What the Exxon Mobil Credit Card is and who offers it
The Exxon Mobil Smart Card is a co-branded credit card issued by JPMorgan Chase in partnership with Exxon Mobil. You use it like any other credit card, but it gives you rewards when you buy fuel at Exxon and Mobil stations, as well as cash back on other purchases. The card comes in two versions: the standard Smart Card and the Elite Smart Card, which has higher rewards but also a higher annual fee.
This is a real credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus and affects your credit score. You receive a monthly bill, make payments to Chase, and pay interest on any balance you carry. The card is not a fuel discount program or a loyalty card — it is a Visa credit card that happens to reward Exxon Mobil purchases.
Key Takeaways
- The Exxon Mobil Smart Card earns rewards on fuel purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations, plus cash back on groceries, restaurants, and other categories depending on which version you choose.
- The standard Smart Card has no annual fee; the Elite Smart Card charges an annual fee but offers higher rewards rates and additional benefits.
- You need decent credit to be approved — Chase typically looks for a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score.
- The card is a real credit card with interest charges, so carrying a balance costs you money even if you earn rewards.
- You can manage your account online through Chase's website or mobile app, and you can pay your bill there as well.
Rewards rates and what you earn on different purchases
The standard Smart Card earns 3% cash back on Exxon and Mobil fuel purchases, 1% on all other purchases, and has no annual fee. The Elite Smart Card earns 5% cash back on Exxon and Mobil fuel, 2% at grocery stores and restaurants, 1% on everything else, and charges an annual fee (the exact amount varies and you should confirm it before you explore).
Cash back is not a discount at the pump — it accumulates in your account and you redeem it as a statement credit, a check, or sometimes a deposit to a bank account. You do not see the reward at the moment you swipe. If you carry a balance on the card, the interest you pay will often exceed the cash back you earn, so the card only saves you money if you pay off your full statement balance each month.
Both versions offer additional perks like extended warranty protection on purchases and rental car insurance when you use the card to rent a vehicle. Read the full terms on Chase's website to understand what is and is not covered.
How to open an account and what you need
You can open an account through the Exxon Mobil website or directly through Chase. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, your current address, and information about your income and employment. Chase will pull your credit report as part of the decision process.
The entire process takes place online. You answer questions about yourself, agree to the terms, and Chase tells you whether you are approved, denied, or pending a decision within minutes. If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using a temporary digital card number in your Chase app before the physical card arrives.
If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, or insufficient income. You can reapply after addressing those issues, though explore again when ready will likely result in another denial.
Credit score requirements and what happens if you are denied
Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for the Exxon Mobil card, but approval is more likely with a score of 670 or higher. People with scores below 650 are rarely approved. Your score is only one factor — Chase also looks at your payment history, how much debt you already carry, how long you have had credit accounts open, and recent inquiries on your credit report.
If you are denied, you have options. You can wait three to six months, work on paying down existing debt, and reapply. You can also look at other fuel cards or cash back cards with lower credit score requirements, though they may offer fewer rewards. Before you reapply, pull your own credit report from annualcreditreport.com to see if there are errors that hurt your score.
Annual fees, interest rates, and other costs
The standard Smart Card has no annual fee. The Elite Smart Card charges an annual fee; you should check the current amount on the Exxon Mobil or Chase website before you open the account, as fees change.
The card carries a variable interest rate, which means the rate changes based on the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve. Your specific rate depends on your creditworthiness — people with excellent credit get lower rates, and people with fair or poor credit get higher rates. Chase will tell you the rate you may have access to for before you complete the process.
If you carry a balance, you pay interest on that balance every month until it is paid off. There is no grace period for cash advances — interest starts accruing when ready. Late payments trigger a late fee and can raise your interest rate further. The only way to avoid interest is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.
How to use the card and manage your account online
Once your card arrives, you use it like any other Visa card. At Exxon and Mobil stations, swipe or insert it at the pump or inside the station. At other merchants, use it anywhere Visa is accepted. Rewards post to your account automatically — you do not have to do anything to earn them.
You manage your account through Chase's website or the Chase Mobile app. You can view your balance, see your recent transactions, make payments, set up automatic payments, change your PIN, and read statements. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your balance reaches a certain amount or when a payment is due.
To pay your bill, log into your Chase account, select the Exxon Mobil card, and choose how much to pay. You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern time on the due date are credited that day. Payments made after that time or on a weekend post the next business day.
Redeeming rewards and what you can do with cash back
Cash back accumulates in your account as you make purchases. You can redeem it in several ways: as a statement credit (which reduces your next bill), as a check mailed to you, or sometimes as a deposit to a linked bank account. The minimum redemption amount is usually $20, though this can vary.
You do not have to redeem rewards when ready — they stay in your account until you choose to use them. However, if you close the card, any unredeemed cash back is forfeited, so redeem before you cancel. Some cards also let you use rewards to pay down your balance directly, which is useful if you are carrying debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Chase does not state a minimum, but approval is most likely with a score of 670 or higher. Scores below 650 are rarely approved. Your full credit profile — payment history, existing debt, and recent inquiries — matters as much as the score itself.
Can I use this card at gas stations other than Exxon and Mobil?
Yes. The card works at any merchant that accepts Visa. You earn the standard 1% cash back (or 1% on the Elite version) at other gas stations, but the higher rewards rate only applies at Exxon and Mobil locations.
What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
You will be charged a late fee and your interest rate may increase. Payments more than 30 days late are reported to the credit bureaus and damage your credit score. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid missing the due date.
Can I cancel the card anytime?
Yes, you can cancel at any time by calling Chase or through your online account. Canceling does not hurt your credit when ready, but it does reduce the average age of your accounts and lower your available credit, which can lower your score slightly over time.
Do I earn rewards on fuel purchases outside the United States?
Rewards typically explore only to purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations in the United States. International purchases earn the standard cash back rate. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Chase to confirm the current policy.