A wide variety of gas credit cards are available and they all have different features and benefits. For instance, if you are someone who travels a lot, look for a card with features that would add value to your trips with discounts on hotel accommodation and restaurants.
All the cards offer some form of rebate when you purchase gas, so if you own a car, make use of the discounts the gas cards offer you. Gas is going to become even more expensive in 2012 and it makes sense to save as much as you can. Even if you do not plan on making long trips by car, you will use your car every day to travel to and from work, or for going to the gym or shops. With so many cash backs and rewards offered by the gas credit card companies, they warrant a serious look.
Main Features
The main advantage of gas credit cards is the fact that they offer a rebate on gas. The percentages of rebates offered differ from one company to the next. Make sure you know how to claim the rebates, as they are not necessarily given to you automatically. Many cards partner with specific brands or specific stations where the rebates can be earned and used. It is also possible that you will be required to fill up with certain minimums before the rebates take effect. The gas credit card will benefit you if you are someone who travels a lot for business purposes, but if you are mostly at home and only drive on the odd occasion, you must think carefully before you sign up.
Interest rates vary from card to card. Many card issuers offer a 0% introduction rate on purchases as well as on balance transfers for 6 months or a year. Thereafter, the rate increases to anything from 10.99% – 20.99%.
Many companies don`t have annual fees but others do. In the latter case, you will have to compare the fee with the purchases you are likely to make and the discounts and awards you can earn. The same applies to card fees. Read the documents you are asked to sign and make sure you know what the card is going to cost you. Cash backs and rewards can be earned when you shop at selected merchants and these rewards can be as high as 20%. In some instances, the rewards you have earned will never expire. So, if you can`t use them this year, you can do so next year.
What To Look Out For
Firstly, the card that you want to sign up for must have stations and brands available in your area, in the approximate location where you normally fill up with gas or go shopping.
Whether you carry a balance on your credit card every month or whether you pay it off in full, will determine whether you select a card with a lower or higher rate. If you mostly pay off the balance, opt for a card with a high rate.
More Benefits
Selected cards award you with a restaurant gift certificate after you have made your first purchase and others offer you 24/7 access to the accounts manager.
As with all financial decisions, it will be worth your while to research the market first before you complete and sign any papers. Make sure that the benefits work in your favor.
While you are surfing the internet to compare gas credit cards, you may come across a mortgage calculator, another helpful tool in the quest to save money.