Top 2023 credit cards for gas in Canada

With gas prices reaching unprecedented levels in 2022, and despite some relief this year, the overall cost of fuel can still be a significant expense for consumers. It's not surprising that many Canadians are seeking ways to cut back on their gas expenses and save more money at the pumps.

We look at the best gas credit cards in Canada so that you can minimize your car’s impact on your bottom line.

Ratehub.ca's take

While the fact that the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no annual fee card is a big reason behind its popularity, what really sets this card apart is the customizability. With this card, you can choose your own bonus categories including gas, groceries, and restaurants (which will earn you a strong cash back rate of 2% per dollar spent). On top of that, your cash back is refunded on a monthly basis (instead of the standard annual reimbursement). 

Pros

• Flexibility to pick up to three bonus categories to earn 2% cash back on (out of a total of 10 options), which is in sharp contrast to most other cards where you have fixed bonus categories that you have no control over
• 2% cash back per dollar on bonus categories is one of the richest earn rates for a no-fee card
• Freedom to change up your bonus categories at any time (changes will take up to 90 days to come into effect)
• Widely accepted almost everywhere including No Frills and Costco as it is a Mastercard credit card
• Extended warranty and purchase protection
• Free supplementary cards for authorized users

Cons

• For all purchases that aren’t categorized under one of your chosen bonus categories, you’ll earn just 0.5% cash back
• No travel medical insurance or any substantial side perks

Ratehub.ca's take

The biggest selling point of the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* is its impressive rewards on everyday essentials making it the best credit card in Canada for gas and groceries. On top of the 1% earn rate for all purchases, this card earns an industry-leading 4% cash back on both groceries and gas purchases – two of the most common spending categories for Canadian households. Thanks to CIBC’s new Cash Back on demand feature, cardholders can choose to redeem rewards at any time as a statement credit starting in increments of $25. 

Pros

• Significantly higher earn rates on groceries and gas than most other cards (4% cash back)
• Flexible cash back redemption option allowing users to redeem their cash back at any time in increments of $25
• Access to CIBC’s Pace It program, allowing you to pay off large purchases in monthly increments
• Features an excellent digital-only welcome bonus, where new users who apply online can Earn 10% cash back welcome bonus of up to $200 (first 4 statements). Offer not available to QC residents. Conditions apply.
• Access to the Visa Infinite Program, entitling you to attend special dining events and hotel perks at participating hotels and restaurants

Cons

• Annual fee ($120) and personal income requirements ($60,0000) may be prohibitive
• Insurance coverage isn’t as comprehensive as other similar rewards cards (if insurance is a priority for you, consider the cards featured on our list of Best credit cards for travel insurance)

The TD Cash Back Visa Infinite is also a top contender for best credit card for gas as it also includes roadside assistance. Cardholders have complimentary 24/7 emergency road services through an included Deluxe membership with TD Auto Club. This package includes emergency assistance calls, towing, lockout and winching services, traffic accident emergency transportation, meals, and accommodations and necessities. For frequent commuters or road-trippers, these are great perks that bring peace of mind when travelling. 

The bottom line

You can maximize your fuel spending rewards by using theTangerine Money-Back Credit Card or the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite at the pumps. For roadside assistance, the TD Cashback Visa Infinite offers high-level roadside assistance while maintaining a strong cash back rewards scheme.

*This blog is for educational purposes and isn’t legal insurance advice. Check credit card roadside assistance policies for details.

Also read:

• The best credit cards in Canada
• The best cash back credit cards in Canada 
• The best credit cards for groceries
• The best credit cards for rewards