Gas prices are on the rise. These credit cards and rewards programs can help you save

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Gas prices were at their lowest national average in nearly five years this past January, at $2.81 per gallon, according to a January 2026 report from the American Automobile Association(AAA). Since then, prices have climbed significantly amid the Iran war.

The national average reached $4.18 per gallon on Tuesday, the highest since the start of the Iran war, per data from the AAA. With negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in limbo, drivers may not receive immediate relief from these high prices. Prices also tend to rise seasonally heading into the summer travel season.

If you’re interested in squeezing out savings on gas, CNBC Select discusses a few credit cards and rewards programs that can help you save on refueling, alongside some lesser-known options.

One of the easiest ways to save a little more on gas is simply by using the right gas rewards credit card. This route doesn’t require extreme couponing or even changing your habits; instead, your card will earn rewards on your gas and/or EV-charging purchases.

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers one of the highest rewards rates on both gas and EV charging, earning up to 5X points with no spending cap. For example, if you spend $200 per month on gas and charge it to the PenFed Platinum, you could earn 12,000 points over the course of the year (roughly $120 in gift card value).

This no-annual-fee card also earns a competitive 3X points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants and on TV, radio, cable and streaming services. The points you earn can be redeemed for travel, gift cards or merchandise.

One caveat with this card is that it requires a PenFed membership, but anyone can apply. To qualify, simply open a Regular Savings or Premium Online Savings account and deposit a minimum of $5.

Citi Strata Premier® Card

The Citi Strata Premier® Card earns 3X ThankYou^®Pointson gas and EV charging stations, also with no spending cap. That’s a lower rate than the PedFed Platinum, but its additional travel-related perks may push the card in your favor.

The Strata Premier earns 10X points on select travel booked through cititravel.com and the same 3X rate at restaurants, supermarkets, air travel and general hotel purchases. Citi ThankYou^®Points are a pretty valuable currency, especially if you use transfer partners. You can transfer your Citi points at a 1:1 ratio to American Airlines, JetBlue, Choice Privileges hotels and more, and for potentially greater value (over 1 cent per point).

Note, the card does charge a $95 annual fee, which can be counterintuitive if you’re looking to cut costs across the board. You can, however, cover this yearly fee with the Strata Premier’s $100 Annual Hotel Benefit.

PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card

If you’re looking for a gas rewards card with a fairly easy-to-earn welcome bonus, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card offers a $200 cash-back bonus after spending $1,000 on your card in the first three months.

The card doesn’t charge an annual fee and earns 4% cash back on gas station purchases, 3% on dining at restaurants and 2% at grocery stores (on up to $8,000 per year in combined purchases, then 1%). Its redemption options are straightforward and include a statement credit or direct deposit into an eligible PNC account.

Outside of gas rewards, the PNC Cash Rewards Visa could be a good option if you’re carrying any credit card debt. The card offers a low intro APR on balance transfers, helping you avoid interest for a set number of months.

If you’re happy with the credit cards you currently have, you could sign up for a gas rewards program instead. While you’ll have to purchase gas at certain stations to earn the perks, it’s a good way to shave a few cents off your fuel up and earn additional rewards.

earnify by BP

earnify™ is the rewards program of BP and its subsidiaries, including Amoco and AMPM. When you pay through the earnify app, you’ll receive 5 cents off per gallon on all fill-ups, while earning 1 point per gallon and 2 points per dollar spent inside stores.

The points you earn can be spent on your choice of convenience store items or to receive extra savings per gallon at the pump. Plus, new users will receive a 250-point welcome offer when signing up.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can link your Amazon and earnify accounts and save 10 cents per gallon instead of just 5.

Exxon Mobil Rewards+

If Exxon is your preferred gas station, Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ program members earn at least 3 cents per gallon in points on gas and 2 cents in points on every purchase of snacks, drinks, car washes and more.

If you purchase Synergy Supreme+™ premium gas, you’ll get 6 cents per gallon back. AARP members and Frequent Filler members (or those who buy 100 gallons or more per month) can earn an additional cent per gallon in rewards when they link their accounts.

The points you earn can be redeemed for fuel and in-store discounts at participating stations.

Shell Fuel Rewards

Another widely available gas rewards program to consider is Shell Fuel Rewards. This program has three tiers: Silver, Gold and Platinum. Silver is the default and saves you 3 cents per gallon; Gold saves you 5 cents, and Platinum saves you 10 cents.

To qualify for Gold, you’ll need six regular fills or three Shell V-Power NiTRO+® Premium Gasoline fills within three months of membership. Platinum requires 12 regular fills or six premium fills in the same timeframe. Each tier stacks on additional benefits, and you can redeem your rewards for more fuel savings or in-store purchases.

Gas credit cards and rewards programs are great ways to help you save extra money on fuel, but there are a few other ways to cut costs.

If you’re a member of a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club, buying gas there can be cheaper than elsewhere; gas at warehouse stations is often 5 to 25 cents cheaper than at traditional stations. This is a great way to get extra value from a warehouse club membership if you’re on the fence about it.

Further, Amazon Prime memberscan take advantage of10 cents off per gallonthrough Amazon’s partnership with earnify™. Members get an even higher 20 cents off per gallon on one fill-up every Friday through May 29 (at participating bp, Amoco, ampmand Thorntons locations across the U.S.).

And if you’re on the road and just trying to find the cheapest gas in your area, try using the GasBuddy app. The app will show you roughly 50 of the closest gas stations, and you can sort your options by price, distance or both. You can even search by brand, which is helpful if you belong to a certain gas rewards program.

There’s also a chance that you’re putting the wrong type of fuel in your car and overpaying as a result. Most U.S. cars today are designed to use the lowest grade of available gasoline (often 87 octane), and according to research from AAA, there’s likely no additional benefit to using a higher grade of gasoline. So, if you’ve been putting mid-grade or premium gas in your car, double-check your car’s handbook to make sure it needs it.

Options for rideshare and delivery drivers

If you use your car for delivery or rideshare, Uber and DoorDash are offering some gas price relief.

Uber is increasing the discounts drivers and couriers can earn through select programs through May 26. With Upside, you get up to $1 off per gallon (up from 25 cents), depending on your Uber Pro or Uber Eats Pro tier. And with Shell® Fuel Rewards®, you get up to 21 cents off per gallon (up from 7 cents).

Plus, drivers and couriers with the Uber Pro Card now receive an additional 5% cash back at gas stations (on top of the existing rates) through May 26. With the right status and stacking, you could earn up to 15% back on gas purchases.

Lastly, if you’re a Dasher with DoorDash and own the DoorDash Crimson Visa® Debit Card, you can earn 10% cash back on qualifying gas purchases through June 30. That’s five times higher than the standard 2% rate.

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