Prepaid gas cards have become more and more desirable ever since gasoline prices started going up, and the end of this hike is not visible. There are several types of prepaid cards related to fuel purchases.

I would say there are four major types: prepaid rechargeable gas cards, gas gift cards, regular gas credit cards, and discounted prepaid gas cards.

The most desirable card is obviously the discounted prepaid gas card. And it is understandable, since this desire purely reflects our wish to pay less and get more. Unfortunately, it seems that discounted gas cards are non-existent. At least legitimate ones.

Several companies that have offered discounted gas cards recently have turned out to be a scam. And they did not have a shortage of clients. Currently, you can find many companies that offer discounted prepaid cards with a membership, claiming that you can save 40% or 20% on gas.

Personally, I don’t like spending time figuring out whether these offers are legitimate; however, simple logic and common sense make me think that this business model can not be profitable. Take into account that these companies are also trying to convert their members into company distributors, promising them more recession proof business. I’d stay away from the discounted gas they offer.

Most of the famous companies such as Arco, BP/Amoco, Chevron, Citgo, Exxon/Mobil, Shell, Speedway/SuperAmerica, and Sunoco offer a wide variety of gas gift cards. Usually, there is no gas discount on these cards, and moreover, if you buy a lower card denomination, your cost is even higher than if you had just paid cash at the gas station.

Some companies offer a Visa prepaid gas card, which by its nature is very close to a gas gift card, and the only difference is you can reload the card with more money every time your balance is exhausted. There is no savings on gas with these cards either.

OK, it is sad, but there is no free gas or even decent discounts on those prepaid cards. However, you still can save on gas if you go with a regular credit card that offers a discount from 3% to 10% on gas purchases. Some examples of such cards are Chase Perfect MasterCard, Chevron and Texaco Visa card, or Capital One No Hassle Points.

Those cards can be really helpful on your gas savings, and the only thing that can’t be overemphasized enough is to make sure you clearly understand what the fine print says and use the card according to its purpose.