Gas rebate credit cards

Gas Rebate Credit Cards are promoted by gas companies to meet consumer demand to save money at the pumps

High Fuel Prices make Gas Rewards Cards more popular than other credit card reward offers

How do Gas Rebate Cards reward loyal customers as they look for relief from the high price of gasoline?  Lets face it, we shall continue to face rising fuel costs and we do need to drive our cars.  If you are like most north american commuters, you may wish to get some rewards for pouring all the money into the fuel pumps.  The answer - at least to ease some of the pain - is a gas rebate card.

These specialty gas reward cards are intended to keep loyal customers at the pump while offering some nice rewards for that loyalty.  Some cards offer discounts off of the actual price of fuel while others accumulate 'points' towards select merchandise.  There basically two types of gas reward cards.

Gas-Rebate Cards Issued by a Gas Company
These cards will be branded by Chase,  Mastercard or Visa.  They function as a regular credit card and can be used to make purchases anywhere.  But,  you will only  get your gas rebate if you  purchase gas from the gas stations whose company  issued the card.  It  would make sense to get your card from a local gas station that you usually visit. Note that becuase this type of  card is limited to a gas company, you may not always be purchasing the lowest priced fuel.

Gas-Reward Cards Issued by a Credit Card Merchant
These cards offer more options and choice.  They issued by the major credit card merchants.  They give you the rebate on gas purchased at any station where you use your credit card.   They even give reward points for other  purchases made at other retail outlets

How do gas cards save money?
As you purchase with the card you are rewarded with a discount of about 3 to 5 percent discount on your purchases.  Some of the better gas cards give  you 3 to 5 percent on gas and groceries purchases plus an additional 1 percent on other purchases. The rebate can either show up on your monthly statement or they will issue you a separate check and send it to you in the mail.  Watch out for promotional offers that give you introductory savings for the first 60 to 90 days.  Often as high as 10 percent discounts.

How much can I really save?
Even if you estimate that you save a few pennies off every gallon, this does add up over a year period.   Lets say that on every fill up you save $2  and that you fill up only once per week  That puts over $154 back in you bank account at the end of the year.