Coping with the gas pump

Tips for comparing gas cards and escaping high fuel prices

By David Munns

Consumers are scrambling to find smarter, more efficient ways to fuel up. They're also finding that hassles at the pump aren't just due to high gas prices: Pump-side scams and spending limits on credit and gas cards make buying gasoline an even bigger headache.

Browse through this compilation of stories to make sure you find the best deals on gas and the best ways to pay for that tankful of it:

1. Gas cards
2. Gas prices
3. Paying at the pump
4. Free gas giveaways

	What payment method do you use most often for buying gasoline? Cold, hard cash. Multipurpose card (Visa, Mastercard). Debit card. Rewards card. Gas station credit card. None. I walk or bike or bus. Vote Getting poll results. Please wait...

Gas card comparison chart
CreditCards.com reviewed terms and conditions for the top 29 gas cards and found more rewards, cash back, points and rebates -- and no annual fees ... (more)

Automobile gas cards' popularity falls
A new breed of hybrid gas cards has emerged -- issued by banks instead of oil companies ... (more)

Poll: Gas prices causing people to cut visits to family, friends
More than half of Americans say they've cut down on visiting family and friends due to gas prices, a CreditCards.com poll reveals ... (more)

Gas prices make the 2008 economy sputter
Two out of three Americans say they'll cut back on spending for other things as a result of higher energy costs in 2008 ... (more)
PLUS: Readers respond

Credit card thieves 'skimming' pay-at-the-pump gasoline buyers
As if the high cost of gas wasn't enough, credit and debit card users who pay at the pump have to face a new way to be gouged at the pump: skimmers ... (more)

Gas-buyers fume at credit and debit card limits, 'blocks'
High gas prices, industry practices leave consumers sputtering at the pump when they pay with plastic ... (more)

3 tips for buying gas
Rising gas prices are forcing motorists to make decisions not only about where to buy gasoline, but also which octane and what payment method adds the most value to their purchases ... (more)

Gas card giveaways
Marketers are smart to give away gas cards, but a word to the wise: Use it or lose it ... (more)

Saved by the gas card
A church in Snellville, Ga., created a new incentive for salvation: $500 gas cards ... (more)

Published: June 11, 2008

	Three most recent Reward programs, cash back cards stories: Black, white, titanium: Are elite credit cards worth it? – If your credit rating is outstanding, you earn big and spend big, you could win an elite credit card, which provides premium benefits -- at extreme cost ... Credit card issuers shift rewards to 'platforms' – Credit card issuers are increasingly consolidating their rewards programs to allow points shopping across categories for numerous cards ... Do credit card rewards make people spend more? – Study: The allure of credit card rewards is one contributing factor that may lead to increased card debt ...

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