Nearly all gas stations these days offer a credit card that users can receive rewards or rebates with to help improve customer loyalty. Traditionally, a user fills up with gas at the gas station, pays with the corresponding gas credit card and receives either rebates toward future fuel purchases, or a rebate in the form of a check or gift card. With so many programs available nowadays, there are some important factors one should consider before applying for a gas credit card.

1. Does the credit card program charge an annual fee?

If the card you are considering applying for costs $50 to have, and only gives 1% cash back on gas purchases, you will want to do the math to figure out if the program is truly beneficial for you. If you look at credit card comparison websites, you will find that there are several gas rebate cards available for no annual fee - these are a good place to start.

2. How big is the rebate you will be receiving?

Traditionally, the majority of gas cards offer between 3% and 5% back on every gasoline purchase you make with the card, however some go as low as a fraction of a percent, so it is important to be well aware of the terms of the rewards program to make sure you are receiving the best return available to you.

3. What form do the gas rebates come in?

Most gas credit cards offer rebates in the form of credits toward future gasoline purchases or checks or gift cards mailed to you in the amount of your accrued rebates. You will benefit the same from either method, some consumers tend to prefer one method over the other.

4. Does the program have an annual rebate limit?

The majority of gas cards have an annual cap that only allows users to receive a set amount of rewards each year. Some programs are as low as $100 each year, while some go as high as $1, 200 or even unlimited. For those that travel a lot and want to maximize their rebate earning potential, this is a very important factor.

5. Which gas stations can you purchase fuel at?

The most common type of gas rebate card is limited to one specific gas station chain, though there are a number of rewards programs nowadays that will provide rebates towards purchases at any gas station. Some issuers do not allow rebates on gas credit cards to be earned on purchases at club or warehouse stores, etc.