Gas Credit Card
From LoveToKnow Creditcards
A gas credit card can be a handy tool when the time comes to fill up a car's gas tank. Cardholders must be sure to stay on top of payments just like they would with any other credit card account, because the activity on these types of credit cards are reported to the credit bureaus and sent to collections similar to a Visa or Mastercard.
Types of Gas Credit Cards
Most major gas stations offer gas credit cards to their customers. The long list includes, but is not limited to:
- QuikTrip - Cardholders can use their QuikTrip credit card to purchase gas and to purchase merchandise within the convenience store.
- Shell - These cards can be used at both Shell stations and at some Jiffy Lube locations.
- BP - Fleet cards issued through BP are designed to track the expenses of business customers who often utilize BP stations for their gasoline needs.
- Chevron/Texaco - This company offers three different credit options for gas consumers, including one card, which gives customers discounts on gas purchases.
Credit cards issued solely for the purpose to fill up gas tanks are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Many gas stations offer gas cards which also feature a Visa, MasterCard, or other major credit card logo attached to them. These types of cards can be used for purchases at any retailer that accepts major credit cards.
Major Credit Cards
There is a seemingly limitless selection of credit cards available through major credit card companies that additionally feature logos of various gas stations.
- Discover Open Road Card - This card offers cash back for purchases, but with additional cash back rewards for gas purchases.
- Chase BP Visa Rewards - This card features large cash rebates for purchases made specifically at BP stations.
- Citi Driver's Edge - Rebates earned with this Citi credit card are applied to maintenance fees or toward buying a new car.
- Chase PerfectCard - The rebates earned on this card vary depending on the length of time the card has been in use.
This list of gas credit cards is certainly not exhaustive, as there are plenty of other options available for applicants who are looking for a suitable card.
Gas Discounts
Why do people seek out gas cards when their wallets are already chock full of credit cards? For some people it is simply the matter of convenience that comes with having a credit card for an establishment that they frequent on a regular basis. Many cardholders, however, apply for gas credit cards in an attempt to earn hefty discounts on gasoline purchases. As gasoline prices rise, it is hard not to notice the advertisements displayed at various gas stations that promise substantial discounts when their credit cards are used for the gasoline purchase. The lure of ten cents off per gallon may be just the thing a consumer needs to prompt them to fill out an application. Consumers must be cautious, however, to not go overboard with gas credit cards in the hopes of saving a few dollars.
Gas Credit Card Alternatives
Consumers with bad credit do not necessarily have to give up on ever having the convenience of a gas credit card. Prepaid gas cards can offer the same amount of convenience as a credit card issued through a gas station, but the money is preloaded into the card account instead of drawing from a credit account. Prepaid cards can be given as gifts or they can be purchased by consumers who prefer not to use cash for their gas purchases.
It is important to pay close attention to the terms of the prepaid gas cards because some companies will add fees and extra charges to prepaid gas cards. The convenience of the prepaid card must be compared to the fees associated with their usage to make sure the consumer is getting his or her money's worth.
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This page has been accessed 2,077 times. This page was last modified 22:16, 30 April 2007.
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