Gas Credit Cards

Gas Credit Card Offers

We agree, there are way too many gas credit cards to choose from.

But how do you find the right one for you?

Now, as you compare credit cards to find out which one is right for you, consider the following factors:

• Rewards credit card vs. gas station card: Most people hop around to gas stations, depending on where their drive takes them, so a gas-station branded credit card that limits your rewards to just one gas brand may not be as beneficial.

• Interest rates: If you plan to carry a balance, look for a credit card with a low APR instead.

• Annual fee: Some cards charge an annual fee every year just to have them. In exchange, you usually get better rewards or benefits. If you use the card frequently throughout the year, it might be worthwhile to pay an annual fee.

Earn Cash Back on Gas

The featured gas credit card offer on CreditDonkey is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, a CreditDonkey partner. Unlike cards associated with specific gas stations like Shell, BP, Sunoco, or Exxon Mobil, the Blue Cash Preferred lets you earn 3% cash back on purchases at US gas stations and select US department stores. You earn 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). You earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

With its consistent reward categories year-round, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is the CreditDonkey® featured credit card for gas.

Not convinced? For those of you feeling swayed by gas stations offering you 5 cents back on every gallon, we have a tiny bit of math for you. That type of deal was nice years ago, when gas was less than $2 a gallon. But when fueling your car costs an average of $3.00 a gallon, you’ve got to expect more from your purchases at the pump. With many gas-company cards, you’d get just 50 cents for 10 gallons of gas. That’s just about 1.67% back. But with the Blue Cash Preferred, for that same 10 gallons, you’d get 3% back, or 90 cents. That adds up if you’re a commuting warrior or a frequent road tripper. And you do not have to stress about how to find a particular brand gas station.

Gas rewards add up quickly. Think about this: The average U.S. household spends about $3,000 on gas each year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With the median household income just north of $50,000, that represents about 6% of an average family’s annual budget. If you spent $3,000 a year at the gas pump, the 3% cash back at US gas stations would put $90 back in your pocket during the course of the year.

Why It’s the Featured Credit Card for Fuel Purchases on CreditDonkey

• Rewards: The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a combination of the same reward categories year-round and convenient reward redemption (in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise). Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 3% at U.S. gas stations & at select U.S. department stores, and 1% on other purchases. (Terms and limitations apply).

• Promotion: Earn $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.

• 0% Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, currently 13.99% to 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors.

Why You Might Want to Look Elsewhere

• $95 Annual Fee: If you don't make regular purchases at gas stations or supermarkets, then this card may not be worth the annual fee. Consider the Blue Cash Everyday which has no annual fee, but earns 2% cash back at US gas station.

For Business Owners: If most of your gas purchases are tied to a business you own, consider a business gas credit card. Instead of reimbursing your employees, you can give your employees cards to earn rewards from their purchases.

Bottom Line: Apply for Gas Credit Card

If you spend a good deal of money on gas, the Blue Cash Preferred is a great choice in our opinion. You'll earn 6% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6k/year in purchases, then 1%), 3% cash back at US gas stations and at select US department stores, and 1% on other purchases. There is a $95 annual fee.

Terms and limitations apply. View the secure online application at American Express' website for details.

For more money-saving tips, make sure to read:

• How to Save Money on Gas
  
• How to Save Money on Groceries
  
• How to Save Money on Utilities

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.

Why Choose a Credit Card with Gas Rewards

• You can earn signup and bonus deals. See the full list of the current gas credit card deals.

• Get rewarded for purchases you’ll be making anyway: Buying gas is the ultimate necessity if you have a car, so why not earn rewards for it? While other types of rewards – like those earned when shopping online or at department stores – can encourage overspending, you can’t buy more gas than you need.

• Stem the cost of high prices: Buying gas is unlike buying almost anything else. It’s usually unnecessary to “shop around” since prices rarely vary within small geographic areas and it doesn’t ever go on sale like most other items.

What to Watch Out for When Choosing and Using Your Gas Credit Card

• Avoid gas cards issued by gas stations: Some gas stations offer credit cards that earn discounts only at their stations. These rewards may be comparable to other credit cards but they are also inconvenient. Instead, choose a card that offers rewards on gas purchases regardless of the brand or station.

• Check the fine print: Some gas station branded cards exclude purchases of diesel gas from their rewards programs. They may also limit the amount of gas (by quantity or by cost) that is eligible for rewards for one transaction.

• If you happen to be a warehouse club member, you probably shouldn’t bother with a gas credit card, as most gas credit cards are only eligible for rewards at stand-alone gas stations. It’s likely that the savings you’ll get by purchasing warehouse gas stations is greater than the rewards you’d earn if you paid full price at a stand-alone gas station.