A fuel credit card, also known as a gas credit card, is a type of credit card that is specifically designed for use at gas stations or to purchase fuel for vehicles.

Fuel credit cards offer various benefits, such as cashback or rewards points for fuel purchases, discounts on gas prices, or other incentives, such as free roadside assistance or car rental insurance. Some fuel credit cards may also offer rewards or discounts on other types of purchases, such as groceries, dining, or travel.

Fuel credit cards can be beneficial for people who drive frequently or have long commutes, as they can help offset the cost of fuel expenses. However, it’s important to use fuel credit cards responsibly, pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, and not overspend just to earn rewards.

List of the Best Fuel Credit Cards Canada

There are several fuel credit cards available in Canada, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the best fuel credit cards in Canada:

1. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card – This card offers 5x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, dining, and entertainment. Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or statement credits.
2. BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard – This card offers 3% cash back on gas purchases, as well as 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. The card also comes with travel insurance and other benefits.
3. Tangerine World Mastercard – This card offers 2% cash back on up to three categories of your choice, including gas purchases. The card has no annual fee and no limit on the cash back you can earn.
4. PC Financial World Elite Mastercard – This card offers 30 PC Optimum points per litre of fuel purchased at Esso and Mobil stations, as well as 10 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at PC-branded stores. The points can be redeemed for groceries or other products.
5. RBC Cash Back Mastercard – This card offers 2% cash back on gas purchases, as well as 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee and no limit on the cash back you can earn.
6. CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card – This card offers 4% cash back on gas and grocery purchases, as well as 2% cash back on Tim Hortons and other recurring bills. The card also comes with travel insurance and other benefits.
7. American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card – This card offers 2% cash back on all purchases, including gas, and has a welcome bonus of up to $300. The card also comes with travel insurance and other benefits.
8. Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard – This card offers 3% cash back on gas, as well as 2% cash back on groceries and recurring payments, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card also comes with travel insurance and other benefits.
9. National Bank World Elite Mastercard – This card offers 2% cash back on gas and groceries, as well as 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. The card also comes with travel insurance and other benefits.
10. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card – This card offers 3% cash back on gas, groceries, and recurring bills, as well as 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card also comes with travel insurance and other benefits.

Here is a table comparing the features of the 10 best fuel credit cards in Canada:

Note that these features may be subject to change, and it’s important to read the terms and conditions of each card before applying.

Co-branded Gas Station fuel Credits Canada

Some examples of co-branded gas station credit cards in Canada include:

1. Canadian Tire Triangle Mastercard – issued in partnership between Canadian Tire and its associated gas stations, this card offers rewards in the form of Canadian Tire Money for purchases at Canadian Tire gas stations and other Canadian Tire retail locations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
2. Esso Extra Privileges Card – issued in partnership between Esso and RBC, this card offers rewards in the form of Esso Extra points for purchases at Esso gas stations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
3. Husky Rewards Mastercard – issued in partnership between Husky and Mastercard, this card offers rewards in the form of myHusky Rewards points for purchases at Husky gas stations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
4. Petro-Points Mastercard – issued in partnership between Petro-Canada and RBC, this card offers rewards in the form of Petro-Points for purchases at Petro-Canada gas stations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
5. Shell AIR MILES Mastercard – issued in partnership between Shell and BMO, this card offers rewards in the form of AIR MILES points for purchases at Shell gas stations and other locations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
6. Ultramar Mastercard – issued in partnership between Ultramar and BMO, this card offers rewards in the form of Ultramar Rewards points for purchases at Ultramar gas stations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
7. Pioneer Energy Mastercard – issued in partnership between Pioneer Energy and MBNA, this card offers rewards in the form of Pioneer Energy points for purchases at Pioneer Energy gas stations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
8. Co-op Fuel Advantage Mastercard – issued in partnership between Co-op and Mastercard, this card offers rewards in the form of Co-op Fuel Dollars for purchases at Co-op gas stations and other locations, as well as other benefits for using the card.
9. Shell Go+ Mastercard – issued in partnership between Shell and CIBC, this card offers rewards in the form of Shell Go+ points for purchases at Shell gas stations, as well as other benefits for using the card. Cardholders can also earn bonus points for using the card at non-Shell retailers.
10. Esso Speedpass+ App – while not a traditional credit card, the Esso Speedpass+ app is a digital payment and rewards program offered by Esso in partnership with PC Financial. The app allows users to pay for fuel and convenience store purchases at Esso gas stations using their smartphone, as well as earn PC Optimum points for their purchases. The app also offers additional benefits, such as tracking fuel purchases and receiving personalized offers.

Note that these features may be subject to change, and it’s important to read the terms and conditions of each card or app before applying or using.

Pros of Fuel Credit Cards

There are several pros to using fuel credit cards, including:

1. Rewards and Cashback: Fuel credit cards offer rewards or cash back for fuel purchases, which can help offset the cost of gas and save you money in the long run.
2. Discounts on Gas Prices: Some fuel credit cards offer discounts on gas prices at specific gas stations or chains, which can help you save even more money on fuel.
3. Additional Rewards and Benefits: Many fuel credit cards offer rewards and benefits beyond just fuel purchases, such as discounts on groceries, travel, dining, or other purchases. Some cards may also offer additional perks like roadside assistance or rental car insurance.
4. Convenience: Fuel credit cards are easy to use and can be a convenient way to pay for fuel and other purchases, without the need to carry cash or worry about ATM fees.
5. Credit Building: Regular use and on-time payments of a fuel credit card can help build credit and improve your credit score, which can be beneficial for future loans or credit applications.

Cons of Fuel Credit Cards

While fuel credit cards offer several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider, including:

1. High-Interest Rates: Fuel credit cards can have high-interest rates, especially if you carry a balance from month to month. This can negate any rewards or cash back earned and end up costing you more in interest charges.
2. Annual Fees: Some fuel credit cards charge annual fees, which can add to the overall cost of using the card. It’s important to compare the rewards and benefits of the card to the annual fee to determine if it’s worth it for your specific needs.
3. Limited Redemption Options: Some fuel credit cards offer limited redemption options for rewards or cash back, such as only being able to redeem points for fuel purchases. This can limit your options and may not be as beneficial if you prefer to redeem rewards for other types of purchases.
4. Incentivizes Driving: Fuel credit cards may incentivize driving more frequently, which can have environmental and financial consequences. It’s important to balance the benefits of using a fuel credit card with the potential costs and impacts of driving more frequently.
5. Potential to Overspend: Like any credit card, fuel credit cards have the potential to encourage overspending or carrying a balance from month to month, which can lead to high-interest charges and financial difficulties.

Fuel Credit Cards Facts

Here are some interesting facts about fuel credit cards:

1. Fuel credit cards are a type of co-branded credit card that is typically offered by gas stations or financial institutions in partnership with gas station chains.
2. Fuel credit cards can offer rewards or cash back on fuel purchases, as well as discounts on gas prices or other benefits.
3. Fuel credit cards can be used at any gas station, not just the brand that issued the card. However, you may earn more rewards or benefits by using the card at specific gas stations or chains.
4. Fuel credit cards can be a great way to save money on fuel and earn rewards or cash back, but it’s important to use them responsibly to avoid high-interest charges and overspending.
5. Some fuel credit cards offer additional benefits, such as roadside assistance, rental car insurance, or travel insurance, which can be helpful for frequent travelers.
6. Fuel credit cards can have different types of rewards programs, such as cash back, points, or miles, and may have different redemption options, such as statement credits, merchandise, or travel.
7. Fuel credit cards can also have different eligibility requirements, such as credit score, income, or employment status, so it’s important to check the requirements before applying.
8. Some fuel credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses or welcome offers, which can be a great way to earn extra rewards or cash back when you first apply for the card.

Fuel Credit Cards FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about fuel and gas station credit cards:

Q: What is the difference between a fuel credit card and a gas station credit card?

A: A fuel credit card is a credit card that offers rewards, cash back, or discounts on fuel purchases, but can be used at any gas station. A gas station credit card, also known as a co-branded credit card, is a credit card that is issued in partnership between a financial institution and a specific gas station or chain of gas stations, offering rewards, cash back, or discounts for purchases at the partner gas station or chain.

Q: What rewards can I earn with a fuel or gas station credit card?

A: Rewards for fuel or gas station credit cards can vary depending on the specific card, but may include cash back, points, or miles for fuel purchases, as well as other rewards or benefits for using the card. Some cards may also offer additional perks, such as rental car insurance, roadside assistance, or travel insurance.

Q: Can I use a fuel or gas station credit card at any gas station or just the partner gas station or chain?

A: It depends on the specific card. A fuel credit card can typically be used at any gas station, while a gas station credit card may offer rewards, cash back, or discounts for purchases at the partner gas station or chain, but can also be used at other locations.

Q: Are there any fees for using a fuel or gas station credit card?

A: Some fuel and gas station credit cards may charge annual fees or have other fees associated with using the card, such as balance transfer fees or foreign transaction fees. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each card to understand any fees associated with using the card.

Q: What should I consider when choosing a fuel or gas station credit card?

A: When choosing a fuel or gas station credit card, it’s important to consider factors such as the rewards program, annual fees, interest rates, and other benefits offered by the card. You should also consider your spending habits and whether the rewards or benefits offered by the card align with your needs and preferences.

Q: Is it important to use a fuel or gas station credit card responsibly?

A: Yes, it’s important to use any credit card responsibly, including fuel or gas station credit cards, to avoid overspending, high-interest charges, and other potential drawbacks. It’s important to pay off the balance in full each month and avoid carrying a balance from month to month to avoid interest charges.

Q: Can I use a fuel or gas station credit card to build my credit score?

A: Yes, using a fuel or gas station credit card responsibly can help build your credit score over time. Making on-time payments, keeping your balance low, and using credit responsibly can help improve your credit score.

Q: Are there any downsides to using a fuel or gas station credit card?

A: While fuel and gas station credit cards can offer rewards and benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. These can include high-interest rates, annual fees, limited redemption options, and the potential to overspend or incentivize driving more frequently. It’s important to consider these potential drawbacks and weigh them against the benefits of using a fuel or gas station credit card before applying.

Q: Can I use a fuel or gas station credit card for purchases other than fuel or gas station purchases?

A: Yes, depending on the card, you may be able to use a fuel or gas station credit card for purchases other than fuel or gas station purchases. Some cards may offer rewards, cash back, or discounts for other types of purchases, such as groceries or dining out.

Q: How do I redeem rewards or benefits earned with a fuel or gas station credit card?

A: Redemption options for rewards or benefits earned with a fuel or gas station credit card can vary depending on the specific card. Some cards may offer statement credits, cash back, merchandise, or travel as redemption options. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each card to understand the redemption options and any restrictions or limitations that may apply.

Q: Can I use a fuel or gas station credit card outside of Canada?

A: It depends on the specific card. Some fuel and gas station credit cards may offer international acceptance and be usable outside of Canada, while others may have limitations or fees associated with using the card outside of Canada. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each card to understand any limitations or fees associated with using the card outside of Canada.