Shell Fuel Rewards
Estimated first-year savings: $55.20
Shell’s Fuel Rewards program offers tiered discount levels, depending on how often you fill up. Discounts begin at 3 cents per gallon at the Silver Status level, with a purchase of at least 10 gallons. However, members are granted Gold Status—and a 5-cent discount—for at least three months after joining and can continue at this level by making six fill-ups of 10 gallons or more within three months.
Platinum Status can be super rewarding, with 10-cent discounts on every gallon you purchase. And, someone who fills up every week, could find this within grasp: It requires 12 purchases of 10 gallons or more within a calendar quarter, which isn’t unrealistic for anyone with a lengthy commute or a multi-car household. Plus, purchasing V-Power® NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline counts as two fills to earn status faster.
Like other gas programs, joining is free and obtaining your discount is as simple as scanning your membership card or typing your alternate ID in when making a purchase. You can also link a debit or credit card to your Shell Fuel Rewards account to automatically obtain discounts when paying with that card for a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
Fuel Rewards also allows you to earn additional rewards through its dining, shopping and travel partners to stack greater discounts. Unlike your standard discount, these rewards may expire at the end of the month.
Circle K Inner Circle Rewards
Estimated first-year savings: $45.88
Circle K’s Inner Circle lures you in with the promise of a full 25 cents off per gallon for your first five fill-ups and then continues to offer 3-cent discounts on each gallon of gas thereafter. Loyal customers will see that discount bump up to 5 cents off after spending $500 through the program.
Unlike some programs, Inner Circle also comes with discounts and offers for in-store purchases. After enrollment, new members can enjoy five free select drinks and more snack and drink freebies after making eligible purchases.
Joining the program is free. You’ll simply need to enter your membership number at the pump or in-store to access your offers. You can also scan your member ID barcode from the Circle K app for quicker access.
Drivers looking to maximize savings can separately sign up for Circle K Easy Pay, a prepaid gas card linked to a bank account. When paying with your Easy Pay card, you’ll receive a 30-cent discount on fuel purchases for the first 60 days or 100 gallons—whichever comes first—and a 10-cent discount afterward. Though it operates like a debit card with a PIN, it’s only accepted at participating Circle K locations. Opting in to Inner Circle and Easy Pay isn’t required.
7REWARDS
Estimated first-year savings: $36.24
If you live near locations where 7-Eleven is the brand for both convenience stores and fuel stations, the 7REWARDS program could help you save in multiple ways. Starting with gas, new 7REWARDS members get 11 cents off their first seven fill ups and then 5 cents off thereafter.
In addition to fuel savings, 7REWARDS members earn 10 points per dollar on in-store purchases which can be redeemed for free snacks and drinks starting at 500 points. Those who join 7REWARDS also receive member-only deals, bonus points opportunities and a free Slurpee® drink during their birthday month.
BPme Rewards
Estimated first-year savings: $31.20
Anyone can sign up for BPme Rewards to save 5 cents per gallon of gas—with no minimum spending amounts, fees, caps or restrictions. That makes this program an easy way to save each time you fill up. Additionally, members may receive other promotions or discounts, though there’s no official schedule or promised offers.
BP encourages members to download and pay through its app to secure the member discount. However, you can register for the program online and manually enter your phone number at the pump or inside the station to secure your member discount on fuel purchases.
If you hold a BPme Rewards Visa®*, you don’t need to join this program separately. Your fuel savings for paying with the card include a BPme discount.
Exxon Mobil Rewards+
Estimated first-year savings: $18.72
Exxon Mobil is one of the most widespread gas station brands, making this program one that might get more traction. However, it’s also one of the least lucrative. You’ll earn 3 cents in rewards per gallon of gas purchased. And yes, that’s rewards earned rather than a discount off the top, meaning you’ll have to be a semi-regular customer to accumulate anything of value.
Before you pass on this program, though, there are a few other earning opportunities that may fit your lifestyle. You can earn another 2 cents per dollar spent in rewards when making purchases at the attached store. You can also earn additional rewards for linking your AARP membership if you have one. Premium fuel earns additional rewards, but only if you make at least three purchases of eight gallons or more each month. Lastly, true road warriors earn more points if they purchase at least 100 gallons of fuel in a calendar month.
Despite the extra hoops and lower rewards for casual users, Exxon Mobil Rewards+ is easy to use and free to join. To earn or redeem rewards, simply scan your rewards card or app or provide your phone number when making purchases.
Speedway Speedy Rewards
Estimated first-year savings: $8.75
Speedway offers a rewards program rather than blanket discounts, allowing customers to pick the most beneficial perks. You’ll earn 10 points per gallon of fuel purchased and 20 points per dollar spent on most merchandise inside Speedway stores. Limited-time offers come and go, providing bonus points or cash discounts when you purchase specifically designated items. Being a member will also automatically track purchases toward complimentary bonuses (like buy six beverages, get one free) for your convenience.
Once you’ve accumulated points, you can redeem them for snacks, drinks, fuel discounts, car washes or even gift cards. Assuming you want a fuel discount, redemptions start at 1,750 points for a 10-cent per gallon discount valid on a single fill-up of up to 25 gallons. Someone strategically maxing out all 25 gallons could find this a good value, but those with smaller tanks may prefer cashing out 5,500 points for a $5 Speedy Cash Gift card, valid on all Speedway purchases including fuel.
Compared to other programs, Speedy Rewards is light on fuel savings. But signing up could still be valuable for anyone who tends to make purchases on the run, thanks to its slew of discounts, savings clubs and bonus rewards on select purchases.
