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Advisor
Credit Cards
Best Gas Credit Cards For Bad Credit

Advertiser Disclosure Updated: Jun 24, 2024, 4:47pm

Best Gas Credit Cards For Bad Credit of July 2024

Kevin PayneBanking Writer

Kevin has been writing and creating personal finance and travel content for over six years. He is the founder of the award-winning blog, Family Money Adventure, and host of the Family Money Adventure Show podcast. He has been quoted by publications like Readers Digest and The Wall Street Journal. Kevin's work has been featured in Bankrate, Credible, CreditCards.com, Fox Money, LendingTree, MarketWatch, Newsweek, New York Post, Time, ValuePenguin and USA Today.

Kevin Payne

Kevin PayneBanking Writer

Banking Writer

Jerod MoralesDeputy Editor

Jerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he and his wife enjoy introducing their kids to cultures and cities across the globe as often as they can.

Fact Checked

Jerod Morales

Jerod MoralesDeputy Editor

Deputy Editor

Fact Checked

Updated: Jun 24, 2024, 4:47pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

The average American driver racks up more than 13,000 miles of driving annually. Whether you’re a road warrior who primarily works from your vehicle, a frequent commuter or a busy parent running kids to sporting events and school activities, you can earn rewards each time you fill your tank with a gas credit card.

If you have bad credit or are new to credit cards, you may not qualify for the top rewards cards for fuel or other purchases. Luckily, there are credit cards available that can help you get your credit on track while accessing benefits at gas stations. Here are our favorite gas credit cards if you have bad credit.

Show Summary

Best Gas Cards for Bad Credit

Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best Secured Card for Welcome Bonus
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *: Best Secured Card For Electric Vehicle Owners
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *: Best Secured Card For Bank Of America Customers
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best Secured Card For Flat-Rate Cash Back Rewards
U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card *: Best Secured Cash Back Card
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card *: Best Secured Travel Rewards Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best Card For Uber Rides

Find the Best Credit Card

Best Gas Cards for Bad Credit of 2024

Best Secured Card for Welcome Bonus

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now

On Discover's Website

Click Here To Apply Now

Rates & Fees

Up to 2% Reward Rate

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. PlusRead More

Welcome Bonus

Cashback Match™

Annual Fee

Regular APR

28.24% Variable APR

Credit Score

New/Rebuilding Credit

Our Expert Take

In the secured credit world, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands above the competition. With an unlimited 1% cash back rate on all purchases, plus 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, no penalty APR and no annual fee, we love this card for those who need to rebuild their credit. The matching cash back reward at the end of your first year is a sweet bonus.

Expert Commentary

Albert Hsieh

Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.

Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.

With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.

His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.

Albert Hsieh

Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

No credit history required, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers one of the best credit cards for building or rebuilding a healthy credit history, while earning cash back in select everyday categories.

Pros & Cons

No annual fee
Cash back rewards earning is uncommon for a secured card
Free FICO score access each month
Cashback Match doubles cash back rewards earning at the end of the first year

Bonus category rewards are capped
Secured cards don’t provide many of the perks unsecured cards do
Secured cards require refundable deposits

Card Details

No credit score required to apply.
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back 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.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Terms and conditions apply.

Best Secured Card For Electric Vehicle Owners

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *

Up to 3% Reward Rate

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug storesRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

29.24% variable

Credit Score

New to Credit

Our Expert Take

A secured card with no annual fee and the ability to earn rewards, this Bank of America card can provide a way forward for those needing to build their credit profile.

Pros & Cons

No annual fee
Earns cash-back rewards on eligible purchases
Potential for an upgrade to an unsecured card

The rewards system can be complicated to track
An opening deposit of $200 is required
There’s a foreign transaction fee

Card Details

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement & furnishings
Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%
A minimum refundable security deposit of $200 (maximum of $5,000) is required to open this account
Now, you can access your FICO® Score updated monthly for free, within your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking
No annual fee

Best Secured Card For Bank Of America Customers

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *

Unlimited 1.5% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

28.24% variable

Credit Score

Bad/Poor (0 - 649)

Our Expert Take

Earns an easy-to-manage 1.5% cash back on all your spending without tracking categories or spending caps.

Pros & Cons

Simple rewards structure is easy to manage
Potential to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
Free access to your FICO Score

There are other secured cards that may earn you higher rewards.
There’s a foreign transaction fee
Minimum deposit of at least $200 required

Card Details

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Cash rewards don’t expire
Establish, strengthen or rebuild your credit
No annual fee

Best Secured Card For Flat-Rate Cash Back Rewards

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now

On Capital One's Website

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Click Here To Apply Now

Rates & Fees

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Limited, Bad

Our Expert Take

For those who don’t mind paying a security deposit to unlock access to rewards earning, this card may be worth considering.

Pros & Cons

Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Ability to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior

No bonus categories other than Capital One Travel bookings
$200 minimum opening deposit

Card Details

No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

Best Secured Cash Back Card

U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

5% cash back on on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of choice, 2%Read More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

29.99% variable

Credit Score

Bad/Poor (0 - 649)

Our Expert Take

Not only does it earn rewards, which is rare among secured cards but you can choose your own bonus adventure from a list of several everyday common spending areas.

Pros & Cons

High rewards potential for a secured card
$0 annual fee
Useful convenience benefits

Requires a deposit as any secured card does
High variable APR
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each foreign transaction

Card Details

Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose
Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)
Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Also earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotel, car, or air reservations when booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
Choose payment due date
$0 annual fee

Best Secured Travel Rewards Card

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card *

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4x points on dining and takeout, 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1xRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

29.99% variable

Credit Score

Bad/Poor (0 - 649)

Our Expert Take

If your biggest expenses are on dining and takeout, this is one of the best secured card offers available.

Pros & Cons

Reports to all three major credit bureaus
No annual fee
Comes with a $15 annual streaming credit for eligible services

Minimum deposit of $300 is required
Non-bonus categories earn so-so rewards
Other secured cards may offer rewards that better align with your spending

Card Details

Earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining and takeout
Earn 2 points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1 point on all other eligible purchases
Earn a $15 streaming credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix and Spotify
$0 annual fee

Best Card For Uber Rides

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now

On Capital One's Website

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Click Here To Apply Now

Rates & Fees

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Plus, earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental carsRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$39

Regular APR

29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Average, Fair, Limited

Our Expert Take

A great option for those with less-than-stellar credit, this card offers a gateway to building better credit while earning a respectable 1.5% cash back rewards rate. You may also gain a higher credit line in as little as 6 months from account opening.

Pros & Cons

Unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards
Fair-to-average credit applicants considered
No foreign transaction fee
Rewards don’t expire

High APR
No boosted rate in common spending categories
No welcome offer
No intro APR offer

Card Details

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn’t expire for the life of the account. It’s that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set

Here’s a Summary of the Best Gas Credit Cards For Bad Credit

Credit Card

Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Rates & Fees

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card

Rates & Fees

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit Card

Best For

Credit Score

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best Secured Card for Welcome Bonus

New/Rebuilding Credit

Cashback Match™

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Best Secured Card For Electric Vehicle Owners

New to Credit

N/A

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Best Secured Card For Bank Of America Customers

Bad/Poor

N/A

Rates & Fees

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best Secured Card For Flat-Rate Cash Back Rewards

Limited, Bad

N/A

U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card

Best Secured Cash Back Card

Bad/Poor

N/A

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card

Best Secured Travel Rewards Card

Bad/Poor

N/A

Rates & Fees

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best Card For Uber Rides

Average, Fair, Limited

$39

N/A

Best Gas Credit Cards For Bad Credit

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card earns bonus cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to quarterly limits. The card stands out among secured cards because it features the same cashback bonus offered with Discover’s unsecured cards, which matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Unlimited Cashback Match™ - Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit starting at $200. Discover automatically reviews your account after seven months to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card. The card has other consumer benefits and protections like free FICO Credit Score access, social security number alerts and online privacy protection.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is among the better cards available for electric vehicle owners. The card earns a high bonus cash-back rate in the category of your choice. There are several categories to choose from, including gas and EV charging stations. It’s also a high earner at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in a category of choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvement/furnishings; 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; unlimited cash back on all other purchases. Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Like other secured cards on our list, a security deposit is required to get the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*. Bank of America will periodically review your account to see if you qualify to upgrade to an unsecured card and a deposit refund.

Cardholders can access their FICO Score online or through Bank of America’s mobile app. The card has no annual fee.

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is an excellent option for existing bank customers who want to build a positive credit profile. Cardholders can link an eligible Bank of America checking account to their card for overdraft protection. The card earns flat-rate cash back on all purchases.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Bank of America periodically reviews your card account, and if your credit has improved, you may qualify to have your security deposit returned. Also, you get complimentary FICO Score access with the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*.

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) is best for anyone building or rebuilding their credit. The card is a solid option for cash-back rewards, especially if you’re not interested in navigating bonus rates and spending categories to ensure you’re maximizing rewards-earning opportunities. The card earns unlimited bonus cash back on every card purchase, regardless of category.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card charges no foreign transaction fees, making it a worthy wallet option for international travelers. Capital One automatically performs credit line reviews in as little as six months.

Secured credit cards aren’t typically known for exceptional rewards, but that’s precisely what you get with the U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card*. As a cardholder, you’ll earn elevated cash-back rates on two categories you choose up to quarterly limits and on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center. You’ll also earn bonus cash back in one everyday category, which includes gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of choice, 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 2% cash back on eligible purchases in choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The card offers a few ways to redeem cash back, including statement credits, direct deposits to select U.S. Bank bank accounts or a U.S. Bank Rewards Card. However, it includes limited benefits beyond rewards earning. One notable perk is the ability to choose your payment due date. The card requires a minimum refundable security deposit of $300, with deposits accepted up to $5,000.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card* earns bonus rewards rates on spending in popular categories like dining, takeout and restaurant delivery, grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging stations. The card offers flexible redemptions with options like travel, merchandise, cash back, gift cards, or redeem points instantly for eligible purchases via text with Real-Time Rewards.

Rewards: Earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining and takeout, 2 points per dollar spent at grocery stores (effect September 9, 2024 discount stores and wholesale clubs are excluded), gas stations and EV charging and on streaming services and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not have a welcome offer.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Eligible applicants can open a card account with refundable security deposits from $300 to $5,000, which acts as the card’s credit limit. Other perks include a streaming credit for select annual streaming service purchases and the ability to choose your own payment date.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) earns cash-back rewards on all purchases, including at gas stations. You can also save money bypassing fuel pump through the card’s Uber One benefits. Cardholders receive up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership, which comes with member pricing, access to top-rated drivers and Uber Eats benefits.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $39

Other benefits and drawbacks: Capital One reviews cardholder accounts as early as six months for credit line reviews. The card offers free credit monitoring through Creditwise. The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is excellent for international travel, with no foreign transaction fees. It’s not a secured card, so there’s no security deposit required, but it does charge an annual fee.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor evaluated dozens of credit cards to determine the best credit cards for the best gas cards for bad credit.

We considered:

Earning rates on gas
Annual fee
Any monthly fees
Security deposit requirements
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Ongoing reward rates
Reward redemption options
Credit building tools

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case (the card rating you see on a particular “Best Of” list). The rating for each card changes on different “Best” lists according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

Our list includes several secured credit cards, which require a cash security deposit to secure a line of credit. Secured cards are easier to qualify for than traditional unsecured credit cards and are an excellent option if you have poor or limited credit.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

What Is a Gas Credit Card?

A gas credit card earns rewards for fuel purchases or includes features or perks related to gas stations and EV charging stations. The average American household spends approximately $1,905 on gas purchases annually, making it a worthy spending category to consider when choosing a rewards credit card.

Gas station brands and select large retailers have co-branded gas credit cards. They are sometimes connected to the brand’s loyalty rewards program. There are also general credit cards that earn competitive rewards for fuel purchases.

Pros and Cons of Gas Credit Cards

Pros of Gas Credit Cards

Gas rewards: Gas cards typically earn high rewards rates on gas purchases.
Low fees: Many credit cards with gas benefits do not charge annual fees.
Accessibility: Gas credit cards are available for a wide range of credit scores, even if you have a limited credit history.

Cons of Gas Credit Cards

Rewards caps: Some gas cards have annual earning caps that limit bonus rewards you can earn on gas purchases. Once you reach card caps, you’ll earn a lower rewards rate on those purchases.
High APRs: Gas cards, especially secured credit cards, may have high purchase APR ranges.
Not ideal for EV Owners: Only select gas credit cards earn rewards at EV charging stations.

How To Get a Gas Credit Card With Bad Credit

Depending on your credit, you may not qualify for a traditional unsecured credit card. If that’s the case, you can apply for a secured credit card to improve your credit profile and then graduate to an unsecured credit card with responsible use. Secured cards require you to put cash down as a security deposit, which typically matches the credit limit associated with your card account. Issuers usually refund the deposit if you upgrade to an unsecured card or close your account, as long as you’ve paid your balance in full and are in good standing.

Some gas credit cards for bad credit, including several on our list above, allow you to see if you’re preapproved for card offers. Credit card preapproval involves a soft credit inquiry, which provides issuers with a surface-level look at your credit. Soft credit pulls do not negatively impact your credit score. Preapproval does not guarantee you’ll be approved for a credit card, but it gives you a no-risk opportunity to find out where you stand in the eyes of credit card companies.

When you apply for a gas credit card, the card company will perform a hard credit check, which dives deeper into your credit history and financial profile. Hard credit inquiries can cause your credit score to drop temporarily.

If approved for a secured credit card, you’ll need to provide the required security deposit through a linked bank account within the allotted time set by the issuer. You won’t receive your card until you provide the deposit.

Can I Build Credit With Gas Credit Cards?

Building credit with a gas credit card works the same as with any credit card. Each month, credit card issuers report account activity, including payments, to the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Using your credit card responsibly is the best way to improve your credit profile and boost your credit score. If you qualify for a credit card with bad or no credit, you may have a lower credit limit. Responsible use means being strategic with your purchases, only spending what you can afford to pay off each billing period. Payment history accounts for 35% when calculating credit scores. Pay your card balance in full each month to build a positive payment history.

If you have a secured credit card, the issuer may review your account occasionally to see if you qualify for a credit line increase or an upgrade to one of its unsecured card options.

Bottom Line

A gas credit card could be beneficial if you regularly commute to work or spend money regularly at the fuel pump. For many individuals, gas cards may not offer enough value, especially if you spend more money in other categories.

Consider your spending habits, card requirements, fees, APR and other card benefits to narrow your choice and pick the best card for your needs. If you’re building your credit, look for cards with features and tools to help you establish a favorable credit profile.

Find The Best Credit Cards for Gas in 2024

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest gas card to be approved for?

The easiest gas cards to qualify for are secured credit cards. Secured cards rely on a security deposit to obtain instead of a credit inquiry and don’t require a high credit score.

What credit score do you need for a gas credit card?

Credit score requirements vary considerably between different credit cards. You can sometimes qualify for unsecured credit cards with fair credit, but many rewards cards carry more stringent requirements. A fair credit score is considered a FICO Score of at least 580.

Is it worth getting a credit card just for gas?

A gas credit card may be worth having if you regularly spend a significant portion of your monthly budget at the fuel pump. Analyze your spending habits as a guide for the best credit cards to maximize your rewards potential.

How much can a gas station hold on your card?

Gas stations sometimes place an authorization hold on your credit or debit card when you use it to pay for fuel purchases. Merchants do this to ensure enough funds are available to cover the transaction. Hold amounts can range from as little as $1 to $100 or more. The hold is temporary and is typically removed once the transaction is processed completely, which can take a day or two.

What happens if you prepay for too much gas with a credit card?

If you prepay for more gas than you get, the difference is usually credited back to your account. Gas stations may handle prepayment differently, so always check with the gas station before prepaying for gas. Sometimes, you may need to file a dispute through your credit card company.

Next Up In Credit Cards

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Kevin Payne

Banking Writer

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