Airline Reward Credit Card vs Gas Reward Credit Card

[2moretrees]

I have had an airline reward credit card for years that I have used as my main credit card. I'm wondering if it's time to switch it with a gas reward credit card. Your thoughts?

[atomicrc11]

Depends on what you are looking for? Do you like the airline rewards or would you rather get cash back on gas? Also keep in mind, some places are going to start charging less for gas with cash rather than credit. That could negate the benefits of the gas card.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Depends, our roomie has northwest airlines CC but he flies mostly northwest and travels like mad. So it's worth it to him. To us it's not.

[aida2003]

If you hardly ever redeem your airline miles, then I'd go for a gas card instead. If they don't charge you an annual fee, I'd still keep the account open so your FICO score stays in tact.

[Karmie]

Aida2003 is right about not canceling your card if you've had it for a while. Part of what goes into calculating your FICO score is your credit history and if you've had the frequent flyer card for a while then canceling it will also cancel the value it gives your credit history.

Unless.... it's charging you a fee. I used to have a frequent flyer card and didn't realize that I was paying close to $100 a year in fees for it. Make sure you're not paying any hidden fees. I have yet to run across a gas card that charges fees.

[zakity]

I have just a basic rewards program. You can choose money off an airplane ticket, money off a cruise, gift cards (think gas ones too), products, and lots of other stuff. I usually only want gift cards because it supports my Red Lobster habit. But, hey, Red Lobster for free once or twice a year is totally way cool!