5 important factors you should consider before getting a gas credit card

So, have you decided to invest in a gas credit card to help you save some money? There are several factors that you should consider before applying for one.

Taking some time to check these over will save you a major headache in the future. Remember, not all cards and credit histories are created equal and this is one of the ways that you can find a credit card best suited for you! We will give you the honest truth about what to check before applying for a credit card.

1. Know your credit score*.
Your credit score is the first thing that banks and credit cards look at before they let you know if you are a candidate for a credit card. It also determines the type of credit card that you get. The better your score is, the better your chances of getting a good deal on gas credit card. Know if this application can hurt your score. Most banks and providers check your credit report, which can cause your score to go down. A good credit score also gives you a good interest rate. Even if you have a good credit score, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t try to make it better. Good credit scores = better terms and conditions, better loan and mortgage rates and BETTER credit cards.

2. Check your interest rate.
Remember, your interest rate is important especially if you don’t plan to pay the full balance on your gas card at once. Most credit card companies offer a zero percent interest rate which you can easily take advantage of. This way, you don’t have to worry about your savings going up in smoke when you pay the card off. One of the more important things to look at is whether it’s a fixed rate (can’t go up no matter what you do) or variable (can go up if you’re late with payment or any other reason). If you’ve ever had your credit card interest sudden shoot up, it’s probably due to the fact that it was a variable rate. Knowing what kind of interest you have saves you from building up debt in the future. This is important because credit card companies make money from fees and interest. The best way to avoid this is to really just pay the full balance every month. If you can’t, know that finance charges are calculated from what you have on the balance. So, keeping the balance as small as possible will help you pay the least amount possible.

3. Check your fees.
Some banks bill you with late fees as high as $30 if they don’t receive your payment on time. These fees can be the killer. If you’re late to pay your statement of $50 hypothethical dollars and you get slapped with a late fee, you’ll end up paying $80 more excluding finance charges. Now, every one is human and there might be a time or two where a family crisis might come up or you might simply forget to pay the bill. This means that you’ll end up with whopping fees that will piss you off (as well as empty your wallet). Check your terms and conditions and avoid them as much as you can. One way is to ask your bank to wire money in the balance amount every month to your credit card. Another is to know your due date and pay on time. If you know you’re late this month, why not use a Western Union or other money transfer option. The $5 rush fee you might have to pay is nothing compared to the late fee they’ll slap on you. A little much for one missed payment? Yes it is, but they can do it to you. Don’t let them.

4. Know your rewards.
As a customer, you are entitled to certain rewards. Know how to get them and take advantage of them. You might as well take them for all their worth! You can easily get discounts, travel bonuses, flight miles or even special offers from your credit card. Check out what your credit card can do for you! Finally, make sure that it’s widely recognized and easy to use card that you can use wherever.

5. Finally, make sure that they have good customer service.
A lot of people complain that most customer service by credit card companies is outsourced, but most of their agents are trained. Before you even use the card, call up and inquire about it, just to give your future customer service a little test. This can be a major requirement because they will help you if your bill is wrong or if your card is lost or stolen. Good customer service is a must. You can’t go wrong with a credit card company that gives you the best treatment possible.

Knowing these five things can help you find the best deal for you. You can save a lot of money just by doing a little research. Don’t get taken in by sudden great deals or one time offers. Credit cards are a service that you can take advantage of, not a service that will take advantage of you. Being a wise and cool customer makes a world of difference. Education is key—even your credit card company will thank you for it. Having customers deep in debt is simply NOT good for business.