Fill 'er up with these loyalty points

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Thursday, August 21, 2008 9:45:26 PM

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Fill 'er up with these loyalty points Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The Globe And Mail -- If you have a travel rewards credit card in your wallet, it's good to have a dream destination in mind for when you rack up enough points. Maybe a trip to the supermarket, or a commute to work. Or, how about a drive to your kid's soccer game, or swimming lessons? What, too boring? Sorry, but in the era of high oil prices, this is the kind of travel that looks especially inviting for people earning loyalty points through a credit card. A recent Personal Finance column made the argument that with gasoline prices as high as they are, it's sensible to patronize gas stations with the lowest prices rather than those with the best loyalty programs. But several readers have pointed out that there are a few obscure credit cards offering particularly generous rewards in the form of gas rebates. Think of them as travel reward programs for an era in which high oil prices are diminishing the ability to travel affordably.
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JT Moderator	Message Posted: 7/8/2008 10:39:35 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Tuesday, July 08, 2008 The Globe And Mail -- If you have a travel rewards credit card in your wallet, it's good to have a dream destination in mind for when you rack up enough points. Maybe a trip to the supermarket, or a commute to work. Or, how about a drive to your kid's soccer game, or swimming lessons? What, too boring? Sorry, but in the era of high oil prices, this is the kind of travel that looks especially inviting for people earning loyalty points through a credit card. A recent Personal Finance column made the argument that with gasoline prices as high as they are, it's sensible to patronize gas stations with the lowest prices rather than those with the best loyalty programs. But several readers have pointed out that there are a few obscure credit cards offering particularly generous rewards in the form of gas rebates. Think of them as travel reward programs for an era in which high oil prices are diminishing the ability to travel affordably. Visit The Globe And Mail for full article

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pug07rb Rookie Author Alabama Posts:61 Points:28,295 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/10/2008 9:41:28 AM	Ignore pug07rb Report Abuse
	to have a credit card WOW someday maybe I could have one in my dreams!!!
magnumCA All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:864 Points:180,500 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/10/2008 3:52:15 AM	Ignore magnumCA Report Abuse
	Good
NinaGA Sophomore Author Atlanta Posts:158 Points:31,210 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/10/2008 12:53:31 AM	Ignore NinaGA Report Abuse
	OK
Gee_NY Sophomore Author Texas Posts:125 Points:187,595 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: 7/10/2008 12:00:13 AM	Ignore Gee_NY Report Abuse
	Credit cards give rebates and gas stations mark up the price if you use credit cards.
kkkaz13 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,050 Points:362,760 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:59:44 PM	Ignore kkkaz13 Report Abuse
	pays automatically each month right from checking
BPebbles Sophomore Author Oakland Posts:195 Points:68,805 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:52:46 PM	Ignore BPebbles Report Abuse
	Discover Card has a gas rebate program.
magnumCA All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:864 Points:180,500 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 7:20:55 PM	Ignore magnumCA Report Abuse
	good news
niceguytx Champion Author Houston Posts:5,243 Points:1,016,745 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 2:45:44 PM	Ignore niceguytx Report Abuse
	Will that sell credit cards? I doubt it.
cucamping Champion Author Omaha Posts:3,268 Points:722,440 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 1:53:51 PM	Ignore cucamping Report Abuse
	they are all going to get you one way or another.
greywolves All-Star Author Las Vegas Posts:737 Points:847,850 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 11:53:18 AM	Ignore greywolves Report Abuse
	sucker points is more like it
esquared Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,105 Points:569,525 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 11:05:07 AM	Ignore esquared Report Abuse
	My Discover gas card makes me feel ever so slightly better when I fill up, knowing I'll get a 5% rebate on the first $100 I spend each month....
Rageagainsttm Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,458 Points:343,020 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:56:17 AM	Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse
	good 4 u
rbrowdersr All-Star Author Detroit Posts:509 Points:382,005 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:55:30 AM	Ignore rbrowdersr Report Abuse
	Jury is still out on this.
PTCruzin Champion Author California Posts:1,013 Points:63,105 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:49:00 AM	Ignore PTCruzin Report Abuse
	I get double miles with my cc when I use it to buy gas.
domer2 Veteran Author Gary Posts:422 Points:289,950 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:48:46 AM	Ignore domer2 Report Abuse
	nothing like 29% to add to those fuel charges
spmadhan All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:660 Points:105,650 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:47:57 AM	Ignore spmadhan Report Abuse
	yep
ardmoretoday Veteran Author Oklahoma Posts:425 Points:368,855 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:41:45 AM	Ignore ardmoretoday Report Abuse
	I guess.
letmathe Champion Author Chicago Posts:6,549 Points:1,619,360 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:41:09 AM	Ignore letmathe Report Abuse
	ditto laddyboy62
MitchelSdReview Veteran Author South Dakota Posts:383 Points:71,605 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:37:37 AM	Ignore MitchelSdReview Report Abuse
	But you MUST pay your bill every month.
cantonbill Veteran Author Atlanta Posts:320 Points:93,800 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:35:39 AM	Ignore cantonbill Report Abuse
	Any reward card can be a good deal as long as you pay it off each month.
Bungee Veteran Author Twin Cities Posts:429 Points:308,510 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:33:44 AM	Ignore Bungee Report Abuse
	My Discover card only gives the 5% cash back bonus on the first $100 of gas per month. After that is drops to something likes 1%.
jetsfan6 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,979 Points:572,730 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:33:08 AM	Ignore jetsfan6 Report Abuse
	I have a Hess gas card through Chase Bank that gives me a 5% rebate on all of my gas purchases at Hess stations. Since Hess has a refinery in NJ it is usually one of the lowest to start with so even when I pay $3.97 per gallon my actual cost is only $3.77 per gallon. Since I pay it off monthly there is no interest costs involved either. It seems like a win/win for me.
mcevoy22 Sophomore Author Utah Posts:148 Points:37,170 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:29:32 AM	Ignore mcevoy22 Report Abuse
	The CC companies do this for a reason. One late payment, or you don't completely pay off your card, they reap the benefits and you end up loosing the money anyway. I just pay with what I have, and if I don't have, I don't drive. Simple.
kidmikey37 Veteran Author Nevada Posts:417 Points:111,755 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:26:02 AM	Ignore kidmikey37 Report Abuse
	nothings free
bkstecklein Rookie Author Tulsa Posts:36 Points:429,670 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:25:14 AM	Ignore bkstecklein Report Abuse
	for me it is just cheapest price at the pumps on my discover card for the cash back bonus.
tazdriver Champion Author Alabama Posts:1,859 Points:481,525 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:25:08 AM	Ignore tazdriver Report Abuse
	What ever, like a kroger plus card.
laddyboy62 Champion Author Riverside Posts:1,125 Points:904,310 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:22:21 AM	Ignore laddyboy62 Report Abuse
	6 of 1 ..1/2 dz of the other...just lower the darn prices
SavannahSteph Rookie Author Georgia Posts:77 Points:16,015 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:18:26 AM	Ignore SavannahSteph Report Abuse
	The stations with the rewards points seem to be the ones that charge more for gas. so it isnt advantageous to go there just to get points.
roydarecker Champion Author Minnesota Posts:2,510 Points:564,305 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:14:41 AM	Ignore roydarecker Report Abuse
	Wprks if you have stations that offer them.
mrkel Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,338 Points:724,455 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:14:13 AM	Ignore mrkel Report Abuse
	A rewards credit card is good if you pay off the balance each month and don't get socked with the interest that accumulates if you don't pay it off.
cudatim All-Star Author San Antonio Posts:572 Points:313,775 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:14:07 AM	Ignore cudatim Report Abuse
	What ever gemic works for you.
Egaser Sophomore Author Atlanta Posts:177 Points:96,550 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:13:42 AM	Ignore Egaser Report Abuse
	Which one`s?
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:7,822 Points:629,085 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:13:13 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	Two of my gas stations have member cards with cents off. Get enough 'points' during a time period and get money off food, gas, etc. And sometimes they are the cheapest gas around - locally. Cheaper gas then a nearby independent, OR Costco, OR Flying J, etc. etc. etc. I also use a 'cash back' credit card - paid off every month.
Egor Champion Author Regina Posts:1,006 Points:507,190 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:12:42 AM	Ignore Egor Report Abuse
	It's too bad that they have to attach a loyalty program to a credit card. These things wouldn't be so big if there is not someone paying some interest. Unfortunately, for every one story you read like this one, there are 10 other stories where people are suckered in and are paying interest. If everyone was paying off their balance, these programs would end pretty darn quick. And you might say, 'Well it is their own fault that they are paying interest!'. Instead, you should thank them for paying your interest for you (so that you can have your loyalty points). I do not believe in any program that ties loyalty to a credit card!
sailormon Veteran Author Michigan Posts:428 Points:158,570 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:07:24 AM	Ignore sailormon Report Abuse
	I am on the lookout for stations that will offer a CASH discount. It makes sense due to the high credit card fees charged to the station. Also makes sense NOT to use a credit card!
MAXARONI Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:182 Points:78,300 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:07:06 AM	Ignore MAXARONI Report Abuse
	another way credit card companies suck you in
vascojoe All-Star Author Washington Posts:724 Points:844,150 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:05:58 AM	Ignore vascojoe Report Abuse
	Pay with cash.
chemist74 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:6,038 Points:955,620 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:05:02 AM	Ignore chemist74 Report Abuse
	If you are intelligent, you can benefit from loyalty programs. You just have to pay attention to the total cost. If you earn gas discounts from a grocery store, you come out behind if higher grocery prices are more than the gas discount you earn. Comparison shop and only "earn" loyalty post on grocery items that are the best bargain. It takes longer to earn points but you also save on groceries. If your credit card earns you rebates, make sure the rebates are not wiped out by station credit card surcharges (if any) and credit card fees. Pay off the card each month to avoid interest.
proverbs3 Rookie Author Detroit Posts:67 Points:21,610 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 10:03:27 AM	Ignore proverbs3 Report Abuse
	Not a bad idea... However, Dave Ramsey says that a study was done, and consumers spend 12 - 18% more when we use credit cards. Paying cash just plain hurts more.
CrazyQ Champion Author Washington Posts:11,857 Points:1,370,625 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:54:53 AM	Ignore CrazyQ Report Abuse
	Drill.
gassy4u Rookie Author Mobile Posts:22 Points:247,645 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:54:44 AM	Ignore gassy4u Report Abuse
	With my Discover card, I get a cash rebate of 5%. That's roughly 20 cents per gallon less, as long as you pay it off each month. If you don't, don't bother. You might as well give them your wallet.
kkelkop Rookie Author Scranton Posts:91 Points:24,820 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:54:15 AM	Ignore kkelkop Report Abuse
	Well i dont use a cc but grocery stores now have their shoppers card which collect money to use at the pumps. It's a great idea.
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:7,317 Points:1,226,355 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:52:47 AM	Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse
	Well, it just goes to show you that with rebates, the "best" pump price isn't necessarily the one advertised as the cheapest. And ditto anything you buy. The "best" or the best for your application isn't ususally the cheapest cost. It's best to shop around for the best VALUE.
ladyjj All-Star Author Tennessee Posts:699 Points:69,910 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:52:21 AM	Ignore ladyjj Report Abuse
	Heck I shop around for lowest fuel prices like I shop for deal on food. Maybe they should come out with coupons for fuel.
GWayne Veteran Author Florida Posts:435 Points:108,520 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:52:12 AM	Ignore GWayne Report Abuse
	Wow!! You mean I get something for nothing?? Yeah right, reward credit cards is another reason Citibank and the other megabanks are facing BILLION dollar write-offs. Instead of providing reward cards they should make it tougher to get a credit card, forcing people who get credit to use it responsibly and then passing the cost savings back to the credit holders.
scrounger Champion Author Vancouver Posts:5,840 Points:1,597,890 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:49:26 AM	Ignore scrounger Report Abuse
	and those of us who pay cash foot the bill for those points
tobasco Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,731 Points:758,390 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:48:51 AM	Ignore tobasco Report Abuse
	I have had these type of cards and it does ease the sting a bit.
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:1,169 Points:779,225 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:48:32 AM	Ignore my3sons Report Abuse
	only if you get credit for the same price
rod1965 Veteran Author Portland Posts:373 Points:46,290 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:46:53 AM	Ignore rod1965 Report Abuse
	Loyalty points? what kind of deal do these people have with each other. who gets the money?
Brockvillian Veteran Author Ontario Posts:367 Points:263,295 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 7/9/2008 9:44:59 AM	Ignore Brockvillian Report Abuse
	I pick the fuel that gives my car the best fuel economy, baring that I go with the cheapest. ;)