With the rising cost of gas, every cent saved at the pump matters more than ever. As of June 2023, the national average cost of gas in the U.S. stands at a staggering $3.68 per gallon.
In such times, a gas card like the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ can offer some relief, thanks to its instant savings of 12¢/gal on every gallon of Synergy Supreme+™ premium gasoline and 10¢/gal on other grades of Synergy™ fuel.
However, while this discount may seem attractive, it’s important to consider the overall benefits of the card. Many of the best gas cards out there offer 3% to 4% cash back on gas and come with additional perks, broad acceptance, and flexibility that this card lacks.
Even though the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ provides convenience benefits like $0 fraud liability and online account management, its rewards program doesn't stack up against those of other top-tier gas cards.
In this review, I will conduct a detailed analysis of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+TM, comparing it with other cards on the market.
Key Features
- Welcome Bonus: Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ offers an attractive welcome bonus of 30¢/gal as a statement credit on fuel for the first two months after account opening. This can result in substantial savings if you frequently fill up at Exxon or Mobil stations.
- Annual Fee: The card comes with a $0 annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice if you’re looking for a card to save on gas and in-store purchases without any additional yearly cost.
- Regular APR: The regular APR for the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ is quite high, standing at 31.49% variable. This makes carrying a balance on this card quite expensive.
- Credit Score Requirements: To qualify for this card, you’ll likely need a good to excellent credit score. This means a FICO score of 670 or higher.
Pros and Cons of Exxon Mobil Smart Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $0 annual fee, making it cost-effective | High 31.49% variable APR |
| Discounts and rebates on gas at Exxon and Mobil gas stations, providing direct savings | Can only be used on gas and in-store at Exxon or Mobil stations, limiting its flexibility |
| Excellent in-store reward earning, offering 5% back on in-store purchases and car washes | Bonus rewards on non-gas purchases are capped, limiting the potential rewards |
The Mobil Smart Card+™ has some cool perks like a solid welcome bonus, no annual fee, and discounts on gas and in-store purchases. But, it’s got a high APR and limited usability.
So, before you decide if this card is for you, make sure to consider your specific needs and spending habits.
Rewards and Benefits
The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ offers appealing rewards for frequent customers of Exxon or Mobil stations.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Fuel Discounts: You get 12¢/gal in instant savings on every gallon of Synergy Supreme+™ premium gasoline or 10¢/gal on other grades of Synergy™ fuel. These discounts apply automatically at the pump, saving you money instantly.
- In-Store Cashback: Every month, you get 5% back as a statement credit on your first $1,200 in non-fuel purchases. If you shop and wash your car at Exxon or Mobil frequently, this can add up to significant savings.
However, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Using the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ as a payment method allows you to redeem rewards from the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program, but not those from the company’s fuel rewards program.
- The discounts on gas purchases made with the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+ can be combined with rewards associated with grocery store gas reward redemptions for an additional discount.
- There are some purchases that don’t qualify for rewards, such as lottery tickets, gift cards, and money orders. Rewards are only earned when an account is in good standing.
How Rewards Are Earned and Redeemed?
The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ earns rewards on fuel and in-store purchases, which are applied as instant savings or statement credits.
- Fuel discounts are applied instantly at the pump, meaning you see your savings immediately.
- The 5% cashback on in-store purchases and car washes redeems automatically as a statement credit at the end of every month.
Remember that rewards are not redeemed for closed or defaulted accounts. The card also includes a welcome bonus:
You get 30¢/gal as a bonus statement credit on fuel for the first two months after account opening. This can lead to substantial savings if you frequently fill up at Exxon or Mobil stations.
Other Benefits
Apart from the rewards and cash back, the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ offers some additional benefits that enhance its value and provide convenience to the cardholders.
- $0 Fraud Liability: In an era where online fraud and data breaches are common, this feature provides a sense of security. With $0 fraud liability, cardholders are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions. This means if your card is lost or stolen, or your card details are used without your permission, you won’t be held liable for those transactions.
- Online Banking: The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™* comes with the advantage of online account management. This allows you to track your spending, view your balance, make payments, and more, all from the comfort of your home or on the go. It’s a convenient way to manage your account without needing to visit a physical location or wait for paper statements.
However, it’s worth noting that while these benefits do add value, they’re fairly standard features that most credit cards offer.
Therefore, when considering whether to apply for the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™, it's important to weigh these benefits against the notable drawbacks of the card, such as its high APR and lack of flexibility in where it can be used.
Comparison with Other Cards
When deciding on a credit card, it’s crucial to compare it with other options available in the market.
Let’s take a look at how Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ stacks up against three other cards: Citi® Double Cash Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, and Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.
Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ vs. Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card doesn’t have a welcome bonus or specific rewards for gas purchases but offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay off those purchases).
With an APR of 19.24% – 29.24% variable, it’s significantly lower than the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™.
It can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard, providing more flexibility than the Exxon card.
Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
It offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, plus 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
It offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, plus 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
This card also includes additional benefits like secondary car rental loss and damage insurance¹ and a global assist hotline. Its APR is 19.24%-29.99% variable, lower than the Exxon card, and it can be used anywhere Amex is accepted.
Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers an impressive 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.
It also offers 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, and 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com. However, a Costco membership (starting at $60) is required to apply.
The card can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted, providing more flexibility than the Exxon card.
Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee | Regular APR | Credit Score Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ | Get 30¢/gal | $0 | 31.49% variable | Good, Excellent |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | N/A | $0 | 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable) | Excellent, Good, Fair |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Earn $250 | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | 19.24%-29.99% Variable | Excellent/Good |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | N/A | $0 (Costco membership required) | 15.49% (Variable) | Good, Excellent |
Our Verdict
MyCreditCardClub Rating: 3.5/5
The Exxon Mobil Smart Card+™ offers some decent rewards on gas and in-store purchases at Exxon or Mobil stations. However, it falls short when compared to the flexibility, lower APRs, and additional benefits offered by other cards.
The Citi® Double Cash Card provides a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a versatile choice for everyday spending.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers superior cash-back rates at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, along with decent returns at U.S. gas stations and on transit.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi shines with its 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year.
