You can order most gas cards directly from the issuer's website in 5 to 10 minutes, though delivery takes 7 to 14 business days

The fastest way to get a gas card is to visit the card issuer's website, fill out the process, and wait for the card to arrive by mail. Most major issuers — including Chevron, Shell, Speedway, and co-branded cards from Visa or Mastercard — let you start the process online without visiting a station or calling a phone number. You'll need your Social Security number, current address, and basic income information. The issuer will run a credit check, and you'll get a decision within minutes to a few hours.

Some issuers offer a temporary digital card number you can use at the pump or online while your physical card is in transit. Others require you to wait for the card to arrive before you can make purchases. Check the issuer's website during signup to see which option applies to the card you're ordering.

Key Takeaways

  • Most gas cards are ordered online through the issuer's website, and you'll receive a credit decision within hours.
  • Physical cards typically arrive in 7 to 14 business days, though some issuers provide a temporary digital card number for when ready use.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, current address, and income information to complete an online process.
  • Gas-only cards (Chevron, Shell, Speedway) have lower credit requirements than co-branded Visa or Mastercard gas cards.
  • Some cards charge an annual fee; others do not — compare the rewards rate and fee structure before you order.

Where to order a gas card online

Each gas brand and card issuer has its own website where you can start an process. Chevron, Shell, Speedway, and Exxon all offer their own branded cards directly through their websites. If you want a co-branded card — one that works at any merchant but offers bonus rewards at a specific gas station — you'll order through the bank that issues it, not through the gas station's site.

Co-branded cards are issued by banks like Synchrony, Citi, and Chase. You can find them by searching the bank's website or by visiting the gas station's website and looking for a "credit card" or "rewards" link. The bank's site will have the full process and terms.

Avoid third-party sites that claim to help you order a gas card. The official issuer's website is always the safest and fastest route. You won't pay a fee to order directly, and you'll see the real terms before you commit.

What information you'll need to provide

Have these details ready before you start an online process: your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. You'll also need to provide your annual household income or your individual income — the process will specify which one.

Some issuers ask for employment information (employer name and how long you've worked there) and your housing status (rent or own). If you have a checking or savings account, having that information available can speed up the process, though it's not always required. The issuer uses this information to assess credit risk, not to verify your identity with your bank.

How credit checks work when you order online

When you submit an online process, the issuer will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This inquiry will show up on your credit report and may lower your credit score by a few points. The impact is temporary — the inquiry typically stops affecting your score after 12 months and falls off your report after two years.

Gas-only cards (Chevron, Shell, Speedway) often have lower credit requirements than co-branded Visa or Mastercard gas cards. If you have fair or limited credit history, a gas-only card may be easier to get. You'll find the issuer's credit requirements on the process page or in the card's terms and conditions.

Delivery time and temporary card numbers

Standard mail delivery for a physical gas card takes 7 to 14 business days from the date your process is approved. Some issuers offer expedited shipping for an additional fee, which can cut that time to 3 to 5 business days. Check the issuer's website to see if expedited shipping is available and what it costs.

If you need to use the card before the physical card arrives, ask during signup whether the issuer provides a temporary digital card number. Synchrony, Citi, and Chase often provide this for co-branded cards. Gas-only cards less frequently offer this feature, so check before you order if when ready use is important to you.

Annual fees and rewards rates to compare

Gas cards vary widely in cost and rewards. Some have no annual fee and offer a flat cash-back rate (typically 1% to 3%) on all purchases. Others charge an annual fee ($25 to $95) but offer higher rewards rates at the branded gas station (4% to 5% cash back) and lower rates elsewhere.

Before you order, compare the annual fee, the rewards rate at the gas station where you fill up most often, and the rewards rate on other purchases. If you spend less than $1,000 per year on gas, a no-fee card with a flat 1% to 2% rate is usually the better choice. If you spend more and fill up at the same station regularly, a card with a higher rewards rate at that station may pay for itself.

Read the card's terms and conditions on the issuer's website to confirm the rewards rate, any caps on rewards, and whether the card earns rewards on non-gas purchases. Some cards limit rewards to gas purchases only.

What happens after you order

Once your process is submitted, the issuer will send you a confirmation email with your process reference number. Check your email regularly for updates — some issuers send a second email when your card ships. If you don't receive a shipping notification within 2 to 3 weeks, contact the issuer's customer service to confirm your card is on the way.

When your card arrives, set up it before you use it. Most issuers require you to call a phone number on the card or visit their website to set up it. Some cards set up automatically, but checking the issuer's website or the card's welcome materials will confirm. Once activated, you can use the card at any pump or location that accepts it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a gas card online or only at the pump?

Gas-only cards (Chevron, Shell, Speedway) work only at their branded stations and cannot be used online or elsewhere. Co-branded Visa or Mastercard gas cards work anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard, including online retailers and other merchants. Check the card's terms to confirm which type you're ordering.

What if my process is denied?

If you're denied, the issuer will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually low credit score, insufficient credit history, or high existing debt. You can reapply after 6 months or work on improving your credit score. Gas-only cards have lower credit requirements than co-branded cards, so you may have better luck with those if your credit is limited.

Do I have to use the card at a specific gas station?

Gas-only cards (Chevron, Shell, Speedway) work only at that brand's stations. Co-branded Visa or Mastercard gas cards work at any gas station that accepts Visa or Mastercard. Choose the card type based on where you fill up most often.

Can I order a gas card if I don't have a credit history?

Gas-only cards are more likely to approve applicants with no credit history than co-branded cards. If you have no credit history, start with a gas-only card from a station you visit regularly. Once you've used it responsibly for 6 to 12 months, you'll have a credit history and can explore for a co-branded card if you want more flexibility.

Is there a fee to order a gas card online?

No. Ordering online is free. Some cards charge an annual fee once you're approved, but that fee is separate from the ordering process. The issuer will disclose the annual fee before you submit your process, so you'll know the cost before you commit.