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

5 min read
Published January 24, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  1. With bad credit, you may still earn gas rewards using a secured credit card.

  2. A secured credit card requires a deposit, which will equal your credit limit.

  3. 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.

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With no harm to your credit score1

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.2

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. 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

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 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 crucial to use your card with care. You could do that by making timely payments and minimizing your balance.

The best credit cards for you reward purchases you already make. To maximize your cash back, only use your credit card to pay for the gas 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.

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 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

Each individual 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 cards never charge an annual fee.

Credit cards may offer introductory perks, like Discover Cashback Match, that could increase your rewards in the first year after you activate your account.

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.

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 credit history and learn positive spending habits as you earn rewards for each gas purchase. Then, as you build credit history, you may qualify for credit cards with even more perks and higher rewards in the future.

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  1. There is no hard inquiry to your credit report to check if you’re pre-approved. If you’re pre-approved, and you move forward with submitting an application for the credit card, it will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit score. Receiving a pre-approval offer does not guarantee approval. Applicants applying without a social security number are not eligible to receive pre-approval offers. Card applicants cannot be pre-approved for the NHL Discover Card.

  2. Build credit with responsible use(Secured): Discover reports your credit history to the three major credit bureaus so it can help build/rebuild your credit if used responsibly. Late payments, delinquencies or other derogatory activity with your credit card accounts and loans may adversely impact your ability to build/rebuild credit.

  3. 2% Cash Back at gas and restaurants: 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, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. 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 more information.

  4. Cashback Match: We’ll match all the cash back 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 earn cash back 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 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.