Benefits of using a fuel credit card on your next road trip

As liberating as road trips are, high fuel costs can burn a hole in your pocket. Thanks to fuel credit cards, you can make your road trips more affordable. Here are the key benefits of using a fuel credit card for your next road adventure.

What is a fuel card?
 

A fuel card is a type of credit card that offers special discounts and rewards when used to purchase fuel/petrol from specific gas stations. Fuel cards are designed to help drivers and frequent travellers save money on petrol or diesel expenses.

Benefits of fuel credit cards for road trips
 

1.  Fuel discounts and rewards
   The primary benefit of a fuel credit card is the fuel discounts and rewards it offers. Most fuel cards provide a percentage discount on every fuel purchase at partner petrol stations. This discount ranges from 1-2.5% at the pump. Additionally, some cards offer cashback on fuel spends. Together, these discounts and cashback can lead to significant savings, especially on long road trips. The more you spend on fuel, the more you save.
   
   
2.  Extra reward points
   In addition to fuel savings, most fuel cards also offer bonus reward points on petrol purchases. These reward points can be redeemed for statement credits, free fuel, gift cards, or other rewards. For instance, some cards offer 2-5 extra points per Rs. 100 spent on fuel. This allows you to rack up points faster. You can then redeem these points to offset your trip expenses. The more fuel you buy on the card, the more points you earn.
   
   
3.  Convenient expense tracking
   When you use a dedicated fuel card for your trip, it separates your fuel expenses from other spending. This simplifies tracking expenses and creating a budget. You can easily view your total fuel spending on the card statement rather than digging through multiple expenses. Some issuers also provide detailed fuel expense reports. This helps you monitor costs and make adjustments if required.
   
   
4.  Premium benefits
   Many premium fuel cards include benefits like complimentary airport lounge access, insurance, dining discounts and more. While basic fuel cards offer savings at the pump, premium ones provide end-to-end travel privileges. Depending on your card, you may get discounts on hotel bookings, flight tickets, restaurant bills and so on. This enhances your overall trip experience.
   
   
5.  Enhanced security
   Fuel credit cards come equipped with advanced security features to prevent fraud. This includes EMV chip technology, virtual cards for online transactions, SMS alerts and more. Using a dedicated fuel card rather than your primary credit card adds a layer of security for petrol purchases. You also avoid exposing your main card details at fuel station machines.

Conclusion
 

Fuel credit cards can make road trips more economical by offering fuel discounts, cashback, bonus rewards points, and other benefits. IDFC FIRST Bank introduces the FIRST Power Credit Card and the FIRST Power+ Credit Card, designed to accelerate your savings journey. The FIRST Power Credit Card delivers up to 5% fuel savings at HPCL outlets, 2.5% rewards on grocery, utility bills, and FASTag recharges, and double rewards points on other retail expenses.

Elevating the experience, the FIRST Power+ Credit Card amplifies the benefits of the FIRST Power card with additional perks such as 6.5% fuel savings at HPCL Petrol Pumps, up to 5% savings as Rewards on Grocery & Utility expenses, complimentary domestic airport lounge access, and a personal air accident cover.

Both cards not only offer substantial fuel savings but also come with a suite of lifestyle benefits. Enjoy complimentary lounge access, roadside assistance, and a Personal Protection Cover. Plus, take advantage of exciting offers from top brands and restaurants, making every journey and transaction more rewarding.