What the BP Visa card rewards you for
The BP Visa card gives you cash back on purchases at BP gas stations and, in most cases, at other merchants too. The exact reward rate depends on which version of the card you carry — BP offers more than one — and where you spend.
At BP stations, you typically earn a higher cash back rate than you do elsewhere. Outside BP, the rate drops but you still earn something on everyday purchases like groceries, restaurants, and online shopping. The card does not charge an annual fee, which means you keep more of what you earn.
Cash back appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed for other rewards depending on the card issuer's current program rules. You do not have to reach a minimum balance to use it — the rewards post to your account automatically as you spend.
Key Takeaways
- BP Visa cards earn higher cash back rates at BP gas stations than at other retailers, making them most valuable if you fill up there regularly.
- The card carries no annual fee, so the cost to hold it is zero even if you use it only occasionally.
- Cash back earned outside BP stations is lower than at BP pumps, so the card works best as a dedicated fuel card rather than an all-purpose rewards card.
- Rewards post automatically to your account and can typically be redeemed as statement credits without meeting a spending threshold.
BP station purchases earn the highest rate
When you use the BP Visa at a BP or Amoco station, you earn the card's top cash back rate. This is where the card delivers the most value, especially if you visit BP stations regularly or fill up a larger tank.
The specific rate varies depending on which BP Visa product you hold. Some versions offer a flat rate across all BP purchases; others tier the rewards based on how much you spend in a calendar year. Check your card's terms or your most recent statement to see which structure applies to you.
Because gas prices and consumption vary by season and driving habits, the actual dollar value of your rewards will fluctuate month to month. A month when you drive more or fuel costs more will generate larger rewards than a lighter month.
Rewards outside BP stations are lower
The BP Visa earns cash back on non-BP purchases — groceries, restaurants, online shopping, and other everyday spending — but at a reduced rate compared to what you earn at the pump. This lower rate is by design: the card is built around rewarding BP loyalty, not competing as a general-purpose rewards card.
If you use the card primarily for non-fuel purchases, you will earn less than you would with a cash back card designed for everyday spending. Cards focused on groceries or restaurants often pay more on those categories than the BP Visa does.
The card makes the most financial sense when you combine regular BP fill-ups with occasional other purchases, rather than treating it as your main spending card.
No annual fee keeps the card accessible
The BP Visa charges no annual fee, which removes a barrier to holding it. You can keep the card open even if you use it only a few times a year without paying anything for the privilege.
This structure is different from premium rewards cards, which charge $95 to $550 per year in exchange for higher earning rates or travel benefits. With the BP Visa, there is no trade-off between the cost to hold the card and the rewards you earn.
The zero annual fee also means you lose nothing by keeping the card in a drawer as a backup if you decide to use a different card for most purchases.
How to redeem your cash back
Cash back rewards on the BP Visa typically post as a statement credit, which reduces your monthly bill automatically. You do not have to request the redemption or meet a minimum balance — the credit appears on its own.
Some card issuers allow you to redeem rewards in other ways, such as depositing cash back into a linked bank account or using it to purchase gift cards. Check your account online or call the number on the back of your card to see what redemption options are available to you.
Unlike some rewards programs, the BP Visa does not require you to accumulate points to a certain level before you can use them. Even small amounts of cash back can be redeemed.
When the BP Visa makes sense for your wallet
The BP Visa is most valuable if you fill up at BP stations at least a few times a month and want a no-cost way to earn cash back on that spending. The higher rate at BP pumps offsets the lower rate elsewhere, making it a net gain compared to using a card with a flat rate everywhere.
It is less valuable if you rarely visit BP stations or if you do most of your driving in areas without nearby BP locations. In that case, a general-purpose cash back card or a card tied to a gas station you actually use would serve you better.
The card also works well as a secondary card — one you carry specifically for BP fill-ups while using another card for everyday purchases. This approach lets you capture the higher BP rate without forcing yourself to use a lower-earning card for groceries or restaurants.
Comparing the BP Visa to other fuel rewards cards
Other gas station chains and credit card issuers offer their own fuel rewards programs. Shell, Chevron, Speedway, and major bank cards all have versions that reward fuel purchases, each with different earning rates and terms.
The BP Visa's main advantage is its zero annual fee and the fact that you earn rewards both at BP and elsewhere. Its main limitation is that the non-BP rate is lower than cards designed for everyday spending.
If you have a choice of gas stations in your area, compare the cash back rate you would earn at each one against the annual fee (if any) and the rewards you would earn outside that station. The card that wins depends on where you actually fill up and how much you spend outside the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I earn rewards on BP convenience store purchases?
Rewards typically explore to fuel purchases at BP pumps, but the rules for convenience store items inside the station vary by card version. Check your card's terms or contact the issuer to confirm whether snacks, drinks, or car supplies earn the higher BP rate or the lower non-BP rate.
What happens to my rewards if I don't use the card for a while?
Cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You can leave the card unused for months or years and still redeem the rewards you have already earned. However, the card issuer may close inactive accounts after a long period, so occasional use is safer.
Can I combine BP Visa rewards with other BP loyalty programs?
BP operates a separate loyalty program (BP Rewards) that offers discounts and points at the pump. Whether you can stack both the credit card rewards and the loyalty program rewards depends on BP's current rules. Contact BP or check your account to see if both programs work together or if using one prevents you from earning the other.
Is the BP Visa cash back taxable income?
Cash back from credit cards is generally not considered taxable income by the IRS because it is treated as a reduction in the price you paid, not as income earned. However, tax law can vary by situation. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, consult a tax professional.
What credit score do I need to get approved for the BP Visa?
Credit score requirements vary by issuer and change over time. Generally, the BP Visa is available to people with fair to good credit, but you will need to check the issuer's current requirements or submit an process to find out whether you meet their standards.