Gas Credit Cards: 3 Things You Thought You Knew

If you think you know everything there is to know about gas credit cards, you may want to think twice. The gas cards of today are nothing like the gas cards of yesteryear, and people who don't see that don't know what they're missing out on. Before you go falling for the common myths surrounding these cards, here are a few facts to consider...

Myth #1: They're Not For The Credit Challenged

Remember when gas credit cards were primarily for those with credit challenges? Those days are long gone. If you don't have decent credit, qualifying for a gas credit card isn't going to be easy. The banks that issue these cards no longer cater to the sub-prime crowd, even though the interest rates attached to these cards still tend to be a bit higher than average.

If you're looking for a way to improve your credit, a secured card would be a better bet. If, on the other hand, you're looking for the benefits and convenience that come with a gas card, but don't qualify for one, look for gas companies that allow you to attach your debit card to a gas card account. It won't do anything for your credit rating, but it can provide you with some of the perks you're looking for.

Myth #2: Perks? What perks?

Think gas credit cards don't offer perks or rewards? Guess again. They actually do. You can get cash back, gas rebates, points for merchandise and more each and every time you use the card to pay at the pump. Just make sure you pay your balance off in full each month or the interest you pay will likely exceed the value of any perks or rebates received.

Myth #3: One Gas Station Only

If you avoid gas credit cards because you hate the idea of being stuck with one gas station, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Some of today's gas credit cards can be used at a variety of gas stations. Certain Discover cards, for example, offer five percent back on gas purchases. That's more than what you'd get using some of the one-stop gas cards available.

So if you still don't have a gas card in your wallet, now may be the time to reconsider that decision. Even though gas prices are somewhat better than they have been, they're still high enough to take a bite out of your budget. The benefits offered by today's top gas credit cards can go a long way in offsetting some of that cost.