Apply for gas card

Apply for gas card NOW. Gas card applications are more important than ever after dramatic gas price fluctuations and onset of a US recession.

Discount gas cards make your gas credit card a weapon that defends the cash in your wallet, instead of a debt bloating monster.

So what should the credit savvy consumer look for before making their gas card applications? Consider the following when you apply for gas card:

First, please understand there is no single and definitive best gas rewards credit card. The best credit cards deal will depend on your own personal situation and preferences. That is why making thorough credit cards comparisons can be so helpful.

The gas rewards deals tend to vary on a some important points:

1. Whether or not your card can be used at only one type of gas station such as a BP, or at any gas station.

2. The amount of the rebate - this may be 3% to 5%, or even 10% for an introductory period.

3. The APR (of course!)

4. Is there an annual membership fee?

5. How long is the grace period? People often overlook this point, but if you pay your card in full each month this is the period of time for which the credit card company is actually giving you an interest free loan.

6. Are any other rewards included?

The two factors that will usually play the biggest role in choosing the best deal for you is whether you are going to pay the balance in full each month, and whether or not you care if you are limited to one chain of gas stations.

Today many people are using these cards just to buy gas with. This means that they are able to pay in full each month. This is a wonderful deal because not only does the consumer get the gas rebate, they also get the benefit of a monthly interest free loan that can free up cash to invest elsewhere. For a consumer who can pay the monthly gas card bill in full, another benefit is that they do not have to worry about the APR as they will never have to pay any interest. This leaves them at liberty to concentrate on getting the card with the best rebates and longest grace period.

You may be surprised by just how many Americans do pay their credit card bill in full each month. See Statistics on Credit Cards and Average FICO Score for some fascinating insights.

It also helps to understand How Do Credit Cards Work?, especially in relation to your own credit style.

Based on the latest independent research by Consumer Reports.org, here are our top four selections for when you apply for gas card:

1. Chase PerfectCard MasterCard: Offers 5% during the intro period, with a 3% rebate on all gas spending after that.

2. Hess Platinum VISA: The Hess gas card offers oustanding gas credit card value. However, Hess gas stations can only be found on the East Coast, which is a shame. If you are fortunate enough to be located where there are Hess stations (and after all, millions of Americans do live on the East Coast), the Hess VISA offers the following benefits: 0% introductory APR, 10% back on Hess purchases for 90 days, and then 5% on Hess and 1% on everything else. No wonder they made it on to the Consumer Reports gas cards short list.

3. Discover Open Road: May be used at a range of gas stations and auto related outlets. Offer 0% intro APR and 5% gas rebates. Other rewards also available. Grace period of at least 25 days when you pay your balance in full each month.

4. Chase BP VISA: Another great card with no annual fee. Offers intro gas rebates of 10% for the first 60 days. The disadvantage is that this card is limited to BP gas stations only. A neat feature is that rewards can be optionally donated to the The Conservation Fund, an environmental charity. Grace period of at least 20 days.

The APR on these cards will probably differ according to your personal credit score. Overall, the Discover card is probably the slightly better deal, and tends to have a lower APR (interest rate), but the BP card is also excellent and may be quicker and easier to obtain, especially if you want to apply for a gas card online and get instant approval.

Finally, if you are one of the many hard working Americans who currently find themselves struggling financially, there is a 3rd strategy you may consider. This applies to the many people who are carrying some credit card debt and are not currently able to pay their balances in full each month. In this situation you may save more by swapping to a low interest card or doing a 0% APR balance transfer. The savings in interest may be greater than the benefits of any cash back or rewards program, even with the best gas rewards credit card.

Shell Oil Credit Cards

Texaco Gas Cards

CITGO Gas Card

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