Purchasing Gas Gift Cards

MySunrise271 · ‎05-09-2024

I need to purchase 4 gas gift cards for a fundraiser raffle. Is it better to purchase at the gas station with a rewards card category for gas (e.g Citi CC, Amex BCE) or purchase at a grocery store with a rewards card category for grocery (e.g. Citi CC, Chase Bonvoy I have a 5x target offer on gas and grocery). Best option that the merchant will code correctly and I won't have any AA for manufacture spending.

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Anonymous · ‎05-09-2024

@MySunrise271 wrote:
I need to purchase 4 gas gift cards for a fundraiser raffle. Is it better to purchase at the gas station with a rewards card category for gas (e.g Citi CC, Amex BCE) or purchase at a grocery store with a rewards card category for grocery (e.g. Citi CC, Chase Bonvoy I have a 5x target offer on gas and grocery). Best option that the merchant will code correctly and I won't have any AA for manufacture spending.

Without knowing anything else, and assuming the rewards rates are the same, I would probably opt for grocery store. But it also depends on a) the amount of the gift cards, and b) your usual spend pattern at gas and grocery.

For example, if it is 4 $10 cards, either would do. But if it was say 4 $100, AND you don't usually spend much on gas then just to avoid any complications, go to a grocery store. And vice versa if your grocery spend is low. This just prevents someone wondering "Why is the grocery/gas transaction so out of the normal for this person?" Note that even if that happened, you might just be asked to confirm the transaction.

ptatohed · ‎05-09-2024

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it and just go with the best rewards. Try to do all in one (or two) transaction as I have had a card locked by trying to buy 4 items of the same exact value on 4 separate transactions (I think the bank thought it was a repeat error and froze the card after 2-3 purchases).

Everyday 5% CB:
Chase prime Visa // citi CUSTOM CASH “A” // citi CUSTOM CASH “B” // citi CUSTOM CASH “C” // citi ThankYou (5% gas, lucrative spending offers) // mylowe’s Rewards // Target circle card

Rotating 5% CB:
Chase “OG” freedom Visa // DISCOVER it Cash Back // nusenda CU Platinum Cash Rewards

Everyday 4% CB:
US Bank Smartly (v1.0)

Everyday 3% / 2.2% CB:
AOD FCU Visa Signature (3%, sockdrawered) // upgrade Cash Rewards Elite (2.2%, sockdrawered)

Welcome Offer / credits only:
NFCU FLAGSHIP REWARDS (elevated Welcome Offer, annual prime credit, sockdrawered)

Hotel card:
Chase IHG ONE REWARDS PREMIER (elevated Welcome Offer, 1 free night/yr)

On my radar:
Langely FCU Signature Cash Back (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // Safe CU Cash Back+ (Quarterly rotating 5% CB cats plus bonus cats) // upgrade MyFive Cash Rewards (5% CB monthly selectable cat) // US Bank Kroger (and family) World Elite Master Card(s) (5% CB Mobile Wallet)

MySunrise271 · ‎05-09-2024

It's good to know about splitting up the transactions. I'll do that, as each card will be worth $50, and I need to purchase a total of 4.

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Anonymous · ‎05-09-2024

@MySunrise271 wrote:
It's good to know about splitting up the transactions. I'll do that, as each card will be worth $50, and I need to purchase a total of 4.

I think @ptatohed was more "Don't split the transactions!" or at least do 2 and 2. Personally, I don't think $200 in gift cards will cause any issue at a supermarket.

MySunrise271 · ‎05-09-2024

Thanks, I plan to purchase 2 cards per transaction.

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Rogue46 · ‎05-09-2024

I wouldn't really worry about AA for 1 or 2 transactions the banks look for a pattern of transactions over a period of time before they come knocking about manufactured spend