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Do you want to receive cashback for the purchase of gasoline? Believe it or not, there are many great credit cards with bad credit, so don’t let your current credit score stop you from earning credit card rewards.
Here is our list of the best gas cards for bad credit. We’ve also compiled key information about the pros and cons of each card, as well as how to choose the best credit card for gas.
Discover Chrome for Students: Best for Students with No Credit History
Why did we choose this: The Discover it® Student Chrome Program helps students build a positive credit history and earn cash rewards for every purchase. Cardholders receive 2% cashback on gas and restaurants (on purchases up to $1,000 per quarter, then 1%) and 1% cashback on all other purchases. In addition, Discover will refund any money you earn in your first year as a cardholder.
pros
- Offers 2% gas refund (up to $1,000 per quarter, then 1%)
- Cashback Match welcome bonus after the first year
Minuses
- Might not be worth it if you spend over $1,000 buying gas per quarter
Who should apply: If you’re a student and want to get cash for your gas purchases, the Discover it Student chrome card is the way to go. After graduation, contact Discover to let them know that you are no longer a student; you may be eligible for an increase in your line of credit.
Who should miss: This card is for students who can show proof of school enrollment. So, if you’re not currently taking classes, you may want to consider other beginner credit cards.
Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa: Best for 5% cash back
Why did we choose this: The Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa credit card offers 5% cash back on gas, groceries, mobile phone services, internet, and cable or satellite TV services. This offer is valid for the first $5,000 in combined spending per category per year, after which you will receive 1% cashback. You will also receive 1% cashback on all other purchases.
pros
- Good for high gas cashback percentages
- Accepts new applicants with a sub-prime credit score
Minuses
- The 5% cash back offer only applies to the first $5,000 in the bonus tier spent per year (after which you will receive a 1% cashback).
- Charges an annual fee of $95.
Who should applyA: If you want a 5% gas cashback (on spending up to $5,000 a year, then 1%), Credit One Bank’s Visa Platinum Rewards Visa is your best bet.
Who should missA: If your FICO credit score is below 580, you may find it harder to get approved for this card. Consider building your credit before you apply.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
Why did we choose this: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including the purchase of gasoline.
pros
Minuses
Who should applyA: If you’re interested in earning a flat-rate cashback reward, our choice is Capital One QuicksilverOne.
Who should missA: If your FICO credit score is below 580, you are unlikely to be approved for this card. Before you apply, consider building your credit into a fair credit range.
Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Credit Recovery: Best Unsecured Card for Credit Recovery
Why did we choose this: The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Credit Recovery* offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases in eligible spending categories, including gasoline, groceries, and “mobile phone/internet/cable/satellite TV services.” Not all purchases will be eligible for 1% cashback, but you can still get 1% cashback on gas.
pros
Minuses
- Not all of your purchases are refunded cashback
- Annual fee of $75 for the first year, then $99 each year thereafter.
Who should applyA: If you want to get a gas refund when you rebuild your loan, Credit One Bank’s Platinum Visa to rebuild your loan is the way to go.
Who should missA: If your credit is good enough to qualify for a bonus credit card that offers a higher cash back percentage, consider applying for one of these cards.
Discover Secure Credit Card: The Best Secure Credit Card to Rebuild Your Credit
Why did we choose this: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a small line of credit in exchange for a small deposit with the option to upgrade to an unsecured credit card after seven months of responsible credit use. You’ll also receive 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (on purchases up to $1,000 per quarter) and 1% cashback on all other purchases. In addition, Discover will refund any money you earn during your first year as a cardholder.
pros
Minuses
- The higher remuneration rate is capped at $1,000 per quarter.
Who should apply: If you need a secured credit card that rewards gas purchases, try the Discover it Secured card and be prepared to prove you can use credit responsibly (so you can switch to an unsecured card in seven months).
Who should missA: If you can qualify for a standard credit card, start there.
Compare the best gas cards for bad credit
| Cashback rate | Annual fee | Interest rate | Recommended Credit Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Chrome for Students | 2% cashback on gas and restaurants (on purchases up to $1,000 per quarter, then 1%); 1% cashback on regular purchases
In addition, Discover will match any cashback you earn in the first year. |
$0 | 0% initial APR on new purchases for 6 months (from 12.99% to 21.99% floating APR thereafter) | No credit history required |
| Visa Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards | 5% cashback on gas, groceries, cell phone service, Internet, and cable or satellite TV services (on first $5,000 of expenses, then 1%); 1% cashback on all other purchases | $95 | 23.99% variable per annum | from 580 to 740 |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Cashback 1.5% on all purchases | $39 | 26.99% variable per annum | from 580 to 740 |
| Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Credit Recovery | 1% Refund on Qualifying Purchases including Gasoline, Groceries and “Mobile Phone/Internet/Cable/Satellite TV Services” | $75 first year, then $99 annually | 23.99% variable per annum | from 300 to 670 |
| Discover it® Secure Credit Card | 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (for purchases up to $1,000 per quarter); 1% cashback on all other purchases
In addition, Discover will match any cashback you earn in the first year. |
$0 | 22.99% variable per annum | No credit history required |
How to choose a gas credit card with bad credit
If you have bad credit, you may have fewer credit card options, but that doesn’t mean you can’t choose a good card. Here’s how to decide which bad credit gas credit card is best for you.
- Check your credit score. This way you will know which credit cards you are likely eligible for.
- Review your bank statements. In doing so, you can determine how much you spend on gas each month and which credit card is most likely to offer the best rewards for your spending range.
- Pre-qualification before applying. A service like CardMatch can help you pre-qualify for some of today’s best credit cards, including gas credit cards for people with bad credit. This 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-end credit card rewards – and once you know which gas cards for bad credit are best for you, you’ll be well on your way to getting your money back at the gas station.
*All Credit One Bank Platinum Visa credit card information for credit card recovery has been independently collected by CreditCards.com. The Issuer has not provided the content and is not responsible for its accuracy.
Editorial disclaimer
The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective judgment of our contributors and is not based on advertising. It was not provided or ordered by credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to our partners’ products.