Chevron and Texaco Premium Card Review

chevron premiumThe Chevron and Texaco Premium Card is aimed at consumers who routinely purchase their fuel products at Chevron and Texaco stations.  It offers a few more rewards than the Chevron and Texaco Personal Credit Card but the credit terms are exactly the same.  Like the Personal credit card, the Chevron and Texaco Premium Card is not affiliated with Visa or MasterCard.  It can only be used to purchase fuel and other products sold at Chevron and Texaco stations throughout the U.S.  It is issued by Synchrony Bank.

New card members can earn Fuel Credits of 10 cents per gallon for the first 60 days that your account is active.  This offer is valid at all Chevron and Texaco stations located within the U.S. and the promotion is good through March 31, 2015.  The amount of Fuel Credits cardholders can earn during this time is capped at $300.  Once this promotion expires, card members are not eligible to earn any Fuel Credits with the continued use of the Chevron and Texaco Premium Card.  The only credit card affiliated with this brand that offers on-going fuel discount rewards is the Chevron and Texaco Visa Card.

People who are interested in this card can apply online at the Chevron/Texaco website.  You must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Social Security number in order to apply for the Chevron and Texaco Premium Card.

The additional rewards which are offered with this card are designed for more frequent travelers.

They include

  • Discounted Hotel Rates
  • Preferred Car Rental Rates
  • 5% Travel Rebates
  • $25,000 Travel Insurance

Card members also have 24/7 access to cash advances at any ATM which is part of the Cirrus Network.  To be eligible for the cash access benefit cardholders must meet the following criteria:

  • Your account must be approved for the cash access feature at the time your account is opened.
  • You must be approved for a credit limit of at least $500.

This service is only available in the U.S. and Canada at the present time.

The Chevron and Texaco Premium Card has a high annual percentage rate of 26.99% on purchases.  If you are considering this card, you would be well advised to pay off the entire balance each month to avoid expensive interest charges.

The Chevron and Texaco Premium Card has an annual fee of $25 which is not waived for the first year of membership.

The Facts

Below we’ve broken down the specifics of the Chevron and Texaco Premium Card to assist you in determining if it’s a good choice for you.

The Good:

Lower credit score may qualify:

The Chevron and Texaco Premium adheres to the same credit standards as the Chevron and Texaco Personal Credit Card.  People who are rebuilding their credit (or establishing credit) may have an easier time qualifying for this card since it is not associated with Visa or MasterCard.  For someone with a blemished credit history, this is a plus.

New member signup bonus:           

New cardholders can earn 10 cents per gallon in Fuel Credits on purchases made on the card for the first 60 days that your account is open.  A maximum of $300 in Fuel Credits may be earned by card members during this promotional period.  This offer ends on March 31, 2015.

Additional rewards:

Account holders receive additional benefits with the Chevron and Texaco Premium Card (above what is offered with the Chevron and Texaco Personal Credit Card).  These extra perks are targeted at people who travel frequently.  They are:

  • Discounted Hotel Rates- Discounted room rates on selected hotels (U.S. and abroad)
  • Preferred Car Rental Rates- Preferred daily, weekly, and monthly car rental rates at Alamo, Avis, Hertz, and National
  • 5% Travel Rebates- 5% rebates on car rentals, airline tickets, and hotel reservations when booked through the affiliated Travel Reservation Center
  • $25,000 Travel Insurance- Automatic $25,000 travel insurance (accidental death) when traveling as a paid passenger on a regularly scheduled plane, train, or boat

These benefits all have additional limitations and restrictions which may apply.  Card members receive a complete listing of all services and benefits upon receipt of their Chevron and Texaco Premium Card.

The Bad:

Annual Fee:

This card comes with an annual fee of $25.  With no fuel rewards (other than the limited signup bonus offer) you should consider whether this card is really worth the yearly fee.

Limited usage:

Card members can only use the card to purchase fuel (and other products available) at Chevron and Texaco stations located within the U.S.  It is not accepted anywhere else.

Fuel Credits are capped:

New account holders who take advantage of the signup bonus promotion are allowed to earn a maximum of $300 in fuel credits during the 60-day period.

The Ugly:

Weak rewards:

Once the signup bonus promotional period expires, card members receive no fuel credit rewards for using the Chevron and Texaco Premium Card.  As far as the additional benefits that come with this card, most frequent travelers can earn substantially better rewards through the many loyalty programs which are offered by airlines, hotels and car rental companies.

High APR:

This card charges members an extremely high annual percentage rate of 26.99% on purchases.  Anyone considering this card should plan to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid costly finance charges.