When it comes to paying at the pump, most drivers swipe a credit card without a second thought. But if your goal is to maximize fuel savings, it’s worth rethinking your payment method. The decision between using a credit card or a digital gift card—especially one purchased through a cashback app like Fluz—can mean the difference between earning extra money back or missing out entirely.

Here’s how these two payment options stack up, and which one makes more sense depending on your driving habits.

Credit Cards: Convenience with Built-In Rewards

Many gas-specific credit cards offer strong reward structures, especially if you’re a frequent driver. These cards typically provide:

• Cashback or points per gallon or dollar spent (some as high as 5%)
  
• Additional perks such as roadside assistance or bonus points at grocery stores
  
• Fraud protection and easy tracking via monthly statements
  

Examples include:

• Citi Custom Cash® Card – 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (which can be gas)
  
• PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa – 5x points at gas stations
  

Gift Cards: More Control, Instant Cashback

On the other hand, digital gift cards—especially those purchased through a rewards app—offer an entirely different savings approach. With Fluz, for instance, you can buy a BP gift card online and immediately get cashback (typically 1.5%–3% depending on current offers).

Unlike credit cards, these savings are instant and don’t rely on end-of-month statements or redemption thresholds. Many drivers buy Fluz gift cards on the spot, at the pump or inside the station, for the exact total of their fuel charge. No planning needed.

Which One Saves You More?

Here’s a real-world example:

• You fuel up at BP with a $50 charge.
  
• If you use a credit card with 5% back on gas, that’s $2.50 in rewards.
  
• If you use a Fluz-purchased BP gift card with 3% cashback, that’s $1.50 back—but you can stack that with BPme Rewards for added discounts.
  

This means if you’re stacking loyalty rewards + Fluz gift cards, the total benefit can exceed what a credit card alone offers. But if you’re not enrolled in a rewards program, the higher cashback rate from a card might win out.

What About Fraud Protection?

Credit cards do come with stronger fraud protection policies and easier dispute resolution. If security is a major concern, it may be safer to use a credit card. That said, buying gift cards from trusted apps like Fluz offers encrypted, secure transactions—and you never need to enter your card details at a gas pump.

Final Thoughts: Use Both Strategically

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If your credit card offers strong gas rewards, use it to buy digital gas gift cards through Fluz. This way, you’ll earn credit card points and cashback from Fluz, while still being eligible for loyalty savings at the station.

It’s the ultimate triple-dip—credit card rewards, instant gift card cashback, and loyalty discounts all from one fill-up.