Prepaid Gas Cards
From LoveToKnow Creditcards
When gas prices hovered at all-time highs, prepaid gas cards became a popular way to save money on fuel budgets as prices went up. They were also much safer than people trying to hoard gasoline in their homes or garages when trying buy gas before the cost went up any higher. In a way, these prepaid cards let people store gas in their wallets.
How to Use Prepaid Gas Cards
Some prepaid gas cards work much like gift cards for retailers or prepaid debit cards, except that they are used specifically at gas stations. One thing to get clear from the start is that prepaid gas cards are not to be used like credit cards. For those who buy a gas card to save money on gas or to track their fuel expenses, they will need to limit the use of the card to the purchase gas and gas alone. If this is your intent, don't fall prey to marketers who also offer other products and services on prepaid cards. Usually, those who end up using their card more like a credit card end up paying more for their fuel than if they had just paid at the pump. If your purpose for buying a prepaid gas card is convenience, then that's fine, but if you bought your card to get a handle on fuel expenses it's not so fine. Use your prepaid card as a means of rationing your gas budget, and you'll be able to save on your monthly bill.
Prepaid Cards Versus Gas Credit Cards
While there are gas credit cards, they are different from prepaid gas cards. With fluctuating gas prices, a prepaid gas card can help you to spend a lower fixed price for your gas. However, some prepaid cards have time limits that apply so it is important to pay attention to the fine print because you don't want to pay for gas that you never use.
A gas credit card, on the other hand, is a credit card used for paying for your gas and other automotive needs. The benefit of using a gas credit card is that it may offer opportunities for rebates and cash back offers. In some cases, the credit card holder can accumulate points that translate into cash. And with a credit card, you can buy what you need just about anywhere and it may offer other benefits like travel discounts.
Both gas cards, credit and prepaid, have their advantages. Which will work best for your circumstances, you'll have to decide.
MyGallons.com
Buying MyGallons prepaid gas cards provides the opportunity to pre-purchase gas at today’s prices, and fill up your tank at that price even if or when prices go up at the pump. It doesn't matter how much the cost of gas goes up, the price you pay on your card is locked in. When you activate your MyGallons gas card, you are provided with the current price of gasoline based on the current average price of self-serve regular unleaded in your local area.
This card is a great tool that lets you buy gas when prices go down and fill your tank at the pump later when prices are higher without spending an extra cent. MyGallons offers a variety of options to suit the needs of their customers. One option allows customers to authorize an automatic refill when your card's balance drops below 15 gallons. This option is designed to eliminate the risk of incurring overdraft fees.
Prepaid Gift Gas Cards
Prepaid Gas Gift Cards are easy to buy and use. They can be purchased in convenient denominations and used at the pump or inside the store. When you make a purchase, the remaining balance on your card is printed on your receipt. If you wonder how much is left on your gas gift card, you can ask a service station attendant to verify the amount before your pump your gas.
Gift Cards
- BP Gift Card
- Chevron Gift Card
- Circle K Gift Card
- Exxon Gas Card
- Gulf Oil Gift Card
Other Prepaid Gas Cards
- American Express®-branded Fill It Up® Card
- ARCO PumpPASS
- Marathon Prepaid Card
Prepaid gas cards can help you stick to your budget, and monitor and control how much gas you use. They are also a wise option for people who don't use credit cards responsibly. And just like pre-paid phones, gas gift cards make a practical tool for parents who buy gas for the teenage drivers in their family. You can apply for a gas card on line, by phone or with your local vendor.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,891 times. This page was last modified 15:53, 30 August 2008.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Visit us on facebook