At a Glance

Credit cards with points and perks aren’t reserved for only those with good credit anymore. Check out these cards that reward you for your everyday purchases, like gas, no matter the number on your credit report.

Comparing the best bad credit gas credit cards

Credit
Card
Reward
Rate
Welcome
Offer
Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®
Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®
5% cash back on gas, groceries, cellphone services, internet, and cable or satellite TV service purchases None
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Card
Aspire Cash Back Reward Card
3% Cash Back Rewards* on gas, groceries, and utility Bill Payments None
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Card
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day None
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically. 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months + Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

A closer look at the best gas credit cards for people with bad credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa®


For the Always on the Road

Reward Rate:

5%

Reward Details:

5% cash back on gas, groceries, cellphone services, internet, and cable or satellite TV service purchases.

Card Summary

Signup bonus:

NA

Our verdict

A robust card with impressive cash back spending categories, this card is a great way to rebuild credit while reaping rewards typically found on cards that require a higher credit score.

Annual Fee: $95

Regular APR: 28.74%

Recommended
Credit Score: Poor

Pros and Cons

  • 5% cash back on gas, groceries, cellphone services, and cable or satellite TV.
  • 10% cash back bonus at participating merchants.
  • Annual fee
  • High APR

Read more

Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Card


For the Always on the Road

Reward Rate:

3%

Reward Details:

3% cash back rewards on gas, groceries, and utility bill payments + 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Card Summary

Signup bonus:

NA

Our verdict

A card designed for those with poor credit who are ready to get back on track this card carries a lot of value. The 3% cash back on gas, groceries, and utilities means you’ll rack up savings quickly simply for buying the things you already need.

Annual Fee: $39 – $49 depending on credit limit

Regular APR: 29.99% or 36%

Recommended
Credit Score: Poor

Pros and Cons

  • 3% cash back on gas, groceries, and utilities.
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
  • Annual fee depends on credit limit.
  • Additional yearly maintenance fee of $87 – $150 is required and based on credit limit.
  • High APR.

Read more

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card


For the Always on the Road

Reward Rate:

1.5%

Reward Details:

Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day.

Card Summary

Signup bonus:

NA

Our verdict

If you’re someone who wants simplicity then the QuicksilverOne is for you. Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no spending categories or caps means you’ll have an easy time avoiding the overwhelming world of bonus categories and instead focusing on what matters most: rebuilding your credit.

Annual Fee:NA

Regular APR: 29.99%

Recommended
Credit Score: Poor

Pros and Cons

  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Doesn’t require a high credit score
  • $39 Annual fee
  • High variable APR

Read more

Discover It® Secured Credit Card


For the Always on the Road

Reward Rate:

2%

Reward Details:

Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Additionally, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Card Summary

Signup bonus:

Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Our verdict

Discover understands everyone needs to start somewhere, which is why their Discover it® Secured card has no credit score requirements. Plus, its generous intro offers for both new purchases and balance transfers make this a great card for those who want to get their credit scores back on track quickly.

Annual Fee: NA

Regular APR: 27.74%

Recommended
Credit Score: Poor

Pros and Cons

  • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants.
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No credit score is required to apply.
  • No annual fee.
  • Cash back capped at $1,000 per quarter.
  • Since it’s a secured card you’ll need to give a deposit upon opening the card.
  • High APR.

Read more

How to choose a gas credit card with bad credit?

Before you apply for a card be sure to check your credit score so that you’ll know what you’re working with. Applying, and getting denied, for a credit card of any kind will only lower your score further so you need to know which cards you’re more likely to be approved for.

Next, check to make sure the gas station chain your card is branded with actually operates in your area. Many large chains, like BP or Sunoco, only operate in certain areas around the US so it’s important you apply for a card you can actually use.

Are gas credit cards worth it?

Gas cards are typically easier to get than premium-priced travel or rewards cards, making them an excellent option for those looking to build their credit scores. However, like other cards, it’s essential you practice good budgeting habits and never spend more than you can afford, as most gas cards come with high APRs.

Methodology

The methodology used to calculate the best cards for fair credit relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:

  • The required credit score to apply successfully for the card.
  • The additional benefits offered by the card beyond rewards.
  • The rewards rate of the card, if applicable.
  • Overall difficulty in securing the credit card with fair credit.
  • The history of the card issuer itself.
  • Any potential costs associated with owning the credit card.