Differences between gas credit cards.

If you drive a car you have noticed the price of gas. And chances are they have not reached the peak yet. Every nigth in the news we hear how the oil got more expensive, so the price of gas will keep on growing too. What are we suppose to do to get back and forth to work or other places we need to go?

If you don't already have one, chances are you are considering a gas credit card. How will that help you may be saying? With a gas credit card you can get to the gas station and not have to empty your wallet into the gas tank. With a gas credit card you can buy gas and put it on the credit card and pay for it later. Also, gas credit cards have descent cash back rewards or points for pumping gas. Consider, that you could save up to 5% on fuel, using gas credit card. Also you can earn up to 5 points per dollar spend. You can redeem them on gas or vehicle service later.

You need to know, that gas credit cards are not the same. We can divide them on 2 categories: 'gas station brand name cards' (no visa/mastercard/amex logo on it) and gas credit cards issued by big banks with visa/mastercard/amex logo. They are very different, here is why.

Gas station brand name cards let you buy gas or merchandise only from any particular gas station name, like BP or Sunoco, for example. You cannot use this card anywhere else. You shoul get this card if you know exactly that you going to use any of these particular gas stations for buying gas. But know, that with these credit cards discounts and cash backs usually better, because they work like 'Fidelity card', that forces to be loyal to any particular gas brand.

Other type of gas credit cards are being issued by banks. They let you buy fuel everywhere you want. Agree that sometimes gas price could be better across the street, and and its nice to have a little discount on top of that. These gas cards give you more freedom in making decisions, where to buy gas for your car. Also it's useful for trips: you have no idea, at what gas station you going to pump next. Also, with bank gas credit cards you can buy anything you want, not only gas. Its just you will not earn points or cash back on these type of purchases.

Many well known gas stations offer their own credit cards. You can ask for application form right at the gas station or go online and compare many cards at the time and choose the one, you like the most. Having a gas card is also useful for keeping track of your gas expences, especially if you have business or several cars at home.

A gas credit card is a welcome sight when you see the price signs at the gas station these days. However as with all other credit cards they should be used with caution and keep track of what you are spending so that you are still able to pay it off when you get the bill. True, that it is much easier to swipe a card than it is to walk into the gas station, wait in line, then pay the cashier, then go out and pump your gas. Go to your favorite station or visit a website like http://www.credit-card-accepted.com and apply for your gas card today.

gas credit cards at http://www.credit-card-accepted.com

- Michael Huch