Are you tired of paying full price at the pump? Gas cards offer a convenient way to save money while fueling up your vehicle. With the average American household spending approximately $2,000 annually on gasoline, finding the right gas card can lead to significant savings. This article explores the easiest gas cards to apply for and use, comparing their benefits, requirements, and potential savings to help you make an informed decision.
Gas cards have evolved significantly in recent years, with many offering streamlined application processes and instant approval. Whether you’re looking for a branded gas station card, a credit card with gas rewards, or a card designed for those with limited credit history, there’s an option suited to your needs. We’ll examine the top easiest gas cards available today, their pros and cons, and provide you with the tools to select the one that will maximize your savings at the pump.
The Easiest Gas Cards: What Makes Them Accessible?
When we talk about “easy” gas cards, we’re referring to several key factors that make these cards more accessible than traditional credit products. Easy approval gas cards typically have less stringent credit requirements, simplified application processes, and faster approval times. Many are designed specifically for consumers with fair, limited, or even poor credit histories who might struggle to qualify for premium rewards cards.
The accessibility features of these cards include online applications that take minutes to complete, minimal documentation requirements, and in many cases, instant approval decisions. Some cards offer pre-qualification options that allow you to check your approval odds without affecting your credit score. Additionally, many easy gas cards have lower income requirements and more flexible terms compared to traditional credit cards.
It’s worth noting that easier approval often comes with trade-offs such as higher interest rates, lower credit limits, or fewer rewards. However, these cards can serve as valuable tools for saving on gas purchases while potentially helping to build or rebuild credit when used responsibly.
Types of Easy-to-Get Gas Cards
Gas cards come in several varieties, each with different application requirements and benefits. Understanding these categories will help you identify which type best suits your needs:
- Branded Gas Station Cards: These cards are issued by specific gas station chains like Shell, ExxonMobil, or BP. They typically offer discounts per gallon (usually 5-10 cents off) when used at their branded stations. Many have relatively lenient approval requirements since they can only be used at specific locations, making them excellent options for those with fair credit.
- General Credit Cards with Gas Rewards: These are traditional credit cards that offer bonus rewards on gas purchases. While they may have slightly higher credit requirements, many card issuers offer products specifically designed for consumers with average credit that provide cash back on gas and other everyday purchases.
- Secured Gas Cards: For those with poor or limited credit, secured gas cards require a security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. These cards have the highest approval rates but require upfront cash to establish the account.
- Store Cards with Gas Benefits: Some retail chains with gas stations (like Walmart or Costco) offer store credit cards that provide discounts when you fuel up at their locations, often with more accessible approval requirements than premium rewards cards.
Top 7 Easiest Gas Cards to Apply For
- ExxonMobil Smart Card
- Approval Rate: High for fair credit (640+)
- Savings: 6 cents off per gallon at ExxonMobil stations
- Application Process: Online with instant decision
- Annual Fee: None
- Credit Building: Reports to all major credit bureaus
- Shell Fuel Rewards Card
- Approval Rate: Good for credit scores 600+
- Savings: 10 cents off per gallon for first 6 months, then 5 cents
- Application Process: Online or in-station kiosk with quick decision
- Annual Fee: None
- Special Feature: Links to Shell Fuel Rewards program for additional savings
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Approval Rate: Very high (security deposit required)
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter)
- Application Process: Online with quick decision
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum
- Credit Building: Reviews accounts for upgrade to unsecured card after 7 months
- Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
- Approval Rate: High for fair credit
- Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible gas purchases
- Application Process: Pre-qualification available without credit impact
- Annual Fee: $39-$99
- Special Feature: Credit line increases available with responsible use
- Walmart Capital One Rewards Card
- Approval Rate: Moderate (550+ credit score)
- Savings: 5 cents off per gallon at Walmart & Murphy USA stations
- Application Process: Online or in-store with quick decision
- Annual Fee: None
- Additional Benefit: 2% cash back on Walmart purchases
- QuikTrip Credit Card
- Approval Rate: High for fair credit
- Savings: 3 cents off per gallon
- Application Process: Simple online form
- Annual Fee: None
- Notable Feature: No credit check for some applicants
- Speedway Mastercard
- Approval Rate: Good for 600+ credit scores
- Rewards: 5 cents off per gallon plus points on purchases
- Application Process: Instant decision in many cases
- Annual Fee: None
- Additional Benefit: Points can be redeemed for fuel or merchandise
Comparison Table: Easiest Gas Cards
| Card Name | Min. Credit Score | Discount/Rewards | Annual Fee | Approval Time | Usable Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExxonMobil Smart Card | 640 | 6¢/gallon | $0 | Instant | ExxonMobil only |
| Shell Fuel Rewards | 600 | 5-10¢/gallon | $0 | Same day | Shell only |
| Discover it® Secured | No minimum | 2% cash back | $0 | 1-2 days | Anywhere |
| Credit One Platinum | 580 | 1% cash back | $39-$99 | 7-10 days | Anywhere |
| Walmart Capital One | 550 | 5¢/gallon | $0 | Instant | Walmart/Murphy |
| QuikTrip Card | 600 | 3¢/gallon | $0 | Instant | QuikTrip only |
| Speedway Mastercard | 600 | 5¢/gallon + points | $0 | Same day | Anywhere + bonus at Speedway |
How to Choose the Right Easy Gas Card
Selecting the best gas card depends on several personal factors. Consider these elements when making your decision:
- Driving Habits: Do you frequently pass specific gas station brands, or do you need flexibility to fuel up anywhere? If you always visit the same chain, a branded card might offer better savings.
- Credit Profile: Be realistic about your approval odds. If your credit is limited or damaged, focus on secured options or cards specifically marketed to fair credit consumers.
- Savings Potential: Calculate your monthly gas spending and compare the rewards or discounts offered. For high-volume drivers, a card offering percentage-based rewards might yield more savings than fixed cents-per-gallon discounts.
- Additional Fees: Some easy approval cards come with annual fees, monthly maintenance charges, or higher interest rates. Factor these costs into your savings calculations.
- Additional Benefits: Some cards offer rewards beyond gas purchases or provide introductory bonuses that could enhance their value.
- Credit Building Goals: If improving your credit is a priority, confirm that the card reports to all three major credit bureaus and offers a path to better terms or higher credit limits over time.
Expert Insights on Gas Rewards Cards
According to Ted Rossman, industry analyst at Bankrate, “Gas cards can be a great entry point into credit for consumers with limited histories. Many offer instant approvals and reasonable terms, making them accessible starting points for credit building.”
Financial advisor Rebecca Lake notes, “The best strategy is often to start with an easy-to-get gas card and use it responsibly to build credit, then graduate to a premium rewards card once your score improves.”
Application Tips to Increase Approval Odds
Follow these strategies to maximize your chances of getting approved for your preferred gas card:
- Check your credit report before applying to ensure there are no errors that might hurt your score
- Use pre-qualification tools when available to gauge your approval odds without a hard credit inquiry
- Apply when you have stable income to report on your application
- Don’t apply for multiple cards simultaneously, as this can lower your score and reduce approval chances
- Consider applying in-person at gas stations for branded cards, as store associates may have special approval codes
- Start with a secured card if your credit is severely damaged, as the deposit significantly increases approval odds
Using Your Gas Card Responsibly
Once approved, follow these practices to maximize benefits while maintaining good credit:
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges
- Set up automatic payments to prevent missed due dates
- Keep your utilization low (under 30% of your credit limit)
- Use the card primarily for gas purchases to maximize category rewards
- Track your savings to evaluate the card’s value over time
- Check for upgrade opportunities after 6-12 months of responsible use
Conclusion
Easy gas cards provide accessible options for consumers seeking to save on fuel costs while potentially building credit. By understanding the different types available, comparing their features, and choosing one that aligns with your spending habits and credit profile, you can make an informed decision that delivers meaningful savings at the pump. Remember that responsible use is key to maximizing benefits and improving your credit profile over time, potentially qualifying you for even better rewards options in the future.
Whether you opt for a branded station card, a secured option, or a rewards credit card with gas benefits, the right choice can put money back in your pocket with every fill-up. Start by evaluating the options outlined in this guide, checking your credit standing, and applying for the card that best matches your individual needs and circumstances.