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Best Capital One Credit Cards for Gas [2024 Review]

Filling up your gas tank is a major expense when you own a vehicle, so why not earn through it? If you are looking for a card that can help with that, our review of the best Capital One credit cards for gas could help you find the right card that suits your gas expenses.

Our Top Capital One Credit Cards for Gas

The best Capital One credit cards for gas offer above-average flat-rate reward percentages on gas station purchases. Additionally, they cater to your diverse financial needs such as cash rewards, credit-building, and student-specific benefits.

  • Best altogether: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
  • Best for credit-building: Capital One Quicksilver Secured
  • Best for students: Capital One Quicksilver Students Rewards

Best Altogether: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is your best option if you want to keep things simple. You can build credit responsibly while earning a steady amount. Like every Capital One card, you don’t pay an annual or foreign transaction fee here.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

Unlike other cards in this list, you get a 0% introductory APR period for the first 15 months with this card. You can use this time to transfer debt balances to your card and pay them off without incurring more debt. 

Additionally, you can get discounted deals (wherever applicable) on products if you shop at Amazon. You get extra travel, dining, and entertainment perks, too, like:

  • Travel accident insurance
  • Complimentary concierge service 24/7
  • Extended warranty on selected products
  • Access to VIP culinary events through Capital One Dining
  • Access to pre-sale tickets and concerts through Capital One Entertainment

Rewards

You get a straightforward 1.5% cash back on purchases, making earning rewards without a price cap easy. You also get an unlimited 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel. 

Furthermore, you get a one-time $200 cash bonus after the first $500 spent in 3 months.

Pros

  • It is easy to earn flat-rate rewards, unlike some other Capital One cards that require tracking the reward categories.
  • You pay a $0 foreign transaction fee here, which allows you to make international purchases easily.
  • You get travel accident insurance with this card. You get reimbursed if a flight-related mishap occurs.

Cons

  • Consumers who spend heavily in specific categories like dining or groceries might find this card less rewarding.
  • You can incur a maximum APR if you don’t pay off your monthly dues.
  • Unlike some other Capital One cards, you don’t earn bonus cash back on entertainment purchases with this card.

Best for Credit-Building: Capital One Quicksilver Secured

It is the best card for credit builders because it allows you to earn rewards, unlike several secured cards in the market. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured card requires you to pay a security deposit of $200 before using it. However, the deposit will be refunded when you upgrade to unsecured cards or close this account.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured

Although you incur a high APR of 29.99%, you are exempt from paying an annual fee like most Capital One cards. You don’t have to pay a foreign transaction fee either. What’s more, you can get a credit limit increase within the first six months if you display responsible financial behavior.

Rewards

This card earns a 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Designed for those with limited or rebuilding credit, it provides opportunities to earn rewards while working on improving credit scores. You can be rewarded for filling up your gas tank this way.

Pros

  • You pay a $0 annual fee, which makes this card cheaper.
  • Increased credit line opportunities after six months offer a chance to grow credit responsibly.
  • You can track your credit regularly through tools like CreditWise. It allows you to maintain a spotless credit history and score.

Cons

  • You must pay a security deposit which can be a financial barrier for some users.
  • You incur a high APR which can harm your credit score if you don’t clear your monthly statement balance.
  • This card lacks perks like travel insurance and extended warranty that other cards might offer.

Best for Students: Capital One Quicksilver Students Rewards

The Capital One Quicksilver Students Rewards is your best choice if you want to keep things simple. You can build credit responsibly while earning a steady amount. Like every Capital One student card, you don’t pay an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee here.

Capital One Quicksilver Students Rewards

Furthermore, you can get discounted deals (wherever applicable) on products if you shop at Amazon. The Capital One shopping portal applies coupon codes to the products you need to buy, allowing you to save more money.

Rewards

You get a straightforward 1.5% cash back on purchases, making it easy to earn rewards without a price cap. It is a good way to earn extra on your trips to gas stations. You also get an unlimited 5% return on booking hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.

Furthermore, you get a one-time $50 cash bonus if you spend $100 within 3 months. We find it an easy goal to achieve.

Pros

  • It is easy to earn flat-rate rewards, unlike some bonus category cards the bank offers. They require you to keep track of the reward categories.
  • You pay a $0 foreign transaction fee here. This gives you the opportunity to make international purchases easily.
  • You get travel accident insurance with this card. Plus, you get reimbursed if a flight-related mishap occurs.

Cons

  • Students who spend heavily in specific categories like dining or groceries might find this card less rewarding.
  • You can incur a maximum APR if you don’t pay off your monthly dues.
  • You don’t earn cash back on entertainment purchases like some top-tier cards Capital One offers.
Annual FeeWelcome OfferRewards
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards$0$200 bonus for spending $500 within three monthsUnlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Capital One Quicksilver Secured$0N/AUnlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Capital One Quicksilver Students Rewards$0$50 bonus for spending $100 within three monthsUnlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

Features to Consider for Capital One Credit Cards for Gas

Choosing the best Capital One card for gas purchases involves looking at rewards for gas, card fees, and additional benefits. Each of these factors can significantly impact the value you get from the card.

A man pumping gas into their car at a gas station, holding a fuel dispenser nozzle

Rewards

Capital One cards do not offer direct rewards for gas purchases. You can earn flat-rate cash back or reward points for spending on gas stations. Cards like the Quicksilver Cash Rewards are good examples of these rewards. Additionally, check if the card offers rewards like restaurant or travel bonuses. It can increase the card’s versatility. Look at the reward structure to see if it aligns with your spending habits.

Card Fees

Annual fees can eat into the rewards you earn. Capital One cards like the Quicksilver Secured may come with no annual fee. It makes them more attractive if you want to minimize costs. Others might have fees yet offer superior rewards that justify the expense. Consider additional fees such as foreign transaction fees if you travel internationally. It’s also worth checking if there are any balance transfer fees or late payment fees. 

Added Benefits

Beyond rewards and fees, added benefits can make a significant difference. Look for perks like roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, or auto rental collision coverage. These can provide valuable protections and services that add to the card’s utility.

Cards like the Quicksilver Students Rewards might include purchase protection, extended warranty, and reward redemption flexibility. These added benefits increase the card’s value and offer peace of mind in various situations.

Credit cards, glasses, and laptop on desk

Related Questions

Can I Use My Virtual Capital One Card for Gas?

Yes, you can use virtual Capital One cards for gas purchases. However, they must be used for online transactions where accepted. Virtual cards are usually not accepted at physical gas stations because you must have a physical card swipe or insert. They are ideal for online fuel delivery services or pre-paying through mobile apps.

Can You Buy Gas With a Capital One Credit Card?

Yes, you can buy gas with a Capital One card at most gas stations. Insert or swipe the physical card at the pump or inside the store to complete the transaction. Although Capital One cards don’t offer specific rewards on gas purchases, you can still earn flat-rate rewards. 

Is Capital One a Good Card?

Yes, Capital One is a reliable brand for credit cards. You get low to top-tier cards here with simple reward structures without price caps on bonus categories. You also get several travel, dining, shopping, and entertainment-related perks with most of its cards. Whether you are a traveler, a student, a household manager, or a business person, this issuer has a card for you.

Conclusion

Due to its introductory APR period and a similar flat-rate reward as every card in this list, we consider Quicksilver Cash Rewards the best Capital One card for gas stations. Alternatively, credit-builders and students can get the Secured and Student versions of Quicksilver cards for their specific financial needs.