Using Gas Rewards Programs to Save $1 per gallon at the Pump

Learn how to save up to $1 per gallon on gas using fuel rewards programs from major gas stations, grocery stores, and credit cards. Tips to maximize fuel points and discounts.

Using Gas Rewards Programs to Save Money at the Pump 2024

Filling up your gas tank can take a big bite out of your wallet, especially with gas prices being so volatile. However, there are ways you can mitigate these costs through gas rewards programs offered by major gas stations, supermarkets, and credit card companies. This guide will provide tips to maximize savings using the top gas rewards programs.

Overview of Gas Rewards Programs

Gas rewards programs allow you to earn rewards, such as cash back or fuel discounts, when you make purchases with a linked payment card. The more you spend, the more you can save at the pump.

Here are some of the most popular gas rewards programs:

  • BPme Rewards - Earn fuel discounts at BP and Amoco stations by linking your debit/credit card. Can save up to $1 per gallon.
  • Exxon Mobil Rewards+ - Link your card to earn points on non-fuel purchases that translate into fuel savings at Exxon and Mobil stations.
  • Shell Fuel Rewards - Earn fuel discounts by shopping with a linked card at Shell stations and participating grocery/dining partners.
  • GasBuddy Fuel Card - Save up to $0.50 per gallon at select gas stations nationwide. Pay with the GasBuddy card directly to access discounts.
  • Gas station credit cards - Cards like Texaco Star and Marathon give you discounted site-specific pricing.
  • Grocery fuel points - Many supermarket chains offer fuel savings when you shop with rewards cards. Discounts can range from $0.05-0.40 per gallon.

Below are tips to maximize savings with the major gas rewards programs.

1. BPme Rewards

The BPme program offers some of the highest fuel discounts compared to competitors. Here are ways to save:

Earn More Points

You earn 10 points per $1 spent on fuel, 5 points per $1 on convenience store purchases, and 1 point per $2 on out-of-station spending. To maximize points:

  • Use your linked BPme card for all fuel fill ups and in-store purchases
  • Make the card your primary spending card for groceries, dining, etc.

Get Bigger Discounts

Every 100 points = $1 off per gallon, up to 20 gallons. Strategies to earn bigger discounts:

  • Target spending bonuses to earn points faster
  • Redeem points during peak pricing periods

Unlock Elite Status

At Gold status (5,000+ points/month) and Platinum (10,000+ points/month), you get a $0.05 per gallon bonus.

2. Exxon Mobil Rewards+

While Exxon Mobil Rewards+ doesn’t offer as high of discounts per gallon as BPme, there are ways to maximize your savings:

Earn More Points

You earn 3 points per $1 spent on Synergy fuel and convenience store purchases and 1 point per $2 on out-of-network transactions. Strategies include:

  • Pay for all Exxon and Mobil gas with your linked card
  • Use it as your primary card for dining, groceries, etc. to rack up points faster

Save With Point Bonuses

Qualify for 25% point bonuses when you purchase Premium fuel grades or spend at least $75 per fill-up.

Get Bigger Discounts

At 500 points you save $0.10 per gallon. Unlock increasing tiers of discounts up to 40 gallons of savings at 7,500 points.

Combine With Promotions

Occasional store promotions like 5x everyday point bonuses or $0.15 off per gallon allow you to maximize savings.

3. Shell Fuel Rewards

Shell offers ways to save on high-quality fuel through their program:

Automatic Savings

Link your Fuel Rewards card to save at least $0.05 per gallon automatically. If you have Gold Status, you save $0.10 per gallon.

Earn Fuel Discounts

Get 1 cent off per gallon for every $50 spent on qualifying Shell fuel, convenience store items, and car washes. Strategies include:

  • Pay with your Fuel Rewards card for all Shell station transactions
  • Take advantage of bonus earning periods on fuel or convenience store purchases

Save With Grocery Purchases

Link your Fuel Rewards card to your grocery store rewards account to save up to $0.20 per gallon across over 250 grocery chains. The more you spend on groceries, the more fuel discounts you can redeem.

Combine Discounts

Stack grocery and Shell station rewards savings to maximize discounts. You can save up to $1.00 per gallon when combined.

4. GasBuddy Fuel Card

The GasBuddy fuel card offers straightforward fuel savings:

Access Discounts

Save $0.03 - $0.50 per gallon every day at select stations nationwide. Just pay with your GasBuddy card to automatically save – no pre-registration required.

Find the Best Deals

Since discounts vary by zip code and gas station, plug in your location in the GasBuddy app to locate the highest discounts near you. Focus spending at those stations.

Combine With In-App Offers

Occasionally GasBuddy provides additional limited-time fuel discounts or cash back when you pay from the app. Add these to save even more.

Pay With Gift Cards

Purchase discounted GasBuddy gift cards or accept them as gifts to save even more per fill up.

5. Gas Station Credit Cards

Gas chain co-branded credit cards offer big site-specific savings:

Texaco Star Card

Earn at least $0.03 off per gallon on every fill-up plus access member pricing. You can save $0.05-0.15 more per gallon. No earning caps or sign-up fees.

Marathon Fuel Credit Card

Save $0.05 per gallon on every Marathon purchase. Earn an extra $0.20 per gallon discount with Gold Status achieved by purchasing 500+ gallons annually.

Speedy Rewards Credit Card

Double points on Speedway fuel purchases equals $0.10 per gallon savings. You also save $0.05 automatically per gallon at qualifying stations.

Shell Credit Card

Earn a $0.05 discount per gallon on your first fill-up and every Monday after activate your card. You can also earn points redeemable for Shell fuel.

Exxon Mobil Smart Card

Save $0.05 per gallon + access member pricing at Exxon and Mobil stations with this card. Save even more by linking your Smart Card to your Rewards+ account.

Best Gas Credit Cards of 2024,Gas Up Your Fuel with Rewards

6. Grocery Fuel Points Programs

Major supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons let you earn free or discounted gas fill ups. Enrollment is free.

Kroger Fuel Points

Earn 1 fuel point for every $1 spent on groceries + qualifying purchases. At 100 points, save $0.10 per gallon up to 35 gallons. Often bonus point promotions.

Albertsons Fuel Perks

Earn 10 cents off per gallon for every $100 spent. Most shoppers can save at least $1.00 per fill-up. Exclusive member pricing also available.

Safeway Gas Rewards

Earn 10 cents off per gallon for every $100 in qualifying purchases. Instant savings are capped at 20 gallons per transaction. Occasional bonus point promotions offered.

Publix Fuel Savings

Spend $50 on groceries in one transaction using your Publix Rewards card to earn fuel savings that translate to $0.10 off per gallon. Valid for up to 20 gallons per redemption.

Giant, Stop & Shop, ShopRite

With qualifying purchases at these Northeast chains, earn $0.10-0.30 off per gallon redeemed at participating Exxon, Mobil, Shell, Sunoco, Gulf, and other local gas stations. Rewards do vary by program and location.

Maximizing Fuel Rewards Strategy

Using multiple rewards programs simultaneously helps you maximize savings per fill-up. The key steps include:

  • Enroll in 2-3 major rewards programs (credit card, gas card, grocery)
  • Always pay using your rewards cards
  • Target spending bonuses when possible during the earning periods
  • Redeem all available discounts and rewards together when fueling up by using the corresponding payment cards
  • Fill up at stations offering the highest per gallon discounts

The more programs you strategically engage with, the bigger your savings often are per gallon. Being vigilant in redemption is essential to maximize the value of fuel rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about squeezing more savings out of gas rewards? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

What if I don’t qualify for a rewards credit card?

The good news is that many fuel rewards programs don’t require good credit. For example, grocery fuel points only require signing up for their loyalty rewards card. You can also sign up for the free GasBuddy or Shell Fuel Rewards cards to access savings.

Where are the cheapest gas prices typically?

Stations like Costco, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Kroger, and supermarket chains often have the most discounted fuel since it helps attract grocery customers. Avoid filling up near highways or at stations by airports since they cater more to travelers and can charge higher prices.
Monitoring the GasBuddy app can help you locate and compare discounted prices as well before heading to the pump.

How much can I realistically save a year?

By maximizing 2-3 strong rewards programs, the average driver can save $150-300 annually on gas depending on enrollment tiers, bonus point promos, and consistent engagement with the programs.

How do i redeem my fuel points?

You can redeem your Fuel Rewards savings by swiping your Fuel Rewards card or entering your alternate ID at the pump when filling up at participating Shell stations

What is lifetime savings on fuel rewards?

The Fuel Rewards program does not specify any concept called "lifetime savings". The program is free and allows members to save at least $0.05 per gallon on Shell fuel purchases

Is shell fuel rewards free?

Yes, the Shell Fuel Rewards program is free to join. It is a loyalty program that helps members spend less money on fuel.

In summary how to Save Money at the Pump 2024 Using Gas Rewards Programs

Leveraging Multiple Rewards Programs

Enrolling in 2-3 major gas, grocery, and credit card rewards programs allows you to maximize potential savings by combining earnings across different programs.

Strategic Points Earning

Consistently using linked rewards payment cards, especially during bonus periods, helps you rack up fuel points faster to access bigger per gallon discounts.

Maximizing Discount Redemptions

Being strategic about redeeming all accumulated fuel discounts and rewards together when filling up can lead to per gallon savings between $0.10-0.30.

Long-Term Fuel Savings

Carefully utilizing gas rewards programs can generate substantial yearly fuel savings, providing financial relief from volatile gas prices.

With gas prices so volatile, joining rewards programs is an easy way to keep more money in your pocket over the long run. Use these tips and tricks to maximize your savings next time you fill up!

🌐 Sources

  • 1 - cnbc.com - Gas Rewards Programs That Can Save You Money
  • 2 - bankrate.com - Your Guide To Gas Rewards Programs
  • 3 - forbes.com - Best Gas Rewards Programs
  • 4 - thepennyhoarder.com - 6 Best Gas Rewards Programs Save Money at the Pump
  • 5 - cnet.com - As Gas Prices Spike, Here's How to Save Money at the Pump
  • 6 - experian.com - 19 Ways to Save Money on Gas

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