Banks and credit card issuers are beleaguered in the sense that due to shifting new credit card rules and regulations, previously attractive interest free offers that they used to be able to offer consumers will no longer be available. It’s considered a loss for consumers who have always been able to pay off their bills on time and never carry an interest accruing balance.

Politics is heavily ingrained into economic issues so it’s difficult not to touch upon them from time to time. Regular readers probably have figured out by now that when it comes to economic issues, I tend to favor Republican viewpoints, but that I tend to side more with the Democrats when it comes to social matters.

I do agree the Chase FreedomCard and PerfectCard is not as attractive any longer.
Probably going to get a Discover More card instead.

All the new federal policies have done is decimate the already beleaguered credit card issuers and compel them to pull away all of their formerly lucrative credit card rewards, 0% balance transfer offers, and cash back rebates. So much for the good times.

Going from 5% to a mere and lowly 1% cash back is pretty terrible for Chase Freedom and Chase Perfect Card fans. Cardholders can try going to other cards, but other than a few top issuers, many of them are doing the same – downgrading their credit card reward programs.

The American Express Blue Cash card is also decent for those who are high spenders. I think the Chase Freedom is better for lower spenders though.

As for the Shell gas credit card….it’s the same with getting a BP gas credit card or Mobil/Exxon gas credit card, or a 76 gas credit card – you are limited in where you can go. I prefer a gas card that allows for gas fill ups at any pump. Freedom to fill and earn rebates. I don’t have to drive around and look for the right gas brand…I can simply earn rewards anywhere I go and focus on lowest prices instead.

No Strings Attached !

5% Rebate On All Shell Gas Purchases / 1% Non Shell Gas Purchases
5% Rebate On First $100 In Jiffy Lube Purchases
1% For All Other Purchases

Rebates credited to your monthly statement automatically

Here In Arizona and all over there are countless Shell Stations So Finding A Shell Will Be No Problem

Secondly, the cash rewards you get back for these credit cards are reduced (or nearly offset) by the surcharge many stations now charge for using credit cards … a practice that was once disguised as “Pay Cash and Save” back in the 80’s has again resurfaced.

I can remember back in the ’80s when Getty proudly touted “Same Price Cash or Credit” at their pumps, and had ads attacking competitors who charged extra for using credit cards (Shell was one practicing this disguised as “Pay Cash and Save” -while they didn’t even have to post the credit prices!) The ad compared the practice to a restaurant charging extra for a customer using a credit card to pay for a meal. The outrage practically made this injustice disappear by the end of the 80’s, but with merchants losing profits with today’s gas prices, it has crept back into play. I don’t have a Getty station in my area, but if they are still around (they’re being rebranded as Lukoil nationwide) I’d like to know if they are continuing their practice of charging the same price, cash or credit – and if they are, perhaps rolling out those old ads from the ’80s would help curb this injustice once again.