Tag Archives: gas
The Disadvantages of RFID Credit Cards
RFID credit cards are taking the nation. Also known as Radio Frequency Identification, RFID for short, these cards allow you to make purchases with your credit card without even having to type in a pin number, swipe your card through a reader, or even sign for the sale. Instead, a coil radio transmitter insider your cardimagine how small it must be!sends out a tagged radio signature, that then gets transformed by the way you move your finger over the card.
In essence, your personal way of “swiping” your card with your finger gives the signal a distinct “shape” that acts like an electronic fingerprint. In theory, no one else could have this electronic fingerprint. Its not so much theory anymore. Some credit card companies are already experimenting with RFID technology. You can use them at gas stations, convenience stores, maybe even vending machines.
But is this technology as secure as all the experts say it is? It may be, but the thought of not signing for your purchase may make you have the heebie-jeebies. Also, usually with regular credit cards, the cashier is supposed to look at your card and compare signatures, to make sure you are you, each and every time you make a purchase. With RFID cards, you forgo this extra step of security.
Another issue with RFID cards, and one you wont hear the credit card companies make, is that RFID cards make it possible to too easily to spend and drive up your debt. If all a person has to do is wave their card at the fast food restaurant, to get gas, to buy that expensive new flat-screen televisions set, then chances are they may start waving their card more and more. In the long run, that will make a ton more money for the credit card companies. But for the buyer, that could mean a long lifetime of living in debt.
Another potential issue with RFID technology is that it could be the next wave of the future for everything from passports to security to get into buildings. It could be used possibly to even track your movements throughout the day, the week, and the year. Just imagineyour car, every building that you enter into, your house, your workall of them have RFID security technology. That makes for a chance for Big Brother to keep an eye on you. A scary thought, and pretty far-fetched, yes, but a possible reality none the less thanks to RFID.
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.