Even if you are not into long drives (unlike me!) daily commute just from home to office can amount up to high expenditure on gas purchases. Payments with cash or debit cards may not get you any rewards, but now there are gas stations that accept credit card and offer discount and cash backs as well!
What Are Some Gas Stations That Take Credit Card?
Plenty of gas stations take credit cards now. Some accept cards from major banks and credit unions while there are other who offer gas station-specific cards as well. If gas purchases have you on a tight budget every month, it would be great to check and compare where you can pay with credit cards to save some dollars.
1. Chevron
Chevron provides safe and reliable fuel and fuel products all around the world. For US residents, the option of paying with credit cards from Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express is open. They can also use Chevron/Texaco credit card or simply pay with cash or debit cards.
2. 7-Eleven
7-Eleven is the go-to convenience store and gas station for many in the US. It operates all around the clock. You can also make payments here using credit cards from Visa, American Express, and Mastercard. Other than that, 7-Eleven stores and gas stations accept cash, Fleet One card, store gift cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
3. Meijer
Another one of gas stations that accept credit card is Meijer. It is known for other services and products as well. Buyers can pay with Visa, American Express, Mastercard credit cards, personal checks, cash, debit cards, and finally Meijer credit card.
4. Circle K
Are you someone who is always on the go? Circle K has you covered with multiple outlets around the US of its convenience store and gas station. To further simplify your purchases, Circle K accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You can also use Circle K gas gift card, Easy Pay card, fleet cards, debit cards and cash here.
5. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards but it is more famous for store-specific payment methods that are available. You can use ExxonMobil Smart Card, store gift card, SpeedPass key tag, and Speedpass+ App for payments as well. In addition to this, obviously, the choice of paying with cash or debit card is always open.
6. Shell
In addition to providing fuel, Shell also produces energy products, natural gas, LPG, chemicals, and lubricants. You can pay for the services and products here using Visa, American Express, Discover, Mastercard credit card. The gas stations also take Shell Platinum Mastercard other than cash, debit card, store gift card, and Shell Refillable Card.
7. BP/Amoco
There was a time when Amoco ran out of business in the US but it definitely made it back with a bang. You can buy fuel at BP/Amoco gas stations now with Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards. The gas stations offers a BP credit card as well which may help you reap extra rewards. Other than that, you can use cash and debit cards for payments.
8. Costco
Since Costco gas stations do not take cash, it is crucial to know which payment methods are open. First of all, you can only use Visa credit cards or Costco Anywhere Visa card here. Other than that, Costco cash card and debit cards are also accepted. Keep in that only store cardholders or Costco members can buy fuel at the gas stations.
9. ampm
With branches located in Arizona, Washington and many other states in the US, ampm is a well-known convenience store and gas station point where you can find good deals on food items and avail car wash as well. Here, you can use credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Ampm does not have gift cards or store-specific cards so other options available for payments are just cash or debit card.
10. Phillips 66
Phillips operates globally and therefore, it presents wide variety of payment options to its clients. You can pay with Visa, American Express, Discover, Mastercard credit cards, cash, debit cards, Phillips 66 gift card, Phillips 66 Universal Card, and Phillips 66 Personal card.
11. Albertsons
Albertsons is a well-known name in the US if you wish to earn gas rewards or fuel points, cash backs on diesel, etc. You can use credit cards here from Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express in addition to cash and debit which are also an acceptable mode of payment.
12. Conoco
Not only does Conoco offer quality fuel but promises reasonable credit card offers and promotions as well. Buyers can choose to pay with credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express here. Conoco also accepts cash, fleet cards, gift cards, and debit cards for purchases.
13. Pilot/Flying J
The company basically operates truck stops under the Pilot Travel Centers. It is obviously a reliable supplier of gasoline and fuel. You can pay here with Visa, Discover, American Express, and Discover credit cards. It also accepts cash, debit cards, fleet cards, and MyRewards card.
14. Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee gas stations are an option that you can look into although the store stands out more for online grocery deliveries and prescription refills. Customers can pay here using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. Cash, debit cards, Fuel Saver by Hy-Vee Perk Card is accepted as well.
15. Cumberland Farms
A combination of convenience store and gas station, you can buy gas at Cumberland Farms at local prices and reasonable discount deals as well. It takes Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express credit cards, debit cards, store-specific gift card, and cash as payment method.
16. Valero
Valero is one of the largest producer of oil operating on a global level. You can complete payments here through Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit cards as well as cash, Valero credit cards and debit cards from almost all major financial institutions in the US.
17. Delta Sonic
Delta Sonic gas stations are known to offer gasoline in lowest prices and offer discounts with additional services like a car wash. You can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards for payments other than cash and debit cards that work too.
18. Kum & Go
Kum & Go primarily operates in 11 states only but the number of location is expected to grow in the future. Currently, you can pay here with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. The store and fuel points also take debit cards, cash, Kwik Full Charge Card, and store gift cards.
19. Kwik Trip/Kwik Star
This is a chain of convenience stores and gas stations that operate in selective states in the US. Buyers can pay via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards here along with Kwik card, debit card, or cash.
20. Kwik Fill/Red Apple
Surprisingly, the small gas station and convenience store chain operates more than 275 outlets in the US. Each of them take payments through Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You can also use cash, debit card, store gift card, and Kwik Fill Charge card to pay.
21. Sunoco
When it comes to purchase of quality fuel, Sunoco definitely stands out. If you are shopping here, you would be glad to know that all credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. You can also use Sunoco rewards gas credit card, Sunoco gift card and APlus Reward card in addition to cash and debit cards.
22. Marathon
Marathon has a range of offerings including reward programs, gift cards, and lubricants. It is also one of the leading gas stations that accept credit card. You can pay with Visa, Discover, American Express, and Mastercard credit card here. It also accepts Speedy Reward Mastercard, Speedy Rewards Pay Card, Marathon Cash, Fleet, cash, and debit cards.
23. Sheetz
Have you come across Sheetz’s punchline? “Get rewarded for being AWESOME!” Similarly catchy are its reward deals which work with fuel purchases, and other free stuff as well. You can use credit cards issued by Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Discover here. Sheetz Visa Card is also accepted along with cash, debit cards, Mastercard PayPass and Google Wallet.
24. RaceTrac/RaceWay
This is a premier gas station in the South US which also acts as a one-stop shop when you have to grab quick snacks. RaceTrac accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. You can also pay with Racetrac gift card, cash or any debit card.
25. 76
Not only does 76 accepts credit cards but it is also one of the few gas stations that offer considerable rewards for credit card payments. You can pay via Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards. Other than that, cash, debit cards, 76 gift card, 76 fleet card, Drive Savvy Rewards and Commercial credit cards, and 76 Universal cards work too.
26. Wawa
Wawa is a combination of convenience stores and gas stations where you can buy ready-to-order food, beverages and snacks along with fuel services. It accepts Visa, American Express, Discover, and Mastercard credit cards. You can use cash, debit cards, Wawa gift cards, and Wawa store-specific credit cards for payments as well.
27. Weis Gas & Go
This gas service goes with the slogan “the more you spend, the more you save” given the generous reward programs that it has. You can use credit cards here from Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Discover. It also takes cash, debit cards and Weis gift cards in addition to credit cards.
Which Cards Are Best To Use At Gas Stations That Accept Credit Card?
As you can see above, all credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted at leading gas stations and fuel points. This means there is a huge number of credit cards to choose from so which one should you go for? I have made a short list that will help you figure out the best choices to use at gas stations that accept credit card.
1. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
As a $0 annual-fee credit card from Capital One, Quicksilver cash rewards was definitely my go-to choice when I wanted plastic in my wallet that could get reasonable cash backs on gas purchases.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash rewards credit card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash bank on booking of hotels or rental cards.
Cardholders also get a one-time bonus of $200 cash on completing purchases of up to $500 within the first 3 months of getting the card.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This is a decent credit card that you can use without any annual fee and it offers multiple rewards with gas purchase as one of the leading category.
Cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles just by spending $500 within the first 3 months of credit card use. This is almost equivalent to $200 in travel.
The list does not stop here! You also get unlimited 1.25X miles on everyday purchases as well as 5X miles on rental cars and hotels booked through the credit card.
3. Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
Wells Fargo Propel is another decent choice when it comes to earning rewards on gas purchases with credit card payments. The points you earn here can come in different ways. This is because it has variable categories which will earn you bonuses. Similarly, you can use the points in different ways too i.e. by redeeming cash, or transferring to a frequent travel program.
There is a sign up bonus as well but the official website will be better able to guide you in this regard. The introductory APR is 0% for the first years and you are allowed to rotate points category as per your shopping needed every month.
Please note that according to some sources, this credit card is no longer available.
4. Discover It Cash Back
Discover It credit card is an amazing option not just for gas purchases but for general use as well. It offers commendable cash back reward system from which you can earn on quarterly basis. Gas stations, obviously, are part of the package here.
You can earn 5% cash back on every day purchases in categories like restaurants, gas, and grocery stores. Other than that, cardholders get 1% cash backs on all other purchases automatically.
The credit card has $0 annual fee, 13.49$ to 24.49% regular APR, and grace period of up to 15 months on introductory purchases and introductory transfers. Keep in mind that you need at least good credit score to improve your chances of approval.
5. Discover It Student Chrome
This credit card is designated for student use so, obviously, it carries flexible terms. There is no annual fee, the APR is between 14.49% to 23.49% variable and you don’t need to have previous credit history in order to apply.
Cardholders can win 2% cash back at gas stations and on purchases at restaurants and 1% cash back on all other categories.
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you want to make gas purchases easier and that too without any annual fee, Chase Freedom Unlimited is the way to go! All their boxes check as well, for example, you get a grace period for up to 15 months, the regular APR (up to 25.24%) is reasonable and cash back offers are interesting as well.
You can get 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through the credit card. There are rewards for travel-related purchases as well which you can redeem in form of gift card or cash back. There is also 4.5% cash back offer on delivery/takeout services, and 3% cash back on all other purchases.
There is also an introductory offer through which you can earn additional 1.5% cash on all purchases after you have spent $20,000 in the first year up to $300. There is no expiry date for the rewards that you earn via Chase Freedom Unlimited.
7. American Express Business Gold Card
This one is a leading credit card choice when it comes to gas purchases. There is an outstanding sign up bonus through which you earn 70,000 reward points on spending $10,000 within the first 3 months of getting the card.
You can choose the two categories in which you spend the most and then earn 4X reward points on purchases within these categories. There is also a 1X reward point scheme for purchases in all other categories.
Be mindful because the card carries quite a high annual fee of $295. The regular purchase APR is set between 15.74% to 23.74% pay overt time.
Nonetheless, another interesting scheme is that you can utilize the earned points to book flights with American Express Travel and get 25% of the points back!
8. American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
This has to be my personal favorite when it comes to choosing a credit card for gas purchases. There is a flexible 12-month grace period, $300 statement credit bonus on spending $3000 within the first 6 months and it supports different buy now pay later options for which there are no additional charges.
Once the introductory period ends, cardholders can earn 6% on groceries, 3% on transit expenditure, and 6% on streaming devices.
There is an annual fee of $95 which may seem to be high end for many users.
9. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Another good cash back option with gas stations that accept credit card is Bank of American Customized Cash Reward card. As the name suggests, you can customize yourself how you would want to redeem the bonus points here. It will also give you cash back on the category of your choice.
There is a sign up bonus of $200 if you spend more than $1000 in purchases within the first 3 months of getting the card. There is a 15-month grace period for new cardholders.
10. Citi Premier Card
Looking for a combination of gas station rewards and travel rewards? You should check out Citi Premier Card!
It is an ideal choice for gas purchases. You can win 60,000 bonus points on spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of getting the credit card. These can be redeemed in form of gift cards.
It also offer 3 bonus points per dollar spent at gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and airfare. Fair deal, right?
11. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
In the list of gas stations that accept credit card, this option is compatible with almost all the leading names. There is no annual fee and the APR is reasonable as well i.e. 3.49% to 17.99%.
There is an introductory 0% balance offer for the new cardholders. This is applicable for the first 12 months. On top of that, if you spend $1500 within the first 3 months of getting the credit card, it will make you eligible for a sign up bonus of 15,000 points.
Gas purchases with PenFed Platinum will get you 5 points for every dollar. There is also a three-point reward scheme for purchases made in all other categories.
What Are Some Gas Credit Cards To Consider?
You might be tempted to consider gas credit cards for maximum rewards but it is not a necessity. Most of the “everyday” use credit cards that I have mentioned above extend their reward or cash back schemes to gas purchases and some even often as good as 3% cash back on buying fuel.
Gas-specific credit cards, however, offer higher earning rate. For reaping this benefit, you have to keep in mind that your earning would be limited to certain gas stations only and there may be a cap on maximum rewards as well.
You can always keep your options open by looking into some of the best gas credit cards available right now. The strongest candidates in this list are:
1. Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard Credit Card
I think the best option to consider, when it comes to gas station credit cards, is Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard credit card. It offers 30 cents per gallon discount on first five gas purchases at Shell. There is also no annual fee for the card.
After you have consumed the first five purchases, you will still get 10 cents discount per gallon for up to 35 gallons. These rewards can be combined with Shell Fuel Rewards programs for maximum benefits.
2. BPme Rewards Visa Credit Card
BPme Reward cardholders can avail 15 cents per gallon of discount once the introductory period ends. It is a no-annual-fee card with additional benefits like free access to FICO score check, $0 fraud liability, and multiple ways to redeem the card bonus via First National Bank of Omaha.
You can convert reward points to cash backs, statement credits, gift cards and travel experiences with major service providers.
Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on non-fuel purchases as well as 1% discount on all other types of spending. Keep in mind, however, that the credit card carries a 3% foreign transaction fee.
3. Exxon Mobil Smart Card
ExxonMobil takes a number of credit cards but it has a Smart Card of its own too. In fact, you can get a discount of up to 30 cents per gallon on fuel purchases with this card for the first two months. There is no annual fee, $0 fraud liability, and 5% cash back on in-store purchases.
Although the cash back does not cover things like money orders, gift cards, or lottery tickets, it is a reasonable saving technique and is applicable of card washes for the first $1200 spent on non-fuel purchases.
Rewards earned from the credit card can not be combined with Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program and can not be redeemed anywhere except Exxon and Mobil gas stations.
4. Sunoco Rewards Credit Card
I have discussed above the credit cards that you can use at Sunoco gas station bus in addition to those, it has a Rewards credit card of its own with $0 annual fee and decent discounts for cardmembers.
Citi bank issues the Sunoco Rewards credit card which lets you save 25 cents per gallon within the first 2 months of opening the account. You also earn a discount of 5 cent per gallon and additional 3 cents per gallon if you purchase more 5 gallons of gas in under 2 months in separate purchases.
The Rewards credit card is obviously specific to Sunoco only and can not be used with different sellers. It is a great choice with features like $0 fraud liability and free authorized users cards.
5. CITGO Rewards Card
You can receive the sign up bonus with CITGO reward card right away. This is an immediate discount of 10 cents per gallon in fuel statement during the first three months of using the card. It is also a no-annual fee credit card issued by the Synchrony bank and usable at specific gas stations only.
Other than the sign-up bonus, cardholders also get 5 cents discount per gallon in fuel statement credit in addition to $0 fraud liability, free authorized user cards, and six months of promotional financing on purchases of more than $199.
6. Speedy Rewards Mastercard
Speedy Rewards Mastercard is a gas station credit card with no annual fee but it does not offer any rewards that are specific to fuel purchases only. You can earn 25,000 bonus points on spending $500 in the first three billing cycles from account opening.
It is issued by the First National Bank of Omaha and offers additional rewards as a Speedy Rewards member. You can access your FICO score without fees as well.
The most outstanding feature of this card is that it lets you earn 50 points per dollar spend on fuel and in-store purchases.
7. Techron Advantage Visa Credit Card
This gas credit card is issued by the Synchrony bank and carries $0 annual fee. As a cardholder, you would also get $0 fraud liability, cellphone protection of $300 per claim, and up to 6 months of promotional financing on purchases greater than $199.
Techron Advantage Visa credit credit allows you to win up to 37 cents per gallon when buying fuel at Chevron or Texaco within the first 3 months of opening an account.
There are various gas discount schemes for cardmembers such as 3 center per gallon on diesel, 6 cents per gallon on plus fuel and 8 cents per gallon on premium fuel. You can also earn additional 2 cents per gallon in fuel credit in exchange of $100 spend at non-gas station merchants.
Should You Get a Gas Station Credit Card?
Let’s look at it this way: If you break-down your monthly expenses, you would see that a major chunk of your spending goes into gas purchases. That means, with a good gas credit card, you would be able to convert this expenditure into valuable rewards and cash backs.
So yes, it can be said that gas stations credit cards are worth it. Even more useful are general-purpose credit cards because they do not limit your purchases to fuel only. You can earn rewards when buying items from other categories as well.
There are many reasons why you might not be able to qualify for top-notch credit cards like the ones offered by Capital One. In this case, you will find it useful to have gas credit card in the wallet.
They do not have annual fees, come with reasonable reward schemes, there are no maintenance charges and criteria for application is quite lenient as well.
The only downside to gas station credit cards is that they are specific. You would only be able to shop at one brand. Some people tend to keep multiple gas credit cards with them but I don’t see how that can be useful.
My verdict? Go for a branded credit card if your credit standing allows. You will get multiple bonuses and flexibility of shopping in various categories other than gas. You can also, decide for yourself, how you wish to redeem the reward points.
Will Gas Station Credit Card Help You Build Credit?
As far as general-purpose credit cards are concerned, all of them report to credit bureaus. This means, if you are punctual with payments and use the card responsibly, they can be just the tool you need to fix your credit score quickly.
However, the same does not hold true for gas station credit cards. Unfortunately, a majority of them do not report to Experian, TransUnion or Equifax. You might incur penalty fees on late payments and earn additional rewards with responsible use but none of this will have any effect on the credit standing.
Now this is where I should tell you about an interesting trick. Although gas credit cards can not help build credit directly, there is a work-around as they can help you lower the credit utilization ratio, which is crucial for improving credit score.
If you are spending too much of your credit limit on purchasing fuel, you can replace the general-purpose credit card with gas credit card to lower the credit utilized by the end of the month. This will definitely have a positive impact on the overall credit standing.
Which Gas Stations Do Not Take Credit Cards?
You will hardly find a gas station that completely turns down all types of credit card payments but specific stations only accept certain cards. A common example is that of Costco gas stations that take Visa credit cards only. Other than that, gas credit card from a specific company may not be accepted elsewhere.
ARCO is the only gas station that does not accept any type of credit card payments.
You can pay with credit cards at ARCO at selective locations only such as California, Oregon, Washington DC, and Nevada. Other than these regions, ARCO takes cash and debit card payments only.
The debit card transfers at ARCO will cost you 35 cents per transaction.
Other payments methods are the use of PumpPASS card, or mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Pay, that are all accepted here.
Can You Use Prepaid Debit Cards or Gift Cards At Gas Stations?
So you know by now that there is a long list of gas stations that accept credit card and majority of these allow you to pay with prepaid cards and gift cards as well.
The truth is that credit cards by major companies like VISA are widely accepted but the policy about the use of a prepaid/gift cards may vary greatly from one outlet to another.
Most gas stations that accept credit card, prepaid card or gift card let you enter amount manually. When the amount matches the given figure, the pump stops automatically.
There are pre-authorization charges as high as $125 when using prepaid/gift card or even credit card. You can avoid such charges by paying a set amount for in-store purchase of fuel instead.
Before You Go!
It seems like all gas providers understand well the growing importance of contactless payment methods. Not only do most gas stations accept credit card, but some even offer store-specific gas credit card with additional rewards and bonuses.
Your options don’t just end with credit cards if you are exploring non-conventional ways of paying for fuel. Don’t forget to read about gas stations that accept EBT and other gas stations that cash checks. Moreover, if you are going to pay with credit card, look into gas stations that only hold $1 to make your purchase even more convenient.
Miriam Caldwell is a dedicated & expert freelance writer to educate people about personal finance management and budgeting. She shared her knowledge and published the articles at TheBalance.com, GOBankingRates, and BlissfullyDomestic.com. Many financial institutes pick Caldwell as the brilliant source for educational personal finance content.