Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Each Gas Rebate Credit Card Is Different

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you' re serious about saving money on gas, consider using more than one credit card. Then when you reach the rewards limit, simply switch to using your other credit card.



You can exploit all the benefits of each card. Ideally you could find one credit card that could give you high cash back rates with no limit. Once you reach the rebate limit or the introductory period expires, the cash back percentage decreases. Unfortunately most gas rebate credit cards have limits on the rebates you can earn. Suddenly your 5% gas rebate credit card only gives you 1% back. Often they don' t even realize that they are getting less cash back.


Most people would keep using the credit card out of habit. What is stopping you from using more than one rebate credit card? When the credit card company reduces your rebate percentage, switch to another card that will give you reasonable rewards. Don' t settle for the roll back rebate percentage. With this strategy, you could get high cash rebates all year. To make things difficult, each credit card has its own formula for earning rewards.


Before attempting to juggle multiple credit cards, carefully read each credit card's terms and conditions. For example, most gas rebate credit cards start with high cash rebate percentages. General cash rebate credit cards tend to be the opposite. Then once you spend a certain amount, your rebate rate goes down. Those cards start with a low cash back percentage that increases as you spend more. Sometimes a particular gas station offers a really good credit card, but is only applicable at their gas station.


That type of credit card would be best used exclusively. Take advantage of that offer and use a different rewards card if you purchase gas elsewhere. Another thing to watch out for is credit cards that have a minimum total purchase for rebate eligibility. When the gas station attendant asks for your rebate card, be proud that you are one of the smart people saving money. You might only qualify for rebates after you spend a few thousand dollars. Also remember to be responsible with all your credit cards and pay them off in time.


Plan your spending and figure out which credit cards would work best together. Each gas rebate credit card is different. If your credit card doesn' t always give you the best deal, do something about it. So to really save money on gas, your strategy should be to use the best credit card for each purchase, even if that means owning multiple credit cards. Don' t be afraid to add another credit card to your wallet.

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