An overview of fuel loyalty programs and their different types

For many drivers, a stop at the gas station is a frequent, necessary expense. But what if those moments could also bring added value? Fuel loyalty programs aim to do just that, providing incentives that make customers feel appreciated while encouraging repeat visits.

Discover the types of fuel loyalty programs with specific examples from well-known brands. We’ll take a closer look at how they manage to win over drivers, even with the otherwise mundane task of refueling.

1. POINT-BASED FUEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS

Shell Fuel Rewards makes saving on gas as simple as filling up your tank. For every purchase at participating Shell stations, members earn points that translate into discounts on fuel. The program's real charm lies in its ease of use, with points accumulating quickly and being redeemable with every stop. Shell partners with a variety of retailers and restaurants, allowing customers to earn points from everyday shopping.

ExxonMobil Rewards+ offers a comprehensive loyalty experience, allowing members to earn points on fuel, car washes, and convenience store items. The simple points system and instant redemption at the pump or store make it convenient. What truly sets it apart are the regular promotions and partnerships with brands like AARP, Walmart, and major grocers, offering even more opportunities to earn and save.

Speedway Speedy Rewards turns a regular stop for gas into a chance to earn points on everything you buy. Whether you're fueling up or shopping for snacks, you can rack up points with every purchase. What’s impressive about this program is the variety of rewards available—from discounts on fuel to a range of merchandise and gift cards.

2. TIERED FUEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS

BPme Rewards rewards customers for every pound spent at BP stations, with a tiered structure that increases points as customers spend more. The program encourages higher spending and frequent visits, with greater rewards unlocked at each level. Integrated with the BPme app, the program enhances the customer experience by offering easy point tracking, personalized offers, and mobile payments.

Chevron Texaco Rewards gives customers more reasons to visit by offering tiered rewards based on spending at Chevron and Texaco stations. As customers move up the tiers, they unlock greater discounts on fuel and additional benefits. The program extends beyond fuel purchases to include spending at station convenience stores, offering a holistic rewards experience.

3. FUEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS THAT PARTNER WITH GROCERY STORES

• Kroger Fuel Points Program: Customers earn points for discounts at Shell stations with grocery purchases, offering savings on both groceries and fuel across a wide network of locations.
• Safeway and Chevron/Texaco Rewards Program: Drivers collect points on Safeway purchases and redeem them for fuel discounts at Chevron and Texaco stations, with a simple points system and extensive locations.
• Stop & Shop Gas Rewards Program: Members accumulate points on grocery spending and redeem them for fuel discounts at Shell stations, offering an easy way to save on both.
• Giant Eagle’s Fuelperks+: Earn perks for every $50 spent at Giant Eagle, Market District, and GetGo, redeemable for discounts on both groceries and gas.

4. CREDIT CARD PROGRAMS WITH GAS CASHBACK BENEFITS

• Chase Freedom Flex: Members can earn cashback with rotating and additional categories, including gas stations during select quarters, to keep customers engaged.
• Citi Custom Cash Card: Adapts to your spending behavior and automatically awards 5% cashback on the category where you spend the most each month, such as gas stations.
• Discover it Cash Back: Combines rotating bonus categories, including gas stations, with high cashback rates during designated quarters and offers a unique year-end feature that matches all cash back earned in the first year, effectively doubling your rewards.

5. BRANDED FUEL RETAILER CREDIT CARDS

• Shell Fuel Rewards Credit Card: Provides direct discounts on gas purchases at Shell stations and earns rewards for everyday purchases outside of Shell stations, including dining.
• BP Visa Credit Card: Offers direct discounts on fuel purchases at BP stations, accumulates reward points on purchases at BP and other locations, and provides extra rewards for travel and dining, catering to common consumer spending habits.
• ExxonMobil Smart Card+: Delivers immediate discounts on fuel purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations, earns cashback on everyday purchases outside of these locations, and focuses on fuel savings while rewarding non-fuel spending.

6. SUSTAINABLE FUEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS

BPme Rewards incorporates carbon offsetting into its loyalty program, allowing customers to use their points to fund environmental projects that counterbalance the carbon emissions from their fuel purchases. It's the ideal fuel rewards program for eco-conscious individuals focused on sustainability.

While no longer actively available, Shell’s Drive Carbon Neutral and Esso Extra Green programs both offered customers ways to offset their carbon emissions and promote sustainability. Shell’s program allowed users to neutralize emissions directly at checkout, making it an easy and convenient option for eco-conscious consumers. Esso’s program rewarded sustainable actions, such as using EV charging stations or biofuels, to encourage greener choices.

7. FUEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESSES

• Shell Fleet Solutions: Offers volume-based fuel discounts, detailed fuel usage reports, and advanced fleet management tools with in-depth analytics to optimize fuel expenses.
• BP Fuel Cards: Provides customizable card options for businesses of all sizes, offering volume-based discounts, detailed spending reports, and expense management features.
• ExxonMobil BusinessPro: Offers fuel volume discounts along with advanced data analytics, real-time insights into fuel usage, fraud protection, and spending controls for enhanced financial security.
• The Chevron and Texaco Business Card: Features a comprehensive online account system, volume-based fuel discounts, and enhanced security features to prevent misuse, focusing on cost savings and operational efficiency.
• WEX Fleet Cards: Allows businesses to choose from a wide range of fuel stations while benefiting from volume-based discounts, rebates, and robust reporting and expense management tools.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR MARKETERS

Fuel loyalty programs have evolved beyond simple point collection. While traditional models of earning points on fuel purchases still hold value, modern customers expect more than just transactional rewards.

To stand out against the competition, marketers must focus on deeper engagement with drivers. This means offering personalized experiences, exclusive benefits, and integration with broader loyalty ecosystems, like partnerships or alliances.

With the Comarch Loyalty Marketing Platform for fuel retail, you can do just that. Design and manage an exceptional fuel rewards program with features such as tailored offers, sophisticated analytics, and smooth integration with fuel systems.

By doing so, fuel retailers can build lasting relationships, enhance customer retention, and drive sustainable growth. Don’t wait—start delivering more value to drivers and fostering meaningful connections.