Amid elevated gas prices and ongoing economic pressures, nearly two-thirds of Americans say the combination of $4 per gallon fuel, inflation and tariffs would "destroy their finances," according to a new WalletHub survey.
The personal-finance company released its national survey revealing deep concerns about gas affordability. With prices at the pump 37% higher than historical averages, 69% of respondents said gas prices are too high, and nearly half (48%) indicated they would drive less if tariffs on everyday goods persist.
“Consumers are currently facing a lot of obstacles that make it difficult to stick to a reasonable budget, from inflation and tariffs to high gas prices,” WalletHub’s editors said in a statement. “Prices at the pump are about 37% higher than average, so people are left with a few options.”
Among the economic trade-offs, nearly 1 in 5 Americans said high gas prices are a greater burden than food inflation. Meanwhile, demand for gas-specific credit cards is growing, with nearly 1 in 3 people now carrying a credit card just for fuel purchases.
The survey also found more than 4 in 5 Americans prefer gas rewards over rewards for other travel-related purchases. According to WalletHub, choosing the right card can lead to substantial savings—more than $600 per year in some cases.
To support consumers, WalletHub named the Citi Custom Cash Card as the Best Gas Rewards Credit Card of 2025, offering 5% cash back on top spending categories — including gas — up to $500 per billing cycle. New users can also receive a $200 bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months.
The BP Credit Card was selected as the Best Gas Station Credit Card, offering 15 to 30 cents per gallon in rebates at BP locations, with no annual fee.
“Folks can also seek out savings on gas itself, both by shopping around for the cheapest station and by using a credit card with good gas rewards to pay,” WalletHub’s editors advised.
