The Points Guy, I’ve helped thousands of readers save on everyday expenses. In 2025, with gas prices hovering around $3.50/gallon and electric vehicle (EV) charging costs rising, the best auto rewards credit cards are a must for drivers looking to offset auto-related expenses. Whether you’re filling up at the pump, paying for maintenance, or financing a new car, these cards deliver up to 5% cash back, generous welcome bonuses, and 0% intro APRs—often with no annual fees. This guide zeroes in on the best gas rewards credit cards, best credit cards for auto repairs, best credit cards for buying a car, and best auto rewards credit cards, using 2025 data from issuer websites, J.D. Power surveys, and user reviews.
Why Auto Rewards Credit Cards Are Essential in 2025
Auto expenses are a significant budget line item. According to AAA, the average driver spends $2,000 annually on fuel and $1,200 on maintenance, while new car purchases often exceed $30,000. A well-chosen auto rewards credit card can yield $100-$300 yearly on gas and repairs or save thousands on financing a vehicle with 0% APR offers. In 2025, issuers like U.S. Bank, Citi, and Wells Fargo are pushing gas and EV charging rewards to 4-5%, with intro APRs stretching to 21 months for big purchases. For those with excellent credit, these best car credit cards also include perks like purchase protection and extended warranties, rivaling premium cards without the fees.
Key Benefits:
- High Rewards Rates: Earn 4-5% on gas/EV charging, 2%+ on repairs.
- Intro APRs: 0% for 12-21 months on purchases or balance transfers, ideal for auto loans or repairs.
- No Annual Fees: Maximize savings without yearly costs.
- Credit Boost: On-time payments improve your FICO score over time.
This guide covers best auto credit cards for every driver—whether you’re a commuter racking up gas bills, a DIY mechanic paying for parts, or someone eyeing a new car.
Top 7 Auto Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
After reviewing over 40 cards, I’ve shortlisted seven that excel for auto-related spending, based on rewards rates, bonuses, intro APRs, and user satisfaction from NerdWallet, Bankrate, and J.D. Power. These align with searches for best gas rewards credit cards, best credit cards for auto repairs, best credit cards for buying a car, and best auto rewards credit cards, emphasizing no-fee options where possible.
| Card Name | Best For | Welcome Bonus | Rewards Rate | Intro APR | Standout Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go | Gas & EV charging | 20,000 points ($200) after $1,000 spend in 90 days | 4% gas/EV charging/dining, 2% streaming/groceries, 1% other | 0% for 12 months (purchases/BTs) | $15 annual streaming credit |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | Adaptive auto spending | $200 after $1,500 spend in 6 months | 5% on top category (gas, select repairs, up to $500/month), 1% other | 0% for 15 months (purchases/BTs) | Auto-selects best category |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Flat-rate auto rewards | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months | Unlimited 2% cash rewards | 0% for 15 months (purchases/BTs) | $600 cellphone protection |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from Amex | Gas & groceries | $200 after $2,000 spend in 6 months | 3% U.S. gas/supermarkets/online retail (up to $6,000/year each), 1% other | None | $264/year streaming/meal credits |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | Custom gas rewards | $200 after $1,000 spend in 3 months | 3% choice category (gas, up to $2,500/quarter), 2% grocery wholesale, 1% other | None | Up to 75% rewards boost |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® | High gas rewards | 15,000 points ($150) after $1,500 spend in 3 months | 5x points gas/EV (worth ~5%), 3x groceries, 1x other | None | Low APR (15.49%-17.99%) |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Car purchases | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months | 5% Chase travel, 3% dining/drugstores, 1.5% other | 0% for 15 months (purchases/BTs) | Transfer points for 25%-50% boost |
Data from issuer sites as of October 26, 2025. Post-intro APRs: 18.24%-29.24% variable, except PenFed. BT = balance transfer.
These cards are tailored for best auto rewards credit cards, covering gas, repairs, and purchases.
Detailed Reviews: The Best Auto Credit Cards for Every Driver
1. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go: Best for Gas & EV Charging
With an uncapped 4% cash back on gas and EV charging, this card tops the best gas rewards credit cards list for commuters. Its $200 bonus (spend $1,000 in 90 days) and $15 streaming credit earned a 4.7/5 from NerdWallet in 2025.
Pros:
- 4% on gas/EV, no limits.
- No annual fee, no foreign fees.
- 12-month 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers.
Cons:
- 1% on repairs (use another card).
- Smaller U.S. Bank network.
Who It’s For: Drivers spending $300/month on gas/EV, netting $144/year. A top best auto credit card for fuel.
Value Example: $3,600 annual gas spend = $144 cash back.
2. Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Adaptive Auto Spending
This card auto-selects your top spending category for 5% cash back (up to $500/month), including gas or select auto repairs (e.g., tire shops). Ideal for fluctuating budgets.
Pros:
- 5% on gas or repairs automatically.
- 15-month 0% intro APR for purchases/BTs.
- $200 welcome bonus.
Cons:
- $500 monthly cap per category.
- 3% foreign transaction fees.
Who It’s For: Drivers with mixed auto spends ($300/year on $6,000 gas/repairs). Perfect for best credit cards for auto repairs.
Value Example: $500/month gas = $300/year cash back.
3. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Flat-Rate Auto Rewards
Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases—gas, repairs, parts—makes this a versatile best auto rewards credit card with no tracking needed.
Pros:
- 2% on all auto expenses, no caps.
- $600 cellphone protection (pay bill with card).
- 15-month 0% intro APR.
Cons:
- No bonus categories for gas.
- 3% foreign fees.
Who It’s For: Simple savers ($200/year on $10,000 auto spend).
Value Example: $10,000 on gas/repairs = $200 cash back.
4. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for Gas & Groceries
Earn 3% on U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000/year) plus $7/month Disney Bundle credits, making it a family-friendly best car credit card.
Pros:
- 3% on gas, no activation.
- $200 bonus after $2,000 spend.
- Global Assist Hotline.
Cons:
- $6,000 annual gas cap.
- 2.7% foreign fees.
Who It’s For: Daily drivers ($90/year on $3,000 gas).
Value Example: $3,333 gas spend = $100 cash back.
5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards: Best for Custom Gas Rewards
Choose gas as your 3% category (up to $2,500/quarter). Preferred Rewards clients get up to 5.25% with bank synergy.
Pros:
- Flexible 3%-5.25% gas rewards.
- No foreign fees.
- $200 bonus.
Cons:
- $2,500 quarterly cap.
- No intro APR.
Who It’s For: Bank of America customers ($157/year at 5.25% on $3,000 gas).
Value Example: $3,000 gas = $90-$157 cash back.
6. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature®: Best for High Gas Rewards
5x points on gas and EV charging (worth ~5% cash back) is unbeatable for heavy drivers. Requires PenFed membership (free to join).
Pros:
- 5% effective gas rate.
- Low APR (15.49%-17.99%).
- No annual fee.
Cons:
- Limited redemption flexibility.
- 1x on repairs.
Who It’s For: Commuters ($200/year on $4,000 gas).
Value Example: $4,000 gas = $200 cash back.
7. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Car Purchases
With 1.5% base rewards (up to 5% on Chase travel) and a 15-month 0% intro APR, it’s a strong best credit card for buying a car.
Pros:
- 0% APR for financing.
- $200 bonus after $500 spend.
- No foreign fees.
Cons:
- Lower 1.5% on non-bonus categories.
- Max value needs Chase ecosystem.
Who It’s For: Car buyers ($300/year on $20,000 purchase).
Value Example: $20,000 car down payment = $300 cash back + interest savings.
Best Credit Cards for Buying a Car with Excellent Credit
For best credit cards for buying a car, prioritize big bonuses and long intro APRs:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: 15-month 0% APR, $200 bonus.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash®: 15-month 0% APR, 2% cash back.
- Citi Diamond Preferred®: 21-month 0% APR on purchases/BTs (no rewards, but max financing flexibility).
These can save $1,000+ on a $30,000 car via bonuses and interest-free periods, per The Points Guy.
How to Choose the Best Auto Rewards Credit Card
- Analyze Your Auto Spend: $300/month on gas? U.S. Bank Altitude Go. Repairs? Citi Custom Cash. Car purchase? Chase Freedom Unlimited.
- Verify Credit Score: Check via Credit Karma (free) to ensure excellent credit (740+).
- Estimate Rewards: Use Bankrate’s calculator; aim for 4%+ on gas, 2%+ on repairs.
- Dodge Fees: Avoid foreign transaction fees for travel; pay on time to skip 3%+ interest.
- Stack Cards: Pair a gas card (PenFed) with a flat-rate card (Wells Fargo) for max rewards.
Pro Tip: On $15,000 annual auto spend (gas, repairs, parts), top combos yield $450+ cash back. Test with NerdWallet’s tools.
