Do Gas Cards Actually Help Build Credit

A

alex 008

Member
I’ve been thinking about getting a gas card since I drive a lot and spend a decent amount each month on fuel. I’ve heard that store cards like gas station credit cards can sometimes be easier to qualify for compared to regular credit cards, but I’m not sure if they really help your credit score in the long run.

Do gas cards report to the major credit bureaus the same way a regular credit card does? If I use one responsibly like filling up, paying it off in full, and keeping utilization low will it actually improve my credit profile? Or is it more of a limited-use card that doesn’t make much difference beyond convenience at the pump?

Also curious if anyone here has experience with gas cards helping them get approved for other types of credit later on. Are they a good stepping stone for someone trying to build or rebuild credit, or is it better to just go for a secured card or entry-level rewards card instead?
 
Yeah, gas cards usually report to the credit bureaus just like any other credit card, as long as it’s a major-branded one (Shell, Exxon, Chevron, etc.). I had a Chevron/Texaco card when I was rebuilding my credit, and it definitely helped. Paid it in full every month, and over time I saw my score tick up. It’s basically a revolving line of credit, so it contributes to utilization and payment history. The only downside is the APR is usually insane.
 
Yeah they report, but it depends on the issuer. Chevron/Texaco cards, Shell cards, etc. usually come through Synchrony or Citi, and those do report to all three bureaus. The limit is often lower though, so utilization can hurt if you’re not careful. I had one years ago, used it only for gas, paid in full, and it did help me get my first real Visa card later.
 
Yes, gas cards report to the credit bureaus like regular credit cards, as long as they’re issued by a major bank. Think Shell, Chevron, Exxon cards backed by Citi or Synchrony. If you pay in full and keep your balance low, it will show positive activity. They’re not magical, but they can help diversify your credit mix. Just watch the interest rates......gas cards are notorious for those 25%+ APRs.
 
Yeah they do report just like a normal credit card, at least most of the major ones (Shell, Exxon, BP, etc). I had a Shell card back in college and it was literally my first tradeline besides student loans. Paid it on time, kept the balance low, and my score went up. The limit was tiny but it still counted toward utilization and payment history. Not a bad starter if you’re filling up weekly anyway.
 
Yeah gas cards do report to the major credit bureaus. I had a Chevron/Texaco card a few years back and it showed up on Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Treated it like any other card: low balance, paid on time, no issues. Helped me establish some history when I was just starting out. The downside is the APRs are usually garbage, so you don’t ever want to carry a balance.
 
Yes, gas cards report to the major bureaus just like regular credit cards. The catch is they usually have smaller limits, so utilization can look high if you’re not careful. If you’re filling up $200 on a $300 limit card, that’s 66% utilization. Pay it down before the statement closes and it’ll still help your score. I had a Chevron card back in college, and it definitely gave me a credit history boost.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top