Chase Freedom Card

[Louis]

I applied for and was accepted for the Chase Freedom card. I have a Citibank card
(Dividend Platinum Select, which is no longer attractive since it has a $100 tier)
which I was thinking (before I got the Chase Freedom card) of converting to the
Shell Mastercard. I use Shell gas sporadically, and only when it is cheaper than
other gas.

Is it a good idea to get the Shell Mastercard for Shell gas only, at 5%, and use the
Chase card for other 3% gas and other purchases? Or is this too complicated? I also
have an AMEX cash back card for all purchases (primary) except gas. Chase will be
used for all gas and anywhere AMEX is not accepted. Shell, if I get it, for only
Shell gas, and then only when it is cheapest.

Any opinions? Too many cards? Or are these good options to have?

[Eugene]

Looks like you have a well thought-out plan. 3 cards is definitely not a lot. And it's a good thing that you will use them all at least sometime. However, there is a risk that you will be spending so little on cards #2 and #3, that you will not get your reward soon enough, or not get it at all. Do the math and see if that's a real risk with your spending levels and the cards' rebate conditions.

Eugene.

[HJM]

However, there is a risk that you will be spending so little on cards #2 and #3, that you will not get your reward soon enough, or not get it at all.

Actually, there is no risk on these gas cards because they will credit the cards on the following month.

[Mr. Ira]

Actually there's a better choice out there for general gas purchases than the Chase Freedom Card. It's the AAA MasterCard (or VISA, the offer both) from First USA. This card gives you a 5% rebate on any brand of gas, so long as you can pay at the pump. If the station does not offer pay at the pump, co not use this card since you'll get no rebate at all.

[Eugene]

AAA card is issued by MBNA, not First USA.

[Georgy Peorgy]

That is fine if you don't care about the 1% for other purchases, but some of us do. That 1% makes the Freedom card better than AAA, depending on your needs.

Actually there's a better choice out there for general gas purchases than the Chase Freedom Card. It's the AAA MasterCard (or VISA, the offer both) from First USA. This card gives you a 5% rebate on any brand of gas, so long as you can pay at the pump. If the station does not offer pay at the pump, co not use this card since you'll get no rebate at all.

[Guest]

Think about this: Use two credit cards. I use the AAA card for most gas purchases and another card for all other purchases to get the 1% rebate.