Find Cheap Gas – Use Gas Cards
September 10th, 2010 | 
Author: 
With the current gas prices, gas consumption causes a big hole in every pocket. Prices have continued to soar to record levels and there is no telling when it will stop. Everyone is keen on looking for ways to find cheap gas-to save money. There are quite a number of ways to save money, from using car less, keeping cars in tip top shape to totally premium ways such as buying and using a hybrid car. But if you really want to find cheap gas, the best way is to use gas cards.
There are two types of gas cards-prepaid or credit. Prepaid cards are those that are preloaded to your desired amount. While gas credit cards works just like the usual credit cards. The only difference with ordinary credit cards is that you benefit every time you use this card to purchase gas. When you use your card to pay for gas purchases you earn rebates, and this is how you save-find cheap gas. Percentage rebates range from 2% to 5% and are accumulated in the form of rewards points. These points can be accumulated and once they reach the redeemable period can be converted into cash back or other forms of rewards.
Gas credit cards differ in rebates and rewards points. Basically, under this criteria, there are two types of card. One is the general rewards card that can be used at any gas station and offer several types of rewards. These rewards vary from cash back, merchandise, airline tickets and gift certificates. The other form of card is the specific or gas station exclusive card which can only be used at affiliated stations. Rebates are usually higher with this type of card and rewards are usually in the form of cash back only.
The process of redeeming rewards also vary according to the type of card. Some cards may automatically redeem rewards points by crediting your existing card or issuing a check or gas gift card with the reward amount. This cards are usually those that offer cash back rewards only. While others that offer various forms of rewards may require that you request your rewards.
So the next time that you look for cheap gas, use gas cards instead. However, there are some things to keep in mind when looking for cards. Below are some tips in looking for the right credit card.
1.Be wary of introductory periods. Some card companies try to sweeten their cards with introductory periods wherein they offer higher percentage rebates. This rebates may be a sweet deal, but what you should consider is the percentage rebate that you get in the long run.
2.Gas Station Exclusive cards. When you go for specific or exclusive cards, make sure that you live near an affiliated station or your savings may just be spent on traveling to affiliated stations.
3.Read the fine print on rewards. Your journey to finding cheap gas may just go to waste if you do not read your card’s fine print on redeeming rewards. There are cards whose rewards points expire over a limited period. So be sure to choose cards that have longer or no expiration periods.
Posted in Gas Rewards Cards | 
Tags: Cars, Current Gas Prices, Gas Cards, Gas Consumption, Rewards Points