Best Credit Card for Exxon in 2026
Exxon is classified under MCC 5541 (Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)). The best card for Exxon purchases is the Ink Business Cash (no annual fee), earning 5x on service stations ( with or without ancillary services) — an effective return of 10.25%.
Does Exxon accept Mastercard? Yes — Exxon accepts Mastercard and Visa at all pumps. American Express and Discover acceptance varies by location.
Service stations, like Exxon, are crucial for anyone who drives a car and wants to maximize their rewards. Cards in the travel category, such as the Hilton Honors Surpass, offer great benefits here.
Always fill up your tank right after swiping your rewards card to ensure you're maximizing every dollar spent at Exxon.
Spending Math
If you spend $200 a month at Exxon with the Hilton Honors Surpass earning 6x points, that's $144 in annual rewards compared to just $24 on a typical 1% cash back card.
Exxon purchases are classified under MCC 5541 (Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)).
MCC Details for Exxon
Best Credit Cards for Exxon (2026)
How Exxon Codes on Your Statement
When you pay at Exxon at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5541 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a service stations ( with or without ancillary services) merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "service stations ( with or without ancillary services)" purchases, Exxon transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Exxon specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Exxon transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 5541 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Bonus Category Match — Exxon
About MCC 5541: Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services)
Merchant Category Code 5541 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services) industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5541, all qualifying card programs that include service stations ( with or without ancillary services) as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Retail industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Service Stations ( with or without ancillary services) merchants: 7-Eleven, 7-Eleven - Albuquerque, 7-Eleven - Anaheim.
What You Could Earn at Exxon
Spending $200/month at Exxon with the Ink Business Cash (5x on service stations ( with or without ancillary services)) earns approximately $120/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $96 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Custom Cash earns 5x at Exxon merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.