Comments on: Best Gas Rebate Cards http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/ Tips for living frugal while still having a life Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:06:24 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: KC Desi http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-9184 KC Desi Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:10:12 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-9184 Hi I am a big fan of AMEX costco membership card. This rewards 3% on ALL gas purchases irrespective of the location. I used to charge my discover card for a very long time but the benefits are not that great as it used to be. Same boat as Betsy i guess ... KC Desi Hi

I am a big fan of AMEX costco membership card. This rewards 3% on ALL gas purchases irrespective of the location.

I used to charge my discover card for a very long time but the benefits are not that great as it used to be. Same boat as Betsy i guess …

KC Desi

]]> By: October 12, 2008 Link Payday | Uncommon Cents http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-9089 October 12, 2008 Link Payday | Uncommon Cents Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:18:17 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-9089 [...] Dad spends some time doing dirty work for the rest of us when he puts his energy into Evaluating the Best Gas Credit Cards for Rebates. While I agree that the Discover Open Road is a great card (I have one), my personal choice, the [...] [...] Dad spends some time doing dirty work for the rest of us when he puts his energy into Evaluating the Best Gas Credit Cards for Rebates. While I agree that the Discover Open Road is a great card (I have one), my personal choice, the [...]

]]> By: You Need a New Job! | Money Smart Life http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8134 You Need a New Job! | Money Smart Life Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:48:38 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8134 [...] Dad is looking for a good gas credit card, here’s a review of the best gas credit cards and a place where you can compare gas credit [...] [...] Dad is looking for a good gas credit card, here’s a review of the best gas credit cards and a place where you can compare gas credit [...]

]]> By: Simple Sapien http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8111 Simple Sapien Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:54:59 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8111 I know it is not entirely related, but have you experimented with how much you can save from the Safeway fuel discount with your club card? If you spend a certain amount on groceries you get 10 cents off per gallon if you fill up at a Safeway fuel station. Maybe you don't have Safeways where you are. Let me know! I am not suggesting this card as alternative, I was just curious if you had experimented with it. - Jack Rugile Simple Sapien. I know it is not entirely related, but have you experimented with how much you can save from the Safeway fuel discount with your club card? If you spend a certain amount on groceries you get 10 cents off per gallon if you fill up at a Safeway fuel station. Maybe you don’t have Safeways where you are. Let me know!

I am not suggesting this card as alternative, I was just curious if you had experimented with it.

- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien.

]]> By: Ryan S.@uncommon-cents.net http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8101 Ryan S.@uncommon-cents.net Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:52:17 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8101 I have the same Discover Open Road card and like it; however, I have another gas card as well because of the $100 a month cap. Mine is the Pentagon FCU Platinum Visa--5% rebate on gas unlimited and instantaneous, since it's deducted every month on your bill. It also offers 2% back on groceries and 1.25% back on everything else. I recommend both, but since I use about $200 a month on gas, I figured I could use more than the Open Road could offer (don't get me wrong, I like Discover a lot!). I have the same Discover Open Road card and like it; however, I have another gas card as well because of the $100 a month cap. Mine is the Pentagon FCU Platinum Visa–5% rebate on gas unlimited and instantaneous, since it’s deducted every month on your bill. It also offers 2% back on groceries and 1.25% back on everything else. I recommend both, but since I use about $200 a month on gas, I figured I could use more than the Open Road could offer (don’t get me wrong, I like Discover a lot!).

]]> By: Betsy T. http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8093 Betsy T. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:57:16 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8093 Discovercard has been my only credit card since I was 18 years old. I have always loved the rewards system, but sadly it is not what is used to be. The reward card partners were historically at higher percents then they are now. I used to be able to double my rewards by cashing the rewards through Borders.com. No longer, I can only cash them in at an additional 25%. I started it out under the standard cash rewards that change on the season, but switched to the Open Road. Discover was able to make the switch without running an inquiry on my credit report. I did not see much change in my rewards balance after I switched, but the rewards rate was more predictable. Instead of using the cash back award for savings plan or to pay off the balance, I love saving it throughout the year. I then cash the rewards in for gift cards for the holidays. I can increase the value of the rewards up 25% to 100% which I can give directly as gifts or use to buy gifts. It is my holiday spending budget without spending a dime! Discovercard has been my only credit card since I was 18 years old. I have always loved the rewards system, but sadly it is not what is used to be. The reward card partners were historically at higher percents then they are now. I used to be able to double my rewards by cashing the rewards through Borders.com. No longer, I can only cash them in at an additional 25%. I started it out under the standard cash rewards that change on the season, but switched to the Open Road. Discover was able to make the switch without running an inquiry on my credit report. I did not see much change in my rewards balance after I switched, but the rewards rate was more predictable.

Instead of using the cash back award for savings plan or to pay off the balance, I love saving it throughout the year. I then cash the rewards in for gift cards for the holidays. I can increase the value of the rewards up 25% to 100% which I can give directly as gifts or use to buy gifts. It is my holiday spending budget without spending a dime!

]]> By: Matt http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8090 Matt Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:41:19 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8090 I know that studies show people are prone to spend more if they use credit cards but I find it's the exact opposite for me. I pay the card balance completely every month. Because of this I'm reluctant to spend money on the card that I don't have to because I know it just adds to the painfully large bill I have to pay at the end of the month. On the other hand if I have cash in my pocket, buying stuff with that doesn't add to the big end of month bill so I'm more likely to spend the cash. They should do a study comparing those who pay their credit card in full each month vs those who do not. I have a Chase Freedom rewards card that gives me between 1 and 3% back on purchases depending where they are, or something. It's not much but it's something once every 6 months or so I cash in the points for $200 off that end of month bill. If you're trying to get bang for your buck specifically on fuel, I'd look into a rebate card issued by the gas station you use most often. I know Marathon and BP have them. Marathon's is pretty good (they advertise the price after rebate at the station by my house) it's usually like 15-20 cents less per gallon than the regular price. I know that studies show people are prone to spend more if they use credit cards but I find it’s the exact opposite for me. I pay the card balance completely every month. Because of this I’m reluctant to spend money on the card that I don’t have to because I know it just adds to the painfully large bill I have to pay at the end of the month. On the other hand if I have cash in my pocket, buying stuff with that doesn’t add to the big end of month bill so I’m more likely to spend the cash.

They should do a study comparing those who pay their credit card in full each month vs those who do not.

I have a Chase Freedom rewards card that gives me between 1 and 3% back on purchases depending where they are, or something. It’s not much but it’s something once every 6 months or so I cash in the points for $200 off that end of month bill.

If you’re trying to get bang for your buck specifically on fuel, I’d look into a rebate card issued by the gas station you use most often. I know Marathon and BP have them. Marathon’s is pretty good (they advertise the price after rebate at the station by my house) it’s usually like 15-20 cents less per gallon than the regular price.

]]> By: Aaron http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8053 Aaron Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:42:10 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8053 I use the Discover Open Road card for my first $100 of gas a month. I then use my Citi Drivers Select card to get 3% back on the rest of my gas (also Drug Stores and Food Stores). The Citi Drivers card also gives you $0.01 for each mile you drive. If you're going to run utility and other bills on the card, you'd be better off with Chase Freedom. 1% on everything. 3% on different categories, including utilities and gas. I use the Discover Open Road card for my first $100 of gas a month. I then use my Citi Drivers Select card to get 3% back on the rest of my gas (also Drug Stores and Food Stores). The Citi Drivers card also gives you $0.01 for each mile you drive.

If you’re going to run utility and other bills on the card, you’d be better off with Chase Freedom. 1% on everything. 3% on different categories, including utilities and gas.

]]> By: Frugal Dad http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8045 Frugal Dad Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:52:25 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8045 @Phil, and others: Admittedly, capping the gas rebate at $100 is rather ridiculous considering where prices are now. However, I have a 5-minute commute, so I rarely use that much gas anyway. The $3k annual expenses is not tough to reach if you run all of your utility payments through each month, but again, it is a little bit restrictive. I'll check out the other cards you have recommended and may wind up canning this one if it isn't working out for me. Thanks for the recommendations.

@Phil, and others: Admittedly, capping the gas rebate at $100 is rather ridiculous considering where prices are now. However, I have a 5-minute commute, so I rarely use that much gas anyway. The $3k annual expenses is not tough to reach if you run all of your utility payments through each month, but again, it is a little bit restrictive. I’ll check out the other cards you have recommended and may wind up canning this one if it isn’t working out for me. Thanks for the recommendations.

]]> By: Phil M http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/comment-page-1/#comment-8041 Phil M Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:32:25 +0000 http://frugaldad.com/2008/10/02/evaluating-the-best-gas-credit-cards-for-rebates/#comment-8041 I don't know if you saw it, but the rewards structure contains a lot of wording... It looks like the 5% is only for the first $100 (in gas/auto expenses) per period. The 1% is only after the annual purchases exceed $3000. I have the CitiBank Drivers edge card that earns 6% for the first year on Gas and Groceries, after which it drops to 3%. It's only 1% on everything else. On top of this, every time you get service and they track your mileage, you send in a form and get $.01 for every mile you drive. I drove about 3000 miles a month for the past year and was getting about $50 a month that could then be used for auto repair/service. I don’t know if you saw it, but the rewards structure contains a lot of wording… It looks like the 5% is only for the first $100 (in gas/auto expenses) per period. The 1% is only after the annual purchases exceed $3000.

I have the CitiBank Drivers edge card that earns 6% for the first year on Gas and Groceries, after which it drops to 3%. It’s only 1% on everything else. On top of this, every time you get service and they track your mileage, you send in a form and get $.01 for every mile you drive. I drove about 3000 miles a month for the past year and was getting about $50 a month that could then be used for auto repair/service.

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