Credit Cards

How To Get Free Gas (Legally)

September 21, 2018 By Christina Majaski Leave a Comment

There are some expenses you just can’t live without. Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can save at the pump, and essentially get free gas (without breaking any laws.) Here’s how to get free gas to get you on the road for less.

Free Gas With Fuel Rewards and Credit Cards

You might look at some of those gas coupons for a couple of pennies off when you fill up and think there’s no way it can put a dent into your fuel expenses. Sure, it isn’t entirely free if you have to make a purchase to get the fuel discount. However, when it comes to gas, pennies can add up significantly, resulting in free gas.

For instance, the following gas rewards programs offer discounts on gas, even when you buy other types of purchases.

Shell Fuel Rewards: We’ve outlined pretty much everything you need to know about the Shell Fuel Rewards Loyalty Program. Basically, you earn rewards when you use your membership card, which can result in a discount on gas of up to 10¢ per gallon.

Depending on your vehicle(s) and how much you drive, you can end up saving hundreds of dollars. There is also a Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Card which awards 1-2% in Shell Rewards when you use your card.

Other gas credit cards that can result in free gas when you use them include:

Marathon Credit Card: 5¢ per gallon up to 25¢ per gallon depending on how much you spend.
Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card: 3% cash back on gas. Plus, when you sign up for the card and spend $500 in the first 90 days, you get a bonus of $200 in cash rewards.
Costco Anywhere Visa: For many members, purchasing gas at Costco results in significant savings by itself. If you use the credit card, you earn 4% cash back on gas at Costco and other gas stations — so you aren’t limited to filling up at Costco. This is one of the highest cash back offers you’ll find for gas purchases.

(Note on credit cards: It’s important to pay the balance in full each month. Otherwise, the interest will cancel out any cash back or savings.)

How To Get Free Gas Without Spending

If you really need ways to get free gas and you don’t want to worry about special rewards programs or spending to get it, you do have options. Some of the opportunities available include:

Sign Up For Swagbucks

This site allows you to earn points for activities on the internet such as shopping, surfing the web, surveys, and testing products. You can then redeem the points you’ve earned for gift cards at gas stations. As long as you have an internet connection, you can earn free gas with just you day-to-day online activities.

Right now, you can earn a bonus of 1000 points when you sign up, which is worth $10, so you’d be well on your way to having enough for your next fill up.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Have you ever received a gift card from someone that you can’t use? Fortunately, there are sites online that allow you to sell your gift cards. On the other hand, this means you can buy discounted gift cards for gas. For example, on CardCash.com, you can get a $50 Shell Gift Card for $48.55. Although this might not seem like a huge savings, there are tons of other gas gift cards to choose from, and often special sales and promotions with even bigger savings.

Check other gift cards as well. Gift Card Granny currently offers BP cards at a 4 percent discount.

Stack Savings Offers

If you are taking advantage of discounted gift cards or other opportunities where you earn gas rewards, make sure you are stacking the offers whenever possible. For instance, if you bought the Shell Gift Card mentioned, you could get even more free gas by also being a member of the Fuel Rewards Program. Also, when you purchase gas gift cards, make sure you’re using a credit card that awards cash back or other rewards for that purchase.

Free Gas Organizations

If your need for free gas is an emergency, certain organizations will help you out with free gas vouchers. For instance, Free Gas USA, Inc., provides grants for those needing gas assistance. You can also check with churches in your area. Catholic Charities and United Way may also help you out with gas if you need it to get to work or medical appointments. You might also be able to get free gas cards from Salvation Army if you are in an emergency situation.

Finding free gas isn’t easy, but it is possible. At the very least, make sure you are getting a discount with either your credit card, rewards program, or gift card, the next time you are at the pump.

Do you have any other tips for getting free gas? Share with us in the comments below!

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How Do Shell Rewards Compare to Other Gas Rewards Credit Cards?

September 12, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

On average, Americans drive nearly 13,500 miles each year. Considering that the average fuel economy reached 24.7 mpg in the 2016 model year, that distance equals around 547 gallons of gas annually.

While average national gas prices can vary, as of September 2018, each gallon cost about $2.85. For 547 gallons, at that price, each driver spends about $1,559 annually on fuel alone.

The cost of fueling up a vehicle often leads consumers to seek out gas rewards programs. Whether tied to a specific credit card or not, finding a great rewards option can significantly reduce your costs at the pump.

Shell Rewards is just one of many options available. But how do Shell Rewards measure up? Is the program better than other gas rewards credit cards? If you are wondering whether Shell Rewards is right for you, here’s what you need to know.

The Shell Rewards Program

The Shell gas rewards program, also known as “Fuel Rewards,” allows a variety of purchases to result in lower costs at the pump.

There are actually two ways to join the Shell Rewards program.

Shell Fuel Rewards Loyalty Program

First, you can simply become a regular member. When you use this approach, you get a Fuel Rewards card, not unlike the loyalty cards you may use at grocery stores.

When you head to a participating Shell station, you just swipe your Fuel Rewards card during your transaction (or enter a unique Alt ID on the pin pad). This allows the system to record your gas purchase, allowing you to acquire rewards points.

You also have the option of linking your existing debit or credit card to your Fuel Rewards account. Then, when you use that card at participating restaurants, online retailers, and other businesses, you get additional rewards. This means you don’t have to have a Shell Rewards credit card to be part of the Fuel Rewards program.

Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Cards

If you prefer to have a gas rewards credit card, there are also a new Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Cards available. This includes an option that works only at Shell locations (like a store credit card does) or a full-fledged card that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

On either option, you can save up to 10¢ per gallon when you fuel up. Plus, you can receive up to 10 percent in Shell rebates per year on your first $1,200 spent annually on non-fuel purchases.

If you opt for the Mastercard version, you also get more. You’ll receive 2 percent in Shell rebates for your first $10,000 in purchases in the dining and groceries category. Otherwise, you get a 1 percent rebate on every other qualifying purchase.

Rebates apply to your balance automatically, working as a credit in subsequent billing cycles.

Other Gas Rewards Credit Cards

The Marathon Credit Card starts at 5¢ per gallon. But, if you spend between $500 and $999 each month using the card, including for fuel purchases, that amount rises to 15¢. Cross the $1,000 spending mark every month, and you earn 25¢ per gallon in rewards.

With the Chevron/Texaco Techron Advantage Card, you can earn 3¢ per gallon as a fuel credit with each fill up at the beginning. However, if you make purchases with the card at places other than gas stations, that can increase to 10¢ or 20¢ per gallon, as long as you spend $300 or $1,000 each month in qualifying purchases, respectively.

There are other rewards credit cards that can also help you save, but most of them are cashback cards and not fuel rewards cards. This means you’ll usually earn cashback on qualifying gas purchases, but may not see any savings at the actual pump.

For example, the Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card provides 3 percent cash back on your first $2,500 of qualifying fuel/grocery/wholesale club purchases in each quarter. On the Wells Fargo Propel American Express card, gas station purchases get three times the points, which can result in some savings.

Should You Use Shell Rewards?

If you frequently use Shell stations, then the regular Fuel Rewards membership may be a smart move. At a minimum, it lets you generate rewards from your gas purchases, even if you don’t link a debit or credit card.

Whether the credit card option is right for you depends on your unique situation. The interest rate you secure is based on your creditworthiness, but may reach over 26 percent with the Shell cards. If you typically carry a balance, that level of an interest rate will wipe out any savings you experience at the pump pretty quickly. Even a $100 balance could cost you more than you save on gas, so proceed with caution.

However, that doesn’t mean other rewards cards will provide you with enough value either if you carry a balance.

For example, the Marathon card usually has an APR between 18 and 27 percent, which is also quite high. The Wells Fargo Propel comes in with an APR range of 14 to 27 percent, while Bank of America’s Cash Rewards card is only modestly better, at 14 to 25 percent.

Unless you aren’t likely to carry a balance, then you should probably opt for the regular Fuel Rewards account and avoid generating any new debt. That way, you won’t lose your savings at the pump to interest charges.

Do you use Shell Rewards? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more helpful articles about rewards cards? Give these a try.

How Does Credit Counseling Work and Is Credit Counseling Free?

July 23, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

is credit counseling free

As of late 2017, the average American household carries over $137,000 in debt. With the median household income coming in at just $55,322, based on 2016 from the US Census Bureau, many families find themselves struggling to meet their obligations.

When debt becomes more than a household can manage, many seek help. Credit counseling can be a viable solution, but many people aren’t fully aware of what these services provide and whether there is a cost. What people really want to know is this; is credit counseling free?

Is Credit Counseling Free?

Credit counseling can be free, but that isn’t necessarily the standard. Often, the organization charges administrative fees, which can vary dramatically.

Basic credit counseling services, such as household income and budget reviews, are commonly available at no cost. These are educational in nature, giving you a chance to work with a credit counselor to gain knowledge and improve your situation. However, if you elect to use a debt management plan through the service, there can be a cost.

Typically, there is a small setup fee for a debt management plan along with a monthly cost for managing your account. However, the vast majority of reputable agencies keep their prices low. They understand that anyone using their services is struggling with debt, and they don’t want to add unnecessary hardship to a challenging situation.

Often, your setup will be around $50, and monthly fees will be a similar amount. However, some organizations have waivers, eliminating or lowering the cost for those who are in significant financial trouble and can’t afford the cost without harming their ability to survive. In those situations, free debt management plans are possible.

Selecting a Credit Counseling Agency

Credit counseling is available through both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. You need to find a reputable agency before acquiring any services.Usually, shopping around is the best approach. Research organizations that serve your area to locate the right one for you.

As you start researching, focus on a few key questions. Is the credit counseling agency licensed by your state? Are they accredited? Are the counselors certified?

If you are having trouble choosing an organization, look for members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling as they adhere to strict standards regarding performance, data security, counselor accreditation, and customer service.

In most cases, going with a non-profit is a better approach as their fees are usually lower. However, not all non-profits are reputable. You still need to make sure they are legitimate.

You can check the Better Business Bureau to learn more about the agency’s reputation. Numerous complaints with the BBB is a red flag. Similarly, our state attorney general’s office can be a good resource.

After you narrow down the list, consider contacting each organization and requesting free information. This can include brochures about their services and educational materials.

If you want to move forward, ask for a written contract. It should outline all costs, available services, and the amount of time the program requires. If they won’t provide details in writing, that is a warning sign of a less-than-reputable agency.

How Does Credit Counseling Work?

After you select an agency, you’ll have an initial session with a credit counselor. This could be a phone call or an in-person meeting. Typically, each appointment lasts at least 20 minutes and can go for up to an hour.

A review of your personal finances gives the counselor information about your situation. After they collect the details, they can help you craft a plan. In most cases, they will assist with creating a budget. They also give other financial recommendations that may improve your circumstances. Often, you’ll receive information about useful tools and additional resources along the way too.

If your situation is especially challenging, they may recommend a debt management plan. Usually, these involve securing lower interest rates on your debts and setting up a new payment schedule. While this can make your monthly payments more manageable, consider this a last resort.

When you enter into a debt management plan, a few things occur. First, having to close the account of any debt you include is common. Most lenders consider it a condition for offering you a lower interest rate. If you go forward, closing a revolving account, like a credit card, can harm your credit score.

Second, you will likely have to make your debt payments to the credit counseling agency, not your lenders. If the organization is reputable, this isn’t typically an issue. They will accept your payment and then divvy the money out to your lenders.

However, less scrupulous agencies may not meet their obligation. They could take your money and not pay your debts on time, or even at all.

Even if you use a debt management plan with an agency, you are still fully responsible for paying back the money. That means, if a credit counseling agency doesn’t send your payments, you are liable.

Other recommendations are also possible. If your debt is insurmountable, the agency may suggest you consider bankruptcy. However, this is extremely rare, as most of these organizations focus on helping you repay your obligations.

Are There Credit Counseling Scams?

To put it simply, yes, there are credit counseling scams. While there are numerous reputable organizations across the country, some people take advantage of those who are looking for help.

There are signs that an agency may actually be a scam. For example, demanding an upfront fee before providing any information or not giving you a written contract in advance are both red flags. Also, making promises that sound too good to be true, like claiming you can “easily” get out of debt, should serve as a warning.

Incredibly high fees are also a reason to be wary of the organization. Legitimate credit counseling agencies don’t want to harm your financial situation. If the cost is going to add to your debt load or make managing your debt payments nearly impossible, then seek out another organization.

Ultimately, credit counseling agencies can be a great resource. You can access free information and assistance to help you improve, and potentially access options that can make your debt more manageable.

However, you must be diligent when choosing a credit counseling agency. Scams do exist, and not all of the organizations are reputable. Take the time to do some research first and contact a few agencies to see which one is right for you. If you think an agency may be a scam, move on to another one. There are numerous reputable organizations out there, so there is no need to take an unnecessary risk by signing up with an agency that makes you uncomfortable.

Have you ever used a credit counseling agency? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about managing your debt? Give these a try:

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Your Unpaid Student Loan Could Cost You Your Tax Refund

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

How to Do A Credit Card Dispute For An Unauthorized Credit Card Transaction

July 11, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

credit card dispute

In 2017, data breaches alone exposed approximately 14.2 million credit card numbers. Other scams, like the use of skimmers, and various forms of malware mean even more people are vulnerable. If a criminal gets their hands on your credit card number, they’ll typically use it to make unauthorized purchases. In some cases, your issuer may alert you before a fraudulent charge goes through, letting you decline the transaction via text or over-the-phone. Otherwise, you may have to do a credit card dispute.

A Credit Card Dispute May Be Necessary

However, not every unauthorized credit card transaction is caught in advance. This means you may not know your card number is compromised until a fraudulent charge shows up on your statement or online record.

When you spot an unauthorized credit card transaction, you need to act fast. You only have 60 days after receiving the statement with the fraudulent charge to file a dispute. Otherwise, you could be responsible for the money. If you spot a fraudulent charge, here’s what you need to do.

Call Your Credit Card Issuer

Your first step is to call your credit card issuer. You can find the number on the back of your card, on your statement, or through the lender’s website.

Typically, you’ll either need to select an option to report your card missing or stolen. However, if you connect with a representative immediately, you can also let them know you need to dispute a charge or ask to speak with the fraud department.

Have your statement available or pull up your account online. This allows you to easily identify the charge in question.

In some cases, when doing a credit card dispute; you can report a fraudulent credit card charge through the issuer’s website or mobile app. However, it’s best to call them as well. Usually, to get the card number canceled and a new one issued, you’ll need to speak with a representative. Plus, they may be able to assist with any pending charges you want to allow to go through, ensuring those don’t fail to process.

It’s important to note that, if your physical card is missing, you may be liable for up to $50 in unauthorized charges if they occur before you reported the card as lost or stolen. However, if the card is in your possession, you are not liable for any amount.

Speak with the Merchant

At times, your card issuer requires you attempt to resolve the situation with the merchant. If this occurs, call the store and request to speak with a manager. Take notes about the conversation, including the date, time, name of the manager, and anything they say about handling the dispute. This may be another step needed in a credit card dispute.

Be aware that some criminals can spoof the merchant information that appears on your statement, so this may not provide results. However, once you make an attempt, you can recontact your issuer. Provide the representative with details about your call to the merchant and that they could not assist. After that, you should be able to address the fraudulent charge with your lender.

Follow Up with a Certified Letter

After your phone call with your issuer, follow up with a certified letter. Send it to your issuer’s fraud department and reference details from your phone call. For example, note the date and time you made the report as well as the name of the representative you spoke with first. Then, reiterate which charge is fraudulent and assert that it is unauthorized.

The letter serves as an additional level of protection, ensuring you have proof that you made a report in a timely fashion.

Monitor Your Account

The amount of time an issuer needs to review your claim varies. However, while the case is under investigation, you are not responsible for the disputed amount.

Keep an eye on your account to make sure that you aren’t being charged any fees or interest on that purchase during the investigation. By law, they can’t hold you liable for the charge unless they determine it was actually authorized.

In most cases, you can find out how long it will take for the dispute to settle when you speak with the representative. At times, removal may occur within a few days. However, depending on your unique situation, it could take weeks or longer.

Monitor your account to make sure the removal of the charge goes through properly.

Check Your Accounts Often

Even after the fraudulent charge is removed and you receive a new card, you need to remain vigilant. Check your accounts often, either online or by reading your statements. This allows you to identify unauthorized credit card transactions early, increasing the odds that you won’t be responsible for the charge.

Additionally, if your card is ever lost or stolen, report that as soon as possible. That way you won’t be liable for anything after you make the report and can get a new card quickly.

Have you ever had to do a credit card dispute? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles? Here are a few to get you started:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

You Need A Credit Card Strategy for Rising Interest Rates

July 10, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

credit card strategy

Over the past year, the federal funds rate rose by approximately 0.75 percent, hitting the 1.75 – 2.00 percent level in June 2018. The Federal Reserve hinted that another rate increase might be on the horizon, and that could spell trouble for borrowers.Rate increases help keep inflation in check but also make it more expensive for everyone to borrow. Plus, if you have a variable interest rate on your credit card, your rates may increase on your existing debt. What borrowers need is a credit card strategy.

Get A Great Credit Card Strategy

One estimate suggests that 92 million Americans will feel the sting of higher payments. Having a credit card strategy that combats rising interest rates is wise, especially in today’s climates. Ultimately, you have a few options for managing the change, though you can also combine some techniques to get a better effect.

Pay Down Your Credit Card Debt

If you have variable APRs on your credit cards, paying down your debt can help you save money. Companies calculate interest according to the amount that you owe. If you owe less in debt, then you’ll lower your liability.

This approach can be beneficial if you have a card with a good rate but want to avoid paying more monthly and in interest. If you have extra money in savings that isn’t part of an emergency fund or earning more in interest than your card is costing you, consider directing it to your highest interest card.

Make a Phone Call

In some cases, you can actually negotiate a lower interest rate with your credit card issuer. However, this does mean you’ll need to call them and see if they’ll play ball.

Usually, this approach will only work if you have been a reliable customer and a credit score that supports your request. For example, if your credit score is higher today than when you originally got the card, this works in your favor. If the reverse is true, it might not work.

However, it typically doesn’t hurt to try unless you are in a substantially worse financial position today than when your rate was set. In those cases, alerting your issuer that you’re a bigger credit risk could lead to a negative outcome.

For instance, a significant drop in your credit score could trigger an interest rate increase for new purchases. Based on the Card Act, you would have 45 days to either accept the terms or close your account. It’s important to note that this does not apply to increases when the prime rate goes up, impacting variable APRs. Those are allowable at all times.

Consider a Balance Transfer

When it comes to credit card strategies, this one is generally the riskiest. It involves opening a new card with a better rate (at least for balance transfers) and shifting what you owe on one card to the new account.

The reason this is risky is twofold. First, most balance transfers have fees which can wipe out an interest you may save depending on the amount. If there is a 3 percent fee, and you transfer $10,000 in debt, that transfer costs $300. Some cards will waive these fees on new accounts, but you need to read the fine print to find out if that applies.

Second, a balance transfer special interest rate is usually short-term. It may give you relief for only six months or a year. Additionally, if you miss or are late on a payment, your teaser rate may vanish early. Again, reading the fine print is essential, particularly if the interest rate after the transfer is higher than your existing card.

It’s also important to note that opening a new card can harm your credit. A hard inquiry has an impact on your score and new accounts change the average age of your accounts. How much your score will shift depends on your unique situation, but losing some ground isn’t uncommon.

If you have poor or fair credit, or are a low-income household, there’s also no guarantee that you’ll be able to open a card with a balance transfer teaser rate. Additionally, you may not receive enough credit to transfer your entire debt, even if you get the card.

Pay Off Your Cards with a Loan

Funds from personal loans and home equity loans or lines of credit can be used to pay off your credit cards. This works similarly to a balance transfer in that you still owe the money, but hopefully at a lower rate.

One benefit of this approach as personal and home equity loans tend to have fixed interest rates. This means, even if the Federal Reserves increase their rates again, your interest rate won’t change.

Home equity products typically have lower interest rates than personal loans, but you do have to put your property up as collateral. Personal loans might not require collateral, allowing some to function as unsecured debts.

Before using this approach, you need to determine if your credit score will help you get a lower rate and if you can borrow enough to pay off the card. Otherwise, this approach may not be beneficial.

When developing a credit card strategy for rising interest rates, it’s important to realize that not all techniques will work for all people. In the end, don’t count on a new card or loan as a solution unless you have the credit score and history to make you an attractive borrower.

Do you have a credit card strategy to combat rising interest rates? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about credit? Here are a few to get you started:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Which Credit Card Has the Best Travel Rewards Program?

January 5, 2018 By James Hendrickson Leave a Comment

travel rewards program, credit card program, travel rewards

If you’d like to get a little more mileage from your travel rewards credit card, it might be time to request an upgrade. There are a handful of travel cards that combine premium rewards with elite perks for travelers who don’t mind paying a higher annual fee. But which card rates as the most exceptional? Here are three contenders to consider if you’re looking for a first-class travel rewards option.

1. Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers maximum rewards on travel, plus some luxury extras. Travelers can earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly through the airline or with American Express Travel, and hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. Members also enjoy a $200 annual fee credit and up to $200 in Uber credit each year.

American Express Global Lounge Collection access is included, as is a $100 fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓. Platinum Concierge service, Hilton Honors Gold Status, Starwood Preferred Guest Gold Status and a generous introductory points bonus round out the list of card benefits. But, there is a $550 annual fee to contend with.

2. Chase Sapphire ReserveSM

The Chase Sapphire ReserveSM card features a similar array of valuable benefits. The introductory bonus is slightly lower compared to the Platinum Card but you can get 50% more in travel redemption value when you redeem rewards through Chase Ultimate Rewards. New purchases earn 3X points on travel and dining, along with 1X points per dollar on all other purchases.

Card extras include a $300 annual travel credit and complimentary access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select. Like the Platinum Card, rewards can be transferred to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs but the difference is that with the Chase Sapphire ReserveSM card, points always transfer on a 1:1 basis. Another added plus? The annual fee is slightly lower at $450.

3. Citi Prestige® Card

The Citi Prestige® card offers 3X points per dollar on airfare and travel, 2X points per dollar on dining and entertainment and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases. There’s no introductory bonus but the card makes up for it with other benefits, like an annual $250 air travel credit, a complimentary fourth night stay at any hotel of your choice after booking a minimum of four nights consecutively through ThankYou.com or Citi Prestige Concierge, a $100 Global Entry fee credit and Priority Pass™ Select membership.

Like the Chase Sapphire ReserveSM card, this one also comes with a $450 annual fee.

Selecting a Premium Travel Rewards Card

When a $450 or $550 annual fee is on the table, it’s important that you make the right choice. As you compare cards, consider the number of rewards you can earn and the introductory bonus, if there is one. Also, remember to analyze your spending and travel habits. Opting for a higher annual fee to enjoy premium benefits and rewards only make sense if you know you’ll use them.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll need a good credit score to be approved for most of these credit cards. Check your credit score before applying.