Best Gas and Transit Credit Cards in Canada for 2026
Top credit cards with boosted rewards on your gas and transit purchases.
If you're looking for the best gas and transit card to help save money at the pumps, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card is the top choice. The More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite and American Express Cobalt Card are also excellent choices, though it depends on whether you plan to use them for transit or gassing up at the pump.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Average earn rate | Welcome offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card | $120 | 2.05% | 10% cash back for the first 4 months, first year annual fee rebate (terms) |
| More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite | $0 | 2.11% | Up to 20,000 bonus points (terms) |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | 4.5% | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) |
A top gas and transit card offers higher earn rates, pump discounts, and travel-friendly perks, making them some of the most rewarding cards for everyday spending. We used these details to compare cards, along with the unbiased Genius Rating associated with each card.
In this article, we discuss why these are the best gas and transit cards, which are best for gas vs. transit, how to choose the best card for your needs, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The best credit card for buying gas is the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite.
- The best credit card for transit spending is the American Express Cobalt Card.
- Rewards are the most important factor to consider when choosing a gas card, along with the earn rates.
- Be sure to take advantage of gas loyalty programs to save even more at the pumps.
- Checking for senior discounts, buying weekly or monthly passes, and purchasing your passes with a credit card can help you save on public transit costs.
The best gas and transit credit cards in Canada
Our Gold award for the #1 gas and transit card in Canada goes to the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card for its high cash back earn rate on gas and transit purchases, plus ample opportunities to earn bonus cash back.
Our Silver award goes to the More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite for being a no-fee card with decent earn rates for gas and EV charging, plus valuable fuel discounts at Petro-Canada.
And our Bronze award goes to the American Express Cobalt Card for its high rate of return on all purchases and extensive insurance coverage.
The American Express Cobalt Card earns an honourable mention for its use strictly as a transit credit card. We also wanted to showcase the Tims Mastercard as the best Mastercard for gas since it has a good earn rate and can be used for Costco gas.
Canada's best gas and transit credit card: CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
×1 Award winner Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first-year annual fee rebate.†
1x Award winner Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first-year annual fee rebate.†
The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card is our pick for the best overall gas credit card. It's especially appealing if you prefer to get straight cash back on your gas purchases– you'll earn up to 4% back at the pump (and grocery store). Plus, if you link your CIBC card with your Journie account, you'll save up to 10 cents per litre at gas stations like Pioneer, Ultramar, and a couple of others.
The insurance package includes a bit of travel coverage, so you can rest easy after filling up for those road trips. Then there are the Visa Infinite benefits, such as access to free roadside assistance and hotel perks via the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons this card is #1, even though its gas earn rate alone is enough to recommend it. Its reasonable $120 annual fee and 10% cash back welcome bonus.
Silver award gas and transit card: More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite
Our silver award-winner, the More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite, doesn't charge an annual fee – in fact, it's one of the top no-fee travel credit cards in Canada too. You'll earn 8 points per $1 spent on gas and EV charging, making it a worthwhile choice even if you have a vehicle that doesn't need gas. If you do need gas, head to Petro-Canada and use this card for a 3-cent-per-litre discount.
As a no-fee card, cardholders won't get much in the way of insurance or added perks. Luckily, More Rewards provides some decent redemption options for travel, gift cards, charitable donations, and cash back on groceries. Redeeming for travel through More Rewards is the most valuable redemption choice, offering up to 0.43 cents per point (CPP).
It's important to note, though, that the More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite does not earn increased rewards for transit purchases. While our overall category is "gas and transit cards," this one is not so helpful for transit users, as these purchases fall under "other spending" and therefore earn 4 points per $1, which is half the earn rate for gas.
Bronze award gas and transit card: American Express Cobalt® Card
Doubling as the overall best credit card in Canada, the American Express Cobalt® Card has fantastic earn rates on gas, too. Users earn 2 points per $1 on gas and transit purchases, plus stellar rates in a variety of other categories, for a very impressive 4.5% average earn rate.
Amex Membership Rewards points are worth up to 2 cents each, that's a 4% return on spending. For the best value, you can either transfer your points to travel partners, like Aeroplan, or redeem for travel through the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program.
Add in a generous welcome bonus, a solid insurance package (including emergency medical and rental car coverage), and access to the Amex Hotel Collection, and this card is quite a well-rounded option to keep in your wallet.
The best credit card in Canada for transit: American Express Cobalt® Card
Yes, we also gave the American Express Cobalt® Card an honourable mention for being an excellent transit credit card. That's because it defines transit broadly, so your subway, streetcar, and even limo rides all count as transit, therefore earning you 2 points per $1 spent.
Notably, you can also earn this increased rate for ride sharing. So, if your commute involves Uber or Lyft, for instance, you're not missing out on rewards.
The best Mastercard for gas: Tims® Mastercard
Some Canadians prefer Mastercards, and many prefer to gas up at Costco Gas as it's very easy on the wallet. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the Tims® Mastercard as Canada's best Mastercard for gas – and, of course, for Costco Gas. You'll earn 5 points per $1 not just on gas, but on EV charging, transit, and rideshares, making it a valuable and convenient card, no matter how you get around.
Keep in mind, though, that while this is a no-fee credit card, its perks are limited. And remember that you can only redeem your Tims Rewards at Tim Hortons.
Compare all top gas and transit credit cards by Genius Rating
We use a math-based algorithm to generate our Genius Rating – a score out of 5 – for all
This is how the best credit cards for gas and transit rank when listed by Genius Rating:
×1 Award winner Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first-year annual fee rebate.†
1x Award winner Join and earn up to $400 in value including a first-year annual fee rebate.†
Get a first-year annual fee rebate and 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,500.†
Get a first-year annual fee rebate and 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,500.†
The Genius Rating methodology
We analyze over 126 features across seven main categories to generate each card's Genius Rating:
- Rewards
- Fees
- Perks
- Insurance
- Interest
- Approval
- Acceptance
However, gas and transit credit cards are unique and are weighted differently, with only one category that really matters:
- Rewards: 100%
How to choose the right gas and transit credit card
The earn rate is really the most important factor when choosing a credit card for gas and transit. If a card earns points rather than cash back, you should pay attention to the rewards program itself and how those points can be redeemed.
Still, if you're stuck between a few cards, other details can help sway you in one direction or another. Take a look at the categories below:
Rewards
Of course, all of the best gas and transit cards have high reward rates, but how high? And how high are the point redemption values?
This chart shows the average earn rate for our top four cards:
And here's a look at the various rewards programs associated with the top cards in our list, along with the redemption option with the highest value in cents per point (CPP):
- More Rewards: Travel via More Rewards – 0.43 CPP
- American Express Membership Rewards: Transfer to travel partner programs OR travel via the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program – 2 CPP
- Tims Rewards: In-store redemption for bagels, baked goods, coffee, etc. – 0.75 CPP
Fees
Nobody wants hefty annual fees cutting into their earnings, so be sure your chosen card's perks and benefits outweigh its fee. If you want a loved one to have a supplementary card, check whether the card you're considering charges an extra fee for this.
Half of the options on our list are no-fee cards, and the others' fees are quite modest. Most don't charge for supplemental cards either.
Here's a look at how these cards compare in terms of annual and supplemental card fees:
Perks
Before we mention some of the best credit card perks, be aware that no-fee credit cards don't offer many (if any) of these. On the other hand, cards that do charge annual fees typically offer very generous perks.
There are some common examples of valuable perks provided by the four gas and transit cards on our list:
- Welcome bonuses: Many (if not most) credit cards offer a nice point or cash-back bump just for opening the card. The American Express Cobalt Card has the highest welcome offer in the gas and transit card category, worth up to $300.
- Fuel discounts: Some cards partner with gas stations to offer fuel discounts when the credit card is linked with the gas station's loyalty program. The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card and More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite both have partnerships like this.
- Personalized discounts and offers: Some cards offer customized offers that you can load to your card. Amex Offers is a prime example of this, providing cardholders with discounts when purchasing from specific merchants. Users can also access unique experiences and exclusive events, such as concerts, hotel upgrades, and more.
Insurance
Don't overlook the value of a credit card insurance package, even for gas and transit cards. Rental card insurance is particularly worthwhile if you plan to use your credit card to pay for a road trip.
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card and American Express Cobalt Card both include rental car insurance, though the Amex coverage is a bit more extensive.
In fact, the American Express Cobalt Card has the largest overall insurance package of the cards on our list with 10 types of coverage. Here's what it offers:
- Extended warranty
- Purchase protection
- Mobile device
- Travel accident
- Emergency medical term: 15 days
- Emergency medical max coverage: $5 million
- Flight delay
- Baggage delay
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Hotel burglary
- Rental car theft and damage
Interest rates
Most gas and transit credit cards charge an average interest rate of around 20% for purchases, but the exact interest rate you pay depends on the card and your credit score.
Noting that the Tims Mastercard and American Express Cobalt Card don't offer balance transfers at all, here's how the interest rates of our top four gas and transit cards compare:
Approval
Be sure to review a card's income and credit score criteria before submitting your application to avoid harming your credit score with applications for cards you won't qualify for.
Income eligibility is another factor to consider. The two Visa Infinite cards on our list have relatively high personal and household income requirements of $60,000 and $100,000.
The American Express Cobalt Card and Tims Mastercard, though, don't have any set income requirements, which may make them easier to qualify for.
Acceptance
Gas stations typically have universal acceptance for all major credit card networks. The main exception is Costco gas, which only allows Costco members to pay with a Mastercard.
If you primarily gas up at Costco, the Tims Mastercard is likely the best credit card for you to use.
How to maximize gas rewards
For the most part, you don't have to do much beyond pumping your gas in order to get gas rewards. However, there are a few little strategies that offer big value:
- Use a gas station that partners with your credit card: For example, if you have an RBC card, head to Petro-Canada to refuel since you'll earn up to 7 cents per litre back when you link your credit card.
- Combine your card with a loyalty program: Before you head to the pump, sign up for the gas station's loyalty program, which might even pair with your credit card for bonus points.
- Be mindful of caps: Some credit cards place caps on earning rewards, so read your card's terms and conditions carefully. For example, your card might give 3% back on fuel purchases, up to $3,000 in spending a year – anything above that will earn you fewer rewards.
It can also help to consider your driving habits, as laid out in this table:
| Driving style | Credit card details to consider |
|---|---|
| Daily commuter | * Consistent gas rewards * No annual fee |
| Long-distance driver or road-tripper | * High gas earn rate * Free roadside assistance * Rental car insurance |
| Rideshare or delivery driver | * High gas earn rate * Gas station partner discounts * Tools for expense tracking |
| Family with multiple vehicles | * Free supplemental cards * Broad category rewards |
Tips to save on public transit
The American Express Cobalt Card is the best card to use if you rely on public transit. But whether or not you use this card, there are a few strategies to help stretch the dollars you spend on transit:
- Check for a senior discount if you're 60 or 65: Earn a discount on public railway, bus, or ferry passes. Since these vary by province, take a look at what's offered in your area.
- Buy weekly or monthly passes: You'll typically get a better rate by purchasing long-term passes.
- Get discounted fares: You may qualify for lower public transit fares if you can show a valid student, youth, or senior ID. Some provinces also offer discounts to low-income residents or individuals with disabilities.
- Purchase your passes with a credit card: Some communities offer a subscription model for transit tickets/passes, and this can be a valuable option if you have a credit card that rewards recurring purchases.
Are gas credit cards worth it?
A gas credit card can be a fantastic way to save on regular fuel purchases, especially if it offers partner discounts with specific gas station brands. Plus, many of these cards also offer higher earn rates for grocery purchases, making the cards even more valuable.
That said, many gas cards have an annual fee, so be sure your rewards and savings are worth more than the fee.
FAQ
Which card is best for gas?
Our favourite credit card for fuel purchases is the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card. You'll earn 4% cash back on gas, EV charging, and groceries, while getting 2% cash back on transit purchases. The card also offers rental car insurance and a nice fuel discount when you link your Journie Rewards account.
Can I get a credit card for gas only?
Yes, if you know a large portion of your budget goes to gas, choosing a credit card specifically for gas purchases can be a good way to maximize rewards and track your spending. You can always apply for another credit card, like a card with a good flat earn rate, to round out other spending.
Do all credit cards give you points on transit purchases?
Not necessarily. The best transit cards offer higher earn rates on gas and transit spending, but flat-rate cards will still earn points on all purchases, including transit passes. The American Express Cobalt Card is ideal for transit. Note that the More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite, while featured on our top gas cards list, doesn't reward transit purchases.
What card gives 5% cash back on gas?
No Canadian cards offer this much cash back on gas purchases. The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card comes close with 4% cash back at the pumps (and grocery stores). Cardholders also get additional fuel discounts at certain gas stations (Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, and Chevron) when they link their card with their rewards account.
Is Costco the best gas card?
It isn't the absolute best gas card, but the CIBC Costco Mastercard does provide 3% off your fuel purchase at Costco. The overall best credit card for gas is the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card, but if you prefer to fuel up at Costco, the Tims Mastercard is your best card choice.
Who has the best rewards for gas?
The best gas station rewards program is PC Optimum, which partners with Esso and Mobile stations. Of the top gas and transit credit cards, the American Express Cobalt Card earns the best rewards through American Express Membership Rewards, an incredibly flexible rewards program with excellent value.
Do I need a gas-specific card if I already have a cash back card?
If you have a cash back card that offers a good return on everyday purchases or an increased earn rate on gas, then no, you don't really need a credit card with specific gas-related benefits. But if your cash back card doesn't earn as much as a gas-specific card, you might consider using both.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 231 Canadian credit cards.
