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Best Business Credit Cards for Gas  Small Business Trends ​Lisa Price

When it comes to finding the best business credit cards for gas, it’s essential to look beyond those cards exclusively linked to specific gas stations.

While any card can be designated solely for gas purchases, it makes more financial sense to select one that offers benefits on both gas and other eligible transactions. By doing so, you can maximize cashback, rewards, and other benefits from your everyday business expenses.

A prime example is the US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard, which provides 3% cash back on purchases at EV stations. Why restrict yourself to gas purchases alone when you can maximize your rewards across a wider range of expenses? Opt for a card that offers benefits on all levels.

What are Business Gas Credit Cards?

As we stated, business gas cards are linked to gas stations and you won’t exactly get the same answer as asking what are business credit cards. They are also called fuel cards, and the fuel cards may only be used at certain gas stations.

You can still get that type of business card. But you’ll save money on gas by combining other eligible purchases to get back more value from using the card. So the next question is why should I get a business credit card?

Why You Should Consider Getting a Gas Credit Card for Your Business

It’s still easy for a business owner to track gas expenses using a general business card. Even if credit cards are used for other business purchases, credit card companies will separate your purchases by category.
You’ll get more benefits, such as rewards or cashback than you would with cards specific to gas stations.
It’s easy to practice social distancing. You might get a better discount paying with cash, but you have to go inside to do so. Your card is cleaner than the cash change you’ll get back. However, you should glove up or disinfect after touching the fuel pump, which is deemed one of the most contaminated items you’ll encounter.
Credit or debit. You should never use a debit card when paying for gas. When you use a credit card for gas, the funds are not withdrawn immediately. When you use a debit card and your PIN, the funds are instantly available. Debit cards are easier targets for gas pump “skimmers.”

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Business Credit Cards for Gas

For businesses with fleets or those that require frequent travel, the right credit card can translate to significant savings on gas expenditures. Identifying the top contenders requires a comprehensive look at multiple aspects.

In guiding our readers towards selecting the best business credit cards for gas expenses, we use the following criteria, rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 the lowest.

Rewards on Gas Purchases

Importance Scale: 9/10
Rationale: We focus on cards that provide elevated reward rates or cash back specifically for gas purchases, ensuring that businesses can maximize their savings.

Annual Fee

Importance Scale: 8/10
Rationale: We consider the annual fee of the card, seeking options where the benefits outweigh the costs.

Additional Rewards Categories

Importance Scale: 7/10
Rationale: Cards that offer rewards for other business-related expenses, in addition to gas, provide more overall value.

Introductory Offers

Importance Scale: 6/10
Rationale: Attractive introductory offers, such as bonus points or 0% APR periods, can be beneficial for new cardholders.

Redemption Flexibility

Importance Scale: 7/10
Rationale: We evaluate the ease and flexibility of redeeming rewards, including various redemption options and minimal restrictions.

Interest Rates

Importance Scale: 8/10
Rationale: Competitive interest rates are important, especially for businesses that may carry a balance.

Added Perks and Benefits

Importance Scale: 6/10
Rationale: Additional benefits such as travel insurance, extended warranty, and free employee cards add value to the card.

Credit Requirements

Importance Scale: 7/10
Rationale: We consider the credit score requirements for approval to ensure recommendations are accessible to a range of businesses.

Security and Fraud Protection

Importance Scale: 9/10
Rationale: Strong security measures and fraud protection are critical for safeguarding business finances.

Customer Service and Support

Importance Scale: 7/10
Rationale: Responsive and helpful customer service is important for resolving issues and managing the account effectively.

By utilizing these criteria, our goal is to direct businesses towards the best business credit cards for gas that deliver excellent rewards on gas purchases while also offering overall value and meeting their wider financial requirements.

Best Small Business Gas Credit Cards

Here are our picks for the best business gas credit card. These small business credit cards aren’t just for gas buys.

We have selected different types of credit cards that offer excellent value for all your purchases, including gas. You can qualify for these cards with good credit and, in some cases, even fair credit.

American Express Business Gold Card

Would you like 0% APR for a year and lots of rewards points on gas purchases and more? Then the American Express Business Gold is a good business credit card pick for you.

Annual Fees: $295
APR: Enjoy a 0% APR for the first year following account opening. After the anniversary of your account, the variable APR will range from 14.24% to 22.24%.
Credit Needed: Good
Benefits: 80,000 reward points after you spend and pay eligible purchases of $10,000 during the first 3 months.

American Express Blue Business Cash Card

No annual fee and 0% APR for 12 months is a strong introductory offer that makes the Blue Business Cash Card from American Express a good option as a business credit card.

Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening, then 13.24 to 19.24%
Credit Needed: Good
Benefits: You’ll get a $500 statement credit after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express® Card

If you become a Marriott Bonvoy Business Member, you’ll get 4 to 6 times in point value on gas purchases and more with the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card.

Annual Fee: $125
APR: 15.74 to 24.74%
Credit Needed: Good
Benefits: Earn 75,000 in bonus points after $3000 in purchases the first 3 months, plus you’ll get a $150 statement credit and an additional free night award. If you buy a business card membership, you’ll earn 6x points for purchases at participating hotels and 4x points on wireless telephone services and gas purchases. Rewards increase as you use the card, as you earn gold elite status.

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

You can earn credit card rewards on purchases of gasoline or charges at EV stations with the Business Cash Back Credit Cards | U.S. Bank (usbank.com).

Annual Fee: $0
APR: o% intro APR for 15 billing cycles from the card account anniversary.
Credit Needed: Good
Benefits: You’ll get $500 cash back if you spend $4,500 in 150 days. You’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases at gas stations and EV stations. You’ll earn 3% cash back on combined net purchases of phone services (including cell phone service providers), restaurants and office supply stores.

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

With the Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Cash Back | Chase, you can earn an impressive 5% cash back on select combined purchases and business expenses.

Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months, then 13.24 to 19.24%
Credit Needed: Good
Benefits: There’s no preset spending credit limit and bonus rewards grow as you spend, earning Chase ultimate rewards status. You’ll get 5% cash back on office supply purchases and other eligible net purchases, including internet, cable, phone, and recurring software subscription expenses. You’ll get $750 credit after you spend $7,500 in first three months. Spend another $7,500 in the next three months, and you’ll get another $750 credit.

Discover IT

You will earn 5% cash back on gas, which makes this an excellent choice for fleet fuel cards. Are you a frequent Amazon shopper? You can also receive 5% cash back on your Amazon purchases. If your credit score is bad or fair, you can apply for a Discover IT card by opting to make it a “secured” card with a cash deposit.

Annual Fee: $0
APR: 11.99 to 22.99%
Credit Needed: Bad to Excellent.
Benefits: The 5% cash back on Amazon and gasoline purchases make Discover IT a leader in small business credit cards. You’ll also earn 5% cash back within the Pay Pal portal if you choose to pay with the Discover IT card.

Shell Small Business Card

As a branded business gas card – one that is linked to a specific type of gas – the Shell card is a great fleet card. In addition to the account owner’s card, you can also get free employee cards. You can select a preset spending limit on individual employee cards with Shell branded business gas cards.

Annual Fee: $0
APR: 23-29%
Credit Needed: Fair
Benefits: 10 cents per gallon rewards gas purchases for the first 6 months. You can also use the Shell card at Jiffy Lube.

Comparison of the Best Business Credit Cards for Gas

To aid you in choosing the right business gas credit card, here’s a comprehensive comparison of our top picks, detailing their annual fees, APR rates, credit requirements, and primary benefits:

Credit Card NameAnnual FeeIntroductory APRRegular APRCredit NeededHighlighted Benefit

American Express Business Gold Card$2950% for 12 months14.24%-22.24%Good80,000 rewards points for $10,000 spend in 3 months

American Express Blue Business Cash Card$00% for 12 months13.24%-19.24%Good$500 statement credit for $5,000 spend in 3 months

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express® Card$125N/A15.74%-24.74%Good75,000 bonus points for $3,000 spend in 3 months

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®$00% for 15 billing cyclesTBDGood3% cash back at gas stations and EV stations

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card$00% for 12 months13.24%-19.24%Good5% cash back on office supplies and select purchases

Discover IT$0N/A11.99%-22.99%Bad to Excellent5% cash back on Amazon and gas

Shell Small Business Card$0N/A23%-29%Fair10 cents/gallon rewards for the first 6 months

What are the easiest business gas credit cards to get?

For entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a business gas credit card that is relatively easy to qualify for, the Chase Ink Business Cash Card stands out. This card is recognized for being attainable even for individuals with fair to good credit scores.

What makes this card particularly attractive is its rewarding bonus structure. Upon spending $7,500 within the initial three months, cardholders can earn a credit of $750. Moreover, if they spend another $7,500 in the subsequent three months, they stand to gain an additional $750 in credit.

Beyond these immediate rewards, as users approach a spending total of $25,000, they can benefit from a lucrative 5% cashback on various categories, including office supplies and certain utilities like cable, internet, and phone services.

While the ideal business credit card varies based on individual needs, the Chase Ink Business Cash Card is often ranked highly by many small business proprietors due to its combined ease of approval and rewarding benefits.

Are gas cards good for building credit?

Certainly! Gas cards, particularly those featuring a 0% APR introductory offer, can serve as an effective strategy for individuals aiming to build or enhance their credit.

The 0% APR feature, typically lasting for the first 12 months, allows cardholders to make purchases or even transfer balances from other cards without incurring any interest during the promo period.

By maintaining timely payments and keeping the balance low relative to the credit limit, users can positively influence their credit scores.

Regular use and prompt payment of the card can demonstrate responsible credit management, which, in turn, gets reported to major credit bureaus, leading to an improved credit profile over time.

However, it’s vital for cardholders to remain mindful of the expiration of the introductory period to avoid sudden interest accruals.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, “Best Business Credit Cards for Gas” was first published on Small Business Trends

 

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