Gas credit cards – Weigh the pros and cons of using these cards

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Author: This guest post is contributed by R. Lawrence , a professional blogger & associated with Debtconsolidationcare community. If you want to know more updates about the community , please follow us here – twitter.com/debtcc

With the rising gas prices, it is becoming almost impossible to drive cars. However, there are many people who use gas credit cards at the pump stations to save money on the costs of gasoline. As the gas credit cards help you in saving money it can work as one of your debt help options. Though it is a good strategy to use the gas credit cards to save money on gasoline, you need to weigh the pros and cons of using these cards. That is, every material or thing in life has both some good and bad aspects. The gas credit cards are in no way an exception.

Pros and cons of gas credit cards

The different pros in regards to the gas credit cards are:

* There are Cashback rewards – There are good Cashback offers on the gas credit cards. Thus, you may be able to save money on that. There are different kinds of gas credit cards and these offer various such discount and Cashback offers. If you are able to save money on that, you will easily be able to pay off your other debts. Thus, the gas credit cards double as your debt help options.

* Can be used directly at pump stations – These gas credit cards can be used directly at the pump stations and you will be able to get the rewards if you use these cards on a regular basis at the pump stations. You can get these cards either with the creditors or even from the gas suppliers or pump stations.

* There are point programs offered too – It is not only the cash back reward or discounts which are offered by the gas credit cards. These also help you in accumulating points which you are allowed to redeem at a later date.

* There can be introductory incentive – There are also gas credit cards which offer some kind of introductory incentive. Actually the usage of the gas credit cards has become so popular that now the creditors are offering various kinds of offers. The interest rate can be especially low in the beginning, thereby helping you save more.

* Helps in categorizing spending – The gas credit cards also help the user to categorize his or her spending. That is, you will be able to categorize the spending in order to follow a proper budget. Instead of using the main credit cards for purchasing gasoline, you can rather use this gas credit card and maintain a separate account in order to keep a track on the gas purchases.

The different cons in regards to the gas credit cards are:

* Choices are limited – Using the store gas credit cards can actually be limiting. This is more true in case you buy gas from more than one gas station and if you want to get same level of rewards on all of your purchases. Not all cards offer same kinds of rewards and not all gas stations may entertain these reward practices.

* Higher interest charges – In general, the gas credit cards have high interest rates and more so in regards to the Annual Percentage Rate or APR. These credit cards generally have higher APRs in comparison to the other credit cards.

So, you will have to weigh the different pros and cons of getting gas credit cards and using those. Actually you will have to be aware of how these cards work and take advantage of the same in order to save money on the gas credit cards.

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Fuel Your Credit Score with a Gas Card

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As we all know, nursing one’s credit score back to health is a very challenging and seemingly impossible feat. With obstacles like rising gas prices and the demands of day-to-day necessities, it’s difficult to catch a break when trying to find ways to revive your credit. It may seem like every credit card company will immediately slam the door on a bad credit score, but gas credit cards in particular could be a great resource for those looking to rebuild their payment history while fulfilling a daily necessity.

One of the leading causes of bad credit is simply having poor spending habits. With a gas card, you can regulate your spending and practice better money management—you know exactly where your money goes since it’s only used on one expense. Also, consistent monthly payments can help build your reputation as a responsible cardholder, and put you back into good standing with financial institutions.

When searching for a gas card, a bad credit score could significantly limit one’s options. As expected, most cards you’ll be eligible for will carry an annual fee and a high APR, but just because you have bad credit doesn’t mean you should be paying anything completely unreasonable. Here are a few things to look out for when finding the right gas card for your credit.

Do Your Homework

First, get a copy of your credit report and look over it for any errors. Being familiar with your credit score can help you locate yourself and narrow down your card options. The more information you know about your credit score and history, the easier it will be to research gas cards on comparison websites. Once you’ve found a couple options, there are some very important details to be mindful of.

First, check the annual percentage rate (APR) on the card. This is especially important because a high interest rate could determine whether or not a gas card is actually beneficial to your credit score.

Next, check to see what fees each card carries, including annual fees, set up fees, and monthly service fees. It’s unlikely you’ll find a credit card for bad credit out there without an annual fee, but your savings on gas could balance it out, assuming it isn’t anything excessive. Also, over limit or late fees can leave you with an unexpected and overwhelming balance at the end of the month, so make sure to be aware of their policies. See if they offer a grace period for payments to make sure you always pay on time.

Even though you have bad credit, you still have the right to some flexibility in your gas card. Find out if there’s a credit limit or balance limit on the card. Gas prices seem to be increasing by the minute, so a really low limit could leave you stranded at the pump. But having a limit on your gas budget could also encourage you to be more careful about how you use your gas. Walking or biking to the store instead of driving can make for a healthy body and a healthy credit score.

Tim Chen is the CEO of NerdWallet, a credit card website helping you find the best gas credit cards for the summer driving season.

 

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Credit cards to help you save money on gas

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Gas prices are getting ridiculously high, aren’t they? Here are a few credit cards that offer a little price relief in the form of cash rebates.


BankAmericard Power Rewards Visa Signature Card

You earn triple points on gas, drug stores and groceries for the first six months after opening your account. Spend at least $100 within 60 days of opening your account and receive a $50 statement credit. You can apply the $50 to your next tank of gas. Or maybe that covers only a partial tank of gas, depending on the size of your car.

  • APR and fees: You get a zero percent APR on purchases for the first 12 statement closing dates. The regular APR starts as low as 12.99 percent. There’s no annual fee.

Blue Cash Everyday from American Express

This is a new card on the market and there’s a lot to like about it. You get 2 percent back at gas stations. Unlike the old American Express Blue Cash card, there are no high spending tiers you have to reach. Right now, I’m focusing on cash back for gas purchases, but it’s worth noting that with this card you also get 3 percent at grocery stores, 2 percent on department stores and 1 percent on all other purchases.

  • APR and fees : The regular APR starts at 17.24 percent so this is not the card for you if you need to revolve a balance. There’s no annual fee.

PenFed Visa Platinum Cashback Rewards Card

You get 5 percent cash back when you pay for gas at the pump. There’s a $50,000 limit but you’d have to be quite a road warrior to exceed that anytime soon.

  • APR and fees: You get a variable 13.99 percent APR, which isn’t too bad for a rewards card. There’s no annual fee.

Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards

You get 2 percent cash back on purchases at gas stations and grocery stores. And you get 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. There are no caps and no limits on the amount you can earn.

  • APR and fees: Enjoy a zero percent intro APR on purchases until April 2012. The regular APR starts as low as 12.9 percent. There’s no annual fee.

 

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Can I lower my gas bills using gas rebate credit cards?

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Is it possible to lower your gas bills using a gas credit card or gas rebate card? Yes. If only someone would push the electric car through, then gasoline would be a worry of the 20th century!

Alas, gasoline prices are here and continue to take a big chunk out of your weekly income. While gas prices might be down overall, it’s hard to deny the fact that it is a costly non-controllable expense.

The basic idea of the gas rebate card is that you can get a percentage of that money back each month and thus lower your monthly bills.

Do Gas Cards Really Save You Money?

Yes, a gas rebate card can and may save you money by reimbursing you for a percentage of what you spent on fuel each month. The savings are applied directly to your credit bill. Like other rebate offers, While the savings may be about the same in some cases, you can clearly see what you save and how much of it when you can compare statements by the month.

The rebate percentage can differ according to the credit card company. Some may offer a rate of 1% and others up to 6% or more. Check the introductory rate, as it may be rather high. Another advantage to look for is in online account access (TIP: Also, be sure to check out regular cash back credit card offers since they often may have a higher cash back percentage on many different categories of purchases instead of just gasoline purchases like a strictly gasoline only gas credit card).

One limitation to be aware of is that some credit cards may only offer gas rebate cards for certain brands of gas—meaning only usable at certain locations. This will be of no significant issue if you have a regular gas station that you go to every month. However, if you go to several gas stations in a month, or more to the point, shop around for the lowest prices in town, it can be frustrating to have these limitations.

The best option, if possible, is to find a credit card company that offers general gas rebate rewards that works with any gas station. Another item to look for is a lower rebate percentage for general purchases. Lastly, be sure to read the contract thoroughly to find out details about annual fees and method of payment requirements (like outside credit card debit payment or in-store charging).

The Interest Equation

MSNBC recently compared the advantages and disadvantages of gas rebate credit cards for a story. They discovered that while consumers do have the benefit of spending less money at the gas pump overall with such rebate plans, often times consumers are blindsided by the interest rates. Usually what happens is that they use the rebate card, which gives a percentage off each individual gas purchase. Hence, a 5% rebate on gasoline that’s priced $3 a gallon might amount to $2.85 after the rebate activates, after the end of the month. Now it’s a matter of doing the math and finding out how much 15 cents can save in a given year. Some individuals may save $100 a year, but others not as much.

Furthermore, the issue of high interest rates must be considered, as this can invalidate the proposed savings. Unfortunately, for the wide-eyed consumer who believes he or she is getting a great deal on gas, not everyone is going to be saving money. The MSNBC investigation reveals that most interest rates on rebate cards are actually higher than they are for regular credit cards. The higher interest you pay, the more that great rebate is being swallowed up. This is why most financial experts suggest you look for a card that has a low interest rate and that you try to pay your whole balance in full every month so that you don’t carry a balance over and activate higher interest charges.

How Much You Save (and Keep) In a Year?

Naturally, if you do not carry over your balance then the interest rate is a moot point. If you are able to do this, then you should find a rewards card that rewards you for keeping stable spending habits and maintaining a high credit score. With a gas rebate card you can earn something for the money you spend—and the credit you quickly pay off.

To ensure that you get a good ideal and avoid swallowing up that extra $100 a year, try and look for a gas card rebate contract that doesn’t have an annual fee. Also, check for any other fees that might be charged at various times in the month or throughout the year. In order to get back that proverbial $100 you need to ensure there are no other profit leaks.

If you need help finding a credit card account that has this gas rebate option, use our free credit card finder “Chaser” tool. You can compare credit card offers and choose the one that offers the best deal for your budget. Start chasing that perfect rewards card right now!

 

Compare Money Back Gas Credit Cards

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Zero percent balance transfer credit cards are a successful marketing strategy regarding credit card providers which provide massive benefits to customers. The actual inducement of absolutely no interest charges, even when only for a restricted period, is very attractive to bank card borrowers. Whether or not people are enduring serious economic disadvantage because of credit card debt or simply just paying more than they have to, balance transfer offers to low rate charge cards just make feeling. If charges are robbing your family of a decent total well being and financial security, then transferring your own credit card balance to an introductory card can provide you with much needed respite and an opportunity to get back on your ft.

There is no doubt that juggling high monthly charge card payments on multiple charge cards is a menu for financial stress and even disaster. The opportunity to reduce that tension and preventing financial derailment made available from zero percent credit cards is worth taking advantage of. There is a lot competition between credit card providers for balance transfer promotions that you will have lot of different cards to select from.

The most beneficial Credit Score are the ones with an promotional period of at least 12 months, low or perhaps no harmony transfer fees, and competitive ongoing charges and fees. Any rest from high interest charges is better than probably none, however, the longer that period can be, the better off you will be. Along with looking for the longest absolutely no interest term possible, opt for the cost of shifting your balance, ongoing fees and charges as well as the potential charges if fees and penalties come into play. Take time to read the terms and conditions of any credit card you are interested in trying to get in order to avoid expensive mistakes.

A variety of zero percent harmony transfer bank cards can be found online by simply doing an internet research. The quickest as well as easiest way to match introductory provides is to take advantage of a credit card web site that has currently done the initial ground work for you. These sites provide a range of options that you can consider and provide all the relevant info to help you determine. Generally speaking, additionally they provide the chance to apply on the web via a internet form. This is actually the most convenient approach to organize an account balance transfer as you can do it any time it you prefer and not a lending institution.

It is important to make the most of Credit Score through the use of as much of the eye savings as you possibly can to reduce your credit card harmony. The promotional period will come for an end and you’ll once again must pay normal charges unless you elect to transfer your balance to another opening offer greeting card. Therefore, it is essential that you maximize your zero interest period. Use as much of your own interest savings as possible to reduce your bank card balance while removing the financial pressure of your earlier situation. If you do this, you’ll move from debt in order to stability and find yourself in a much more strengthening position.

 

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Saving Money with Gas Cash Back Credit Cards

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If you spend a lot of time driving – or just sitting in traffic – gas may be one of your larger inescapable expenses. Back in 2008, it seemed like everyone was talking about gas prices. But after declining in 2009 and early 2010, gas prices have been steadily creeping back up to the same levels that made headlines just a few years ago. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the strain of filling up if you make use of credit card offers that provide cash back on gas.  With one of these cards, you can earn between 2% and 5% on every dollar you spend at the pump.

How Gas Cash Back Cards Work

Credit cards that offer cash back on gas, such as the Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards Card or the American Express Blue Cash Card, automatically credit your account with one to five cents every time you fill up. This may not seem like much, but at nearly $4 a gallon, saving eight to twenty cents a gallon can add up.

A person who spends $50 a week on gas, for example, can save $50 a year with a card that offers 2% cash back at gas stations. Sure, it’s not a fortune, but it helps.

Types of Gas Credit Cards

There are basically two types of gas credit cards: ones that can be used everywhere and ones issued by specific gas stations. Of the two types, gas credit cards that can be used everywhere are by far the best. These cards not only provide the opportunity to earn cash back at more places, but also tend to come with lower long term interest rates.

Many companies also offer 0% APR credit card deals on gas cards, which can be used to reduce debt via balance transfers or help you through a rough period when you have to rely on credit cards to get by.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Rewards Card

Like any credit card rewards program, you want to make as many purchases on the card as you can to grow the rewards.  The best cash back credit cards to use for gas tend offer a similar rate of cash back on groceries, typically the largest unavoidable household expense other than housing.

Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards, for example, offers a full 2% on gas and groceries. With this card, you’ll probably end up saving more on groceries than gas, but that’s not a bad thing. For example, spending $50 a week on gas will net you $50 a year in cash back. But if you spend $150 a week on groceries, you can earn an additional $156 in cash back, bringing your gas and grocery rewards to a not too shabby $206 a year.

Ultimately, the key to getting the most out of a cash back card is to use it for every purchase and pay the card in full every month. This will help you earn the most in rewards while preventing interest charges from reducing the value of the rewards you earn.

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Are gas-rebate credit cards a good deal?

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With today’s high gas prices, gas-rebate credit cards are becoming increasingly popular. And chances are, you’ve been tempted. Should you sign up?

Scott Strumello, who works for a financial-services consulting firm in Westbury, N.Y., says: “Not without understanding that there’s a difference between what’s featured on the outside of the envelope — frequently an introductory offer — and what’s in the fine print.”

Introductory vs. reality

With Chase’s PerfectCard MasterCard, for example, you get a 6% rebate on all gas purchases, but only for the first 90 days that the account is open. Thereafter, the gas rebate drops to 3%. Citibank’s Dividend Platinum Select offers 5% cash back on gas (and on drugstore, convenience store, supermarket and utility purchases) for six months, but then it drops to 2%. Still, the card is an “editor’s pick” at CardRatings.com.

A few other potential problems:

They hold the cards

Remember: Issuers can change their terms and conditions with little notice. A perfect example is MBNA’s AAA credit card. The card was once extremely popular — you got a 5% rebate on all of your gas purchases. Then the issuer realized that consumers were using it only for gas, says Curtis Arnold, president of CardRatings.com, and the plan was scaled back dramatically.

Talk back: Been tempted by a “free gas” deal?

“All of a sudden, consumers got a letter in the mail,” Arnold says. “Instead of getting that 5% rebate on gas, most customers now get only 2% if all they do is use the card for gasoline.” If terms are changed on your card, ask the issuer if it will offer you any enticing alternatives.

Not all gas stations qualify for a full rebate

Given the high cost of gasoline, filling up at a wholesale club may sound appealing. Not so fast. If you use your American Express Blue Cash card to pay for gas at a warehouse club, for instance, you’ll get a paltry 1.5%. And that’s after you spend $6,500 that year.

“Typically, to get the full rebate, which is generally 5%, you have to go to a standalone station,” explains Arnold — that is, a place whose primary function is selling gas.

Your savings may go up in smoke

Interest rates on unpaid balances of gas-rebate cards can be more than 20%.

“Accruing debt and then paying interest to save a few dollars at the pump doesn’t make any sense,” says Robert Manning, author of “Credit Card Nation: The Consequences of America’s Addiction to Credit.”

If you carry a balance — as 60% of all cardholders do — carry it on a low-interest-rate card.

Your rebates may be held hostage

Some issuers don’t automatically put the money into your account or issue you a check. Instead, you have to request it.

Moreover, your rebate may disappear if you don’t act within six or 12 months.

You can buck the system

No gas-rebate card will save you 20 to 30 cents per gallon — unless you get creative.

At CardRatings.com, one savvy consumer says the Speedway/SuperAmerica, where he buys gas, sells a $50 gift card for $48. When he buys or reloads a gift card, he pays with a Citi Dividend Platinum Select credit card, with its 5% rebate on gas-station purchases. On $3-a-gallon gas, that’s an 8.8% discount, or 26 cents per gallon.

 

*This article was reported and written by Vera Gibbons for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine.*

 

The Best Gas Credit Card Rewards and Offers

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Want to save money or earn extra cash back when you fill up your vehicle despite high gas prices at the pump? It doesn’t matter if you’re an ordinary consumer, a business, or even a student – I’m sure we all wouldn’t mind getting what essentially amounts to a cash back discount at the gas pump. If you are a frequent driver, you definitely will want the edge when it comes to taking advantage of the best possible card reward and cashback opportunities available for drivers. Gas prices have skyrocketed recently so anything you can reasonably do now to lessen the cost burden would be a wise financial move on your part as a gas consumer. Of course, only those who can handle the responsibility and burden of credit management should apply for and use credit cards. The rewards and rebates they offer are certainly attractive but they’re not suitable for those with a shaky credit usage history.

Currently, many reward credit cards include gas station purchases on their special list of places that yield extra high bonus cash back credit card rewards. When you use the card to purchase gas, you’ll frequently earn much higher reward rates than ordinary purchases made at other locations. If you strategically use a combination of reward cards like I do, you can designate higher rebate gas credit cards to be used specifically and primarily for gasoline expenses, and use your other reward cards for other general everyday purchases. After scouring all online offers, here are my top gas credit card choices to help you earn rewards and save on gas money. You might feel just a tiny bit better the next time you fill up.

The Best Cash Back Reward Credit Cards With The Highest Purchase Incentives For Gas Rebates

  1. Blue Cash(sm) Everyday Card from American Express - Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. No spend minimum, No enrollment, and No rotating rewards categories.
  2. Chase Freedom Visa $100 Bonus Cash Back - Get 5% bonus cash back in popular, rotating categories like gas, groceries, airlines, home improvement and more, subject to enrollment and maximum. Earn up to 10% additional cashback at select merchants when shopped online via Chase’s shopping portal. You earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases with no spending tiers.
  3. Discover Open Road Card – $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate – Get a free $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate with first purchase. Earn 2% Cashback Bonus automatically at any gas station and any restaurant.
  4. American Express True Earnings Card From Costco – This card is for Costco warehouse club members. It offers 3% for annual gasoline purchases of up to $3,000 (1% thereafter), 3% for restaurants, 2% for travel, 1% everywhere else, including Costco. The card has no annual fee with a paid Costco membership. Rebates are awarded as Costco vouchers redeemable for cash and merchandise.

List Of The Top Student Gas Rebate Credit Card Offers:

  1. Discover Student Open Road Card – Earn 5% cash back bonuses on gas and auto maintenance purchases. Earn 1% for everything else.

The Top Business Gas Reward and Cashback Credit Card Offers

Keep in mind that you don’t have to actually own your own small business to qualify for lucrative business credit card programs. People can become a business unto themselves (it’s legally referred to as a sole proprietorship) – just enter your own personal name when prompted for the business name.

  1. Citi AT&T Business Reward Card – Earn 3% back on gas, office supply, and professional service purchases. Get 5% back on all eligible AT&T products and services purchased directly from AT&T, and enjoy 1% back in Citi ThankYou rewards for everything else.
  2. Discover Business Card – Earn 2% cash back on gasoline, 5% cash back on office supplies, and 1% cash back for everything else.
  3. American Express TrueEarnings Business Card From Costco – Earn 5% rebates for gas, 3% cash back for eating out, 2% for travel, and 1% for everything else including purchases made at Costco. This excellent reward card is meant for Costco members. The card comes with no annual fee if you have a paid Costco membership.
  4. FNBO Business Edition Plus Visa Card – Earn 3% reward back for select purchases (3 points for every $1 you spend) and 1% for everything else. With this credit card offer from the First National Bank of Omaha, you get the high earning rate for money spent at gas stations, restaurants, office supply stores, and home improvement stores.

 

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