With fluctuating gas prices, finding ways to save money at the pump can make a big difference to your budget. One way to save on gas is to take advantage of gas station rewards programs. Most major gas station brands have them, and they usually offer discounts, cash back, and other perks to help reduce your cost. Here’s how to make the most of these programs.
1. Understand how gas station rewards programs work
Gas station rewards programs are designed to incentivize customer loyalty by offering various benefits, like discounts on gas, earning rewards points for purchases, and cash back on fuel and other items. With most programs, you earn rewards points every time you make a purchase at a participating gas station. You can redeem them for discounts on future gas purchases or other products and services the gas station offers.
2. Choose the right rewards program
Not all gas station rewards programs are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that matches up with where and how often you buy gas, and offers the best benefits. Here are some of the top gas station rewards programs to look at:
– Shell Fuel Rewards: With this program you earn rewards every time you buy gas and other items at Shell stations. You can also earn rewards through BP’s dining, shopping, and travel partners. Your rewards are good for discounts on gas, with savings of up to 10 cents per gallon (sometimes more).
– BPme Rewards: BP’s rewards program offers discounts when you buy gas, as well as points for in-store purchases. With the BPme app, you can access exclusive offers and track your rewards.
– ExxonMobil Rewards+: This program lets you earn points on fuel, car washes, and convenience store purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations. You can redeem your points for savings on fuel and other items.
– Speedway Speedy Rewards: Speedway’s program offers points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for fuel discounts, gift cards, and merchandise. The program also includes monthly bonus points offers and sweepstakes entries.
– Kroger Fuel Points: Kroger’s fuel rewards program lets you earn points on grocery and pharmacy purchases, and you can redeem them for fuel discounts at Kroger and participating Shell stations. You can earn even more points by purchasing gift cards.
3. Maximize your rewards
Whichever gas station rewards program you decide to participate in, here are a few ways to get the most out of it:
– Use linked credit or debit cards: Some programs let you link your credit or debit card to your rewards account, enabling you to earn points automatically on eligible purchases. This can simplify the process and ensure you don’t miss out on rewards.
– Take advantage of partner offers: A lot of rewards programs have partnerships with other retailers, restaurants, and service providers. By shopping or dining with these partners, you can earn additional rewards or discounts. Check your rewards program’s website or app for a list of partners and special offers.
– Combine rewards programs: If your rewards program is part of a larger network—like a grocery store chain or a credit card issuer—you can often combine points and discounts to get even more savings. For example, use your grocery store’s loyalty card to earn gas points, then redeem those points at a participating gas station.
– Watch for promotions: Gas stations often run promotions with bonus points or extra discounts on gas. Keep an eye out for these specials and take advantage of them whenever you can. Signing up for email alerts or checking the rewards program’s app regularly can help you stay up to date.
4. Use the apps
Most gas station rewards programs have mobile apps that make it easy to track your rewards, find participating locations, and get special offers. Download the app for your chosen rewards program and use it to manage your account, find nearby gas stations, and stay updated on promotions. Additionally, consider using fuel price comparison apps like GasBuddy or Waze to find the cheapest gas prices in your area.
5. Redeem your rewards wisely
When it’s time to redeem your rewards, make sure you’re getting the best value for them. Some programs offer better redemption rates for certain products or services. For example, you might get more value by redeeming points for gas discounts instead of merchandise. Review the redemption options available through your rewards program and choose the ones that provide the most savings.
6. Stay loyal, but not too loyal
While sticking to one gas station chain can help you accumulate rewards faster, it’s also important to compare prices and offers. If another gas station in your area consistently offers lower prices, the savings might outweigh the benefits of your rewards program. Use your rewards program strategically, but don’t be afraid to fill up elsewhere if the price difference is significant.
