Gas Rebate Card

Types of Gas Rebate Cards

Two types of credit cards are offered that have rebates on gas. What kind you choose depends on your personal preference and situation. Compare the cards that fall into each category before making a decision.

Station-Specific Cards

These cards are offered through certain stations, like Shell. While they have a MasterCard or other credit logo on them and can be used anywhere, they do not offer a rebate at other stations. You must fill up at a Shell (or whatever company you choose) station. This card is good for people who prefer a certain brand and live or work near those stations.

While station-specific cards may offer a higher rebate percentage, they do not offer rebates at other stations or shopping destinations. If you travel, purchase gas frequently at other stations, or want more from your card, you might consider a credit card company-based rebate card.

Credit Company Cards

Cards like these are offered through credit card companies. You can purchase gas at any station for the high rebate (usually between 3 and 5 percent). Usually rebates are offered on other purchases for between 1 and 1.5 percent.

This type of card is optimal for most people.

What to Know About Rebate Cards

A gas rebate card should offer between 3 and 5 percent back on gas purchases. But there is more to a card than the rebate. Some things to look for when considering a gas rebate card include:

• Annual Percentage Rate—Sometimes the APR is considerably higher on gas cards than other cards. Pay your bill in full every month and this should not be a problem.
• Introductory offers—Introductory offers sometimes have up to a 10 percent rebate on gas purchases for the first 60 or 90 days of using the card. Be sure to check to see what the regular rebate is before choosing this card.
• Limitations—Most rebate cards have limitations on the amount they will rebate back to you. Companies cap it at anywhere between $300 and $1,000. Or, once you have received a certain rebate amount, the percentage you get back will drop.
• Other rewards—Credit card company issue cards often offer more rewards than just gas. Check to see if you will get a grocery or drugstore discount.
• Rebate redemption—Cards will not always rebate you automatically. You may have to choose what form of rebate you want (cash back, billing credit, etc). Some cards have expirations for redeeming rebates, so be sure to check that out as well.

Be sure to read the fine print on how to get the full gas rebate on your card. Sometime you can only swipe your credit card at pay-at-the-pump machines. Transactions done inside may not count towards your gas rebate.

Card Offers

Almost every major credit card carrier now has a gas rebate card. With careful searching, you can find the one that fits your lifestyle best. Apply online for the fastest return. As with any credit card, the APR and spending limit on a gas card will depend on your credit history.

Several cards to consider are:

• Marathon Platinum Mastercard—Earn 10 percent cash back on all gas purchases at Marathon the first 60 days. After that, earn 5 percent on Marathon purchases and 1 percent on everything else. All rebates automatically go towards future Marathon purchases.
• Chase Freedom—Get 3 percent cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, and qualifying quick service stores. Earn 1 percent on everything else. Change from cash back to reward points and back again.
• Citi Drivers Edge—Get 6 percent cash back on gas purchases (along with supermarkets and drug stores) for 12 months. After that, a 3 percent rate goes into effect. A 1 percent rebate on other purchases is available.
• Discover Gas Card—Earn 5 percent on gas and auto maintenance purchases and 1 percent on everything else. Rebates never expire and you can increase rebates with several partnered retailers for gift cards.
• American Express Blue Cash—After spending $6,500 on purchases, earn 5 percent cash back on gas station purchases, supermarket purchases, and drugstores, and 1.5 percent on everything else. Set up automatic bill pay to get cash back on the bills you pay anyway.

With all credit card offers, be sure to read the fine print. APR is subject to change and restrictions apply to most card offers. The above is only an overview of the several types of cards available.