Rossen Reports: These gas rewards programs can save you money
We鈥檙e on track to see the national average gas price keep falling but don鈥檛 get too comfortable. The gas market is volatile. Experts say one hurricane or one minor disruption could send those prices skyrocketing back up.
No matter what the price per gallon is, you鈥檙e still leaving money on the table every time you go to the gas station. We鈥檙e comparing gas loyalty rewards programs to see just how much money they can save you. Spoiler alert: If you鈥檙e not a part of a loyalty program, you鈥檙e missing out!
Shell: 鈥溾� has a two-tiered system: Silver Status and Gold Status. When you鈥檙e Silver Status, you save 3 cents per gallon on gas. Gold Status members save 5 cents per gallon. When you sign up for the free program, you are instantly awarded Gold Status for the first six months of membership.
To maintain it, you need to fill up your tank at least six times during your 3-month qualification period. That's only two times per month. Shell takes it a step further with a ton of coupons and deals in the app. The app offers savings that can be stacked on top of the status, including; 5 cents off per gallon for every $50 you spend shopping online, 10 cents off per gallon for every $50 you spend on live event tickets and 10 cents off per gallon for every $50 you spend on dining at participating restaurants.
BP: The loyalty program is called 鈥溾� and it鈥檚 available at participating bp and Amoco stations. You get 5 cents off a gallon for the first month. In order to keep that discount going, you have to spend about $100 a month but that鈥檚 about two to four fill-ups a month. The app also offers a 鈥減rice-match鈥� feature. For $12 a year (99 cents per month), the app will automatically scan the current fuel prices of all gas stations within a 2-mile radius and matches the price of the competitor (up to 5 cents off per gallon). Coupons come in the app over time, too.
Exxon Mobil: This one is called the 鈥�.鈥� This program is a points-based one. After you download the app, you get 3 points per gallon on fuel. When you earn 100 points, you get $1 back in savings at the pump. If you pump more than 100 gallons a month, you鈥檙e considered a Frequent Filler and will earn an additional 1 cent per gallon and 2 cents per dollar.
But there are other ways to keep earning points. For example, if you fill your car with at least 8 gallons of gas three times per month, you鈥檒l earn 3 bonus points too. You also get 2 points for every dollar you spend in the gas station, convenience stores and car washes. Members of AARP automatically earn an extra 1 cent per gallon of gas and 1 cent per dollar in the store too. Coupons and savings also pop up in the app from time to time too.
Speedway: This program is called 鈥�.鈥� This loyalty program is points-based as well. You can earn 10 points for each gallon of fuel you buy. Once you鈥檝e racked up 1,750 points, you鈥檒l receive 10 cents off per gallon during your next fill-up. But you can earn even more points when you shop inside the convenience store. You get 20 points per dollar spent in-store. So the next time you get that cup of coffee, make sure your card is linked to your app so that you get those points.
The apps let you link the credit card you plan to use (or multiple) to make sure every time you buy fuel or something in the store, you get the rewards. Others will have you scan a QR code from your app or will send you a rewards card to scan. Click on each of the links to learn more about the loyalty programs and how they work more specifically.