If you want to save money on filling up your vehicle, it might be worth registering for a fuel loyalty scheme.
Fuel retailers have recently been criticized by the RAC for maintaining unfair profit margins on the price of their petrol and diesel, given the drop in wholesale costs of these fuels. Given the cost of living crisis and the higher bills we have to pay for everything from water to municipal taxit’s more important than ever to find the best possible deal when you top up.
And a fuel loyalty scheme could be an excellent way to do this save some fuel.
Supermarket loyalty plans
Many motorists choose to fill up at the local supermarket. Historically, they are often cheaper places to buy petrol and diesel, although the RAC has criticized supermarkets for raising prices recently.
If you fill up at the supermarket, it makes sense to sign up for the attached loyalty program.
Club card
Filling up at Tesco is about to become less rewarding for members of the Club card membership regime.
Drivers currently earn one point for every £2 spent on fuel at Tesco and Esso service stations that have a Tesco Express attached.
However, this is changing from June 14, so drivers earn one point for every two liters they buy. Given the cost of petrol and diesel at the moment, this means you’ll earn fewer points by filling up your vehicle, regardless of the fuel you use.
The Clubcard scheme is free to join, and you can earn points on your spending in Tesco stores, as well as using Tesco Mobile or sign up to another Tesco financial product such as a credit card.
The points you earn can be used to reduce the cost of filling up, on general Tesco purchases or with Clubcard partner distributors.
nectar
There are a few different ways to win Nectar Points when filling up the car. Of course, if you fill up at Sainsbury’s you’ll earn points – drivers get one Nectar point for every £1 spent on fuel.
Alternatively, you can earn points for the same price when you fill up at Esso.
The Nectar scheme is free to join, with each point worth 0.5p. You can then spend these points in a number of ways, including reducing the cost of fuel, saving money on your shopping at Sainsbury’s or with a range of partner retailers.
Garage loyalty plans
However, it’s not just supermarkets that have loyalty programs. A number of large garages offer their own schemes, which are worth considering if you tend to use these outlets when filling up.
Texaco Star Rewards
Texaco manages its own loyalty scheme called Star Rewards (opens in a new tab)where you earn points when you spend on fuel.
Drivers receive one point for every liter of fuel they buy, and each point is worth 1p. So when you accumulate a minimum of 500 points, you can redeem them for a £5 voucher.
You then have a few options when it comes to cashing out those points. You can use this voucher at Texaco itself to reduce the cost of filling up, but you can also convert the points into gift cards for Love2shop. Alternatively, you can donate the value of these points to various charities including The Trussell Trust, Age UK and FareShare. Also, if you choose to donate them, Texaco will match the value of your donation.
To register, simply download the Texaco app and scan it at the till when you fill up your car. You’ll get 200 points for applying, as well as double points on the first three fills.
Alternatively, you can request a physical card and key fob.
Plus, if you get a friend to sign up, you’ll pocket a 150 bonus point after they make their first qualifying purchase.
Shell Go+
If you fill up regularly at Shell, it’s worth checking out Shell Go+ (opens in a new tab) loyalty scheme
Again, this is available via the Shell app, although you can request a key fob and card if you prefer.
You will get money on the cost of filling every 10th visit. Every time you spend at least £2 in store or £10 on fuel counts as a visit, so time it right to maximize your fuel discount.
You can buy an even bigger discount if you buy Shell V-Power fuel, as you get an extra £3 discount for every three liters you buy.
Other rewards are also available for Shell Go+ members, including 10% off food at the deli and 10% off hot drinks.
There are also 10% discounts when you buy Shell lubricants or opt for a car wash.
BPMe rewards
with BPMe (opens in a new tab)earn points when you spend at BP.
You get two points for every liter of Ultimate fuel you buy or one point for every liter of regular fuel. Plus, you earn one point for every £1 spent in store.
Spending 200 points is worth £1 in rewards, and you can use these points to reduce the cost of your fuel spend or convert them into gift cards with a range of partner retailers including Amazon, M&S and Cineworld.
You can pick up a plastic card in store and register it online or download the free BPMe app.
