With the world economy of shaky ground, gas prices soaring and the cost of just about everything you need to live shooting through the roof, now is the time to get wily with your cash. While politicians and money-saving groups might suggest one way to cut down on rising costs is to swap cars for public transport, those for whom time is a premium know cars can be a necessity, not a luxury. Unless you’re fortunate enough to live close to your workplace or have a freelance gig working from home, chances are you’ll just have to pay whatever it takes to keep your ride rolling.

So, rather than feeling guilty about the cost of your vehicle’s upkeep, how about you start making the four wheels work for you and your bank balance. Here are seven of the best credit cards for drivers which do just that!

1. Chase PerfectCard: The Chase PerfectCard offers 6% rebates on all gas purchases from any gas station for the first 90 days of use, after that holders receive 3% rebates on all gas purchases. There are also 1% rebates on all other purchases, with the rebates automatically applied to monthly statements. Although there is a cap on how much you can earn from gas - rebates will only be applied on the first $500 spent on gas - there is no limit on rebates earned from other purchases. There is no annual fee on this card, and an introductory APR of 0% for six months. After that APR stands at 10.49%.

2. Discover Open Road Card: Holders earn up to 5% rebates when they purchase gas or pay for vehicle maintenance on this card. All other purchases earn 1% cashback bonuses. Rebates can either be received as straight cash or can be exchanged for gift cards or certificates which can be used at over 70 stores. If the cashback is switched to gift cards the reward are doubled. The card offers 9% APR on balance transfers and new purchases for the first 12 months, with the normal APR standing at 10.9%. There is no annual fee for this card.

3. BP-CitiBank MasterCard: Australian drivers can avail themselves of saving 5% off petrol with the BP-Citibank MasterCard, but there is a limit to how much cashback you get. The BP-CitiBank MasterCard also gives cardholders 1% cashback on everyday purchases such as groceries. Any money saved is simply credited to the card account. It’s not all good though: there’s an annual fee of AUS$79 and the interest rate on purchases isn’t great either. But if you are a fiscally responsible commuter who spends a lot of time filling up at the pump, then the pros will probably outweigh any drawbacks.

4. Citi Driver’s Edge Options Platinum Select Card: This card lets holders earn rebates which can then be used towards any make or model of new or used car they wish to purchase. The rebates can also be used towards maintenance of any vehicle the holder already owns or towards the hiring of a car. This means anyone who is thinking of buying a new car in the next few years can save towards it now, even if they are yet to decide which make of vehicle they wish to buy. This card offers 6% rebates on purchases from gas stations, supermarkets and drug stores for the first 12 months, and 3% thereafter. All other purchases offer 1% rebates, with the option to be redeem points in the card’s ThankYou Network, which offers the choice of cash incentives, airline tickets and brand name merchandise. There is 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months, with a typical APR of 9.49%. The card comes with travel insurance, travel and emergency assistance and purchase protection and there is no annual fee.

5. Capital One No Hassle Points Rewards: This card offers five points for each dollar spent at gas stations, supermarkets and drug stores. Holders also earn one point for every dollar spent on other purchases, and there is no limit to the amount of points which can be accrued or time limit in which they must be spent. Points can be exchanged for merchandise - including the latest electronic gadgets - brand name gift cards, travel certificates or for cash. Purchases are interest free until February 2009, with the APR then standing at 16.9% for both purchases and balance transfers. The card has an annual fee of $29. Extra benefits include fraud protection, 24-hour roadside assistance and auto rental insurance.

6. Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Credit Card: This credit card allows holders to collect five reward points for every $1 spent at gas stations (as well as at supermarkets and drug stores) for the first 12 months of use. As well as that, spenders collect points every time the use the card to fund a car rental and other purchases. Points can be redeemed in the card’s ThankYou Network, which offers the choice of cash incentives, airline tickets and brand name merchandise. As well as this, the card offers 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months, with no annual fee. Card holders also gain access to a host of special perks, including the 24/7Diamond Preferred concierge service and the Private Pass. The Private Pass scheme gives holders the opportunity to book event tickets before they go on sale to the general public, as well as the chance to book preferred seating and VIP events. This Citi card comes with travel insurance, identity theft protection and price protection solutions, with a typical APR of 9.9%.

7. Capital One No Hassle Miles Rewards For Travel & Gas: This Capital One card offers the chance to earn airmiles as you top up on fuel. Holders receive three airmiles per dollar spent on travel and gas and one mile on all other purchases. Redemption of the airmiles is totally unrestricted - holders can fly any airline, anytime, anywhere with no restricted dates or seats. There is no limit on the amount of miles which can be earned and no expiration on rewards. Holders have the option of swapping airmiles for travel, cash, merchandise, charitable donations or gift card rewards. There is an offer of 0% on purchases until October 2009, with the typical APR 9.9%. The card doesn’t have an annual fee. Extra benefits include fraud protection, 24-hour roadside assistance, travel accident insurance and auto rental insurance.

8. Citi PremierPass Credit Card-Elite Level: This Citi card gives two points for each dollar spent at gas stations, supermarkets and drugstores, and one point for each dollar spent everywhere else. The card also gives one point for every mile the holder, or anyone else whose tickets are purchased on the card, flies with any airline. As well as this, spend $600 within the first three months of opening the card and holders receive an extra 20,000 points. Rewards can be redeemed against flights on any airline with no blackout dates, discounts on hotels, gift cards and electronics. There is an annual fee on $75, and APR stands at 13.49%.

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