Is a Gas Rebate Card Right for You?

Filed under: Gas Credit Card Tips

Everything is becoming more and more expensive and that includes gas prices. The gas rebate credit card came into being as a way to reward those who spend a lot of money on gas.

It mainly takes the form of a cash back reward. Cardholders get a percentage of the sum they spend on gas every month in the form of a rebate check at the end of the year.

Since the inception of the cards, many different cards offering an attractive variety of perks have come onto the market. Which one is right for you? Is this concept right for you?

A gas rebate credit card will work well for you if you travel a lot, either for business or for pleasure. It can save you a lot of money. If you mostly use public transport and use your car only now and then, this might not be for you.

As with any other financial product that one applies for, a good credit score is important to be able to qualify for the card.

When you decide on a gas rebate credit card, it stands to reason that your first choice will be with the brand you are familiar and happy with. If you are using a credit card from a specific bank, you will probably also consider the gas rebate credit card that they offer.

The more flexible the card, the better. Have a look at a number of cards before you decide which one to use.

Be sure to read the fine print. The 6% rebate on gas that you see might only apply for the first 90 days and thereafter it can drop to 3%. Also, the terms and conditions of the cards can change without notice.

Take note of the fact that not all gas stations will qualify for the full rebate. If you fill up at a warehouse, the rebate may be lower and not worth your while in the end. A standalone station whose sole function it is to sell gas will earn you the full rebate.

If you have unpaid balances on your card, the interest rates can be high, as much as 20% or more. Cards with lower interest rates will be better for these balances.

Some of the things you can expect from your gas rebate credit card are as follows: There is no annual fee and your rewards never expire. You are rewarded with up to 10% cash back when you shop online at selected stores. If you spend a certain amount within the first three months, you qualify for a Bonus Cash Back.

Apart from the rewards when filling up with gas, you can also get cash back when you spend money at movie theaters, restaurants and department stores. Selected cards offer a 0% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers and 6 months on purchases. With others, you can redeem cash rewards any time for any amount.

To choose a gas rebate credit card or not is up to you but a card such as the Barclays credit card offers a range of perks including rewards for gas, shopping or eating out.

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Gas Credit Card Rewards or Miles

Filed under: Gas Credit Card Tips

Nothing sounds better than getting rewarded for something that you already do. If you have a gas card you could be getting all types of rewards based on the amount that you spend each month. There are two main options to choose from. Deciding between the two isn`t an easy task. Take some time to look over both options and figure out the one that best suits you.

Many gas cards offer you the opportunity to earn points. It may be one point for every dollar that you spend or it could be calculated differently. Either way you are going to fill up with gas anyway, so why not get a benefit from it? When you have accumulated a certain number of points you can “spend” them on a variety of things. Depending on the rewards program offered by your gas card you could use the point to gain actual products. Many allow customers to use their points towards gift cards. In either case, you are walking away with an added bonus for putting your gas onto the credit card.

Another popular option for gas cards is the idea of earning miles for every purchase. With every fill up you are earning miles that can be redeemed for a plane ticket with one of the major airlines. Points and redemptions vary so be sure to check with your gas credit card company to learn more about the miles. Find out if they are only good on a certain airline. Ask about blackout dates and other fees that may apply. Once again, you need to put gas in your vehicle. If it ends up generating a free plane ticket, you receive an added bonus.

If your gas credit card company offers you a choice between rewards or miles, take some time to think about it. Before making any decision, find out if you can change your mind at any point and switch over to the alternative option. No matter what, you want to choose wisely. The main question to ask yourself is which of the two choices will benefit you the most.

If you travel or make frequent trips to visit family, the miles are probably a better option. Just like the gas card miles, if you are going to travel on an airline anyway, why not get it for free? Once again, be sure to check out all of the limitations and requirements necessary to travel using your miles. You don`t want to be stuck with a bunch of miles that won`t work for your current situation. The more information you have about the miles and how to redeem them, the better.

If you don`t travel much and enjoy more instant gratification, the rewards are the best choice for you. Saving up for an airline ticket requires lots of miles. Depending on how much gas you need, it could take a lot of time before the miles have accumulated. Rewards can usually be reached faster because you don`t need a large amount for redemption. Gift cards are always a great option. You can treat yourself to dinner, coffee, or even a little shopping spree. Most gift cards don`t expire and you can even use them as gifts for other people.

When it comes to spendingmoney saving money is even better. Whether you choose rewards or miles you are benefiting from something that you already do regularly. Using your money wisely, in this case, becomes a benefit in the form of things like gift cards and airline tickets!

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