Best Credit Cards for Electric Vehicles

Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or benefit from a tax credit, owning an electric vehicle (EV) can be a great investment.

With the growing popularity of EVs, many card issuers include EV charging stations as a bonus spending category, allowing you to earn rewards every time you plug in. This means that each dollar spent at the vehicle charging station can go toward funding your next vacation.

Let’s look at the best credit cards for electric cars and how to go about choosing one.

Best Credit Cards for Electric Vehicles: Overview

Here’s an overview of the best credit cards to use at EV charging stations, as well as their annual fees and what they’re best suited to.

Let’s now review each card in detail to help you decide which one is right for your needs.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

With the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, you can earn 3X Citi ThankYou points at EV charging stations, as well as on air travel, hotel, restaurant, supermarket and gas station purchases.

Citi ThankYou points are a highly valuable rewards currency that can be transferred to 18 hotel and airline transfer partners and redeemed for lucrative options.

The card is also free of foreign transaction fees, allowing you to spend abroad without paying unnecessary fees.

For EV owners, the Citi Strata Premier Card is an excellent option for having access to transferable rewards and high earning rates on everyday spending.

Pros

• 10X points on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
• 3X points on air travel and other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV Charging Stations
• 1X point on all other purchases
• $100 discount when you book a hotel stay of $500 or more through CitiTravel.com
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to World Elite Mastercard benefits

Cons

• Limited in the way of additional cardholder perks

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is another solid card for EV owners.

It earns 4X points on gas and EV charging stations. Also, effective from Sept. 8, 2024 the card will earn 4X points on the first $1,000 spent on gas and EV charging stations every quarter (excluding wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores). That translates to up to 16,000 points per year on EV charging.

Additionally, it earns a competitive points multiplier on a range of bonus spending categories, from travel to dining and more.

It also comes with a handful of perks including four annual complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select™ lounges and a $120 statement credit toward a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee.

Since this card comes with a $0 annual fee, EV owners may find great utility in the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect.

Pros

• 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4X points on travel
• 4X points at gas stations and EV charging stations through Sept. 8, 2024. After that, 4X points on the first $1,000 spent each quarter (wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores are excluded).
• 2X points on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs are excluded starting Sept. 9, 2024)
• 1X points on all other purchases
• Four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges
• $120 statement credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, every four years.
• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement

Cons

• No transfer partners
• Certain perks were removed effective Sept. 9, 2024

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® earns an unlimited 2X points on EV charging stations, in addition to a range of other purchases.

It also earns 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery purchases.

If you use the card to pay for an eligible streaming service purchase, you can get a statement credit of $15.

Though its perks are modest, the Go Visa is a straightforward card for EV owners wanting to earn a return on their everyday spending — all for a $0 annual fee.

Pros

• 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery
• 2X points on streaming services, at grocery stores, gas stations and EV charging stations (discount stores/supercenters, grocery stores and wholesale clubs are excluded starting Sept. 9, 2024).
• 1X points on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• $15 annual statement credit for eligible streaming service purchases*

Cons

• Lack of travel insurance perks

* Eligible purchases include: Amazon Music, Amazon Prime Video, AMC+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Audible, Bally Sports+, DirecTV Stream, Discovery+, Disney+, ESPN+, Fubo TV, HBO Max, Hulu, iHeart, LiveOne, Luminary, MLB TV, NBA League Pass, Netflix, NHL Live, Pandora, Paramount+, Peacock, Showtime, SiriusXM, Slacker Radio, Sling TV, Spotify, Starz, Stitcher, Tidal, Vudu, YouTube Music, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a lucrative option for EV owners, giving them many options for earning cash back on the cost of your ride.

The card earns 5% cash back on the first $2,000 spent in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of your choice. Since one of these categories is home utilities, you have the option to earn up to 5% cash back on your EV charging bill, assuming you have a charging station at home. That’s up to $100 per quarter and $400 per year.

If not, the card still enables you to earn an unlimited 2% cash back on EV charging stations, as well as at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants.

If you don’t mind tracking your spending categories, you can maximize your return on EV expenses with the help of the Cash+ card.

Pros

• 5% cash back on the first $2,000 spent in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two of the following categories of your choice: Fast food, electronic stores, TV, internet and streaming services, home utilities, cell phone providers, furniture stores, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, sporting goods stores, select clothing stores, ground transportation and department stores
• 2% cash back on one everyday category of your choice including: Gas and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants
• 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
• 5% cash back on online shopping purchases through the Rewards Center

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the more popular cards on this list.

While it doesn’t earn bonus points or cash back on EV charging stations specifically, it has a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all non-bonus category spending.

The best part of the Chase Freedom Unlimited is its unique ability to fit into your wider credit card strategy. If you also hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can transfer your earnings on the Freedom Unlimited to these cards and redeem them as Ultimate Rewards points.

That means you can transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 airline or hotel transfer partners for outsized redemption value, beyond that offered through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

The card also has some sweet travel insurance perks, making it great for covering the cost of your next vacation.

For a $0 annual fee, the Freedom Unlimited can be highly lucrative for EV owners.

Pros

• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 1.5% on all other purchases
• Ability to transfer cash back rewards to Ultimate Rewards points when you hold a Sapphire card or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
  • Coverage of up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable passenger fares charged to your card, if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather or another covered situation
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Complimentary three months of DashPass membership when you activate by Dec. 31, providing unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders with DoorDash and Caviar.
  • After the complimentary period, you’ll be automatically enrolled in DashPass at 50% off for the next 9 months.
• Complimentary three months of Instacart+ membership when you enroll by July 31, providing unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders
  • After the complimentary Instacart+ membership period ends, you’ll be automatically enrolled in an annual Instacart+ membership. You can also earn up to $10 in quarterly statement credits through July 31, for eligible Instacart purchases.
• 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Sam’s Club® Mastercard®

If you’re a fan of Sam’s Club with an existing membership, you could earn a competitive return at EV charging stations.

The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® earns 5% cash back on gas and EV charging station purchases, of up to $6,000 per year (1% cash back thereafter). That’s up to $300 in cash back every year on EV charging.

If you’re a Plus member, you’ll enjoy early access to Tire & Battery Center Services as well as 50% off tire installations on sets of four. The card also earns 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases if you’re a Plus member and 1% cash back if you’re a Club member. This means you can earn cash back on auto parts bought at Sam’s Club.

While the card has a $0 annual fee, you’ll need to have a Sam’s Club membership to apply for it, which costs between $50 and $110.

If you regularly charge your EV at Sam’s Club, this card could be a great option for rewarding your spending.

Pros

• 5% cash back on gas and EV charging station purchases, on up to $6,000 per year (1% cash back thereafter)
• 3% cash back on dining and takeout purchases
• 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members; 1% cash back for Club members
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Plus Members get early access to Tire & Battery Center Services and 50% off tire installations on sets of four
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• There is a maximum of $5,000 in Sam’s Cash that can be earned in a calendar year.
• Sam’s Club membership is required to hold the card, which costs $50 per year.
• To access the highest rewards rates, Plus membership costs $110 per year.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

If you’re a regular at Costco with an existing membership, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi could be a solid option for earning rewards on your EV expenses.

As a cardholder, you’ll earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 spent per year (1% thereafter). That’s up to $280 in cash back every year.

You’ll also get 2% cash back on purchases made at Costco and on Costco.com, meaning you can earn rewards on auto-related purchases.

Through the Costco Auto Program, Costco members enjoy 15% off parts, service and accessories, up to $500 per visit at participating Costco service centers nationwide.

The card is free of annual fees but you’ll need to have a Costco membership to apply, starting at $60 per year.

If you already charge your EV at Costco, opening this card could help you earn a bunch of rewards on your spending.

Pros

• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 spent per year (1% thereafter)
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel, including Costco Travel
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Costco members receive 15% off parts, service and accessories, up to $500 per visit at participating Costco service centers nationwide, through the Costco Auto Program.
• No foreign transaction fees
• Car rental insurance
• Travel accident insurance

Cons

• This card requires a Costco membership to hold the card, starting at $60 per year.

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card enables you to earn 5X points on EV charging stations, as well as on gas paid at the pump.

You’ll also earn 3X points on supermarket purchases (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants, TV, radio, cable and streaming services.

The card includes cell phone protection and travel accident coverage, and is free of foreign transaction fees, despite having a $0 annual fee.

To apply for the card, you’ll first have to be a PenFed Credit Union member.

While PenFed doesn’t have any transfer partners, this card offers one of the most lucrative rates on EV charging stations of any card, uncapped. That could make it worthwhile holding, particularly as you can still redeem your points for 1 cent apiece for travel.

Pros

• 5X points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations
• 3X points on supermarket purchases (including most Target and Walmart locations), restaurants, TV, radio, cable and streaming services
• 1X points on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Cell phone protection
• Travel accident coverage

Cons

• No transfer partners

Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card offers rewards on EV charging station purchases.

You’ll earn 3% cash back on one category of your choice, including EV charging stations, as well as 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. The 3% and 2% categories are capped on the first $2,500 spent in combined purchases each quarter and earn 1% thereafter.

The real value of this card is for existing Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members.

If you have a three-month combined average daily balance between $20,000 and less than $50,000 in Bank of America deposit and Merrill investing accounts, you’ll qualify for Gold Tier with the Preferred Rewards program. Gold Tier members get a 25% point boost, turning 3% cash back into 3.75% cash back.

If you have a three-month combined average daily balance between $50,000 and less than $100,000, you’ll qualify for Silver Tier. Silver Tier members get a 50% point boost, turning 3% cash back into 4.5% cash back.

And if you have a three-month combined average daily balance between $100,000 and less than $1,000,000, you’ll qualify for Platinum Tier. Platinum Tier members get a 75% point boost, turning 3% cash back into 5.25% cash back.

So if you’re an existing Preferred Rewards member, this card could be perfect for covering your EV expenses.

Pros

• 3% cash back on one of the following categories of your choice: Gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, cable, internet, phone plans, streaming services, dining, travel, drug stores, pharmacies, home improvement and furnishings
• 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
  • The 3% and 2% categories are capped on the first $2,500 spent in combined purchases each quarter and earn 1% thereafter.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Bank of America members receive 25% to 75% more points

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%
• No transfer partners

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card℠ Card earns 3X points on EV charging stations, as well as on dining, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans.

It also comes with cell phone protection and an auto rental collision damage waiver, and is free of foreign transaction fees.

Wells Fargo points can be transferred to a limited range of transfer partners including:

• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• Iberia Plus
• Choice Privileges

While not as extensive a list compared to other card issuers, the Autograph Card offers a lot in the way of travel rewards for a $0 annual fee card.

Pros

• 3X points on dining, travel, EV charging stations, gas, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X points on all other purchases
• Cell phone protection
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons

• Limited range of transfer partners compared to other card issuers

How to Select the Best Credit Card for Electric Vehicles

When selecting a credit card to cover the cost of electric vehicles, you’ll want to consider how to maximize your rewards and how the card can benefit your wider points and miles strategy.

For example, if you’re looking to maximize the number of Chase Ultimate Rewards points you earn, opening the Chase Freedom Unlimited to cover the cost of EV expenses could allow you to transfer your earnings to a Sapphire or Ink Business Preferred Card.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a card to simply reduce the cost of EV charging through cash back, a simple cashback rewards card such as the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card could be a smart move.

Likewise, if you already have an existing membership with Sam’s Club or Costco and can easily reach their store locations to charge your car, opening one of their co-branded credit cards could unlock lucrative rewards and perks.

Something to consider is what other cards you’re planning on applying for soon, as an EV credit card will take up a spot in your Chase 5/24 count.

EV charging costs an average of $546 per year with maintenance at $949 annually, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). While it’s certainly an expense, it’s unlikely to form the main part of your spending.

In that case, you might want to consider first opening other Chase cards — such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — that offer more lucrative rewards as well as earn points on everyday spending, before focusing on a card to cover EV expenditure — a relatively minor expense.

As always, you should consider what other benefits the card offers. For example, a card with travel insurance perks and zero foreign transaction fees can make for a great travel rewards card. Similarly, a card that earns on dining and grocery shopping can help to offset everyday expenses.

That way, you can make a holistic valuation of the card. Luckily, most of the cards for EV charging stations have $0 annual fees, reducing the cost burden of holding them.

Earn Points on Every Watt: Equip Yourself With the Best Credit Card for EVs

While EV expenses aren’t going to break the bank, earning rewards on them will prevent the bank from breaking come vacation time.

Whether you want a card that earns cash back or transferable points on EV charging stations or a high points multiplier on non-bonus category spending (as part of a two-card combo), there’s an EV card out there for everyone.