Can You Buy a Gas Gift Card Online?
Gas gift cards can be purchased online and can be used for more than gasoline. Buying a gas gift card online can be cheaper than buying one at a local gas station or store. This article will help you learn more about buying gas gift cards online.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Facts
-
Nearly every gas station sells gift cards on their websites. For gas stations that offer convenience stores and service stations in addition to gas pumps, the gift cards also may be used for goods and services, such as food and drink and oil changes and tire rotation. Card denominations range from $5 to $100, and you can purchase gas gift cards using all major credits cards. Cards are shipped to your mailing address (some require that the mailing address match the credit card billing address for security reasons). You can also use a credit card to add more money to gas gift cards.
Considerations
-
Because gas gift cards are specific to particular stations, be sure to buy a gift card that is convenient for you or the recipient (if it's a gift). Some cards may be used at cooperating stations. For example, BP cards can be used at ARCO stations, and Texaco cards are accepted at Chevron stations and vice versa. The company websites will explain where the cards may be used and usually provide locator maps in which you can enter your ZIP code to find the nearest stations.
-
Benefits
-
Convenience, lower prices and accessibility are benefits to buying gas gift cards online. Shop anytime for any station without waiting in line. You also can find consumer reviews online about the company you're considering using as well as locations where the gift card can be used. For example, when planning a long road trip, you can use the Internet to determine which company has the most locations along a route and buy accordingly.
Warning
-
Like all online purchases, be sure you are buying on a secure site that encrypts credit card information. It's also important to read the terms and conditions. Determine whether the company charges an inactivity fee or if the gift card has an expiration date. Although most gas gift cards do not charge these fees and don't expire, check before you buy. Once purchased, treat the card like cash. If it's lost or stolen, you have no recourse for a reimbursement.
Auction Sites
-
You can find gas gift cards for sale at online auction sites (like eBay). Bidding starts below the face value and can lead to overall savings. Be certain there is no additional shipping cost, or if there is, factor that into your bid so that you don't spend more than the card is worth. Proceed with caution and check seller ratings. Some cards offered on auction sites are bogus or otherwise illegally obtained. Also, some vendors sell cards with no cash value simply for their "collectibility." The descriptions usually indicate whether the gift card has a cash value, but double-check before bidding.
Gas Credit Cards
-
Don't confuse a gas gift card with a gas rebate credit card. Unlike a gas gift card, a gas rebate credit card is a credit card; however, you earn rebates each time you use the gas rebate credit card for gasoline purchases. You can redeem your rebate once you reach the established threshold, usually $20 to $50. The rebate can be issued to you in the form of a check, credited to your account or offered as bonus points for another reward program.
-
