How To Get And Use A Gas Station Credit Card
Doug Smith

Defined Tag: Gas Station Credit Card.

Why You Need A Gas Station Credit Card

It is not always safe to carry cash, especially large amounts of it. The amount you can carry depends on the size of the bills and of your pockets! A gasoline station card is convenient because you have spending available up to the limit of the card without carrying bulky cash.

You can also get other benefits from a station credit card such as cash back rebates on restaurants, groceries, and airplane tickets. You may also find that such a gas card offers you personal accident insurance. If you have a global fuel station credit card, you can make purchases in any currency, yet still settle the bill later in your own currency.

Most companies that offer a petroleum station credit card require you to have a good credit history (e.g., that you can and will pay on time). If your credit history is not good, you may receive a gas station card with a very low limit, or no card at all.

Card Categories

Two kinds of gas and diesel station cards exist. The first is provided by a particular oil company and/or its associated gas stations. This kind of gas credit card will bear a MasterCard or Visa logo and is accepted for purchases anywhere. However, discounted gas is only available from that particular chain of gas stations.

If you have a favorite gas station nearby, it makes sense to get a station card for that station. Be aware that there may be restrictions on such cards.

Your favorite station may not always have the lowest prices, and you may seek an alternate station to pump your gas. If you did so, you certainly would want to get a discount at the other station as well. In other words, you don't want to be constrained to purchasing gas from only one company.

There is a more versatile type of gas station credit. Issued by the major credit card companies, these cards offer fuel discounts or rebates at any gas station you visit. You are also eligible for cash back rebates on purchases from grocery stores or places to eat.

How To Save The Most Cash

Even if your station card saves you only a few cents per gallon, that spare change can accumulate over a year's time. For example, if you buy 20 gallons of gas per week, and save 10 cents per gallon, you've saved more than $100 for the year. If you can pay off the bill at the end of each month, a gas station credit card can save you lots of money.

Copyright 2008 by Doug Smith. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Unauthorized Duplication Prohibited.