Truck drivers have a unique lifestyle and spending habits. They spend a lot of time on the road, driving long distances, and making frequent stops at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and other places. They also face challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, maintenance costs, tolls, and taxes.
That’s why truck drivers need a credit card that suits their needs and preferences. A good credit card for truck drivers should offer rewards for everyday purchases, especially gas and travel. It should also have low fees, flexible payment options, and useful features such as roadside assistance, travel insurance, and fraud protection.
But how do you find the best credit card for truck drivers? There are hundreds of credit cards available in the market, each with different terms and conditions. How do you compare them and choose the one that works best for you?
To help you out, we have compiled a list of 10 best credit cards for truck drivers in 2024. These credit cards are selected based on their rewards, benefits, fees, and customer reviews. We have also included some tips on how to apply for a credit card, how to use it wisely, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
10 Best Credit Cards for Truck Drivers in 2024
1. Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards for truck drivers who want to earn cash back on their purchases. This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories every quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. These categories include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and more. Plus, you can earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
But the best part is that Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. That means you can double your rewards without any limit. For example, if you earn $300 in cash back, Discover will match it with another $300, giving you a total of $600.
The Discover it® Cash Back also has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 17.24% – 28.24% variable, based on your creditworthiness. You can also enjoy free access to your FICO® score, free identity theft protection, and free freeze and unfreeze of your account.
The only downside of this card is that you need to activate the 5% cash back categories every quarter, and some merchants may not accept Discover cards. However, if you can manage these minor inconveniences, you can reap the benefits of this generous cash back card.
The best credit card for truck drivers who want to earn cash back on their purchases is the Discover it® Cash Back. This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories every quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
2. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is another great option for truck drivers who want to earn rewards on their spending. This card offers 3 points per dollar on a wide range of categories, including gas stations, restaurants, travel, transit, and streaming services. You can also earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
You can redeem your points for cash, travel, gift cards, merchandise, or charitable donations. There is no limit to how many points you can earn, and they don’t expire as long as your account is open. You can also enjoy a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 13.99% – 25.99% variable, based on your creditworthiness.
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and no penalty APR. You can also benefit from features such as cell phone protection, car rental loss and damage insurance, roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, and fraud protection.
The main drawback of this card is that you need to have a Wells Fargo account to redeem your points for cash. You may also face some acceptance issues with American Express cards, especially abroad. However, if you are looking for a versatile and rewarding card, this one is worth considering.
3. ExxonMobil FleetPro
The ExxonMobil FleetPro is the best credit card for truck drivers who operate diesel-powered vehicles. This card is designed for fleet owners and managers who want to save money and time on fuel purchases. With this card, you can enjoy discounts of up to 6 cents per gallon on diesel fuel at over 11,500 Exxon and Mobil stations nationwide. You can also earn rebates of up to 1.5% on other purchases at these stations.
The ExxonMobil FleetPro also offers flexible payment options, such as weekly or monthly billing, online account management, and detailed reporting. You can also set spending limits and controls for each card, and monitor your drivers’ fuel efficiency and performance. You can also access the ExxonMobil FleetPro app, which helps you find the nearest station, check prices, and manage your account.
The ExxonMobil FleetPro has no annual fee, no setup fee, and no card fee. However, it does charge a late payment fee of $25, a returned payment fee of $35, and a finance charge of 18% APR on unpaid balances. You also need to have a fleet of at least two vehicles to qualify for this card.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a simple and straightforward card for truck drivers who want to earn cash back on everything. This card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit, no expiration, and no categories to track. You can redeem your cash back for any amount, anytime, and in any way you want.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also has a $200 cash bonus offer, if you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. You can also enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 15.49% – 25.49% variable, based on your creditworthiness.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and no penalty APR. You can also benefit from features such as virtual card numbers, credit score monitoring, fraud alerts, and travel assistance services.
The only downside of this card is that it doesn’t offer any bonus cash back on specific categories, such as gas or travel. However, if you are looking for a simple and hassle-free card, this one is a good choice.
5. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best credit card for truck drivers who love to travel. This card offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. You can also earn a whopping 100,000 bonus points, if you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. That’s worth $1,250 in travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also lets you transfer your points to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, such as Southwest, United, Marriott, and Hyatt. You can also use your points to book travel through the Chase portal, or redeem them for cash, gift cards, or merchandise. You can also enjoy a 25% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee, but no foreign transaction fee. You can also benefit from features such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, rental car insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, and purchase protection.
The main drawback of this card is that it doesn’t offer any discounts or rebates on gas purchases. However, if you are a frequent traveler, this card can help you save money and earn rewards on your trips.
6. Discover it® Secured
The Discover it® Secured is the best credit card for truck drivers who have bad credit or no credit history. This card is a secured credit card, which means you need to make a refundable security deposit of at least $200 to open an account. Your credit limit will be equal to your deposit amount, and you can increase it by adding more funds.
The Discover it® Secured offers 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
You can also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all other purchases. But the best part is that Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. That means you can double your rewards without any limit.
The Discover it® Secured also has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 24.24% variable, based on your creditworthiness. You can also enjoy free access to your FICO® score, free identity theft protection, and free freeze and unfreeze of your account.
The main benefit of this card is that it can help you build or rebuild your credit history, as Discover reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus. You can also request to upgrade to an unsecured card after eight months of responsible use.
The main drawback of this card is that you need to make a security deposit, which can be a financial burden for some truck drivers. You also need to activate the 2% cash back categories every quarter, and some merchants may not accept Discover cards. However, if you are looking for a card that can help you improve your credit score and earn cash back, this one is a good option.
7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a flexible and customizable card for truck drivers who want to choose their own bonus category. This card offers 3% cash back on one category of your choice, such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. You can change your category once a month, and you can earn the 3% cash back on up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
You can also earn 2% cash back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to the same quarterly limit. And you can earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. You can redeem your cash back for any amount, anytime, and in any way you want.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card also has a $200 cash bonus offer, if you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. You can also enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 13.99% – 23.99% variable, based on your creditworthiness.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee, but it does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. You can also benefit from features such as digital wallet compatibility, overdraft protection, fraud protection, and access to the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, which can boost your cash back by up to 75%.
The main drawback of this card is that you need to keep track of your bonus category and spending limit, and you may not always get the best value for your chosen category. However, if you are looking for a card that lets you tailor your rewards to your preferences, this one is worth considering.
8. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for truck drivers who want to earn travel rewards on their spending. This card offers 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with no limit, no expiration, and no categories to track. You can also earn a massive 100,000 bonus miles, if you spend $20,000 on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening. Or, you can still earn 50,000 miles, if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also lets you transfer your miles to over 15 travel partners, such as JetBlue, Air Canada, and Emirates. You can also use your miles to book travel through the Capital One portal, or redeem them for cash, gift cards, or merchandise. You can also enjoy a 50% more value when you redeem your miles for travel through Capital One Travel.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee, but no foreign transaction fee. You can also benefit from features such as a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, travel accident insurance, rental car insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, and purchase protection.
The main drawback of this card is that it doesn’t offer any discounts or rebates on gas purchases. However, if you are a frequent traveler, this card can help you save money and earn rewards on your trips.
9. U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® is the best credit card for truck drivers who own a small business or are self-employed. This card offers 3% cash back on gas, cell phone services, and office supply stores. You can also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You can redeem your cash back for any amount, anytime, and in any way you want. You can also enjoy a 25% annual bonus on your prior year’s cash rewards, up to $250. That means you can earn more cash back every year, just for using your card.
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® also has a $500 cash bonus offer, if you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 150 days of account opening. You can also enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 11.99% – 22.99% variable, based on your creditworthiness.
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® has no annual fee, but it does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. You can also benefit from features such as free employee cards, online account management, fraud protection, and access to the Mastercard Easy Savings program, which can save you up to 25% on select business purchases.
The main drawback of this card is that you need to have a business entity or a sole proprietorship to qualify for this card. You also need to have a good to excellent credit score to get approved. However, if you are looking for a card that can help you manage your business expenses and earn cash back, this one is a great option.
10. Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a simple and rewarding card for truck drivers who want to earn cash back on everything. This card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, with no limit, no expiration, and no categories to track. You earn 1% cash back when you buy, and another 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases.
You can redeem your cash back for any amount, anytime, and in any way you want. You can also enjoy a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, the regular APR is 13.99% – 23.99% variable, based on your creditworthiness.
The Citi® Double Cash Card has no annual fee, but it does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee. You can also benefit from features such as Citi® Identity Theft Solutions, Citi® Entertainment, and access to the Citi® Flex Plan, which lets you pay off eligible purchases over time with a fixed APR.
The only downside of this card is that it doesn’t offer any bonus cash back on specific categories, such as gas or travel. However, if you are looking for a simple and hassle-free card, this one is a good choice.
How to Apply for a Credit Card for Truck Drivers?
Now that you have seen some of the best credit cards for truck drivers, you may be wondering how to apply for one. Here are some steps to follow:
- Check your credit score and report. Your credit score and report are important factors that affect your eligibility and approval for a credit card. You can check your credit score for free from various sources, such as Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, or Discover. You can also get your credit report for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, through AnnualCreditReport.com. You should review your credit report for any errors or negative items, and dispute them if necessary.
- Compare different credit cards and offers. You should compare different credit cards and offers based on your needs and preferences. You should consider factors such as rewards, fees, interest rates, features, and customer reviews. You can use online tools and websites, such as NerdWallet, CreditCards.com, or Bankrate, to compare and filter different credit cards and offers.
- Choose the best credit card for you and apply online. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you can choose the best credit card for you and apply online. You will need to provide some personal and financial information, such as your name, address, date of birth, social security number, income, and expenses. You may also need to provide some business information, if you are applying for a business credit card. You will also need to agree to the terms and conditions of the credit card, and submit your application. You may get an instant decision, or you may need to wait for a few days or weeks for the issuer to review your application.
How to Use a Credit Card for Truck Drivers Wisely
Getting a credit card for truck drivers is not enough. You also need to use it wisely to maximize your rewards and benefits, and avoid fees and interest. Here are some tips on how to use a credit card for truck drivers wisely:
- Pay your balance in full and on time every month. This is the most important rule of using a credit card. By paying your balance in full and on time every month, you can avoid paying interest, late fees, and penalty APRs. You can also improve your credit score and maintain a good relationship with your issuer. You can use online banking, mobile apps, or automatic payments to make sure you don’t miss a payment.
- Use your credit card for your regular expenses, such as gas, food, and lodging. This is a smart way to earn rewards and cash back on your everyday purchases, without overspending. You can also use your credit card for emergencies, such as repairs, medical bills, or unexpected travel. However, you should avoid using your credit card for impulse buys, luxury items, or gambling, as these can lead to debt and financial stress.
- Track your spending and budget. You should keep track of your spending and budget, to make sure you don’t spend more than you can afford. You can use online tools, apps, or spreadsheets to monitor your transactions, balances, and rewards. You can also set alerts and notifications to remind you of your due dates, spending limits, and rewards status. You should also review your credit card statements and reports regularly, to check for any errors or fraud.
- Redeem your rewards and benefits. You should redeem your rewards and benefits, to make the most of your credit card. You can use your rewards and benefits for things that you need or want, such as cash, travel, gift cards, or merchandise. You can also use your rewards and benefits to save money, such as paying off your balance, lowering your fees, or getting discounts. You should also check the terms and conditions of your rewards and benefits, to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, exclusions, or restrictions.
- Take advantage of the features and protections of your credit card. You should take advantage of the features and protections of your credit card, to enhance your convenience and security. You can use features such as digital wallets, virtual card numbers, credit score monitoring, and fraud alerts, to make your transactions easier and safer. You can also use protections such as roadside assistance, travel insurance, rental car insurance, and purchase protection, to cover you in case of accidents, losses, or damages.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about credit cards for truck drivers:
Q: What is the best credit card for truck drivers?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different credit cards may suit different truck drivers, depending on their needs and preferences. However, some of the factors that you may want to consider when choosing a credit card for truck drivers are rewards, fees, interest rates, features, and customer reviews. You can also use online tools and websites, such as NerdWallet, CreditCards.com, or Bankrate, to compare and filter different credit cards and offers.
Q: How can I get a credit card for truck drivers with bad credit or no credit history?
A: If you have bad credit or no credit history, you may have a harder time getting approved for a credit card for truck drivers. However, you can still try to apply for a secured credit card, which requires a refundable security deposit to open an account. A secured credit card can help you build or rebuild your credit history, as the issuer reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus. You can also request to upgrade to an unsecured card after eight months of responsible use. Some examples of secured credit cards for truck drivers are the Discover it® Secured and the Capital One Secured Mastercard®.
Q: How can I improve my credit score as a truck driver?
A: Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, based on your credit history. Your credit score can affect your eligibility and approval for a credit card, as well as the terms and conditions of the credit card. To improve your credit score as a truck driver, you should follow these steps:
- Pay your bills on time and in full every month, including your credit card, loan, utility, and rent payments.
- Keep your credit utilization ratio low, which is the percentage of your available credit that you use. A good rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.
- Maintain a mix of different types of credit, such as revolving credit (credit cards) and installment credit (loans).
- Avoid applying for too many new credit accounts in a short period of time, as this can lower your credit score and create hard inquiries on your credit report.
- Check your credit report regularly and dispute any errors or fraud.
Conclusion
Credit cards for truck drivers can be a useful and rewarding tool, if used wisely. They can help you earn rewards and cash back on your purchases, especially gas and travel. They can also help you save money and time on fuel, fees, and interest. They can also help you improve your credit score and access more credit options in the future.
However, credit cards for truck drivers also come with risks and responsibilities. You need to pay your balance in full and on time every month, to avoid paying interest, late fees, and penalty APRs. You also need to track your spending and budget, to avoid overspending and debt. You also need to redeem your rewards and benefits, to make the most of your credit card. You also need to take advantage of the features and protections of your credit card, to enhance your convenience and security.
We hope this article has helped you understand the pros and cons of credit cards for truck drivers, and how to choose and use them wisely. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading, and happy trucking!