The best cards EV owners should add to their wallet
Editor's Note
Every day, an auto manufacturer seems to release a new electric vehicle. EVs are certainly popular right now. Unlike traditional cars, EVs don't require trips to the gas station, but they do need to be charged, either at charging stations or at home.
If you're like me (and most EV owners), you often need to charge your car at public EV charging stations. To make the most of this unavoidable expense, it's smart to pay with a credit card that earns bonus rewards for EV charging. I stop by a charging station several times a week, and since I can't avoid the cost, I make sure to maximize my spending by earning extra rewards every time.
Below, I've compiled a list of the best cards for EV charging.
Comparison of the best cards for EV charging
| Card | Welcome offer | Earning rates on EV charging | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. | 6% cash back in select categories, including EV charging stations (for the first year, then 3% back thereafter; on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter) | $0 | |
Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 | |
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. | 3 points per dollar spent | $95 | |
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | 3 points per dollar spent | $95 | |
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | 3 points per dollar spent | $0 |
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why we like it: The Customized Cash has higher quarterly spending caps than many competing cards. During the first year, you could earn 6% cash back on EV charging (on up to $2,500 spent each quarter).
To learn more, read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash.
Apply here: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Chase Freedom Flex
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why we like it: The Freedom Flex shines during the summer travel season. EV charging has been a Chase Freedom 5% bonus category every Q3 since 2023, making it a reliable choice for summer road trips (activation required). Outside those quarters, you'll earn just 1% cash back on EV charging purchases.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Why we like it: The Sapphire Preferred is an excellent option for EV owners because it earns 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging. Unlike the Freedom Flex, the Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging year-round. And you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Chase's impressive roster of travel partners for high value.
To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Citi Strata Premier
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Why we like it: For a modest $95 annual fee, you'll earn an unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging with the Strata Premier. Additionally, you'll earn 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and restaurants (among other popular spending categories). Plus, this card offers some solid travel protections, and points are fully transferable to any of Citi's travel partners.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Wells Fargo Autograph
Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Why we like it: EV owners will earn unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on EV charging with the Wells Fargo Autograph, with no annual fee. These points can be transferred to Wells Fargo's small roster of transfer partners.
To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Consider a flat-rate rewards card
If none of the options above appeal to you, consider a flat-rate cash-back card (also known as a catch-all card). These cards typically earn the same rate on all purchases (including EV charging), meaning you don't have to remember bonus categories and ensure you're using the right card for each purchase.
Some of our top picks include:
- Apple Card: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases when you pay with Apple Pay.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees): Earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 2% cash back (1% back when you buy and another 1% cash back when you pay for your purchases).
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 2% cash back on purchases.
The information for the Apple Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards to add to your wallet
What if I charge at home?
EV owners who charge at home are usually billed by their utility company. Therefore, many of the options listed above would likely earn only 1% in rewards.
If you charge at home most frequently, my pick is the Venmo Credit Card. With this card, you'll earn 3% cash back in the category you spend the most in, including utilities. You don't have to select any categories; Venmo will automatically update this category based on your spending patterns.
This was my go-to EV charging card when I lived in a townhome and charged my car in my garage, since all my charging costs appeared on my electric bill.
The information for the Venmo Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Cash back vs. travel rewards: How to choose a credit card
Bottom line
Owning an electric vehicle can save you hundreds each year on fuel costs. However, you will have to stop at EV charging stations to keep your car powered.
Adding one of these cards to your wallet can help you maximize the rewards you earn the next time you plug your car in.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide.§ *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.