Being on the road for extended periods is exhausting and expensive. You may spend more than you assumed on food, vehicle repairs, filling the tank, etc. A reliable card that saves time and money is a requirement for truckers.
We are aware that your busy schedule might not allow extensive research. We did it for you. Discover the best credit card for truck drivers through this article.
Our Top Reviews for the Best Credit Card for Truck Drivers
The best credit card for truck drivers should be affordable, rewarding, and cater to basic categories.
- Best Altogether: Discover It Cash Back
- Best for Fixed Categories: Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Best for Navy Veterans: Navy Federal More Rewards by American Express
Best Altogether Card for Truck Drivers: Discover It Cash Back
Discover It Cash Back card is the best for truckers because of its:
- Useful reward categories
- Affordability
- Generous special offers
Being on the road can be taxing. The least you would want is to get into a massive debt. This card incurs a low variable interest rate starting from 17.24%. It is a catch because most cash-back cards incur a high-interest rate. You won’t have to pay it if you clear your monthly due balance.
You get a lucrative 5% cash return on rotating reward categories. You can fare really well if you like juggling them every quarter. This card offers important categories like:
- drugstores,
- restaurants,
- groceries.
You get a price cap per quarter like cash back cards. Once you cross the $1,500 limit, you earn the usual 1% back.
Welcome Offers
This card comes with two intro offers besides a $0 annual fee. Although it is common for several cards, this card offers a unique bonus. You get a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months. It allows you the opportunity to pay off any big purchases without incurring a debt.
The second welcome offer is rare among travel cards. Discover matches your cash back dollar-to-dollar at the end of your first cardmember year. It means that your cash back becomes double. For example, earning a $100 return throughout your first year will become $200.
Pros
- You get a standard cash back on rotating categories compared to other such cards. Earning a 5% return on every purchase can increase your reward pool.
- The cash back you earn for your first year becomes double at the year-end. Your earnings can increase significantly.
- You get a low APR limit compared to other cards in this list. You will incur a low debt even if you carry a balance.
- You also get a reduction in the balance transfer fee until May 10, 2024. You pay 3% instead of 5%, which makes this card cheaper.
Cons
- If rotating categories are confusing, you can find another card with a more straightforward reward structure.
- You don’t get a fuel-specific category with this card. You may need a separate fuel card for that.
- Discover does not provide roadside assistance or car rental collision waivers anymore.
Best Rewards Card for Truck Drivers: Chase Freedom Unlimited
We find Chase Freedom Unlimited to be the best rewards card for truckers because of its:
- Fixed, straightforward reward structure
- Daily routine categories
- Roadside assistance
On top of these, it is also characterized as a travel card because of its lucrative cash back margin. Although it offers the same 5% return as most cash back cards, “travel” counts for more than just flights here. You can earn this reward percentage by booking:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Cruises
- Car rentals
Remember to book through the Chase Travel portal to get the full benefit. In addition, you get a steady 3% cash return for spending at:
- Drugstores
- Dine-in, delivery, and takeout
Where most cash back cards offer a 1% return, this card returns 1.5% on every other purchase. Note that it is only eligible for items other than the bonus categories.
Intro Offers
You don’t incur an APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. It is usual for mid-to-top-tier cards. You can pay off an outstanding debt or make a big purchase. You have to pay a high interest after that.
You also earn $200 back after spending $500 within three months of becoming a card member. Note that you get this bonus on purchases only.
Pros
- Like most travel cards, you get a 5% cash back on travel categories. You can earn loads through a single vacation!
- You pay a $0 annual fee like most mid-tier cards. This fee exemption makes Freedom Unlimited more affordable.
- You earn cash returns for food and drugstore purchases. These categories are necessary for truck drivers.
- You get 24/7 roadside assistance as this card uses the Visa network. Only some cards offer this perk now. It includes fuel delivery and emergency tire replacement.
Cons
- You incur a high APR, which can pile into a significant debt if you don’t pay due on time.
- You can look for other Chase cards if you need to commute as a bonus category.
Best Card for Navy Veteran Truck Drivers: Navy Federal More Rewards by American Express
Trucking is a solid work option for military veterans. One significant reason is that it is an outdoor job that appeals to their outlandish nature. Navy Federal More Rewards by Amex is a perk-packed card designed to make life easier for retired Navy personnel.
This card checks the boxes for a long-term card that caters to the needs of truckers. In fact, its only significant drawback is that it is not available publicly. Nevertheless, you are exempt from paying:
- Annual fee
- Balance transfer fee
- Cash advance fee
- Foreign transaction fee
Although you incur an APR, it is the lowest interest rate compared to most cash back cards. Furthermore, you get an intro period for it. You incur a 1.99% APR on balance transfers for the first 60 days.
Although you don’t get a welcome bonus, you get attractive rewards on fixed categories:
- 3x points on restaurants and food delivery
- 3x points on supermarkets
- 3x points on gas and transit
A significant feature of this card is that it provides emergency roadside assistance. Your contractor will probably cover it for you. Nonetheless, it is good to have backup support.
Pros
- You are exempt from paying most card fees, making it one of the cheapest cards.
- You earn points on the most-needed fixed categories. You can earn while shopping.
- You get 24/7 roadside assistance and a $0 fraud liability in case of a card scam.
Cons
- You should be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to get this card.
- You can not earn Amex Membership Rewards points with this card. Your points value might decrease because of it.
Features to Consider for Credit Cards for Truck Drivers
Driving and being constantly on the road is a tough job. Consider these important points before choosing a suitable card.
Specs Table
| Intro Offer | Rewards | Benefits for Truck Drivers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover It Cash Back | 0% APR for the first 15 months; dollar-to-dollar cash back match in the first year | 5% cash back on bonus categories with a $1,500 price cap | Earning for basic categories like drugstores and food |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 0% APR for the first 15 months; $200 back on sending $500 within the first three months | 5% unlimited cash back on travel purchases through Chase Travel | Earning for useful categories; roadside assistance |
| Navy Federal More Rewards by American Express | 1.99% APR on balance transfers for the first 60 days | 3x points each for spending on food, transit, and supermarkets | Earning on transit and gas; roadside assistance |
Earning Rewards
Why not earn some money back while you are traveling? You should select a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited that offers maximum reward opportunities. Welcome offers or special rewards programs will be bonuses.
Card Fees
Aim for a card that is as light on your pocket as possible. Avoid cards with a high APR and extra charges. Discover It Cash Back is an example of an economical card.
Emergency Assistance
You should look for it closely, as several issuers have discontinued offering emergency roadside assistance. Navy Federal More Rewards by Amex is a card that still provides this service.
Related Questions
What Is the Best Credit Card for Diesel Fuel?
The best card for diesel fuel is the Fuelman Diesel Fleet card. Although it is not specifically a credit card, you get a lot of benefits. You get rebates per gallon and vehicle maintenance services with it.
Is It Better to Use a Credit Card for Fuel?
Yes, using a credit card for fuel is better because of reward-earning opportunities. You can redeem your cash back or points towards other necessities.
Can I Pay for Gasoline With a Credit Card?
Yes, you can pay for gasoline with a credit card. It can be more beneficial than a fuel card because you can earn rewards for spending on gasoline.
Conclusion
We find the Discover It Cash Back the best card for truck drivers because of its affordability and unique welcome offer. Also, you earn generous rewards with its rotating categories. That said, there are other cards with specific benefits you can consider according to your needs.