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Can You Buy Gas with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, paying for gasoline with a credit card is a standard and widely accepted practice at virtually every fuel station.
Should You Buy Gas With A Credit Card?
Using a credit card for gas has both advantages and potential drawbacks to consider.
Benefits
- Rewards and Rebates: Many cards offer cash back, points, or miles specifically for fuel purchases.
- Fraud Protection: Credit cards provide liability protection against unauthorized charges if your card information is compromised at the pump.
- Convenience: Paying with a card is typically faster than using cash and provides a digital record of the transaction.
- Expense Tracking: Monthly statements create an itemized list of your fuel spending, which can help with budgeting.
Drawbacks
- Interest Charges: If you carry a balance, the interest accrued can quickly outweigh any rewards you earn.
- Higher Prices: Some gas stations offer a discount for customers who pay with cash instead of a credit card.
- Potential for Debt: The ease of paying with plastic can sometimes lead to overspending if not managed responsibly.
- Annual Fees: Certain rewards cards with premium gas benefits may charge an annual fee.
How to Buy Gas With A Credit Card
Using a credit card at the pump is a simple way to pay for fuel and potentially earn rewards. Here’s a quick guide to make the process smooth and secure.
- Choose the Right Card: To maximize your benefits, use a card that offers rewards on fuel. Some cards provide higher cash back or points specifically for gas purchases. You can use Kudos' Explore Cards tool to find a card that matches your spending.
- Prepare at the Pump: Have your card ready before you get out of the car. Most pumps require you to enter your billing ZIP code as a security measure, so be prepared to type it in.
- Insert or Tap Your Card: Follow the on-screen instructions. You will either insert your card chip-first into the slot or use contactless payment by tapping your card or phone on the NFC symbol.
- Follow On-Screen Prompts: Once your card is authorized, the pump will instruct you to select your desired fuel grade. After making your selection, lift the nozzle and begin fueling your vehicle.
- Complete the Transaction: When you're done, securely place the nozzle back on the pump. The screen will show your final total, and you can choose whether to get a printed receipt for your records.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for gas purchases can influence your credit score in several ways, both positively and negatively. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind.
- Credit Utilization: Regularly charging gas can increase your credit utilization ratio, which compares your balance to your total credit limit. A higher ratio can negatively impact your score, so it's best to keep this figure low.
- Payment History: Your payment history is a critical component of your credit score. Making on-time payments for your gas purchases and other charges demonstrates financial responsibility and helps build a positive credit history.
- Building Credit: For those with a limited credit history, responsible use of a credit card for everyday purchases like gas can be beneficial. It helps establish a record of consistent payments and credit management over time.
Alternative Ways To Buy Gas
Funding from an External Wallet
If you prefer not to use a credit card, you can fund your wallet by sending the required cryptocurrency from another source. Simply transfer assets from a centralized exchange or another personal wallet directly to your account address. This method allows you to acquire gas by using existing funds, bypassing the need for a new fiat-to-crypto transaction.
Adjusting Gas Fee Settings
For more granular control over transaction costs, consider adjusting the gas fee settings. Advanced options typically allow you to manually set the gas price and limit for a transaction. Lowering the gas price can reduce costs for non-urgent actions, while increasing it can help ensure faster processing during times of high network congestion, giving you more flexibility.
Choose the Right Card to Buy Gas
Whether you're a daily commuter or a road trip enthusiast, filling up your tank is a recurring expense. Why not make it a rewarding one? With nearly 3,000 credit cards available in the U.S., each with different perks and benefits, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Kudos simplifies the process with its personalized recommendation engine, allowing you to compare cards side-by-side to find the best card for your specific spending habits, including at the pump.
If you want to get more from your credit cards, Kudos is the top free shopping assistant to use for online purchases. We're also giving you $20 back after your first qualifying purchase—simply sign-up for free with code 'GET20' and shop at a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there extra fees for using a credit card at the pump?
Some stations charge a higher price per gallon for credit card payments compared to paying with cash.
Do gas stations put a hold on your credit card?
Yes, gas stations often place a temporary hold, typically between $50 and $150, which is released later.
Can I earn rewards when buying gas with a credit card?
Absolutely. Many credit cards offer bonus points, miles, or cash back specifically for gas station purchases.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
