How To Save Petrol

Buying Petrol on Cheaper Days

As gas prices have risen, consumers look for ways to save money on gas. There are some strategies to maximize savings at the pump. The Internet and credit card cash back offers can capitalize on the basic need to keep fuel in the car.

The first step to saving money on fuel is to check the Internet. There are websites dedicated to finding and reporting the gas stations in your community that is offering the best price per gallon. Three great websites to search for lower gas prices are MapQuest, GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com.

Timing is everything. Statistically, gas prices are usually cheapest on Wednesday. Also, it is wise to fill up the tank three days before a holiday. Gas prices usually will increase at holidays.
 

Many credit cards are offering gas rebate offers to consumers to help them save money on gasoline. It is a basically a cash back reward on gas purchases. Discover Open Road Card lets card members earn 5% cash back for gasoline and auto maintenance. American Express True Earning Card from Costco is a card exclusively for Costco warehouse club members. Card members earn 3% back for gas, 3% back for restaurant dining, 2% back for traveling and 1% back for all other purchases made at Costco. Some credit cards are offering limited time only gas rebate offers. The Chase PerfectCard earns the cardholder 6% on gas purchases for the first 90 days. Thereafter, cardholders earn 3% on gas purchases.
The credit card companies are also targeting the student population for other gas rebate offers. Students, who travel frequently, especially from college to home on visits, might well see the advantages of one of these credit cards. The Discover Student Open Road Card earns 5% cash back on gas and auto maintenance purchases. Students also receive 1% cash back for all other purchases. The Citi Driver’s Edge Visa for College Students gives a 3% gas back rebate at gas stations, supermarkets and drug stores. All other purchases earn 1% for the student. Extra rebates are given when documentation of an oil change is sent.
The business community is also being targeted by the credit card gas rebate offers. Businesses will receive earnings for gas as well as business-related purchases. The Discover Business Card has a cash back earnings of 2% for gas, 5% cash back on office supplies and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The American Express TrueEarnings Business Card from Costco is an exclusive offer for Costco members only. They earn 5% rebates for gas, 3% rebates for restaurant dining, 2% for travel and 1% for all other purchases. The American Express Simply Cash Card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for 12 months while offering the traditional cash back rewards. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on gas, 5% cash back on office supplies and wireless services. In addition, American Express cardholders earn 1% cash back for all other purchases.
In summary, there are strategies to dealing with rising fuel costs. It is important to research gas prices in your area to find the closest gas station with low prices. Also, cash back offers from credit card companies should be considered as an overall way to lower the pain at the pump.