Do You Earn Rewards on Propane and Heating Oil?

The short answer: Yes, at your base rate, but usually not a gas bonus. Home propane and heating-oil deliveries code as a fuel dealer, which is a different category from gas stations, so most cards’ gas bonus does not apply. A flat-rate card earns the most, and propane refilled at a gas station is the exception that can earn a fuel bonus.

Fuel dealers are not gas stations

Home heating fuels like propane, heating oil, kerosene, and firewood are sold by fuel dealers that code under a fuel-dealer category, separate from the gas-station code that triggers a card’s gas bonus. So a heating-oil delivery or a bulk propane fill at your home usually earns only the base rate, even on a card with a strong gas category. The distinction matters, as explained in what counts as gas for rewards.

The gas-station exception

If you refill a propane tank at a gas station or convenience store, that purchase can ring up under the gas-station code and earn a fuel bonus, unlike a home delivery. So where you buy the propane changes whether the bonus applies. A card with a gas bonus is worth using at the pump-side propane exchange, per best gas cards.

The best card for home fuel

For scheduled propane or heating-oil deliveries, a strong flat-rate card earns the most, since the gas bonus rarely applies. Set the account to autopay and value points at a flat 1 cent. Compare flat-rate earners in best cash back cards.

Frequently asked questions

Does propane code as gas for rewards?
Usually not. Home propane and heating-oil deliveries code as a fuel dealer, a different category from gas stations, so a gas bonus rarely applies. You earn the base rate.
Does heating oil earn a gas bonus?
No, typically. Heating-oil dealers code separately from gas stations, so most cards earn only the base rate on a delivery.
When does propane earn a gas bonus?
When you refill a tank at a gas station or convenience store, since that codes under the gas-station category. A bulk home delivery from a fuel dealer usually does not.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.