Written by David Kindness Reviewed by Matt Reed Updated on September 2, 2024 On this page Key Takeaways The 5 Best Gas Cards for Personal Use The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card The Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard The BPme Rewards Visa Card The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card The Citi Custom Cash Mastercard What to Look for in a Great Fuel Card Verdict FAQs Expand Gas prices are always fluctuating, and high prices can wreak havoc on your budget. Traditional gas station loyalty programs can offer some savings, but they might not be enough. If that’s the case, then a fuel card (also called a gas card) might be the answer you’ve been looking for.The best gas card for personal use is the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card, which allows you to earn 3% cash back at all US stations, not just partnered locations. The downside is that there’s an annual fee after the first year, whereas the Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard gives you $0.10 back per gallon you buy and no annual fees attached.In this article, we’ll run through the best fuel discounts on offer from five major gas cards for personal use, and how you can make your money go further by getting cash back on both gas and everyday purchases. If you’re looking for a package of commercial gas cards, on the other hand, then take a look at our picks for the best fleet fuel cards. Short on Time? Here Are the Key TakeawaysThe American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card: earn 3% cash back at all US stations (not just specific chains), plus rewards on several other purchase categories (with an annual fee).The Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard: earn 10 cents per gallon on Shell fuel purchases, plus 10% in rebates for Shell non-fuel purchases, 2% on dining and groceries, and 1% on all other purchases.The BPme Rewards Visa: get some of the highest cashback rewards at BP and Amoco gas stations (with no annual fee), plus cash back on other purchases.Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card: earn bonus savings on your first month and ongoing discounts on gas and convenience store items at Exxon and Mobil stations.The Citi Custom Cash Mastercard: maximize your cash back with 5% back (up to $500 per month) if gas is your biggest spending category, all with no annual fee. The 5 Best Gas Cards for Personal UseFor an overview of the best gas cards for personal use (often called fuel cards) check out the table below. For a more detailed review, keep reading. Swipe right to see more 0 out of 0 backward forward American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard BPme Rewards Visa Card Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card Citi Custom Cash Mastercard Card Fees $0 for first year, then $95 per year Card Fees No annual fee Card Fees No annual fee Card Fees No annual fee Card Fees No annual fee Rebates This is a reward per gallon of fuel purchased (in the form of cashback or credit) 3% cashback on gas Rebates This is a reward per gallon of fuel purchased (in the form of cashback or credit) 10¢ per gallon (up to 35 gallons) Rebates This is a reward per gallon of fuel purchased (in the form of cashback or credit) 15¢ per gallon Rebates This is a reward per gallon of fuel purchased (in the form of cashback or credit) 10¢ per gallon on regular, mid-grade and diesel fuel12¢ per gallon on Synergy Supreme+™ premium gas Rebates This is a reward per gallon of fuel purchased (in the form of cashback or credit) 1-5% cash back on gas Savings and Discounts 3% back on transit6% back on groceries6% back on subscriptions to music and entertainment streaming services Savings and Discounts 10% rebates on first $1,200 in Shell non-fuel purchases2% rebates on first $10,000 in dining/groceries1% rebates on other Shell purchases Savings and Discounts 5% cash back on your non-fuel BP and Amoco purchases3% cash back on groceries3% cash back on dining1% cash back on other qualifying purchases Savings and Discounts 5% cash back on first $1,200 non-fuel purchases at participating Exxon and Mobil stations Savings and Discounts 5% cash back on first $500 in highest-spend category (dining, gas, groceries, travel + transit, and more)1% cash back on other purchases thereafter Network Anywhere that accepts AMEX Network Anywhere that accepts Mastercard Network Anywhere that accepts Visa Network 1,200+ Exxon and Mobil stations Network Anywhere that accepts Mastercard 1. The American Express Blue Cash Preferred CardBest gas card for personal use at all us gas stations Pros 3% back on gas at all US gas stations 3% back on transit: taxis, ride-sharing, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more 6% back on groceries 6% back on select streaming subscriptions 1% cash back on everything else $0 fee for the first year Cons Cash back on groceries is limited to the first $6,000 per year The card has a $95 annual fee after the first year Quick roundupIf you’re looking for an all-around gas card that offers a healthy discount on fuel and discounts on other purchases, the AmEx Blue Cash Preferred Card could be a great option. This card makes our top five list because it offers significant cash back on gas and gives you 3% back on transit, 6% back on groceries, and 6% back on subscriptions to music and entertainment streaming services, podcasts, YouTube, and more.What do we like about the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card?We appreciate that the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 3% cash back on gas at all U.S. gas stations, providing flexibility regardless of where you can fuel up. Additionally, the card’s broad rewards categories, including 6% cash back on groceries and streaming services, make it a versatile option for everyday spending.How could the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card be improved?While the card provides solid rewards, the $95 annual fee after the first year could be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the cash back on groceries is capped at $6,000 per year, which might limit the card’s appeal if you have higher yearly grocery expenses. Get AMEX rewards with your gas card With the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card, you can earn $250 back (in the form of a statement credit) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of card membership.Plus, with any AMEX card, you can enjoy exclusive tickets, events, and travel benefits and enroll in reward offers. Right now, there’s the option for programs such as $25 back when you spend $99 on an annual Max (HBO’s streaming service). And ther 2. The Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard From CitibankBest gas card for personal use at Shell gas stations Pros Save 30 cents per gallon on up to 35 gallons on your first five Shell fuel purchases Save 10 cents per gallon on up to 35 gallons on all Shell fuel purchases Get 10% in rebates on your first $1,200 in Shell non-fuel purchases per year Get 2% in rebates on your first $10,000 in dining and groceries per year Get 1% in rebates on all other qualifying purchases No annual fee Cons Most discounts come as rebates rather than immediate benefits No discounts or benefits from non-Shell gas stations Quick roundupThe Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard might be perfect for you if you want a gas card that offers discounts on fuel and fuel-related purchases and you’re already a fan of Shell gas stations. This card made our list because it offers a healthy discount ($0.10 per gallon forever) on gas, as well as rebates on other gas station purchases.Redeeming rebates earned on your Shell card is both simple and automatic. Rebates are applied as a statement credit against purchases made with your card in future billing cycles.What do we like about the Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard?The Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard is an excellent option for those who frequently fuel up at Shell stations, offering substantial savings of $0.10 per gallon on all Shell fuel purchases. The 10% rebates on non-fuel Shell purchases can also add significant value for loyal customers.How could the Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard be improved?The primary limitation of this card is that the benefits are restricted to Shell stations, which might not be ideal for those who refuel at a variety of gas stations. You can view a map of Shell’s 12,365 stations in the US to check if that coverage suits you, as Shell has fewer stations in Mountain West states like Colorado and Utah compared to others.Using the Shell's 'Gas Station Near Me' tool, you can easily see if there's solid coverage in the areas you drive within most often - Source: Expert MarketAdditionally, most of the discounts come in the form of rebates rather than immediate savings, which might be less appealing to some users. Apply before 12/31/24 to save 30¢ per gallon If you apply for a Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard before the 31st of December 2024, you can save a huge 30¢ per gallon (up to 35 gallons) on your first five Shell fuel purchases. That could amount to savings of $52.50 on 175 gallons worth of fuel if you utilize this deal to its maximum. ▶ Read more: Do Fuel Cards Save You Money? 3. The BPme Rewards Visa CardBest gas card for personal use at BP and Amoco gas stations Pros Save 30 cents per gallon at BP and Amoco stations for the first 60 days after account opening Save 15 cents per gallon every day after the first 60 days 5% cash back on non-fuel BP and Amoco purchases 3% cash back on groceries 3% cash back on dining 1% cash back on all other purchases No annual fee Discounts are among the highest available Cons No discounts or benefits from non-BP or Amoco gas stations Quick roundupIf you frequent BP and/or Amoco gas stations, then the BPme Rewards Visa could be the perfect option to help you save money and stress on your next fill-up. The BPme card is worth considering due to its significant gas savings—15 cents per gallon forever—and because it rewards you for both grocery and dining purchases.What do we like about the BPme Rewards Visa Card?The BPme Rewards Visa Card stands out for its generous 15 cents per gallon savings at BP and Amoco stations, making it one of the most rewarding options available. The additional cash back on groceries and dining adds to its overall value, especially for those who frequent these establishments.How could the BPme Rewards Visa Card be improved?The main drawback of the BPme Rewards Visa Card is the lack of discounts or benefits at non-BP or Amoco stations, limiting its usefulness for those who don’t have easy access to these locations.We believe its coverage is much less extensive than Shell’s since over half of the country isn’t covered, as you can see from the image below. Find out where the BP gas stations are located using its finder tool. Expanding the card’s rewards to include other gas station brands would make it more competitive given this limitation, but this exclusivity to the card brand’s own stations isn’t unusual for gas cards.There is a significant lack of BP gas stations between the mid-west states all the way to the Pacific ocean - Source: Expert Market Get everyday rewards with BPme On top of savings on fuel, you’ll be rewarded for the everyday purchases that can be redeemed in various ways, including:Cash BackAccount Statement CreditGift cards from major retailersTravel experiences 4. The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit CardBest gas card for personal use offering the highest initial savings Pros Save 40 cents per gallon or more for the first month after account opening Save 10 cents per gallon on regular, mid-grade, and diesel fuels Save 12 cents per gallon on Synergy Supreme+ Premium gasoline Get 5% back on drinks, snacks, car washes, and more on the first $1,200 in non-fuel purchases per year No annual fee Cons No discounts or benefits from non-Exxon gas stations Ongoing savings (mentioned above) are lower than other options on this list Quick roundupThe Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card could be an excellent option if you frequent Exxon or Mobil gas stations. With it, you’ll save not just on fuel ($0.40 per gallon for the first month, then $0.10 or $0.12 afterward) but also on non-fuel purchases (up to $1,200 per year) like drinks, snacks, car washes, and more to make your drives cheaper and more enjoyable.What do we like about the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card?The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card is highly appealing for its substantial initial savings of $0.40 per gallon during the first month, which is one of the highest among fuel cards. The ongoing 5% cash back on non-fuel purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations adds value beyond just fuel savings, too.How could the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ Credit Card be improved?A key limitation of this card is that its savings are solely for Exxon and Mobil stations, which may not be convenient for everyone.Exxon Mobil's gas station map works a little differently to others in that you need to select your location and a radius of potential spots will appear, rather than be able to see all stations at once - Source: Expert MarketAnd while its initial savings are appealing, after the first month the rates drop significantly, making the long-term benefits less attractive compared to some other options. Earn cash with Exxon Mobil Rewards+ With ExxonMobil, you can also sign up for its Exxon Mobil Rewards+ scheme, earning you points with each purchase. Every 100 points you earn, is worth $1 in savings. 5. The Citi Custom Cash MastercardMost versatile gas card for personal use Pros Get 5% cash back on your highest-spend category, up to $500 each month Get 1% cash back on all other purchases Welcome offer of $200 cash back if you spend $1,500 in the first 6 months No annual fee Cons If gas isn’t your highest spend category, you’ll receive only 1% cash back on gas. Quick roundupThe Citi Custom Cash Mastercard offers 5% cash back on gas (up to $500 per billing cycle), but only if you use the card primarily for fuel purchases. If gas isn’t your highest-spend category, then you’ll still get 1% cash back on gas (and 5% on whatever your highest category is).What do we like about the Citi Custom Cash Mastercard?The Citi Custom Cash Mastercard is particularly versatile, offering 5% cash back on your highest-spend category each month, which can be gas if that’s where you spend the most. This flexibility makes it a strong option for those who have varying monthly expenses.How could the Citi Custom Cash Mastercard be improved?The card’s main downside is that if gas isn’t your highest spending category, you’ll only earn 1% cash back on fuel purchases. This limitation could reduce the card’s appeal for those who want consistent gas savings every month. Expanding the 5% category to include multiple categories simultaneously would make it an even more attractive option. Redemption options with Citi Custom Cash While Citi Custom Cash is advertised as cash back, you’ll actually earn rewards as Citi ThankYou points which can then be redeemed for various things, including direct deposits of cash back to your bank account. In essence, 20,000 ThankYou Points amounts to $200 cash back. Here’s what else you can get with the points:Statement creditsCheque (must have $5 minimum in cash back for this option)Gift cardsTravel through the Citi Travel portalShopping via Amazon.com What to Look for in a Great Fuel CardWhen researching the best gas cards for personal use, you should consider their network coverage, discount structure, rewards, and card fees. We take a closer look at these below.Network coverageConsider how many gas stations will accept the card and where. Specifically, look for cards with coverage in your area, broad national coverage, or that have partnerships with stations you use frequently.Discount structure and rewards programsHow large is the discount on fuel offered by the card? Some fuel cards offer discounts of a few cents per gallon, while others offer discounts of 2% to 5% per gallon. Do the discounts only apply to specific fuel types (regular/unleaded, mid-grade, or premium)?Some cards offer rewards programs alongside or in place of discounts. You could earn points, cash back, travel rewards, statement credits, or other rewards on your fuel purchases. Check if the card you’re interested in has a rewards program, understand how it works, and see if the rewards align with your spending habits.Introductory offersMany credit cards advertise a welcome offer for new applicants who meet certain spending thresholds using the card—usually in the first three, six, or 12 months of card ownership. These offers are generally in the form of cash back or points. For example, you could receive $250 or 30,000 points when you spend $2,000 or more in the first three months.Credit card feesDetermine if the card has an annual fee, transaction fees, or foreign currency conversion fees. Annual fees can range from $100 to $500 or more, while transaction fees can range from 0% to 2.85%. Currency conversion fees can range from 0% to 3%, depending on the card.These fees might not sound significant, but they can add up quickly, so be aware of them before you sign up. Some cards waive fees if you meet minimum spending requirements.Security featuresChoose a card with robust security features, like a security chip, a PIN, and the ability to disable or cancel it from anywhere. Also, ensure the card provider uses secure servers to store your information, offers end-to-end encryption, and provides account recovery options.Customer supportThe card you choose should have helpful and accessible customer support. You should be able to access it 24/7 by phone, email, live chat, or website contact form. Ideally, it will also have a mobile app. ▶ Read more: What is a Gas Card and How Do You Use it? Verdict The discounts and rewards programs offered by fuel cards allow you to save money, reduce your stress at the pump, and spend your savings on things that actually matter to you. Some provide discounts only on gas purchases, while others also offer discounts on a range of purchases, like groceries, dining, travel, and more.Before making a choice, consider features like the size of the fuel discount, if the card offers cash back on other purchases, and whether there are fees associated with using the card. We chose the five cards on this list because they offer strong rewards and discounts on gas purchases. However, some are limited only to certain gas station brands. FAQs Can I get a fuel card for personal use even if I don’t have good credit? Not all fuel cards require a credit check for approval, and some allow applications from people with less-than-ideal credit scores. Prepaid fuel cards can be a great option for people with limited credit history or who are building their credit back up. These cards work similarly to gift cards—simply load them with money and use them at participating stations. Are there any security risks associated with using a gas card? As with any debit or credit card, there’s always a potential for theft or fraud. To lower this risk, choose a gas card with high-security standards, like a chip and/or PIN. Also choose a card from a provider that offers fraud and unusual activity monitoring, card cancellation options, and an easy charge dispute process. How much can I realistically save with a fuel card? The amount you can save depends on the specific fuel card you use, your driving habits, and gas prices in your area. Savings can range from a few cents per gallon to a few percentage points per gallon. So if one gallon costs $4.50 and you save 3%, that’s a savings of $0.135 per gallon. This might not seem like much, but it can add up significantly, especially for high-mileage drivers. Written by: David Kindness David is a Certified Public Accountant and prolific finance writer, specialising in taxes, business accounting, and corporate finance. He holds a BSc in Accounting and has worked as a CPA, tax accountant, and senior financial accountant for several years. David has written and edited thousands of articles for millions of monthly readers, and has contributed to the likes of Investopedia, The Balance, OnPay, and now Expert Market. Reviewed by: Matt Reed Senior Writer Matt Reed is a Senior Writer at Expert Market. Adept at evaluating products, he focuses mainly on assessing fleet management and business communication software. Matt began his career in technology publishing with Expert Reviews, where he spent several years putting the latest audio-related products and releases through their paces, revealing his findings in transparent, in-depth articles and guides. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism from City, University of London, Matt is no stranger to diving into challenging topics and summarising them into practical, helpful information.