If you aren’t trying to make a big surprise of the gas gift card, you could just ask the person you’re buying the card for what gas station they usually go to. The major players such as Exxon and Shell are great choices as are 7-11, QuikTrip and RaceTrac convenience stores. Just check to be sure they are in the right area. All gas stations are basically the same. The only “wrong” choice is buying a card for a gas station that is inaccessible to the person you’re buying the card for. A child headed to college will be using one of the stations around their college. Know which gas station they prefer when choosing what card to buy.
Family members who are making a long drive to visit you might appreciate a gas card as a going-away gift. Gas gift cards make great stocking stuffers. You could tuck a gas gift card inside a birthday card.
If you are unable to find the exact amount you want, buy more than one gas gift card. For instance, if you want to give your friend $35 in gas gift cards, you might need to buy a $10 and a $25 gas gift card. It’s usually better to buy a card with a value of at least $25. Not only is a full tank of gas rarely less than $25, but values of less than that often require a surcharge of $0. 25 or $0. 50. [3] X Research source
Sometimes you can “buy” a gas gift card by spending a certain amount of money at a given store. For instance, sometimes grocery stores offer free gift cards in $10 amounts if you purchase $50 worth of groceries. If you’re going to buy groceries anyway, you might as well get the gift card along with everything else. Buy canned goods that won’t spoil if you’re having trouble hitting the minimum purchase price. Check to see if there is an extra charge on top of the cost of the actual money you’re putting on the card. Usually, there isn’t unless the card is of a low (less than $25) value. If there is, shop elsewhere for the gas gift card so you don’t have to pay the extra fee.
The Conoco, 76, ExxonMobil, Choice, Phillips 66, Sunoco, Chevron and Texaco gas gift cards do not have expiration dates or non-use fees. [9] X Research source Familiarize yourself with the fine print of your gas gift card to use it effectively. Details (terms and conditions) are usually on the back or obtainable by visiting the gas station’s website.
There are usually limits to what you can buy. Using your gift card to purchase lottery tickets, other gift cards, and money orders might be disallowed.
