Tag Archives: card
Gas Rewards Credit Cards: A Look at the Top Three
Gas prices are skyrocketing all across the United States, which means that consumers are constantly on the lookout for ways to counteract the unprecedented assault to their bank accounts. At over $3.00 per gallon for the lowest octane fuel, people who commute to work or drive for a living are suffering under the weight of gas prices.
One of the most effective ways to reap a few rewards on gasoline purchases is to purchase a gas rewards credit card. More and more people are applying for these cards so that they can earn cash back and discounts for every gallon of gas they purchase.
There are four major advantages to obtaining a gas rewards credit card:
You can earn rewards for other purchases not just gasoline when you use the card to buy gas, you know that youll be saving money in the end. Many gas rebate cards have low APRs with no annual fee. Some gas rebate cards charge 0% interest on balance transfers.
Take a look at three top picks for gas cards, and choose the one thats right for you. With no end to the gas price surges in sight, you might as well be getting rewarded for purchasing gasoline.
Discover Platinum Gas Card
The Discover Platinum Gas card is a cash back credit card that allows customers to earn 1% cash back on all regular purchases, and 5% cash back on gasoline purchases. It has a twelve-month introductory APR of 0% for both purchases and balance transfers, with no annual fee. In addition to the 5% cash back reward system, customers can double their reward points when they redeem them for gift certificates at Discovers partner merchants. Discover offers several benefits, including fraud protection, 24-hour customer service and online bill pay. .
Citi Dividend Platinum Select
Unlike the Discover gas card, the Citi Dividend credit card offers 5% cash back for purchases at drugstores and supermarkets as well as gas stations. When you use your card at those locations called the Citi Dividend Merchant Network – you receive 5% cash back on all of your purchases. You also receive 1% cash back at other locations.
This card has no annual fee and an introductory APR of 0%, but the regular APR is higher than Discover. This card is better used by customers who plan to pay off most (if not all) of their balance each month. Platinum customers also receive travel insurance, Citis Lost Wallet Protection Service and Citis PhotoCard service for added security.
Blue Cash from American Express
The Blue cards from American Express have been exploding across the market lately, mostly because of the reward programs and the low APRs. The Blue Cash card, like the Citi Dividend card, offers fast cash back at multiple vendors, such as drug stores, gas stations, super markets and home improvement stores. They also offer the same cash back rewards for customers with two or more cards on the same account.
The six-month introductory APR of 0% is a popular incentive. The Blue Cash card has no minimum spending limit and no annual fee. They also offer no-fee balance transfers and CoolBlueOffers®, which are designed to offer even more rewards for qualified customers.
Gas prices are getting higher and higher every day, which is why consumers are rushing to apply for gas rewards credit cards, which allow customers to earn cash back and rewards for paying at the pump. When you use these three cards to purchase gasoline, you can earn cash back and reward points.
Can You Ask Your Credit Card To Lower Your Interest Rate?
If you think that the interest rate of your credit card must be reduced, dont just sit there and wait. Credit card companies wont volunteer to lower your rate if you wont ask them to. Surprisingly, a recent study reveals that 57% of credit card holders simply phoned in their requests and were granted a lower rate without any difficulty. So if you think youre a good candidate, pick up your phone and speak out.
Why Ask for a Lower Rate Lowering your interest by even just 10 points or less can bring huge savings to your budget. Just imagine bringing down your 19% interest to just 10%. Now certainly, that makes a big difference. Although it should be your goal to pay off your balances in full each month and avoid the interest altogether, there may be instances when you have to carry over your balance. Reducing your interest rate protects you from the risk of bad credit.
Are You a Good Candidate? Nevertheless, credit card companies wont just lower their rates for anyone. Are you a good candidate? First, check your credit report and gauge your credit rating. If youve been consistent in submitting your payments on time to all your creditors, you should have problem maintaining a high credit score. Paying off your monthly charges in full also makes you an ideal customer for creditors.
Your debt to income ratio may also be considered. How much do you spend each month and how does this compare to your earnings? Do you frequently carry a large amount of charges on your card? Do you often maximize your cards credit limit? Financial experts recommend not using more than 40% of your given credit. Using more than 505 or worse, exceeding your credit line would make you a high-risk borrower in the eyes of creditors.
Also, you need to consider the type of credit card you have. If youre using a secured credit card or a bad credit credit card, you may not be in the position to demand for reduced rates. Since youre regarded as a high-risk borrower, you cant expect your credit card company to reduce your rates just because you asked them to.
What to Say If you enjoy an excellent credit history, theres no reason why you shouldnt deserve a lower rate. The question is, what should you say to your credit card issuer? What points can you use to convince your credit card to reduce your costs?
One strategy is to research about the interest rates that other credit card companies offer. Based on your research, compare them with your credit cards rate and use this argument to request for a lower rate. You can also point out that youve been a long time customer (and a good payer at that!) and that youll like to stay within their company but that other credit cards seem to offer a better deal. Ask them if they could match that offer.
If the person you talked to insists that it is not in their power to make adjustments on fees, ask to speak with the supervisor. If your request is initially rejected, dont lose hope. Call again after a month or two and see if theyll be more agreeable to your request. While waiting, continue to improve your credit score and youll have better chances of getting a positive answer.