Best gas credit cards for bad credit

Want to earn cash back rewards on gas purchases? Believe it or not, there are many excellent gas credit cards for bad credit – so don’t let your current credit score keep you from earning credit card rewards.

Here’s our list of the best gas cards for bad credit. We’ve also collected key information about each card’s pros and cons, as well as how to choose which gas credit card is best for you.

Discover it® Student chrome: Best for students with no credit history

Why we picked it: The Discover it® Student chrome helps students build a positive credit history while earning cash back rewards on every purchase. Cardholders earn 2% cash back on gas and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you earn in your first year as a cardholder.

Pros

• Offers 2% back on gas (on up to $1,000 in spending per quarter, then 1%)
• Cashback Match welcome bonus at the end of your first year

Cons

• May not be worth it if you spend more than $1,000 in gas purchases per quarter

Who should apply: If you’re a student who wants to earn cash back on gas purchases, the Discover it Student chrome card is a good match. After you graduate, contact Discover to let them know that you’re no longer a student; you may be eligible for a credit line increase.

Who should skip: This card is for students who can show proof of school enrollment. So, if you’re not currently taking classes, you might want to consider other starter credit cards.

Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®: Best for 5% cash back rewards

Why we picked it: The Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa® offers 5% cash back on gas, groceries, cellphone services, internet and cable or satellite TV service purchases. This offer applies to the first $5,000 in combined category spending per year, after which you’ll earn 1% cash back. You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Pros

• Good for high cash back percentages on gas
• Accepts new applicants with subprime credit scores

Cons

• 5% cash back offer only applies to the first $5,000 in bonus category spending per year (after which you’ll earn 1% back)
• Charges a $95 annual fee

Who should apply: If you want 5% cash back on gas (on up to $5,000 in spending per year, then 1%), the Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa is your best option.

Who should skip: If your FICO credit score is below 580, you might have a harder time getting approved for this card. Consider building your credit before you apply.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Why we picked it: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases – including gas purchases.

Pros

• Flat-rate cash back credit card, meaning you don’t have to keep track of which categories earn the bonus rate

Cons

• $39 annual fee

Who should apply: If you’re interested in earning flat-rate cash back rewards, the Capital One QuicksilverOne is our pick.

Who should skip: If your FICO credit score is below 580, it may be less likely that you’re approved for this card. Consider building your credit to the fair credit range before applying.

Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit: Best unsecured card for rebuilding credit

Why we picked it: The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit* offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases in qualifying spending categories, including gas, groceries and “mobile phone/internet/cable/satellite TV services.” Not all purchases will be eligible for 1% cash back, but you can still earn 1% cash back on gas.

Pros

• One of the best credit cards for people with bad credit
• Doesn’t require a security deposit

Cons

• Not all of your purchases earn cash back
• $75 annual fee the first year, then $99 every subsequent year

Who should apply: If you want to earn cash back on gas while rebuilding your credit, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit is a good option.

Who should skip: If your credit is good enough to qualify for a rewards credit card that offers higher cash back percentages, consider applying for one of those cards instead.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best secured card for rebuilding credit

Why we picked it: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a small line of credit in exchange for a small security deposit, with the opportunity to graduate to an unsecured credit card after seven months of responsible credit usage. You’ll also earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. To boot, Discover will match all of the cash back you earn during your first year as a cardholder.

Pros

• Offers rewards as a secured credit card

Cons

• Higher rewards rate caps out at $1,000 per quarter

Who should apply: If you want a secured credit card that rewards gas purchases, try the Discover it Secured card – and be ready to prove that you can use credit responsibly (so that you’ll be eligible to graduate to an unsecured card after seven months).

Who should skip: If you can qualify for a standard credit card, start there.

Compare the best gas cards for bad credit

How to choose a gas credit card with bad credit

If you have bad credit, you might have fewer credit card options – but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a good card. Here’s how to decide which gas credit card for bad credit is best for you.

• Check your credit score. That way, you’ll know which credit cards you’re likely to qualify for.
• Review your bank statements. In doing so, you can determine how much you spend on gas every month – and which credit card is most likely to offer the best rewards for your spending range.
• Prequalify before you apply. A service like CardMatch can help you get prequalified for some of today’s best credit cards, including gas credit cards for people with bad credit. That way, you can compare offers and decide which credit card is best for you.

Bottom line

People with low credit scores can still earn high-level credit card rewards – and once you know which gas cards for bad credit are best for you, you’ll be on your way to earning cash back at the pump.

*All information about the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.