Fuel credit cards or fondly called gas cards are one of the most popular categories of credit cards among people who look for rewards on cards swipes. With every American household owning at least one car, gas is an essential commodity for spends. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, an annual average of $2,000 to $3,000 is spent by every household on gas. With such numbers, credit card issuers offer certain incentives for swiping their cards at the gas station.

• Select the one that suits your financial condition so that you can make payments towards the monthly balances on time. Otherwise, the interest charges can grow in multiples and easily wipe out all the money saved on gas with added losses. It is better to opt for a low APR card if paying the monthly balances in full is challenging.
• Consider the various aspects of the vehicle itself like what is the mileage, what car, how much distance is the car used for, etc. to select a card that suits your gas consumption pattern. Do not end up picking a card that has limitations to the discounts provided beyond a certain number of gallons.
• There are some gas stations which give bigger discounts for cash payments in comparison to cardholders. In such conditions, applying for a credit card might not be worth it.
• Check for any limitations on expenses, brands and time limits. Carefully consider every possible exclusions or restriction. For example, some cards offer cash back at “all U.S. gas stations” but exclude a warehouse clubs where gas is sold at a discount or have their own rewards programs.
• Check if the gas credit card is affiliated with a particular gas-station chain, merchant brand, etc. Such cards will give rewards only when gas is filled there, or purchases are made in such stores.

Once the choice of gas card is made, it is important for one to know the procedure of gas credit card application. A gas card can be availed with a simple procedure at just a click of a button. However, there are a few pre-requisites to be met for a gas credit card application as below:

• The gas credit card application must be by someone who has a vehicle of his own.
• The gas credit card application has to be applied by someone who is at least 18 years old.
• The gas credit card application should be by someone who is working to have a steady source of income.
• Also, the gas credit card application should be by someone who possesses a savings account.
• The monthly rents should be half of half of his income.
• The applicant must have an active telephone connection in his name.

If these requirements are matched, there are certain terms and conditions to be met by an applicant as per the policies prescribed by individual credit card companies. Firstly, a gas credit card application needed to be filled with all the necessary information like name, address, birthdate, and income and submitted online. After the submission, the credit card company will verify the applicant’s vehicle details. Once this is done, the card will be delivered to the applicant within two to three weeks through the mail. Applicants with a good credit history have better chances of getting a faster delivery.

The applicant receives a welcome kit which contains all details like lists of fuel stations, emergency numbers, card procedures, mileage tickets, insurance card and registration along with the credit card. On receipt of the card, the applicant must get it activated by calling the business office of the credit card company and verify with the Personal Identification Number (PIN) provided to him in the kit. The PIN has to be handled as a secret it can be misused by people.

Things to remember for all gas credit card holders:

• The gas cards may be used for buying essential services within set credit limits of $100 during an emergency. An additional consent of the Motor Pool will be required if the purchasing values go beyond the credit limit.
• Cardholders need to call the emergency contact numbers for assistance in case of any major breakdown.
• It is required to maintain all the bills of purchases that are made with the card.
• The Business Office has to be informed immediately if any cards are lost.
• A warning will be issued against any gasoline credit card policy violations. If continued, the card can be canceled by the credit card company.

Bottom line is choosing a gas credit card wisely considering all factors of financial capability, rewards, terms, and conditions and ensure that the credit card is worthwhile and not just a fancy item lying in your wallet.