Best Gas Cards for Bad Credit of 2024
Best Secured Card For Gas and Electric Vehicle Owners
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug storesRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.24% variable
Credit Score
New to Credit
Our Expert Take
Based on its ability to select your bonus categories, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is among the better cards available for electric vehicle owners.
Why We Like It
The card earns a high bonus cash-back rate in the category of your choice. There are several categories to choose from, including gas and EV charging stations. It’s also a high earner at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. With grocery and gas or EV rewards, this card could help put cash back in your pocket on these high spend categories.
Bank of America will periodically review your account to see if you qualify to upgrade to an unsecured card and a deposit refund. Cardholders can access their FICO Score online or through Bank of America’s mobile app. The card has no annual fee.
What We Don’t Like
While the rewards cap typically impacts most cardholders, your security deposit is more likely to limit your spending. If you have deposited enough to reach the high end of the credit limit, you’ll likely find your rewards trimmed by the end of the year.
Who It’s Best For
With elevated rewards on EV charging and gas, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is a wise choice for those with bad credit looking for a rewarding path as they build.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Earns cash-back rewards on eligible purchases
- Potential for an upgrade to an unsecured card
- The rewards system can be complicated to track
- An opening deposit of $200 is required
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
Card Details
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement & furnishings
- Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%
- A minimum refundable security deposit of $200 (maximum of $5,000) is required to open this account
- Now, you can access your FICO® Score updated monthly for free, within your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking
- No annual fee
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Gas Card For Bank Of America Customers
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Unlimited 1.5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.24% variable
Credit Score
Bad/Poor(0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is an excellent option for existing bank customers who want to build a positive credit profile. Cardholders can link an eligible Bank of America checking account to their card for overdraft protection.
Why We Like It
The card earns flat-rate cash back on all purchases, leaving you time to focus on increasing your credit score. There are no categories to activate or track. If your checking account balance feels healthy enough, you can even set up autopay to ensure you never miss a payment.
Like its sister card, Bank of America periodically reviews your card account to upgrade your card to an unsecured version and return your security deposit if your credit improves enough. Also, you get complimentary FICO Score access with the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*.
What We Don’t Like
The fine print on Bank of America’s overdraft protection indicates you’ll pay interest on the transferred amount from the first date until you pay it off. However, with interest rates of 29.24% variable APR, if you pay the coverage in full on the next statement it’s still better than an overdraft fee.
Unlike other issuers, Bank of America requires you to earn a minimum of $25 in cash back before redeeming it for statement credit or a deposit. Given a minimum deposit of $200, it could take you well over 17 months of spending to reach that amount. Other cards let you cash in rewards at any time as you earn them.
Who It’s Best For
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card* is ideal for Bank of America customers who can simultaneously boost their credit and gain overdraft protection.
Pros & Cons
- Simple rewards structure is easy to manage
- Potential to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
- Free access to your FICO Score
- There are other secured cards that may earn you higher rewards.
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
- Minimum deposit of at least $200 required
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Cash rewards don’t expire
- Establish, strengthen or rebuild your credit
- No annual fee
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Gas Card For International Driving
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Limited, Bad
Our Expert Take
If your adventures take you outside the US, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is the top option for international travel. With no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), you’ll keep earning rewards anywhere the road takes you.
Why We Like It
The card is a solid option for cash-back rewards, especially if you’re not interested in navigating bonus rates and spending categories to ensure you’re maximizing rewards-earning opportunities. The card earns unlimited bonus cash back on every card purchase, regardless of category.
Capital One makes redemption easy. Use your cash back for travel, gift cards or statement credit whenever you want. They’ll also automatically perform reviews in as few as six months to evaluate you for a credit limit increase.
What We Don’t Like
As secured cards go, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is straightforward with no hidden fees. Of course, that doesn’t mean no fees. The APR on this card is relatively high, but if you pay your card in full and avoid cash advances, it should perform as expected.
Who It’s Best For
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card works well for earning a solid flat rate at home and abroad.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Ability to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
- No bonus categories other than Capital One Travel bookings
- $200 minimum opening deposit
Card Details
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Card For Drivers
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Plus, earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental carsRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Our Expert Take
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns cash-back rewards on all purchases, including at gas stations.
Why We Like It
Like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One reviews cardholder accounts for potential credit line increases in as early as six months. The card offers free credit monitoring through CreditWise. It’s also excellent for international travel, with no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees). Unlike Quicksilver Secured, no security deposit is required.
What We Don’t Like
The tradeoff for not requiring a security deposit is a $39 annual fee. While the fee is nominal, it may be a pain point to keep the card open long-term.
Who It’s Best For
With an annual fee, the QuicksilverOne is best for those who can’t cover the security deposit on the Quicksilver Secured. While the upfront cost of the unsecured card may be lower, keep in mind that Capital One refunds your full deposit with responsible use.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards
- Fair-to-average credit applicants considered
- No foreign transaction fee
- Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- High APR
- No boosted rate in common spending categories
- No welcome offer
- No intro APR offer
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn’t expire for the life of the account. It’s that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. PlusRead More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
28.24% Variable APR
Credit Score
New/Rebuilding Credit
Our Expert Take
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out among secured cards because it features the same cashback bonus offered with Discover’s unsecured cards. In fact, it’s the only card on the list to offer a welcome bonus.
Why We Like It
Discover’s unlimited Cashback Match™ is ideal for single-card households. With the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, you’ll receive a match to the cash back you earn in your first year as a cardholder.
Discover automatically reviews your account after seven months to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card. The card has other consumer benefits and protections like free FICO Score access, social security number alerts and online privacy protection. Better yet, the boosted rewards at gas stations and restaurants make this card a terrific choice for road trips.
What We Don’t Like
The quarterly limits on higher rewards will stifle most households’ restaurant and gas reward potential. This card also excludes EV charging stations from boosted rewards, so electric vehicle owners will want to steer clear.
Who It’s Best For
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card will be a top choice for households that want to double their rewards in the first year. The more you spend on the card in the first year, the more you’ll get out of the welcome bonus.
Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
No credit history required, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers one of the best credit cards for building or rebuilding a healthy credit history, while earning cash back in select everyday categories.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Earning cash-back rewards is uncommon for a secured card
- Free FICO score access each month
- Cashback Match doubles cash back rewards earning at the end of the first year
- Bonus category rewards are capped
- Like many secured cards, there’s a relatively high APR
- Secured cards require refundable deposits
Card Details
- No credit score required to apply.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match™ - only from Discover. 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.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Here’s a Summary of the Best Gas Credit Cards For Bad Credit Cards
Credit Card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
Best Secured Card For Gas and Electric Vehicle Owners
New to Credit
$0
N/A
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
Best Gas Card For Bank Of America Customers
Bad/Poor
$0
N/A
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Gas Card For International Driving
Limited, Bad
$0
N/A
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Card For Drivers
Average, Fair, Limited
$39
N/A
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best Gas Card for Welcome Bonus
New/Rebuilding Credit
$0
Cashback Match™
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match™ - only from Discover. 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.