These gas reward programs (and apps) can help you save money at NC pumps
We put together a list of gas rewards programs that can help reduce fuel costs at the pumps.
Here are some gas rewards programs you might want to try.
Gas reward programs in NC
▪ Circle K: With an Easy Pay card, you can save $0.30 per gallon for the first 100 gallons, then $0.10 per gallon for all fill ups after that, the website says. Easy Pay is linked to you checking account and combines with other discounts that the station is offering. Info: circlek.com/easypay
▪ Citgo: “When you open a CITGO Rewards Card account, you will earn 10¢ on every gallon* in fuel statement credits for the first 3 months, and 5¢ on every gallon* in fuel statement credits after the first 3 months at any CITGO location,” the website says. (Note, purchases are subject to credit card approval.) Info: citgo.com/motorists/payment-options/citgo-rewards-card
▪ Costco: Costco stores already have discounted gasoline, but the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi can mean even more rewards. Earn 4% back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 spent per year, then 1% after. This card has other cashback rewards too, both at Costco and for other spending needs. Info: costco.com/gasoline-cash-back-rewards
▪ Exxon: The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app can help you keep track of points at the pump. Earn $0.03 per gallon in points at the pump (and $0.02 per dollar in store) with a free Exxon Mobil Rewards+ account online. Every 100 points earns you $1 in savings, the website says. Info: exxon.com/en/rewards-program
▪ Harris Teeter: “For every 100 Fuel Points you earn, you can save $.10 per gallon on fuel purchases at Harris Teeter Fuel Centers and participating BP and Amoco stations, up to 1,000 points or $1.00 per gallon (maximum of 35 gallons,” Harris Teeter’s website says). There is no limit to the number of Fuel Points you can earn in a month. Info: harristeeter.com/fuelpoints
▪ Lowes Foods: Save $0.05 per gallon for every $100 spent in store at Lowes Foods. These gas rewards can be redeemed at Speedway fuel stations in NC and SC. To redeem your fuel rewards, you’ll need to link your Fresh Rewards card with your Speedy Rewards card, Lowes Foods’ website says. Info: lowesfoods.com/savings-and-rewards/gas-rewards
▪ Sheetz: With the My Sheetz Rewardz loyalty program, get $0.03 off everyday gas, plus many in-store discounts and rewards, the website says. Info: sheetz.com/mysheetz-card
▪ Shell: Fuel rewards members save $0.05 per gallon, the website says. Info: shell.us/motorist/ways-to-save/fuel-rewards-program
A recommended app for gas rewards in NC
Steve Sargent, owner of Mr. Transmission Milex in Cary, highly recommends an app called GetUpside.
“When you’re getting low on gas and open up the app, it shows you pumps on a map all around you and prices for each pump. So I’ll check the route I’m driving and find a cheap station on my route,” Sargent said. “Sometimes the reward value is upward of $0.25 a gallon, so I’ll get a kickback.”
Sargent said he’s redeemed the earnings in his account for gift cards, and he has over $300 in his account right now. He’s saving the funds to buy a vacation package for his family, he said.
MotorBiscuit, an automotive news and recommendations site, says that GetUpside is a legitimate app.
“The short answer is, yes, GetUpside is legitimate. And if you’re concerned about fuel costs, it could provide significant savings,” MotorBiscuit said. “GetUpside is a free app that partners with local businesses to offer consumers cashback on purchases at retailers, including gas stations. There are no scams or hidden fees associated with GetUpside’s offerings.”
“When something looks too good to be true, a solid 90% of the time, it’s definitely not true,” Sargent said. “The app thankfully is true. But cheap gas — most of the time, it isn’t.”
Also check out GasBuddy, Gas Guru, Waze and Receipt Hog, The N&O previously reported.
Be wary of really cheap gas
Inexpensive gasoline may be extra enticing during these times, but be smart about where you fill up.
“Sometimes, the gas that’s the cheapest isn’t the best for your car,” Sargent said. “And today’s cars are very sensitive to the quality of gas.”
Sargent said some fuel is cheaper because it’s mixed with water. That’s why he sometimes recommends a fuel additive that absorbs water and makes it combustible.
“This additive dries out the tank, and it solves the problem. We have one guy who constantly buys the cheapest gas, and he’s always coming in with problems,” Sargent said. “This additive always does the trick.”
This story was originally published March 8, 2022 at 2:01 PM.
