Most people choose to settle up at the pump these days by tapping their phone or swiping their credit card once their vehicle is full. Besides being a better option than a debit card, it's also faster and more convenient than paying in cash. But if you're looking to take some of the pain out of fueling up, it can help to have the right option in your wallet. Read on for the credit cards that experts say will actually save you money on gas.
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1 | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
iStockThere's no shortage of cards that can provide serious savings on everyday expenses. But one in particular sticks out for anyone who'd like to make some money back at the pump and beyond.
"The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is one of our top picks for money-saving credit cards as it rewards unlimited three percent cash back on U.S. gas station purchases, plus up to six percent back at U.S. supermarkets—another place where consumers are trying to save these days," says Jennifer Doss, senior managing editor for CardRatings.com. "This card does have an annual fee, but it's easy to offset thanks to the card's generous rewards structure."
2 | Blue Cash Everyday from American Express
sturti / iStockSometimes, unlocking the benefits of a great rewards card comes with a price tag that might not make sense for your budget. But fortunately, experts say there's still an option for those looking to minimize any kind of extra expenses while still saving on gas.
"If you want to avoid the annual fee altogether, the Preferred's sister card—Blue Cash Everyday from American Express—is another great option to consider," says Doss. "It also offers up to 3 percent back at U.S. gas stations, and a still commendable 3 percent at U.S. supermarkets."
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3 | Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
iStockDevoted Costco fans are famous for their ability to take advantage of a great deal. And considering that the warehouse retailer has its own pumps, there's one card that experts say can really pay off in the long run.
"The Costco Anywhere Visa offers 4 percent rewards on gasoline purchases from any gas station, not just Costco stations," says Melanie Musson, a credit card expert with Clearsurance.com. "When you couple that perk with the fact that Costco gas stations usually have cheaper gas than the competition, you'll maximize your savings when you fill up at Costco."
And the perks aren't just limited to the pump. Besides the savings on gas, cardmembers also earn 3 percent cash back on restaurant and travel purchases, 2 percent cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases, and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases—all without a fee so long as you pay your annual Costco membership.
4 | Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard
iStock / IPGGutenbergUKLtdCobranded credit cards are practically everywhere these days—including those with gas companies. So naturally, these can be some of the best options for relieving some of the costly pain you may feel at the pump.
"The Shell Fuel Rewards Mastercard offers 30 cents discount per gallon of Shell fuel during your first five purchases, which applies to accounts created until the end of February 2023," says Allan Stolc, founder and CEO of Bankly. "Once you maximize the 30 cents off, you'll continue getting 10 cents discount per gallon every time you fill up at participating Shell locations."
It can also help take some pressure off your budget in other ways. "With this card, you'll also get other benefits like 10 percent rebates on your first $1,200 Shell non-fuel purchases and 2 percent rebates on your first $10,000 dining and grocery purchases annually," he adds.
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5 | PNC Bank Visa Card
iStockEven though saving some money is always a good idea, it can often also be part of a larger plan to get your finances back on track. And if you're a regular driver looking to save on fuel while seeing some other benefits, there's one card you should consider.
"The PNC Bank Visa boasts no annual fee and 4 percent back at gas stations," says Musson. "But another card perk is an introductory zero-percent APR on balance transfers for 12 months. So if you're working on getting out of credit card debt, utilizing this card can help you avoid interest charges."
Best Life offers the most up-to-date financial information from top experts and the latest news and research, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the money you're spending, saving, or investing, always consult your financial advisor directly.
