The best cards for electric vehicles come with a range of benefits, including consumer protections and generous rewards for spending. Some of the best cards in this niche include both credit cards and debit cards that let you earn rewards and access other benefits.
If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for having an EV, you’ll want to compare options that offer cash back or points for EV charging and other “green” purchases. Other features to look for include built-in insurance protections and potentially introductory APR offers for purchases, balance transfers or both. The best cards for EV owners all come with no annual fee as well.
The Discover it® Cash Back* stands out due to its unique earning structure that awards cardholders for different types of purchases throughout the year. Members earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent when activated in rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1% back) and 1% cash back on other purchases. The current bonus category includes gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores and public transit. Categories will change when the next quarter begins on July 1, 2024.
There’s no annual fee, and Discover will essentially double all rewards earned at the end of your first year. As an added bonus, this card comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
The Discover it® Cash Back* stands out due to its unique earning structure that awards cardholders for different types of purchases throughout the year. Members earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent when activated in rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1% back) and 1% cash back on other purchases. The current bonus category includes gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores and public transit. Categories will change when the next quarter begins on July 1, 2024.
There’s no annual fee, and Discover will essentially double all rewards earned at the end of your first year. As an added bonus, this card comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
The FutureCard Visa® Debit Card* is a debit card that earns rewards for spending with no monthly fees or annual fees and no credit check required. Cardholders earn 6% back when you shop with one of its 40+ “FuturePartners” and 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent on public transportation, electric charging, bikes and scooters, secondhand clothes and furniture, and plant-based meat, dairy and eggs (then 1% back) and 1% back on other purchases, and all spending is funded with cash you deposit in your own FDIC-insured bank account.
Cardholders also earn 2.72% APY on cash they keep in their account.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The FutureCard Visa® Debit Card* is a debit card that earns rewards for spending with no monthly fees or annual fees and no credit check required. Cardholders earn 6% back when you shop with one of its 40+ “FuturePartners” and 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent on public transportation, electric charging, bikes and scooters, secondhand clothes and furniture, and plant-based meat, dairy and eggs (then 1% back) and 1% back on other purchases, and all spending is funded with cash you deposit in your own FDIC-insured bank account.
Cardholders also earn 2.72% APY on cash they keep in their account.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* lets users earn accelerated rewards on select travel purchases and other spending. Cardholders earn 4x points on travel, gas stations and EV charging stations through Sept. 8, 2024. After that, cardholders will earn 4x points on the first $1,000 spent at gas stations and EV charging stations each quarter (then 1x points).
Cardholders also earn 2x points on dining, streaming services at grocery stores and on grocery delivery and 1x points on other eligible purchases. There’s no annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95 after that. Other notable benefits include a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges and built-in travel insurance protections. New cardholders can even earn 50,000 bonus points worth $500 after spending $2,000 on purchases within 120 days of account opening.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card* lets users earn accelerated rewards on select travel purchases and other spending. Cardholders earn 4x points on travel, gas stations and EV charging stations through Sept. 8, 2024. After that, cardholders will earn 4x points on the first $1,000 spent at gas stations and EV charging stations each quarter (then 1x points).
Cardholders also earn 2x points on dining, streaming services at grocery stores and on grocery delivery and 1x points on other eligible purchases. There’s no annual fee for the first 12 months, then $95 after that. Other notable benefits include a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges and built-in travel insurance protections. New cardholders can even earn 50,000 bonus points worth $500 after spending $2,000 on purchases within 120 days of account opening.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card stands out since it offers bonus points in so many categories with no annual fee. Members earn an unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations and EV charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Other purchases earn 1x points.
This card also lets new members earn 20,000 bonus points when they spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. An intro APR offer for purchases sweetens the deal and helps cardholders save money on interest for a limited time. Other benefits include cellphone insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and select Visa Signature perks.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card stands out since it offers bonus points in so many categories with no annual fee. Members earn an unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations and EV charging stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Other purchases earn 1x points.
This card also lets new members earn 20,000 bonus points when they spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. An intro APR offer for purchases sweetens the deal and helps cardholders save money on interest for a limited time. Other benefits include cellphone insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and select Visa Signature perks.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer bonus rewards specifically for EV-related purchases, it does offer an exceptional flat rewards rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.
The flat rewards rate makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a winner for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories over time. Other benefits include cell phone insurance and a generous intro APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer bonus rewards specifically for EV-related purchases, it does offer an exceptional flat rewards rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases. There’s no annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.
The flat rewards rate makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a winner for people who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories over time. Other benefits include cell phone insurance and a generous intro APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
While you need to be a Costco member to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi*, this card offers generous rewards for all kinds of purchases, including EV charging. Specifically, cardholders earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on EV charging and gas station purchases each year (then 1% back), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on purchases at Costco and Costco.com and 1% back on other purchases.
There’s no annual fee with a paid Costco membership (which costs $60 per year). Also note that, with the top rewards category alone, cardholders have the potential to earn $280 back on the first $7,000 spent on gas and EV charging expenses every year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
While you need to be a Costco member to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi*, this card offers generous rewards for all kinds of purchases, including EV charging. Specifically, cardholders earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on EV charging and gas station purchases each year (then 1% back), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on purchases at Costco and Costco.com and 1% back on other purchases.
There’s no annual fee with a paid Costco membership (which costs $60 per year). Also note that, with the top rewards category alone, cardholders have the potential to earn $280 back on the first $7,000 spent on gas and EV charging expenses every year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Pros and cons of credit cards for EVs
If you plan to use a credit card for EV-related spending, including charging your vehicle at home or away, you should know about the potential advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Earn rewards for spending and possibly bonus points or cash back for EV charging purchases
Offers a convenient payment option on the road
Many credit cards that let you earn rewards on EV charging also offer perks like travel insurance or cellphone insurance
Cons
Credit cards could lead to overspending and debt
Can be a hassle to keep track of cards that have rewards caps or changing categories
Credit cards that earn rewards often require good or excellent credit
Missing a credit card payment could damage your credit
What is a credit card for EV charging?
A credit card for EV charging is just like any other credit card, but they offer benefits for EV-related purchases. For the most part, benefits come in the form of cash back or rewards points for EV charging bills, which can add up over the course of a year.
Credit cards for EV charging let users earn rewards when they charge their cars on the road or at home. Cardholders who want to take advantage can pay for EV charging stations and their home electric bill with their credit cards. It’s important to pay credit card balances in full to avoid interest charges.
How to choose the best credit card for you
Consider these tips to find the right credit card for your needs.
Assess your personal credit. The best credit cards for EVs require good or excellent credit. If your credit score isn’t quite in the good credit range, but you want to earn rewards for EV purchases, use these tips to help boost your score or consider credit cards for fair credit.
Compare cardholder benefits. Look at the benefits each card offers and decide which ones are most helpful for you. These could include 0% intro APR offers for purchases or balance transfers, travel insurance benefits, cellphone insurance and more.
Consider annual fees. The best credit cards for EV purchases don’t charge an annual fee, but some top rewards credit cards do. Apply for a credit card with an annual fee only if you know you’ll get enough in benefits and rewards to justify the fee each year.
Look closely at rewards rates. The best EV credit cards tend to offer better than average reward rates on EV charging purchases, but many have other bonus categories as well. There are also flat-rate rewards credit cards that offer the same cash back rewards rate on purchases, which could be attractive if you don’t want to bother tracking rewards categories.
Select the type of rewards you want to earn. Finally, make sure you’re earning rewards you can use. Investigate rewards programs to confirm you like the redemption options available with different cards.
How to maximize your EV charging card
To make the most of your EV charging credit card, you’ll want to use it to pay for expenses related to charging up whether at home or on the road. You can also use your card for other purchases you make to boost your rewards haul, depending on your credit card’s reward categories.
Most importantly, you can maximize your card’s benefits by paying your credit card statement balance in full every billing period. If you carry a balance on your EV card and end up paying interest on purchases as a result, the rewards you earn won’t be worth the cost.
Alternatives to EV charging cards
If you want to earn rewards for spending but you don’t necessarily want to prioritize rewards on EV purchases, you can expand your search to the following: :
Cards that fall into each of these categories offer different types of rewards you can earn for spending, each with their own benefits and features. Compare the best credit cards before you make your decision.
And if you want to skip using a credit card altogether, check out this list of no-fee charging options.
How to apply for a credit card
Follow these steps to apply for an EV credit card:
- Compare cards to find the right fit. Use this guide to find a credit card that matches your lifestyle and spending habits.
- Apply securely online using the links above. The best credit cards let you apply for an account on a card issuer’s secure website. Some card issuers also let you apply for a new account over the phone.
- Submit your application. Be prepared to share information like your household income, your Social Security number, your monthly housing payment and your contact information. The card issuer will conduct a hard inquiry on your credit reports during the application process.
- Use your card responsibly. If you’re approved for the card, make sure to pay your credit card bill in full each month to avoid the high interest rates most credit cards charge for carrying a balance.
FAQs
The best EV credit card varies from person to person. However, some of the top options available today include the Discover it® Cash Back, the US Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card.
The best gas credit cards also offer bonus rewards on EV charging, including the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.
*All information about the FutureCard Visa Debit Card, US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
