Gas prices peaked out this summer but they are still high. Let’s be real – no one likes wasting money on gas. There are so many ways to avoid high gas prices you just have to open your phone apps or look online. The national average pump price continued its recent trend by dipping three cents over the past week to hit $3.76.
The cost of gasoline has risen in recent weeks as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine applies pressure on global oil markets. At the same time, the U.S. has begun lifting mask mandates instituted to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a move projected to spur consumer spending and travel.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline at all-time highs again this week according to AAA.
With rising gas prices many drivers are being more selective when it comes to filling up. Comparing prices at the pump and researching loyalty programs are some ways to get ahead of the game before the big summer travel hits and we see over $4 at the pump.
The great thing about gas loyalty programs is that you can normally stack them on top of credit card rewards programs such as the Chase Freedom or Discover IT cards. These two cards are known to give at least a full quarter towards 5% cash-back on gasoline purchases each year.
Here are the best gas station loyalty programs:
1. Get Upside App (Variety of gas stations)
GetUpside partners with businesses to give you cash back on everyday purchases. Most of them are gas stations, but in some areas there are restaurant, grocery and convenience store offers as well. It’s best to claim offers just before you make your purchase. That’s because GetUpside puts a timer, which typically lasts a few hours, on each offer.
When you sign up via this Upside Referral Link and enter Invite Code B263E2, you’ll get an extra 15 cents per gallon cashback on gas – on top of whatever great offer you find in the app.
Before you claim an offer, make sure to comparison shop. If the deal is for gas, use an app like GasBuddy, or take a look at local prices on Google Maps.
2. Shell Fuel Rewards
Among the major national brands, Shell takes the top spot. With its program, members always save at least three cents a gallon at participating locations. They’re also rewarded when they shop at select retailers, restaurants, grocery stores and more. Rewards are redeemed by swiping the Fuel Rewards card at the pump.
Learn more about Shell Fuel Rewards here with a 25 cents a gallon bonus.
3. Speedway Speedy Rewards
Favored by 28% of GasBuddy respondents, Speedway’s rewards program beat the national big brands. Members earn 20 points per dollar on in-store purchases and 10 points per gallon on fuel purchases. Points can be redeemed for free stuff using Speedway’s mobile app. Featured items include food, beverages, fuel discounts and gift cards.
4. BP Driver Rewards
BP’s fuel savings program ranked second among the nationwide chains in a recent survey. Members earn 10 cents off per gallon for every $100 spent on BP fuel. On its website, BP says savings can add up to $600 a year! By linking your BP Driver Rewards account to a credit card that you use at the pump, you’ll earn rewards automatically.
Learn more about BP Driver Rewards here.
5 Kroger
Kroger, the largest grocer in the United States took the #1 spot in the grocery category for their points program.
- The fuel program along with KrogerPlus cards allow you to receive savings of up to $1.00 off per gallon one one fuel purchase up to 35 gallon at Kroger, Turkey Hill and participating Shell stations.
- For each increment of 100 fuel points (up to 1,000 point) you will receive $0.10 per gallon.
- Earn points in current month and redeem thru each month. Each month is a separate accumulation period. Months’ points don’t combine in a single transaction.
6. Thorntons
For regional brands, GasBuddy respondents favored Thorntons as their top choice. With locations in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee.
7. Sheetz & Wawa
Sheetz was a top regional pick and now has more than 600 locations across six states — Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina. While Wawa is along the East Coast of the United States, operating in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida.
A Wawa Credit Card may seem like the greatest option for additional rewards unless you mainly just want free coffee. A Wawa retail card will give you 25¢ per gallon for the first two months and 5¢ per gallon after that. While it may seem like good rewards, there’s also a pitfall as you can use this card at Wawa gas stations only.
ExxonMobil Speedpass+ participated in the Plenti rewards program, which lets you earn points at one place and use them at Plenti partners such as Macy’s. One point is awarded for every gallon of fuel purchased and two points for every dollar in eligible non-fuel purchases. Members simply enter their phone number or swipe a card at the pump. The bad news is that Plenti is shutting down later this year so we have taken this off the list.
Who would you like to see on this list? Maybe Buc’ees out of Texas or for Exxon to revamp their program?
