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The Discover® Open RoadSM Card (formerly Discover Gas Card) was last reviewed on 6th June 2008
Summary - We recommend the Discover® Open RoadSM Card because you can earn 5% rebates on both gasoline and auto maintenance purchases. You can purchase gasoline at any gasoline station. You can also double the value of your cash rebates by exchanging them for gift certificates of partner merchants. This card does have a tiered rebate formula that you should be aware of. Read further to find out more about this card.
Rebate for Gasoline and Auto Maintenance - The Discover Open Road Card allows you to earn 5% rebates for gasoline and auto maintenance purchase for up to $100 combined gasoline and auto maintenance spending a month ($1,200 in annual spending). Once you exceed $100 in monthly spending, you will earn similar rebates as your "other purchases".
Rebates on "other purchases" - Cash Back Bonus - For the fist $1,500 in annual spending, you earn 0.25% rebates. For the next $1,500 in annual spending, you earn 0.5% rebates. You earn 1% rebates for annual spending above $3,000. You can earn unlimited rebates which do not expire.
Fees and Rates - The Discover Open Road Card has no annual fee. The APR ranges from prime rate plus 5.99% to 13.99%%. The average daily balance method (including new purchases) is used to calculate monthly balance. New cardholders get a 0% APR offer for balance transfers for 12 months and 6 months for purchases.
Verdict - This card is not without its flaws. Firstly, you can earn 5% rebates for both gasoline and auto maintenance purchases for up to $100 in gasoline and automatenance spening ($1,200 in annual spending). If your vehicle is a gas guzzler, then you may just reach that limit very quickly. The tiered rebate formula for cash back bonus is not impressive as well.
Despite these "flaws", this is still a very good gas credit card. Firstly, you get 5% rebates on gasoline purchase at any station. Presently, the Blue Cash is the only other card that pays 5% on gasoline purchase. But you need annual spending to exceed $6,500 before you earn 5%. With this card, you start earning 5% right away. Secondly, this is the only credit card that allows you to earn 5% rebates on auto maintenance expenses. The Discover® Open RoadSM Card is best used for just gasoline and auto maintenance purchases and we highly recommend it to save money at the pump.
For those looking to do a balance transfer, this card offers a 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers.
PositivesNo annual feeEarn 5% rebates on gasoline and auto maintenance purchasesRebates do not expire
NegativesTiered rebate formula
| Rebate Formula |
Earn 5% rebates for $1,200 in annual spending on gasoline purchases and auto maintenance purchases
For other purchases, earn 0.25% for first $1,500 in annual spending, 0.5% for next $1,500 in annual spending, 1% for spending above $3,000 |
| Rebate Expiration |
No expiration |
$500,000 in travel insurance
$25,000 in auto rental insurance |
| Introductory rate |
0% APR for 12 months (balance transfers)
0% APR for 6 months (purchases) |
| Annual Fees |
No annual fee |
| Purchase APR |
P+5.99% to 13.99% |
| Balance Transfer APR |
P+5.99% to 13.99% |
| Cash Advance APR |
20.99% or 23.99% |
| Penalty/Default Rate APR |
Up to 28.99% |
| Min Finance Charge |
$0.50 |
| Grace Period |
25 days |
| Balance Calculation Method |
2-cycle Average Daily Balance (including new purchases) |
| Cash Advance Fee |
3% min $5.00 |
| Balance Transfer Fee |
3.00% for each balance transfer made under this offer, with a minimum of $10 and
a maximum of $75. |
| Over-the-credit-limit fee |
$15 on balances up to $500, and $39 on balances over $500. |
| Late Payment fee |
$19 on balances up to $250 and $39 on balances over $250. |
Apply for the Discover® Open RoadSM Card
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