Here's a question that I don't think has been asked...I have a AAA Visa card thru MBNA that I use exclusively for gas here in the US. Why? Because it gives me a 5% cash rebate on every purchase at the pump. But it has to be made automatically at the pump...which is fine with me. My family and I are leaving for Ireland in 2 weeks and we will be driving extensively. I called MBNA to see if I can use my card for gas in Ireland and if I will get the rebate. The customer service rep I spoke to said that it would work but I have my doubts because he was awfully quick in answering. Has anyone ever used an MBNA card for gasoline, and can you pay at the pump in Ireland? I know this may sound like a trivial question, but with a 5% rebate on gas for a 10 day trip, that could add up to a chunk of change! Thanks.

I don't recall any pay-at-the-pump petrol stations anywhere in Britain or Ireland. If they're there, they are very few.

I don't know about Ireland, but my experience is that US Credit cards do not work in self-serve situations in France and Switzerland. But if there is an attendant, he/she will accept payment with a credit card.

I must be missing something...even if you were to spend $500 in gas over your ten days, a 5% rebate is only $25. That is a "chunk of change?"

I'll take the $25--it'll pay for 6 days of workday lunches for me.

Anytime I get a rebate on anything it is worth it. ESPECIALLY on gas. maybe it's not a big deal to you, xxxx, but it is to some people, so no need to get snotty. It was a valid question.

First off - when I was there in April, I did not see any gas stations that had pay at the pump. Most do now take Credit cards - BUT NOT ALL of them, so be sure to check for a CC symbol before you start pumping. A nice perk though is that a lot of stations still have full service, which is very nice.

Secondly - even though gas is more expensive there, most of the cars get good gas mileage. We went 965 miles in 14 days, and put in around $100 in gas. ( our first tank was provided by Dan Dooley, and we could return it on fumes) . SO - Your 5% rebate is only going to be about 5 bucks. Basically the cost of a guiness or 2.

Debbie

Thanks, Debbie. Full service gas stations...something I'm definitely not used to any more!

We'll keep an eye out for the CC sign per your advice. If the card works in Ireland, so much the better.

Wow, relax. I agree that every little bit helps. But on the other hand, for almost anyone with the discretionary income to travel to Europe, $25 hardly makes a difference. C'mon, $25 here is a movie and sodas for 2...and maybe popcorn depending on where you live.

I was not being snotty. I truly thought there was something I was not understanding.

Donna -
Yeah, it kind of freaks you out at first when a young man comes out - right up to your door, asking for your key to unlock the gas door.
I felt kind of useless - I am so used to pumping gas myself.

I did get very used to it by the end of the trip though

$25 here, $25 there, it all adds up. This year, saving $25, 10 times would get you a round trip ticket from JFK or EWR to AMS or FRA.

According to my husband, we put 2000+ miles on our rental car the last time we were there (for 15 days), so that $$ certainly can add up here and there. Paid by a combo of cash and credit card so make sure you have both. As mentioned some places do not take them. I think all places we stopped at were full service, can't think of one that wasn't off the top of my head.

It's a good question, no doubt and if you get rebate like we do on all purchases on your credit card then you'll certainly want to use it as often as possible.

Have a great trip!

wendy

Great deal if you can get it, but doing 1,000 miles in France we only put in about $100 gas - that's $5 rebate.
Will you even be covering 1,000 miles in Ireland?

You can certainly use your credit card in Ireland - but do not expect any rebates. To the credit card company, those will simply be purchases like any others, in a cafe, dept store, etc. Even IF the CC compant recognized it as a petrol purchase, you are unlikely to find any pay-at-the-pump stations.

So just use which ever CC has the best interest rates or gets you the most miles.