash back rewards on gas

If you like to shop around for deals and fill up your tank at different gas station brands, a cash back credit card might be a good fit. Cash back credit cards may reward you for gas station purchases, regardless of the brand. So, instead of looking for the station that offers fuel rewards, you may fill up at the station with the best prices or the most convenient location.

A gas credit card may offer rewards on other eligible purchases. With the Discover it^® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Credit Card, you earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.¹

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While a credit card may offer flexible rewards, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. You may need a strong credit score to qualify for a gas rewards card. If you haven’t started building credit history or your score is lower than you’d like, a cash back card may not be the best fit.

Gas station rewards programs

If you’re not looking for a traditional credit card and you typically stick to the same gas station, you might prefer a gas station customer loyalty rewards program. Gas station rewards programs are tied to a specific brand, which may include one or more gas station chains. You typically get rewards for every eligible purchase you make at a participating location, regardless of your payment method. So, you may earn points whether you buy gas with your credit card, debit card, or cash.

Rewards programs vary. You might earn a few cents or several points per gallon of gas or dollar spent at the gas station. You may be able to redeem the points you earn for a discount on gas, merchandise, and food, earn digital coupons, or receive a free item after you spend a certain amount.

Gas rewards programs may help you earn a little extra at the pump, but they come with some limitations. The gas station tied to your loyalty card may not always have the best prices. At times, you might need to choose between earning rewards and paying less for fuel. Plus, if you’re on vacation in an area with different gas station options, you may miss out on rewards.

Can you get gas rewards with a secured credit card?

Yes, depending on your credit card issuer, you may earn gas rewards with a secured credit card.

You can have more than one gas rewards card

You don’t necessarily have to choose between a gas rewards credit card and a loyalty program with your favorite gas station. You may participate in one or more gas rewards programs to earn discounts at a nearby station (or multiple stations) and apply for a rewards credit card to earn cash back. In fact, using your gas credit card as a payment method within the loyalty program may be a strategic option to bring in additional rewards with every fuel purchase.

Did you know?

Some credit cards come with introductory offers that may help you earn even more rewards on gas. With Discover^®, you can get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year, automatically.²

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The bottom line

Whether you need a lot of gas for a long commute, or you only take short trips close to home, gas rewards programs may put some money back in your pocket for every gallon you buy. When choosing the best credit card for gas rewards for you, consider your shopping habits and your credit needs.

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