10 Best Credit Cards for EV Charging and Road Trips in 2026

There are credit cards that can help make owning an electric vehicle more affordable, especially if you’re regularly paying for public charging, hotels, dining and road trip expenses. The Best Credit Cards for EV Charging and Road Trips provide drivers with useful cashback, adaptable rewards and travel perks to help them cut costs on everyday journeys.

In this guide, I’ll review 10 credit cards worth considering in 2026, comparing their charging rewards, annual fees, welcome bonuses and key limitations to help you find an option that fits your budget and driving habits.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for EV Charging and Road Trips

Compare EV charging rewards Look for cards that offer cashback or bonus points on eligible purchases at public charging stations. Check charging network eligibility to make sure your transactions count toward the advertized rewards.

Look at Annual Fees: Weigh annual fees against anticipated rewards and benefits. A no-annual-fee card is fine for infrequent travelers, but frequent road trippers might find the premium fees worth it.

Check Cashback Rates. Check the cashback rates for charging, dining, hotels, and transportation. Focus on cards that reward the categories you actually spend in, not that sound good but you rarely use.

Check Welcome Bonuses: Compare introductory bonuses, minimum spending and deadlines. Pick the ones you can accomplish through regular expenses, not frivolous spending or accruing credit card debt.

Check out Travel Protections: Check for eligible rental car coverage, trip cancelation insurance, roadside assistance and travel delay protection. Read exclusions carefully to know which benefits apply on road trips.

Learn How to Redeem Rewards Check out the redemption options for your points or cashback, such as statement credits, travel bookings, or loyalty programs. Choose flexible rewards that actually give you value for your money.

Be Aware of Spending Limits: Review quarterly and annual reward caps, limits on categories and exclusions on transactions. Those caps can cut deeply into the potential savings for drivers who charge frequently or pay premium prices to charge.

Choose Cards Based On Your Lifestyle: Think about driving frequency, charging costs, hotel stays, and everyday spending. Look for a card that hits the right sweet spot for you in terms of spending rewards, travel perks, cost and ease of use.

Key Points

Credit Card	Key Point
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	Earns bonus rewards on EV charging purchases and offers valuable travel benefits, making it ideal for frequent road travelers.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi	Provides 4% cash back on eligible EV charging and gas purchases (up to annual spending limits), making it one of the strongest cash-back options.
Citi Strata Premier® Card	Earns 3X points at EV charging stations along with strong travel and dining rewards.
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card	Offers 3X points at gas stations and EV charging stations with no annual fee.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card	Allows cardholders to choose Gas & EV Charging as a bonus rewards category for enhanced cash back.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card	Earns elevated rewards on eligible gas and EV charging purchases while including travel-related perks.
Discover it® Cash Back	Can provide up to 5% cash back during eligible quarterly bonus categories when EV charging merchants qualify.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express	Strong cash-back structure on everyday expenses, helping EV owners maximize household spending rewards.
Citi Strata℠ Card	Earns 3X points at EV charging stations while maintaining a simple no-annual-fee structure.
Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express	Earns 2X Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases, including EV charging, up to the annual spending cap.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you own an EV and like to travel often, and want flexible rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good option. You get 3 points per dollar on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, 5 points on travel booked through Chase Travel and 2 points on other eligible travel purchases. Annual fee: $95.

Welcome offer: 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. Benefits include trip cancelation insurance, rental car collision coverage and roadside assistance services. Points can be redeemed for eligible travel, cash back, or transferred to eligible airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Main Features

1. EV Charging Rewards: Get 3 points for every $1 spent at eligible EV charging and gas stations.
2. Travel Rewards: Get 5 points for every $1 spent on travel booked through Chase Travel and 2 points on other eligible travel purchases.
3. Dining Benefits: Get 3 points for each dollar spent on eligible dining purchases worldwide.
4. Travel Protections: Includes trip cancelation and interruption insurance, rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement.
5. Flexible Redemptions: Redeem points for eligible travel, cash back or transfers to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Restrictions

• Annual Fee: $95 / year.
• Spending Requirement: Welcome bonuses come with specific spending requirements.
• Bonus Point Limits: Bonus points are restricted to eligible merchant categories and purchase types.
• Travel Credit Terms: The annual hotel credit is earned by booking through Chase Travel and making qualifying reservations

2. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card from Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for EV drivers needing cash back on charging and road trip expenses. You earn 4% cash back on eligible EV charging and non-Costco gas purchases for the first $7,000 in combined annual spending (then 1%). Cardholders also get 3% on eligible travel and restaurant purchases, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on other eligible spending.

Active paid Costco membership does not have a separate annual card fee. Rewards will be awarded as an annual certificate redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses. The travel benefits include rental car insurance and roadside assistance services as provided under the terms.

Main Features

1. EV Charging Rewards: 4% cash back on eligible EV charging and non-Costco gas purchases on the first $7,000 in combined annual spending, 1% thereafter.
2. Costco Gas Savings: Get 5% cash back on eligible gas purchases at Costco.
3. Travel Rewards: Get 3% cash back on eligible travel and restaurant purchases.
4. No Separate Card Fee: No added annual card fee with an active paid Costco membership.
5. Annual Cash Back: Receive an annual rewards certificate that can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses.

Limitations:

1. Membership Required: You must be a qualifying Costco member.
2. Annual Spending Limit: Increased fuel and charging rewards are limited to $7,000 in combined annual purchases.
3. Limited Redemption Options: Rewards are earned on an annual basis rather than unlimited ongoing cash back.
4. No Welcome Bonus: The card typically doesn’t offer a new-cardholder sign-up bonus

3. Citi Strata Premier® Card

EV owners who want rewards on charging, dining, and travel will like the Citi Strata Premier® Card. Earn 3 points per $1 on eligible EV charging, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, air travel and other hotel purchases. Hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel earn 10 points per dollar.

The annual fee is $95, and the advertized welcome offer is 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Cardholders can redeem points through Citi’s rewards program or transfer to eligible loyalty programs. Hotel benefit: $100 annual credit on qualifying bookings of $500 or more through Citi Travel.

Main Features

1. EV Charging Rewards: 3 ThankYou® Points per dollar spent on eligible EV charging and gas station purchases.
2. Travel Rewards: Earn 3 points on eligible purchases for air travel and hotels.
3. Dining & Grocery Rewards: Earn 3 points for every dollar spent at eligible restaurants and supermarkets.
4. Hotel Benefit: Get a $100 annual hotel benefit on eligible Citi Travel bookings of $500 or more.
5. Flexible Points: Redeem points for eligible travel, gift cards, or transfer to participating loyalty programs.

Constraints

1. Annual Fee: $95 Annually.
2. Bonus Requirements: Welcome bonuses are contingent on qualifying purchases made within a specified timeframe.
3. Booking Conditions: The hotel benefit applies to qualifying reservations made through Citi Travel.
4. Merchant Restrictions: EV charging rewards are based on transaction eligibility and merchant classification

4. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

If you own an EV and want travel rewards with no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is a card to consider. It earns 3 points per dollar at eligible gas stations and EV charging stations, restaurants, travel, transit, popular streaming services and select phone plans. Other eligible purchases typically earn 1 point per $1 spent.

The welcome offer has traditionally been bonus points after a qualifying amount has been spent but the current offer should be checked before applying. Coverage benefits include rental car collision damage waiver and cell phone protection (subject to exclusions). Redeem rewards for gift cards, eligible travel bookings and other available options.

Main Features

1. EV Charging Rewards Earn 3 points per $1 on eligible gas station and EV charging purchases.
2. Travel Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible travel and transportation purchases.
3. Everyday Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible restaurant purchases, some streaming services and qualifying phone plans.
4. No Annual Fee: Keep the card and never pay a recurring annual card fee.
5. Protection Benefits: Covers eligible rental car collision damage waiver coverage and cell phone protection.

Limitations

1. Merchant Category: EV charging transactions must be within the merchant category eligible for rewards from the issuer.
2. Welcome Offers Vary: Bonus points and spend requirements vary.
3. Limited Premium Perks: It provides fewer premium travel perks than some higher-fee travel cards.
4. Redemption Value: * The points value varies depending on the redemption option selected

5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

For drivers looking to earn cash back on EV charging, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a flexible option. For the first year with the introductory offer, cardholders can select gas and EV charging stations as their preferred category and receive 6% cash back, and 3% thereafter.

The 6% rate applies to the first $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases from the eligible category, grocery stores and wholesale clubs combined. Annual Fee $0. New applicants who meet eligibility criteria can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus online after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. You can use cash back for statement credits or deposit it into eligible accounts.

Main Features

1. EV Charging Rewards: Select gas and EV charging stations as your preferred category for qualifying cash-back rewards.
2. Introductory Cashback: Eligible new cardholders may receive 6% cash back in the selected category for the first year under the introductory offer.
3. Flexible Categories: Choose a preferred spending category (if available) that fits your spending patterns.
4. No Annual Fee: Card fees are $0 per year.
5. Cashback Redemption: Redeem rewards as statement credits or deposits into eligible Bank of America checking or savings accounts.

Limitations

1. Quarterly Spending Cap: The introductory rate of 6% is subject to a combined quarterly spending limit of $2,500 on certain categories.
2. Reduced Ongoing Rate: The selected category typically gets 3% following the introductory period.
3. Category Selection: The issuer’s rules must be followed when choosing the category of your choice.
4. Eligibility: Welcome bonuses and introductory offers are subject to terms and conditions of application and accounts

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

If you own an electric vehicle and drive a significant amount, you might want to look into the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, which can cover your charging and travel costs. It has a rewards structure that rewards more points on eligible travel and gas station purchases.

EV charging eligibility is dependent on transaction classification and current terms. There is no annual fee which is great for travelers who want rewards and don’t want to pay a recurring fee for a card. Spending requirements and welcome bonuses are subject to change.

Please check the current offer. • Points can be redeemed for eligible travel and other available rewards. Be sure to review the current benefits guide for rental car coverage, travel protections, purchase limits and exclusions prior to applying.

Main Features

1. Travel Rewards: Earn higher rewards on eligible travel purchases.
2. Fuel and Charging Potential: Check the current rewards terms to see if your EV charging transactions qualify for bonus points.
3. No Annual Fee: The card has no annual fee.
4. Welcome Bonus: Eligible new applicants may be entitled to a bonus subject to the relevant spend conditions.
5. Flexible Redemption Redeem points for eligible travel and other rewards options.

Constraints

1. Category Eligibility: EV charging transactions may not qualify if they do not comply with the issuer’s merchant-category rules.
2. Bonus Terms: Welcome offers require qualifying purchases to be made within the offer period
3. Travel Booking Rules: Certain enhanced rewards may require booking through designated channels.
4. Benefit Limitations: Travel and rental car benefits are subject to eligibility requirements, coverage limits, and exclusions

7. Discover it® Cashback

The Discover it® Cash Back card can help EV owners save when charging falls into a rotating quarterly bonus category. It offers 5% cash back on eligible purchases in activated categories, capped at the quarterly spending limit, and 1% on other eligible purchases.

EV charging is not always quarterly, so cardholders should check the current rewards calendar. The card has no annual fee and eligible new cardmembers get Cashback Match at the end of their first year.

You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, bank deposits and other options available. Review current terms for applicable travel protections and exclusions.

Key Features

1. Rotating Cashback Categories: Earn 5% cash back on up to the applicable spending limit on eligible quarterly bonus categories, upon activation.
2. Standard Cashback 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.
3. No Annual Fee: You pay $0 in annual card fees.
4. First-Year Cashback Match: New qualifying cardholders can receive a match of the cash back they earn in their first year.
5. Flexible Redemption . Redeem for eligible statement credits, bank deposits and other options.

Limitations

1. Category Activation: To be eligible for the increased rate, quarterly bonus categories must be activated.
2. Spending Limits: The 5% cashback rate applies only up to the stated quarterly limit.
3. EV Charging Uncertainty: Bonus Rewards are earned only on purchases of charging that qualify under the applicable category.
4. Rotating Categories: Rewards rates shift during the year, making it hard to know how much you will save on charges

8. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card

American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card is good for households with electric vehicles and who spend money on groceries, commuting and everyday purchases. It earns 6% cash back at eligible U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, 6% on select streaming subscriptions and 3% on eligible transit and U.S. gas station purchases.

You don’t get gas station pricing for EV charging by default. $0 for the first year, then $95 annually. Welcome offers may be made to eligible new applicants. Reward Dollars may be redeemed for statement credits or eligible Amazon purchases.

Main Features

1. Everyday Cashback: Get 6% cash back on eligible U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually).
2. Streaming Rewards – Earn 6% cash back on eligible select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3. Transit and Gas Rewards Earn 3% cash back on eligible transit and gas station purchases in the U.S.
4. Introductory Fee Offer: $0 annual fee the first year, then $95.
5. Reward Dollars: Use your eligible Reward Dollars toward statement credits or other redemption options available.

Restrictions

1. Annual Fee: After the first year, a $95 annual fee applies.
2. EV Charging Classification: Not all EV charging transactions are automatically eligible for the gas station cashback rate.
3. Supermarket Spending Cap: The 6% supermarket rate is effective only until the annual purchase limit.
4. Acceptance Limitations: Acceptance of American Express is the sole discretion of the merchant, and varies by merchant and location

9. Citi Strata Card

The Citi Strata℠ Card is a good card for EV owners who want charging rewards but don’t want to pay an annual fee. You get 3 ThankYou® Points for every dollar spent on eligible gas and EV charging stations, supermarkets and select transit purchases. You get 2 points for every dollar spent at restaurants and 1 point for most other eligible purchases.

No annual fee ($0) and a welcome offer of 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Points can be redeemed for eligible Citi ThankYou rewards options. Travel protections are not the main feature of the card, so make sure you check the current benefits guide before relying on travel protections.

Main Features

1. EV Charging Rewards: Earn 3 ThankYou® Points on every $1 spent on eligible EV charging and gas station purchases.
2. Grocery Rewards: Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible supermarket purchases.
3. Dining Rewards: Earn 2 points per $1 on eligible restaurant purchases.
4. No Annual Fee: There is no annual fee for the card.
5. Redeem Points: Redeem points through available Citi ThankYou rewards options.

Limitations

1. Bonus Conditions: To earn bonus points, qualifying purchases must be made during the introductory period as specified.
2. Merchant Restrictions: Rewards on EV charging rewards depend on transaction type and eligibility.
3. Limited Premium Travel Perks: It may not offer the same travel protection as premium travel cards.
4. Varying Point Value: Points redeemed are valued differently depending on the reward option chosen.

10. American Express® Blue Business® Plus Credit Card

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is for eligible small-business owners who want to earn rewards on their everyday business spending, including eligible EV charging purchases. It earns 2 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar.

There is no annual fee and welcome offers are subject to the applicant. Points can be redeemed for eligible travel, statement credits, gift cards or transferred to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Purchase protection may cover eligible purchases for accidental damage or theft, but there are limits and exclusions. Applicants are advised to verify business-card eligibility and current offer terms.

Main Features

1. Business Spending Rewards: Earn 2 Membership Rewards® points per $1 on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year.
2. Bonus Spending Rewards: Earn 1 point for every dollar spent over the annual spending minimum.
3. No Annual Fee: Pay no annual card fee.
4. Flexible Point Redemption: Redeem points for eligible travel, gift cards and participating loyalty programs.
5. Pay Business Expenses: Use the card to rack up eligible business expenses, such as qualifying EV charging expenses.

Limitations

1. Business Eligibility: The applicant must satisfy the business credit card eligibility requirements of the card issuer.
2. Annual Rewards Cap: The 2-point earning rate applies to the first $50,000 in eligible annual purchases.
3. EV Charging Classification: Transaction rules applicable to purchases for charging must be adhered to.
4. Fewer Consumer Travel Benefits: Business-oriented features may not offer all the protections or perks desired by personal travelers.

Comparison of the Best Credit Cards for EV Charging in 2026

Credit Card	EV Charging Rewards	Annual Fee	Additional Benefits	Main Limitation
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	3 points per $1	$95	Travel rewards, dining points, trip protection	Annual fee and spending requirements for bonuses
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi	4% cash back on eligible charging, within the combined annual spending cap	$0 additional card fee; Costco membership required	Travel and dining cash back, Costco rewards	$7,000 combined annual gas and charging cap
Citi Strata Premier® Card	3 points per $1	$95	Travel rewards, dining points, hotel benefit	Annual fee and qualifying hotel booking requirements
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card	3 points per $1	$0	Travel, transit, dining, cell phone protection	Limited premium travel protections
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards	3% in the selected category; introductory 6% offer may apply	$0	Flexible categories, cash-back redemption	Quarterly spending cap
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card	4 points per $1, up to $1,000 in eligible quarterly spending	$0	Travel rewards, hotel and car rental booking rewards	Quarterly cap and eligibility rules
Discover it® Cash Back	5% when EV charging qualifies for an activated quarterly category; otherwise typically 1%	$0	First-year Cashback Match for eligible new cardholders	Rotating categories and activation requirements
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express	Charging may not qualify for the gas station category	$0 first year, then $95	Supermarket, streaming, transit and gas rewards	EV charging eligibility varies by transaction classification
Citi Strata℠ Card	3 points per $1	$0	Grocery, dining and transit rewards	Limited premium travel benefits
Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express	2 points per $1 on eligible purchases up to $50,000 annually	$0	Flexible Membership Rewards points for business spending	Business eligibility and annual rewards threshold

Conclusion

The best credit card for EV charging and road trips in 2026 will depend on your charging expenses, travel habits, and preferred rewards. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: 4% cash back on eligible charging purchases within its annual spending cap. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card: 3 points per dollar on eligible charging transactions. Citi Strata℠ Card: 3 points per dollar on eligible charging transactions.

If you’re a travel rewards fan, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is worth looking into. If you’re more of a cashback person, consider the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards. You should consider annual fees, reward caps, and redemption options and always pay off your balance in full to get the most savings.

FAQ