With the value of almost everything skyrocketing nowadays, anything which offers something back for anything is entirely welcome for even the most extravagant consumer.  And yup, sure enough, there are ways for you to save at the gas pump, and obviously so, since gas prices are anything but predictable in today’s fickle economy.  Gas cards are gaining popularity nowadays for people who want more mileage with their wallets.  These offer instant or cumulative rebates on your purchases, but the exact mechanism on how it works varies, depending on which credit card company or gas station you sign up with.

There are two basic types of gas cards.  The first type is exclusive to a certain gas station or gas company.  Those who offer this are usually affiliated with a particular credit card company like American Express or Discover, and as such, the card is recognized anywhere – but you only get rebates and other benefits on the station or company it is specifically partnered with.  If you are stuck on the same similar routes on your daily commute, it does appeal to common sense that such a card is beneficial to your case.  But be careful with your card choice, though; just because the gas station around the block offers rebates, it doesn’t necessarily follow that the cost per liter is lower.  Look for the nearest station which offers the most in rebates on your card.  Some even offer higher rebates for a preliminary period – as high as a ten percent discount on gas for the first month, for instance.

The second kind of gas card covers for those which are offered by the major credit card outfits – though some of these are concentrated more on giving you extra mileage with every purchase, there are also those which let you enjoy similar discounts at any store which is affiliated with them.  These work on a simple premise: you get a three to five percent discount on most of your purchases.  Go for cards which can offer as much discount on various types of purchases, and not only on gas; you may just want to swipe your card for a beef jerky or nachos at the next gas stop.  Rebates on this type of card are usually reflected on your next statement, or sent to you as a check via standard mail.

Don’t expect too much though; you’ll only get trifles for every gallon, but once you add these up over the course of a year, it amounts to enough.  Even if you can get by with a full tank for an entire week, the three-dollar savings can save you as much as 150 dollars in year; it surely is more than mere pocket change.

Since gas cards are basically credit cards with a twist, you’ll have to possess the same must-haves when you apply for one.  You need to have a satisfactory credit, and you need to maintain it as well while you are enrolled in the service.  Some gas cards do carry a higher interest rate than your average credit card, but it should be no problem for you if you can keep up with the regular payment dues.