With gas prices continuously on the rise, many jokes abound about financing your gas purchases, but having a Shell gas credit card isn't a bad idea. In fact, a Shell gas credit card can be a great way to pay for your gas while saving money at the same time. It's just a matter of knowing how to manage your gas credit cards wisely.



Here are four tips that will help you get the most from your Shell gas credit card and all of the gas credit cards in your wallet.

1. Understand the Perks

The biggest mistake you can make with your Shell gas credit card is to not fully understand the perks. Not all Shell credit cards are created equal. Some offer cash back on gas purchases while others don't, some will offer cash back on travel-related purchases and others won't.

If you're looking to get cash back on your gas purchases (which most consumers are nowadays) you'll want the Shell MasterCard from Citi Cards. This card gets you 5-percent cash back on all of your gas purchases. The other Shell credit cards do not.

If you think 5-percent doesn't really add up to much, you might be surprised. I personally drive a Suburban. No, I'm not an enemy of the environment... I have a large family and drive in areas where 4-wheel drive is necessary.

It takes me about $120 to fill up my tank right now, so my 5-percent rebate saves me about six bucks a tank. A full tank lasts me about 2 weeks. Over the course of a year, that 5-percent discount will save me more than $150.

2. More Than One

If you travel a lot, you might want to consider carrying more than one Shell gas credit card. If you carry the Shell MasterCard from Citi Cards and the Shell Select Member Card, you can use the MasterCard for your gas purchases, earning 5-percent cash back, and your Shell Select Member Card to book your hotel rooms, earning up to 10-percent cash back.

3. Don't Carry a Balance

All jokes about financing your gas purchases aside, you really don't want to carry a balance on your Shell gas credit card. As a general rule, gas credit cards hold a higher interest rate than other credit cards and the Shell gas credit card is no exception. Depending on which Shell gas credit card you opt for, you may pay anywhere from 16-percent to 23-percent interest if you carry a balance on the card.

4. Still Shop For The Bargains

Even if you do have a Shell gas credit card, make sure that you analyze gas prices before heading to the pump. Just because you have access to a Shell gas credit card doesn't mean you should buy your gas at the Shell gas station if you can get it cheaper elsewhere.

Let's say gas ABC Gas Station is across the street from Shell and is charging $3.00 a gallon for gas. Shell, on the other hand, is charging $3.19. Even with your 5-percent cash back discount (if you're using the Shell MasterCard) you'd be better off getting the gas at the gas station across the street.

With gas prices at ridiculously high prices, smart consumers do everything they can to minimize their fuel costs. Not only is a Shell gas credit card convenient, allowing you to pay at the pump and easily manage your gas expenses, it can also save you quite a bit of money over the course of the year.