What the BP Visa card offers and who it suits
The BP Visa card is a co-branded rewards card issued by Synchrony Bank that gives you points on purchases at BP gas stations and a flat rate on everything else. You earn 3 points per dollar at BP stations, 1 point per dollar everywhere else, and points convert to cents at a 1-to-1 ratio. There is no annual fee, and the card reports to all three credit bureaus.
This card works best if you fill up at BP regularly and want a straightforward rewards structure without category complexity. If you rarely visit BP stations or prefer cards with rotating bonus categories, other gas cards or flat-rate cards may give you more value. The card is not restricted to BP employees or members — anyone can open an account if approved.
Key Takeaways
- You earn 3 points per dollar at BP gas stations and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, with no annual fee.
- Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed, so 100 points equals $1 in statement credit.
- The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles billing and customer service separately from BP.
- Approval depends on your credit score and history; Synchrony typically prefers good to excellent credit.
- You can use the card at any merchant that accepts Visa, not just BP stations.
How rewards and redemption work
Points post to your account after each purchase and do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You redeem points through your Synchrony online account or by calling customer service; the most common method is a statement credit that reduces your balance. Some cardholders report the option to redeem for gift cards or other rewards, though statement credit is the standard path.
The 3-point rate at BP applies to fuel purchases at BP-branded stations in the United States. Convenience store purchases at BP locations (snacks, drinks, car wash) typically earn 1 point per dollar, not 3, so the bonus is specific to fuel. If you use the card at a non-BP gas station or any other retailer, you earn 1 point per dollar across the board.
Annual percentage rate and fees
The BP Visa carries a variable APR that changes based on the prime rate and your creditworthiness. Synchrony does not publish a fixed range on their public site; your rate depends on your credit score at approval and can shift over time. You should expect rates in the range of 18% to 27% based on typical Synchrony card offerings, but your actual rate will be disclosed in your approval documents.
There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and no late payment fee structure published as a promotional waiver. Late fees and penalty APRs explore if you miss a payment, as with any credit card. Synchrony charges a standard cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) if you use the card to withdraw cash.
Credit score and approval requirements
Synchrony typically approves applicants with good credit (670 and above on the FICO scale), though approval is not may provide at any score. The bank reviews your credit report, income, existing debt, and payment history. If you have recent late payments, high utilization, or limited credit history, your odds of approval drop significantly.
You can check your likelihood of approval before submitting a full process by reviewing your own credit report and score through a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com or your bank's credit monitoring tool. A hard inquiry will appear on your report once you explore, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining the reason and directing you to dispute any errors on your credit report.
How the card compares to other gas rewards cards
The BP Visa's 3-point rate at BP is competitive with other single-brand gas cards like the Shell Fuel Rewards Visa (which offers 5 cents per gallon at Shell, equivalent to roughly 2.5 points per dollar depending on gas prices). The flat 1-point rate everywhere else is lower than cards like the Citi Double Cash (2 points per dollar on all purchases) or the Capital One Quicksilver (1.5% cash back on everything), but those cards charge annual fees or have higher APRs.
If you split your fuel purchases between multiple brands, a flat-rate card or a card with a bonus at multiple gas stations may serve you better. If you buy almost all your fuel at BP and rarely use the card elsewhere, the 3-point bonus at BP makes this card worth considering despite the lower rate on other purchases. Compare your typical monthly spend at BP versus other retailers to estimate your annual points earnings.
how the process works and what to expect after approval
You can open an account online through Synchrony's website or by calling their customer service line. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. Synchrony will pull your credit report when ready and often gives you a decision within seconds to a few minutes.
If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Your account opens when ready, so you can add it to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and use it right away at contactless terminals. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. You manage your account, make payments, and check your points balance through the Synchrony mobile app or website.
Synchrony customer service and dispute resolution
Synchrony handles all billing, customer service, and dispute resolution for the BP Visa. You contact Synchrony directly for questions about your account, not BP. The bank offers phone support, online chat, and a mobile app; response times vary but phone support typically connects you within a few minutes during business hours.
If you dispute a charge, Synchrony has 60 days from the date you report it to investigate and respond. You are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act, which limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50 if you report them promptly. Fraudulent charges are usually removed within one to two billing cycles once Synchrony confirms the dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the BP Visa at gas stations other than BP?
Yes. The card is a standard Visa and works at any merchant that accepts Visa, including other gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. You earn 1 point per dollar at non-BP locations, not the 3-point bonus. The 3-point rate is exclusive to BP-branded gas stations.
What happens to my points if I close the account?
Points expire if your account is closed or inactive for an extended period. Synchrony's terms state that points are valid as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you plan to close the account, redeem your points to statement credit before you do.
Does the BP Visa offer a sign-up bonus?
Synchrony does not currently advertise a sign-up bonus for the BP Visa. Promotions change periodically, so check the official Synchrony website or call customer service to see if a bonus is available at the time you explore. Some past offers have included bonus points after your first purchase or after spending a certain amount in the first few months.
How do I check my credit limit and request an increase?
Your credit limit is shown in your Synchrony account online or in the mobile app. You can request an increase by logging into your account, calling customer service, or using the app. Synchrony may perform a hard inquiry if you request an increase, which temporarily affects your credit score. Some customers receive automatic limit increases after several months of on-time payments.
What is the difference between the BP Visa and the BP Rewards+ card?
The BP Rewards+ card is a different product that offers 2% cash back at BP stations and 1% elsewhere, with an annual fee. The BP Visa offers 3 points per dollar at BP (worth 3 cents) with no annual fee. The Rewards+ card may be worth the fee if you spend heavily at BP, but the Visa is the better choice for most drivers who fill up occasionally.