5 Best Gas Credit Cards For Bad Credit

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 21, 2025

Finding a gas credit card with bad credit can be challenging, but several options make it possible to earn rewards while rebuilding credit. Some cards focus specifically on gas savings, while others offer broader cash back on everyday purchases. This guide highlights five of the best gas credit cards for bad credit in 2025, helping users manage fuel costs and improve their credit profile.

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card

    The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed to help people with bad credit build their credit history. It requires a cash deposit as collateral, which becomes the credit limit.

    This card allows users to earn cash back on purchases while improving their credit score. It is a good option for those starting to rebuild credit.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Discover will match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year, with no cap or minimum spending requirement.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 27.24% variable
    • No penalty APR and no fee on the first late payment (up to $41 after that)
    • $200 minimum refundable security deposit; $2,500 maximum
    • 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months (3% intro fee, up to 5% thereafter)
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build or rebuild credit
    • Flexible cash back rewards with no category restrictions
    • Automatic reviews for credit line increases after 8 months
    • Fraud protection and no liability for unauthorized purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back earned can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    No credit score is required to apply; ideal for users with poor or limited credit history.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Limited acceptance of the Discover network internationally and a relatively high APR for those who carry a balance.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It combines credit building with rewards, making it easy for new or rebuilding credit users to benefit from everyday spending.

  • Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® For Rebuilding Credit

    The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® is designed for people who want to rebuild their credit. It is an unsecured card, so it does not require a security deposit.

    This card offers an initial credit limit that helps users start spending without extra funds upfront. It reports monthly to the major credit bureaus to help build credit history.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 1% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases, plus select internet, phone, cable, and satellite TV services (terms apply)

    Welcome Bonus:

    There is no specific welcome bonus for this card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $75 the first year, then $99 annually ($8.25/month)
    • Foreign transaction fees: Not listed
    • APR: 29.49% variable
    • No security deposit required
    • Access to Experian IdentityWorksSM for credit protection
    • Choose your own payment due date

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps rebuild credit for people with bad to fair credit
    • Cash back rewards on everyday purchases
    • No security deposit needed
    • Fraud protection with $0 liability for unauthorized charges

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is automatically applied to your account as a statement credit.

    Credit Requirements:

    Intended for individuals with poor to fair credit seeking to rebuild their credit profile.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has a low initial credit limit, and fees can be higher compared to some other cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a simple way to start rebuilding credit while earning modest rewards.

  • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild their credit while earning rewards. It requires a refundable security deposit, making it accessible even to those with bad credit.

    This card offers a simple way to earn cash back on everyday purchases, helping users improve their credit history over time. It has no annual fee, which keeps costs low for cardholders.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, everywhere
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: Not listed
    • APR: 29.74% variable
    • Refundable minimum security deposit of $200
    • Balance transfer fee: $0 at standard APR; 4% at promotional APR
    • Cash advance fee: Greater of $5 or 5% of the amount
    • Late payment fee: Up to $40
    • Automatic credit limit review in as little as 6 months

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build credit with responsible use
    • Cash back rewards on all purchases
    • No monthly fees
    • Easy to qualify for with bad or limited credit

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or applied to travel purchases through Capital One Travel.

    Credit Requirements:

    Designed for people with limited or bad credit aiming to rebuild their credit profile.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Requires a security deposit that acts as the credit limit, which may be a barrier for some.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This card offers rewards and credit-building tools without fees, making it a practical choice for those new to credit or recovering from past credit issues.

  • Shell | Fuel Rewards Card

    The Shell | Fuel Rewards Card is designed for people who often buy gas at Shell stations. It helps users save money specifically on fuel purchases with Shell.

    This card works well for people with less-than-perfect credit because it offers easier approval compared to many traditional cards. It mainly focuses on rewards tied to Shell gas purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn up to 10¢ off per gallon at participating Shell stations
    • Accumulate rewards toward future fuel purchases through the Fuel Rewards program

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders receive a promotional cents-off-per-gallon discount on their first few Shell fuel purchases.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: Not listed
    • Can only be used at Shell gas stations
    • Fuel discounts apply up to 20 gallons per purchase

    Key Benefits:

    • Discounts stack with Fuel Rewards program
    • Simple way to save on gas at Shell stations
    • Easier for people with fair to bad credit to get approved

    Redemption Options:

    Discounts apply automatically at the pump on fuel purchases at Shell stations.

    Credit Requirements:

    Recommended for those with fair credit or better, but still accessible to some with bad credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Limited to Shell stations only, and high APR means carrying a balance is costly.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers easy approval and automatic savings without needing complex rewards tracking.

  • Chevron/Texaco Techron Advantage Card

    The Chevron/Texaco Techron Advantage Card is a gas card designed for drivers who often fuel up at Chevron or Texaco stations. It offers discounts on fuel purchases but works only at these two brands, making it a closed-loop card.

    This card can help users save money on gas without an annual fee. It focuses mainly on fuel savings rather than broad rewards, which suits people who want simple savings.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn up to 37¢ per gallon in fuel credits on Chevron and Texaco purchases during the first 90 days (varies by promotional terms)
    • Continue to accumulate fuel credits on every fill-up at Chevron or Texaco stations

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders may qualify for up to 37¢ per gallon in fuel credits for the first 90 days of purchases at Chevron or Texaco stations.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: Not specified
    • APR: Higher-than-average variable rate (exact rate not published)
    • Only usable at Chevron and Texaco gas stations
    • Fuel credits available on eligible purchases and apply automatically

    Key Benefits:

    • Easy fuel savings at two popular gas brands
    • No cost to hold the card
    • Can help manage fuel costs better than general credit cards
    • Statement credits apply automatically with purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Savings are applied directly as credits on purchases at Chevron and Texaco gas stations.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need fair credit (often 640 or better) to qualify, although easier approvals may sometimes be available.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Limited to Chevron and Texaco stations; fuel savings depend on using the card for gas and may not apply elsewhere; carry a balance at your own risk due to high APR.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its simple fuel discount system and no annual fee make it easy to understand and use for people new to credit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a gas credit card with poor credit?

Most gas credit cards for bad credit require a credit score below 670. Applicants typically need a stable address and verifiable income. Some cards, like the Discover it® Secured or Quicksilver Secured, also require a refundable deposit to open an account.

Which gas credit cards offer the easiest approval for those with bad credit?

Secured cards tend to offer the easiest approval. The Discover it® Secured and Capital One Quicksilver Secured are good examples, requiring only a refundable deposit and offering cash back on everyday spending. The Shell | Fuel Rewards Card also offers easier approval for regular Shell customers.

Can I get a gas credit card without a credit check?

Very few gas credit cards skip a credit check. While some prepaid or gift cards don’t require one, they won’t build your credit. Cards like the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® still require a credit inquiry to determine eligibility.

How can I get pre-approved for a Shell gas credit card with a low credit score?

Pre-approval typically depends on your credit history and income. Some applications offer a soft credit check to assess eligibility without affecting your score. The Shell | Fuel Rewards Card may offer this option before full review.

Are there any gas cards available that do not require a deposit, even for poor credit histories?

Yes, a few unsecured gas cards are available for poor credit, such as the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®. These cards don’t require a deposit but often have higher fees and lower credit limits. They still report to credit bureaus and can help rebuild credit over time.