What Is the Easiest Gas Card to Get Approved For?
Fuel costs represent a significant portion of monthly expenses for many households and businesses.
A gas card can help offset these costs through rewards, discounts, or cash back on fuel purchases. However, not everyone has a high credit score, which can make approval for traditional credit cards challenging. The good news is that several gas card options exist for people with varying credit profiles, from those with excellent credit to those just starting their credit journey.
This guide breaks down the different types of gas cards available and which ones offer the easiest path to approval based on your credit situation.
Understanding Gas Card Types
Before applying for a gas card, it helps to understand the two main categories available.
Secured Gas Credit Cards
A secured card works by requiring a refundable deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. Because the deposit reduces risk for the card issuer, these cards are easier to obtain regardless of your credit history. With no annual fee and cash back rates ranging from 1% to 6%, this secured card is a strong option in its category. Cardholders can choose gas as their highest rewards category, making it a practical choice for those focused on fuel savings. For fleets and logistics businesses, options like AtoB business gas cards without SSN provide an alternative route, allowing companies to qualify based on business credentials rather than personal credit.
Requiring as little as a $200 deposit, the Discover it Secured Credit Card gives cardholders the chance to double their rewards. Capital One Quicksilver Secured provides similar accessibility with cash back on all purchases, including gas.
Unsecured Gas Credit Cards
Unlike secured cards, unsecured cards require no deposit, though approval usually depends on having fair or better credit. These cards carry more risk for issuers, which is why credit requirements tend to be higher. The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit is one of the few unsecured options available to those with bad credit, offering 1% cash back on gas and grocery purchases.
Choosing the Right Card for Your Credit Level
Different credit situations call for different card strategies. Here is how to approach your search based on your current credit standing.
Cards for Bad or Limited Credit
If your credit score falls below 580 or you have no credit history, secured cards offer the most reliable path to approval. Despite accepting applicants with bad credit, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card maintains competitive gas rewards. The Truist Enjoy Cash Secured Credit Card also caters to this group, offering 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, along with 2% back on utilities and groceries.
For those who prefer an unsecured option despite credit challenges, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit may be a good option. However, it comes with an annual fee that other secured cards avoid.
Cards for Fair Credit
Fair credit, typically ranging from 580 to 669, opens up more options. Retail gas cards from specific stations become accessible at this level. The Shell Gas Card offers per-gallon discounts at Shell stations and requires only fair credit for approval. The ExxonMobil Gas Card provides similar benefits, with 10-12 cents off per gallon depending on fuel grade.
The Sunoco Fleet Card also falls into this category, offering per-gallon discounts for those with fair credit who frequently fill up at Sunoco locations.
Cards for Business Owners with No Credit Check
Business owners have unique options that bypass personal credit checks entirely. These prepaid fuel cards focus on business verification rather than individual credit scores.
As a prepaid fuel card, the DAT One Fuel Card skips credit checks while offering discounts at select stations. AtoB Unlimited works similarly, requiring only an EIN and proof of revenue rather than a personal guarantee or credit check. RoadFlex provides same-day approval with no credit check and works at most major fuel stations.
Key Factors to Consider Before Applying
Several elements beyond approval odds should influence your decision.
Rewards and Discounts
Compare whether cards offer percentage-based cash back or per-gallon discounts. Cash back cards like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card may provide better value for high spenders, while per-gallon discounts from station-specific cards work well for moderate use.
Annual Fees
Many secured and station-specific cards charge no annual fee, while some unsecured bad credit cards charge $75 or more annually. Factor this cost into your expected savings.
Station Restrictions
Station-specific cards like Shell or Sunoco cards limit where you can earn rewards. General-purpose cards from major banks work anywhere but may offer lower rewards rates.
Building Toward Better Options
Using a secured gas card responsibly for 6-12 months can help improve your credit score, eventually qualifying you for cards with higher rewards and no deposit requirement. Pay your balance in full each month and keep utilization low to maximize credit-building benefits.
The path to approval starts with understanding where you stand and choosing the card that best suits your situation. Whether that means placing a security deposit, using a station-specific card, or leveraging business verification, there are options for nearly every credit profile.