The Gas Rewards Programs That’ll Really Save You Money at the Pump

Here’s the simple fact: if you routinely drive a car, you routinely have to pay for gas. So why not use that essential purchase to your advantage? Gas rewards programs through a credit card, gas station or app offer discounts and cash back for the money you spend at the pump. It’s just like earning a free latte on your Starbucks app!

There are a lot of different gas rewards options out there, so we narrowed down the top picks with the help of a personal finance expert. These programs will give you the best savings to help you fuel your car and your bank account.

Why Gas Rewards Programs Are Smart

Gas rewards programs are a smart idea because, unlike reward credit cards that can be easily abused with unneeded purchases, gas is something you have to buy. “It is a value-add to a purchase you are one hundred percent committed to,” says personal finance expert Eric Croak. “After all, you are paying $60, $80, sometimes $120 every fill-up. What’s the sense in letting free money go unused at the pump?” Even if you’re only saving 10 cents per gallon, or earning 5% cash back, those savings add up over the year with absolutely no extra effort or money spent.

Best Gas Station Rewards Programs

Fuel Rewards at Shell

The Fuel Rewards program from Shell offers cents-per-gallon savings on every fill-up. We like it because you get immediate discounts, unlike other programs that require you to earn points first. Depending on how often you fill up your tank, there are three membership tiers: Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The Platinum tier offers 10 cents off per gallon, along with in-store rewards, gift cards, and even bonus frequent-flier miles from American Airlines.

Exxon Mobil Rewards

With the Exxon Mobil Rewards program, you earn points on gas purchases, as well as snacks inside the store, and even Exxon car washes. You’ll get 3 points per gallon of fuel, and 2 points for every dollar you spend in the convenience store or car washes. For every 100 points you earn, you receive $1 in savings. The program also offers extra benefits for frequent fillers and AARP members.

Best Credit Card Rewards for Gas

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

When it comes to gas rewards from a credit card, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is hard to beat. “When it comes to pure dollar value, co-branded credit cards are typically going to offer the best,” says Croak. “Some cards are cleverly structured so that you’re maximizing points for both gas and groceries at the same time, and that overlap is a real unicorn.”

With the Costco Anywhere Visa, customers can earn 5 percent back on Costco gas, 4 percent back on other eligible gas purchases and EV charging, 3 percent back on restaurants and travel, 2 percent back on other Costco purchases, and 1 percent back on every other purchase. So the card always earns savings no matter what you buy, and there’s no annual fee.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

If you don’t have a Costco membership, check out the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express. It offers 3 percent back on gas, which is less than the Costco card, but you’ll also receive 6 percent cash back on groceries, 6 percent back on streaming subscriptions, 3 percent back on transit services like Uber, and 1 percent back on all other purchases. There’s no annual fee the first year, and then $95 per year after that.

Best Third-Party App Rewards for Gas

Upside App

The Upside app helps you find the cheapest gas in your area, while also offering discounts inside the store and cash back earnings. Open the app to find discounted gas and cash back offers in your area, then shop and purchase as usual; your cash earnings will be deposited into the app wallet, which then can be transferred directly to your bank account. “Upside has more bang for your buck in hot zip codes with more active stations,” says Croak. “It’s not a game changer, but it’s passive income. And if you’re tech-savvy enough to use a GPS, you can work Upside without much headache.”

GasBuddy

Like Upside, the GasBuddy app shows you the cheapest gas prices in your zip code. You’ll earn rewards points by uploading receipts, playing games, and finding deals as part of your daily routine. Points can be redeemed in the app for cents-per-gallon discounts at the pump or for digital cards from top retailers. You can earn even more savings with the GasBuddy+ Card. Members enjoy everyday fuel savings of at least 3 cents per gallon, 5 cents per gallon at select stations, and with potential savings up to 33 cents per gallon with activated Deal Alerts.

FAQ

Are gas rewards worth it?

A gas rewards app, credit card, or gas station program is definitely worth your time if it fits your current lifestyle. “If you’re commuting 40 miles a day, filling up weekly, 5 percent back equates to another $15 to $20 in your pocket every month, that’s $180 to $240 a year for no extra effort on your part,” says Croak. “Passive savings at its finest!”

Is it worth it to pay for a gas rewards program?

“You only pay for a gas rewards program if it makes sense mathematically. If it has a $99 annual fee, you’d better be getting $150 or more value minimum,” says Croak. “Anything less is emotional spending disguised as strategy. So, unless you’re driving 30,000 miles a year, most paid programs are kind of a no-go.”

About the Expert

• Eric Croak here is a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, and President of Croak Capital, an Ohio based fiduciary financial firm with $300 million under management. He was recently named to Forbes’ 2025 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors.

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