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How to Choose a Gas Rewards Credit Card If You Have Poor Credit

5 min read

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

With bad credit, you may still earn gas rewards using a secured credit card.
A secured credit card requires a deposit, which will equal your credit limit.
Using your gas rewards credit card wisely could help you build a positive credit history.

If you’re like many consumers, gas purchases may be a regular expense in your budget. With the right credit card, you could earn rewards as you fill up your tank. But bad credit may be holding you back from applying for a gas rewards credit card. Fortunately, you have options, even if your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be.

If you have poor credit, can you get a gas rewards card?

Yes, you may still get a gas rewards card even with poor credit. Every credit card issuer has unique requirements. A low credit score may disqualify you from some rewards cards. However, you could earn rewards on gas purchases and build credit history with the responsible use of a secured credit card.

Secured credit cards work by requiring a deposit that will usually equal the card’s credit limit. If you miss payments, the credit card issuer may close your account, using your deposit to cover the balance. Like a regular credit card, you could make purchases up to your credit limit and repay your balance over time. Some secured credit cards also allow you to earn rewards on everyday purchases, including gas.

With the Discover it^® Secured Card, you could enjoy rewards as you rebuild your credit history with responsible use.² Earn 2% Cashback Bonus^® at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.³

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The Discover it^® Secured Card makes it possible to earn even more rewards for gas in the first year after you’ve opened your account. We’ll automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned on your credit card at the end of your first year. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.⁴

How to use your gas rewards card wisely

As you work to rebuild your credit and improve your credit score, it’s important to use your card with care. You could do that by making timely payments and minimizing your balance.

To maximize your cash back, only use your gas credit card to pay for the fuel you can afford to cover without a credit card. Then, try to repay your balance right away—before the end of your billing period. With this strategy, you may not only avoid owing interest that offsets rewards but also build a healthy credit history.

By staying on top of payments and using only a small portion of your available credit, you could demonstrate your reliability to lenders. After maintaining responsible habits for several months, you may qualify for an unsecured credit card.

Did you know?

Once you improve your credit score, you may qualify for more credit cards that allow you to earn rewards and enjoy introductory low interest rates. The best option for you depends on your spending habits and financial goals.

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Other types of gas reward cards

If you want to earn rewards for gas with a low credit score, a secured card from a credit card issuer may not be your only option. Some retailers also offer gas cards.

Unlike a gas rewards credit card, you can typically only use a retailer’s gas credit card and claim your rewards or discount at the gas station that issued it. Instead of earning cash back rewards, you often earn discounts on gas as you fill your tank. For example, you might earn a few cents per gallon. While those rewards don’t have the same flexibility as cash back, they could still help you save on gas costs.

Compare benefits and drawbacks of each gas card before making your final decision

Everyone has unique financial and credit card needs. Even if your credit score limits your options, you should still take some time to identify the best fit. The following factors could help you make a decision:

Consider the credit card rewards that best fit your budget and routine. Does a credit card reward different types of purchases or only gas? Will rewards outweigh interest and fees?

Many rewards credit cards charge an annual fee, which may offset your cash back earnings. Keep in mind that Discover has no annual fee on any of our cards.

Credit cards may offer introductory perks. Discover offers a Cashback Match, for example, that lets you get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.⁴

Some gas cards only allow you to make purchases at certain retailers. While that may work well for you if you typically buy gas at the same station, it’s a limitation. If you travel often or prefer to shop around for the best prices on gas, a more flexible card may be better.

The bottom line

Even if your credit score isn’t as high as you’d like, you could still earn cash back at the gas station. Using a secured credit card that offers rewards on gas could help you build good credit and learn positive spending habits as you earn rewards for each gas purchase. Then, as you build credit history, you may qualify for gas credit cards with even more perks and higher rewards in the future.

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