You can get a gas card by applying online through a card issuer’s website, at a gas station in person, or by phone. The process takes just a few minutes, but the type of card you choose and your credit profile will shape which options are available to you. There are several kinds of gas cards, each with different benefits and requirements, so understanding the differences helps you pick the right one before you apply.
Types of Gas Cards
Gas cards fall into three main categories, and the one you choose affects where you can use it, what rewards you earn, and how easy it is to qualify.
Store gas cards are issued directly by a gas station brand like Shell, ExxonMobil, or BP. These are closed-loop cards, meaning you can only use them at that specific chain of stations. They typically offer cents-per-gallon discounts or rewards points redeemable within the brand. Because they’re limited in where you can spend, they tend to have more lenient approval requirements, making them a solid option if your credit isn’t strong.
Co-branded gas cards carry a gas station’s name but run on a major payment network like Visa or Mastercard. Unlike store cards, these can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted and may offer rewards beyond the gas brand. You might earn elevated cash back on fuel purchases and a lower rate on everything else. These cards generally require better credit to qualify.
General rewards credit cards aren’t tied to any gas brand at all. Many general cash back or rewards cards offer bonus categories that include gas stations, sometimes rotating quarterly. If you already have a rewards card, check whether gas is one of its bonus categories before applying for something new.
Credit Score Requirements
There’s no universal credit score cutoff for gas cards. Cards exist across the credit spectrum, from options for people building credit to premium rewards cards that require excellent scores. That said, the pattern is straightforward: the better the rewards and perks, the higher the credit score you’ll need.
For a premier gas rewards card with strong cash back rates and flexible redemption, aim for a FICO Score of 670 or higher. Store-only gas cards tend to be more forgiving and may approve applicants with fair or even limited credit histories. If you’re unsure where you stand, many card issuers let you check for pre-approval on their websites without affecting your credit score. Pre-approval isn’t a guarantee, but it gives you a good read on your odds before you submit a full application.
How to Apply for a Personal Gas Card
The application process is similar to any credit card. You’ll typically need to provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and housing costs (rent or mortgage payment). Most issuers use this information to run a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
You have a few ways to apply:
- Online: Visit the card issuer’s website or the gas brand’s website. This is the fastest route, and many issuers give you an instant decision.
- In person: Some gas station brands let you apply at the pump or inside the station. You may see promotional signage offering an immediate discount on your first fill-up if you’re approved.
- By phone: Call the issuer’s customer service number. This can be useful if you have questions during the application or if the online form isn’t working for you.
If you’re approved, you’ll usually receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some issuers provide a temporary card number you can use immediately for online purchases or digital wallet transactions.
Getting a Business or Fleet Gas Card
If you’re a business owner managing vehicles, fleet cards work differently from personal gas cards. Most fleet cards are only available to registered businesses and require your Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply. The key advantage: many fleet card providers skip the personal credit check entirely and don’t require a personal guarantee. Instead, they may ask for bank statements to verify your business revenue.
Fleet cards give business owners tools that personal cards don’t, like setting spending limits per driver, restricting purchases to fuel only, and generating detailed reports broken down by vehicle or employee. Major fuel brands and third-party companies both offer fleet programs, so you can choose between a card locked to one gas station chain or one accepted at a wide network of stations.
To apply, visit the fleet card provider’s business portal online. You’ll need your business name, EIN, estimated monthly fuel spending, and the number of cards you need. Approval timelines vary, but many providers issue cards within one to two weeks.
Choosing the Right Gas Card
Start by thinking about where and how much you drive. If you consistently fill up at the same brand, a store card from that chain can save you 5 to 10 cents per gallon or more without requiring top-tier credit. If you buy gas wherever it’s cheapest, a co-branded or general rewards card with broad acceptance and a flat cash back rate on gas will serve you better.
Pay attention to annual fees. Many gas cards charge nothing annually, but some premium options do carry a fee. Calculate whether the rewards you’d realistically earn outweigh the cost. A card offering 5% back on gas sounds great, but if you only spend $100 a month on fuel, that’s $60 a year in rewards, which may not justify an annual fee of $95.
Also compare the APR (the interest rate you’ll pay on balances you carry month to month). Gas cards, especially store-only versions, sometimes carry higher interest rates than general credit cards. If you plan to pay your balance in full each month, the APR won’t matter. If you might carry a balance, a lower rate could save you more than any rewards program.