There are times when certain financial needs require certain measures. One common method of meeting short to mid-range financial needs is through the use of a credit card. There is no shortage of credit card offers on the market right now. This review takes a look at a card offered by one of the most recognizable brands in the world — ExxonMobil. The ExxonMobil Preferred Smart Card is actually offered through Citi at www.ExxonMobilSmartCard.com.
As with any card, there are both, advantages and disadvantages. How does this card stand up under the light of careful examination?
Card Advantages:
Immediate Savings
A significant plus for users of this card is the immediate savings that they will be able to save by using the card in specific situations. By using the card to purchase gas at ExxonMobil locations, you can save six cents per gallon on your gas purchases. This is a common benefit of using a branded card that is directly linked to a specific brand that you purchase on a regular basis.
In addition to the gas purchase savings associated with the card, there are some other ways that the card user can save money with this card.
- Up to 10 percent cash back on hotels
- Five percent cash back on airline travel
- Save on movie tickets and theme parks
- Eligibility to receive dining certificate for up to 60 percent discounts
How the Gasoline Rewards Work
When you purchase at least 45 gallons per month on an Exxon or Mobil branded fuel product, you will earn six cents per gallon on those purchases. There is a cap of 100 gallons placed on this benefit, meaning the total maximum cash back savings at the pump would equal $6.00.
Pay at the Pump Convenience
The savings benefits associated with the card are not only applied to the purchase of fuel. You do have the convenience of paying at the pump and receiving the savings for gas purchases. Additionally, you can also use the card to purchase supplies, food and other products stocked at any ExxonMobil retail location.
Free Speedpass
The card membership also comes with a free Speedpass key tag that will be connected to your account. This makes the convenience of purchasing products at ExxonMobil locations even easier. You don’t even have to remove your card from your wallet; simply point your Speedpass key tag at the pump or the register and keep right on moving. Now that is convenience.
Online Account Management at ExxonMobilSmartCard.com
This particular benefit has become so common that it almost goes without mentioning, but for the sake of clarity, it is listed here. Online account management offers the convenience of handling numerous tasks associated with your account from the convenience of your home or anywhere with an internet connection.
Card Disadvantages:
No Sign-Up Bonus
With the bank card industry being so competitive, it has become increasingly common to offer new applicants a sign-up bonus. This is simply one way to entice a customer to switch card companies; however, ExxonMobil has chosen not to offer a sign-up bonus. Although sign-up bonuses are not usually higher than $50.00, it is still worth mentioning.
Annual Fee
There is also an annual fee of $29.00. This takes on greater significance when the fact that there is no sign-up bonus is considered. Something else worth noting is the fact that balance transfers and foreign transactions are not allowed on the card.
There are some benefits to having this card, especially for the loyal ExxonMobil fuel customer. With the savings on movies and theme parks, conjoined with dining discounts, it is easy to see a use for this card. Whether it can effectively be used as a primary card is yet to be seen.
