What the BP Amoco Credit Card Is
The BP Amoco credit card is a co-branded card issued by a major bank in partnership with BP, the oil and gas company. It works like any other credit card — you charge purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay interest if you carry a balance — but it offers rewards specifically tied to BP fuel purchases and, depending on the card version, other everyday spending.
The card is designed for people who regularly fill up at BP stations and want to earn cash back or points on those purchases. It is not a fuel-only card; you can use it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, depending on which network your specific card runs on. However, the rewards structure heavily favors BP fuel transactions.
BP has changed card issuers and card terms several times over the years. If you already hold a BP Amoco card, the terms and benefits may differ from what is currently offered to new cardholders. Check your cardholder agreement or call the number on the back of your card to confirm your specific rewards rate and benefits.
Key Takeaways
- The BP Amoco card earns higher rewards at BP stations than on other purchases, so the card makes most sense if you fuel up there regularly.
- The card is a standard credit card with a credit limit, monthly billing cycle, and interest charges if you carry a balance.
- Rewards rates, annual fees, and other benefits vary by card version and change over time, so you need to check the current offer before you decide.
- Your credit score affects whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive, just as with any credit card.
- The card issuer's customer service number is on the back of the card or in your welcome materials, not a BP phone line.
How Rewards Work on BP Fuel Purchases
The primary draw of the BP Amoco card is the rewards rate at BP stations. Most versions of the card earn a higher percentage back on fuel purchases at BP than on other spending. The exact rate depends on which card version you hold — some earn 3% cash back at BP, others earn points that convert to cents-per-gallon discounts, and terms have shifted as the card has changed hands between issuers.
Rewards on non-fuel purchases are typically lower — often 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent — and may not be offered at all on older card versions. Some versions have capped the total rewards you can earn per year or per month, so if you spend heavily at BP, check whether a cap applies to your card.
Rewards are usually posted to your account monthly or quarterly, depending on the issuer. You typically redeem them as a statement credit, a check, or a discount at the pump. Read your cardholder agreement or log into your online account to see how your specific card handles redemption.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
Whether the BP Amoco card charges an annual fee depends on the current offer and which version you hold. Some versions have no annual fee, while others charge $25 to $95 per year. A card with an annual fee only makes financial sense if the rewards you earn exceed what you pay.
Beyond the annual fee, you pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is set based on your credit score and credit history. A higher credit score typically means a lower APR. The card may also charge late fees if you miss a payment and foreign transaction fees if you use it outside the United States.
Some versions of the card offer a promotional 0% APR period on new purchases or balance transfers, meaning you pay no interest for a set number of months. If this applies to your card, the terms are in your welcome materials or online account.
How to Check Your Current Card Terms
If you already have a BP Amoco card, the fastest way to confirm your rewards rate, annual fee, and other terms is to log into your online account. Most card issuers display this information in the account dashboard or in a section labeled "Card Details" or "Benefits."
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card in front of you when you call. The representative can walk you through your rewards structure, tell you your current APR, and explain any promotional offers that explore to your account.
Your cardholder agreement — the document you received when you opened the account — contains all the legal terms, including fees, interest rates, and how disputes are handled. If you no longer have the paper copy, you can usually read it from your online account or request it by phone.
Interest Rates and How They Affect Your Balance
The APR on a BP Amoco card is variable, meaning it can change over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. Interest only applies to the amount you carry over to the next billing cycle.
If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on that balance. A higher APR means you pay more in interest each month. For example, a $1,000 balance at 18% APR costs roughly $15 in interest per month if you make no payments; at 25% APR, it costs roughly $21 per month. Over time, interest compounds, and the balance grows if you only make minimum payments.
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date shown on your bill. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can to reduce the amount subject to interest.
Comparing the BP Amoco Card to Other Fuel Cards
Other fuel cards and general rewards cards may offer similar or better value depending on where you fuel up and how you spend. A general cash-back card that earns 2% on all purchases might beat a BP card that earns 3% at BP but 1% elsewhere, especially if you do not fuel up at BP every week.
Some gas stations — Shell, Chevron, Speedway — have their own co-branded cards with similar rewards structures. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer discounted fuel to members, which can be cheaper than earning rewards on a card. A rewards credit card that earns 3% to 5% on all purchases might also outpace a fuel-specific card if you use it for groceries, dining, and travel.
To decide whether the BP Amoco card is right for you, estimate how much you spend at BP each month, check the current rewards rate and annual fee, and compare the total value to other cards you use or could open. If you fuel up at BP fewer than four times a month, the rewards may not offset an annual fee.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If you miss your payment due date, the card issuer charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus. A late payment can lower your credit score and stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, the issuer may increase your APR to a penalty rate, which is usually higher than your regular rate. This means interest charges on any balance will grow faster. If you miss payments for 60 or more days, the account may be sent to a collection agency.
If you are having trouble making a payment, contact the card issuer as soon as possible. Many issuers offer hardship programs, temporary payment reductions, or other options to help you avoid a late payment. The number is on the back of your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the BP Amoco card at other gas stations?
Yes, you can use the card anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, including other gas stations, grocery stores, and online retailers. However, you will earn the higher rewards rate only at BP stations. Purchases at other gas stations earn the lower, non-fuel rewards rate (usually 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar).
What credit score do I need to open a BP Amoco card?
The card issuer does not publish a minimum credit score, but most co-branded fuel cards require a credit score in the "good" range, typically 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may be denied or offered a card with a higher APR. You can check your credit score for free through many banks, credit card issuers, and websites like AnnualCreditReport.com.
Do I earn rewards on gas station purchases outside the United States?
No. Rewards are earned only on purchases made in the United States at participating BP locations. International purchases typically earn no rewards and may be subject to a foreign transaction fee (usually 1% to 3% of the purchase amount).
How do I redeem my BP Amoco card rewards?
Redemption methods vary by card version. Most cards allow you to redeem rewards as a statement credit (which reduces your bill), a check, or a discount applied at the pump when you fuel up. Log into your online account or call the number on the back of your card to see which options are available for your card.
What should I do if I think there is a fraudulent charge on my BP Amoco card?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card when ready. The issuer will investigate the charge and, if it is confirmed as fraudulent, remove it from your account and issue you a new card. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges to $50, and most issuers waive that fee entirely.