The 6 Best Gas Rewards Programs and How Your Brand Can Take Action

Getting gas is a daily task for most drivers. But with more competition and smarter marketing, customers want more than low prices—they want personalized benefits tied to everyday habits. 

For c-store operators, this presents a major opportunity to turn fuel traffic into store visits, increase guest spend, and build stronger retention.

Achieving this means exploring features like loyalty programs, third-party integrations, personalization tools, data-driven offer automation, and seamless connection between point-of-sale (POS) and pumps. 

By the end of 2024, approximately 121,852 convenience stores were selling fuel, representing roughly 80% of all fuel purchased in the United States, according to NACS. This scale highlights the potential for operators to connect fuel transactions with loyalty, personalization, and in-store conversion. 

In this article, we’ll break down the most effective gas rewards programs: what makes them successful, the strategies behind them, and how you can apply these insights today. 

The Best Gas Rewards Programs in 2025 

This section highlights four standout brand programs that show why customers prefer them. Each offers benefits beyond fuel savings, with loyalty integration, app-driven features, and personalized offers across multiple categories.  

These are among the best fuel savings programs available today, designed to reward frequent drivers and encourage repeat visits. 

Shell Fuel Rewards: Tier-Based Status and Dining Partnerships 

Beyond the instant savings on fuel, the Fuel Rewards® program offers a tiered structure with three membership tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each unlocking the best discounts on gas.  

New members start automatically with Gold status, saving at least 5 cents per gallon on every fill-up. Platinum status members, on the other hand, save a minimum of 10 cents per gallon and can qualify by completing six fill-ups in three months with Shell V-Power® NiTRO+ Premium Gas, or 12 with other grades at participating Shell stations. 

A major strength is its third-party ecosystem, combining fuel savings with rewards from dining, online shopping, rental cars, travel, and other purchases. These stack toward the next fuel discount.  

For c-store operators, Shell’s model shows the power of layered rewards and partnerships. However, the in-store experience has limits, focusing mainly on fuel and external spending rather than coffee, snacks, or bundled offers. 

Exxon Mobil Rewards+: Premium Fuel Bonuses and Car Wash Incentives 

The Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ program lets customers, including those with AARP membership, earn points on eligible purchases at Mobil gas stations (fuel, car washes, and eligible c-store products) making it a well-rounded system with strong loyalty integration. One standout feature is how it connects incentives with fuel purchases and car-related services, encouraging customers to bundle fill-ups with other premium options.  

App users get added value through secure pump payments, in-store mobile checkout, and refer-a-friend bonus points. The app also unlocks limited-time bonus offers, making it easier to collect points faster. Even birthday rewards are part of the experience, offering a personal touch that adds value without complicating the journey. 

This program shows how bundling fuel with complementary services drives store engagement and visit frequency. For c-store operators, it strengthens customer satisfaction and ticket size. 

BPme Rewards: App-Driven Experience With Seamless Payments 

The BPme program stands out for its frictionless, app-first design that combines payments, digital receipts, and rewards in one streamlined interface. Members get a 250-point welcome offer redeemable for fuel discounts, snacks, and drinks, plus ongoing earnings of 2 points per dollar spent inside the store and 1 point per gallon at the pump. 

The app supports secure mobile payments at both the pump and inside, making checkout smooth and contactless. This seamless experience drives strong digital engagement and simplifies the fuel rewards journey. 

However, the program lacks in-store upsell strategies. Adding behavior-triggered or personalized product offers could encourage buying higher-margin items, converting app users into bigger spenders, and boosting loyalty and revenue. 

Speedway Speedy Rewards: Fuel + Food Personalization 

Speedway’s Speedy Rewards program excels with multicategory personalization, rewarding customers for fuel, foodservice, and car care purchases. Members earn rewards on fuel and merchandise, redeemable for coupons or fuel cost reductions. 

The loyalty program offers rewards points, monthly perks, sweepstakes entries, exclusive coupons, and travel rewards to keep engagement high. Points remain valid as long as the account is active, encouraging continued participation. 

Registering online, in-store, or via the app is easy, and the platform includes a store locator, digital wallet, and rewards card for added convenience. A major strength is stock keeping unit (SKU)-level targeting, which delivers personalized offers on receipts, reinforcing habits and encouraging additional purchases. 

Circle K's Easy Rewards Program

Circle K offers the Easy Rewards program that lets customers earn rewards on every gallon pumped and on qualifying in-store items, with points redeemable for snacks, drinks, and additional savings. The brand also runs recurring cents-off-per-gallon promotions, adding value for regular drivers while keeping engagement high.  

What the Best Fuel Loyalty Programs Get Right 

The best gas station rewards programs excel by using behavior-triggered offers, integrating in-store personalization, and delivering seamless app experiences. Below, we explain these key elements and how they can apply to your business. 

Behavior-Triggered Offers and Tiers 

Today’s customers are more demanding, expecting relevant rewards that go beyond just visits. To make your program stand out, it’s important to reward specific actions such as premium fuel adoption, purchase frequency, or higher-margin products. 

Structuring tiers around factors like spend velocity, fuel type, or time of day can motivate customers to engage more deeply. For example, offering higher-tier rewards to customers who choose premium fuel or shop during off-peak hours consistently encourages both loyalty and profitability.  

In-Store Integration with Personalization 

A classic example of effective in-store integration is offering a free snack coupon shortly after a fuel purchase. This kind of timely reward resonates with customers much more than generic promotions. 

True return on investment (ROI) comes from fuel-to-store conversion campaigns that drive additional purchases beyond fuel. For instance, sending personalized offers for popular store items shortly after fueling encourages guests to complete their shopping experience in-store.

Seamless App Experiences That Reduce Friction 

Apps and mobile phones are everyday essentials, making seamless digital experiences critical for loyalty success. Customers expect easy, intuitive interactions that save time and simplify rewards. 

Features like one-tap reward activation, mobile payment, real-time notifications, and digital receipt tracking are crucial. Accurate tracking and real-time syncing between systems ensure customers always see their latest rewards and redeem points effortlessly. 

Improving your app’s usability constantly and integrating friction-reducing features keeps customers engaged and loyal. Gathering customer feedback through the app or surveys helps refine the experience and tailor offers to what your audience truly wants. 

Where Most Gas Station Loyalty Programs Fall Short 

Even the best gas station loyalty programs can stumble by relying too heavily on discounts, delivering poor mobile experiences, or lacking meaningful customization. Understanding these pitfalls can help your brand avoid similar mistakes. 

Overreliance on Discounts Without Data Capture 

Discounts can attract customers quickly, but without collecting their data, they become a short-term tactic with limited impact. Some gas programs offer steep discounts yet fail to build valuable guest profiles. Without this data, it’s difficult to understand what drives true loyalty or to tailor future offers effectively.  

Poor Mobile User Experience and Limited Offer Flexibility 

A mobile app with static offers, complicated navigation, or rigid promotions frustrates users and discourages ongoing use. When customers can’t find or redeem rewards easily, adoption rates drop and engagement suffers.  

To maintain loyalty, apps should offer intuitive interfaces, personalized content, and dynamic promotions that adjust to customer behavior and preferences. This flexibility drives higher interaction and repeat visits. 

Lack of Customization by Region, Store Type, or Guest Type 

Customization is often overlooked but plays a key role in successful loyalty programs. Treating every customer the same means missing chances to build stronger connections.

Using data to understand different groups, like commuters versus leisure travelers or urban versus rural shoppers, lets you create offers that feel personal and truly encourage loyalty.  

Designing a Gas Rewards Program That Drives ROI 

ROI is the key measure of success for any fuel rewards or bonus program. It means making sure your efforts align with clear business goals while encouraging high-value purchases and fostering loyalty through effective app features.  

Key Metrics: Fuel Uplift, Basket Size, Return Frequency 

Measuring fuel uplift reveals how much customers increase their fuel purchases when rewarded. Basket size tracks whether shoppers are adding more items inside the store alongside fueling up.  

Meanwhile, return frequency shows how often customers come back. By setting clear, tiered goals focused on these metrics, you can better tailor your program to casual fuel buyers, in-store shoppers, and your most loyal customers.  

Using Cross-Sell Triggers to Drive High-Value Purchases 

Cross-sell triggers offer extra points or discounts when customers purchase fuel and spend inside the store. For example, “Fuel up and spend $5 inside to earn double points” encourages bigger baskets. Personalizing these offers based on customer data makes them more effective. 

Loyalty App Features to Enable All of This 

Loyalty apps collect data like fuel type and visit frequency to send personalized rewards and offers. Features like one-tap reward redemption, mobile payment integration, and real-time points tracking reduce friction and keep customers engaged.  

Push notifications and in-app messaging allow brands to send behavior-triggered offers exactly when customers are most likely to act. This dynamic interaction keeps the program fresh and relevant, turning insights into tangible revenue growth and deeper customer connections. 

Should You Use a Rewards Card, App, or Hybrid? 

In today’s digital age, loyalty programs need to meet customers where they are. A hybrid model offering both physical fuel loyalty cards and a mobile app covers a broader range of guest behaviors, routines, and preferences across different age groups.  

Cards = Widespread Adoption, But Limited Insights 

Physical loyalty cards remain popular, especially among legacy customers and those who prefer paying with cash. They offer ease of use and quick adoption since many shoppers are familiar with swiping a card at checkout.  

However, these cards often limit the depth of data capture, restricting your ability to understand customer behavior in detail. Without real-time data, personalizing offers or tracking individual purchase patterns becomes challenging. 

Apps = Real-Time Offers and Personalization 

With apps, you can deliver real-time offers based on location, purchase history, and customer preferences. Push notifications keep your brand top of mind and nudge customers toward immediate action.  

The app also simplifies the redemption process, allowing customers to use rewards seamlessly at checkout. Additionally, promotions, social media campaigns, and in-store signage can boost app downloads, driving higher engagement and stronger customer loyalty. 

The Hybrid Model: Best of Both for Multi-Segment Markets 

The hybrid model combines the accessibility of a physical card with the personalization and data capabilities of an app. Syncing the card with the app creates a unified experience that serves diverse customer needs. 

For example, a customer might scan their physical card at the pump while receiving personalized offers and tracking points through the app. This synergy fuel enhances program flexibility and accessibility for both traditional and digital users. 

Equally important, the website must stay updated with current promotions and clear instructions for syncing the card and app. Customers rely on this information to activate offers or troubleshoot issues, making clarity and accuracy essential parts of the experience. 

Exclusive Benefits Beyond Fuel: What Guests Actually Want 

Today’s customers expect more than cents-per-gallon discounts. They’re looking for smart gas savings, meaningful nonmonetary rewards, tier-based perks, and bundled benefits that actually impact their routines. 

Discounts on Coffee, Snacks, Car Washes 

When customers can grab a discounted coffee or get a car wash after fueling up, the experience becomes part of their weekly routine. The best gas points program integrates these perks through bundled offers, cross-brand partnerships, or in-app combos. 

For instance, Shell’s Fuel Rewards® program combines gas discounts with everyday purchases at participating restaurants and convenience stores, letting users save money both at the pump and inside the store.  

Tier-Based Perks (Premium Parking, VIP Events, Free Upgrades) 

Guests want to feel like their loyalty matters—but only if the exclusivity is real. Tiered programs succeed when each level unlocks something noticeable, like premium parking, invite-only events, or free car upgrades.  

Smart segmentation—using spend frequency, visit timing, or cross-category engagement—helps define who belongs where and what rewards make sense for each tier. The result? Higher perceived value and stronger long-term retention. 

Nonmonetary Rewards: Early Access, Status, Gamification 

Early access to promotions, priority treatment, and gamified challenges (like unlocking a surprise reward after five visits) create emotional attachment. These types of rewards often cost little to implement but can deliver strong loyalty signals. They give guests a sense of progress, recognition, and identity within your brand.  

Credit Card Synergy 

Gas rewards programs work best when paired with a linked credit card or debit card during account opening. Many gas credit cards offer introductory period bonuses and premium status offers that help customers earn rewards at gas stations and beyond, including on car rentals. These benefits help users maximize savings while managing annual fees and supporting good credit scores that lenders favor. 

Loyalty Platform Features That Enable All of the Above 

Insights, data, and smart campaign ideas only go so far without the right technology. These three platform features are essential to support the strategy behind modern fuel and convenience loyalty programs and align with your business goals.  

Data-Driven Offer Automation 

Automated campaigns work best when they use real conditions to trigger personalized incentives. This includes factors like gas purchases, time of day, or local weather. A strong loyalty platform can activate campaigns based on these variables to drive timely visits. 

For example, a morning commuter who fills up every Thursday might receive a coffee offer tied to their fuel purchase. On hot days, the system could trigger a bottled water or car wash promotion. These automated offers rely on clean data flows and the ability to react in real time, helping c-stores stay relevant throughout the week. 

POS and Pump Integration 

When a guest redeems a promotion at the pump or counter, the experience depends on whether your POS and fuel systems are fully integrated. Real-time sync allows offers to apply instantly at checkout, without requiring extra steps from staff or guests. 

This connection also enables blended transactions, like combining fuel and in-store rewards. It supports a consistent experience across locations and ensures that transaction data feeds directly into loyalty reporting, guest profiles, and campaign optimization. 

Multitiered Programs With Real-Time Progress Tracking 

Tiered structures give customers a clear incentive to keep engaging. To work well, they require live progress tracking, whether inside the loyalty app or printed on receipts. Visual cues like status badges or reward meters can encourage continued participation. 

For example, showing a guest that they are one visit away from reaching a new premium status level creates motivation. A strong platform should also support flexible tier design, allowing you to adapt thresholds, rewards, and criteria for different customer types while monitoring performance continuously.  

Real-World Case Study: How Pump-N-Pantry Modernized Loyalty 

Pump-N-Pantry offers a clear example of how to integrate app-based ordering, tiered rewards, and campaign automation to drive engagement. By working with the full Paytronix Platform, the brand launched a points-based loyalty program supported by digital order-ahead and a mobile app to streamline the customer experience. 

Members earn points on every purchase, which they can redeem for food, snacks, and merchandise, along with access to exclusive deals. In just over a year, the program attracted more than 6,000 members, with steady monthly growth. Online orders now represent 20% of total sales, and the brand has expanded into drive-thru and curbside delivery to meet demand. 

The structure behind the success includes points per gallon, a digital punch card, and strategic in-store promotions, all working together to bring fuel customers inside and keep them coming back. 

Break Time Increase in Customer Spend 

Break Time achieved a 25.6% increase in customer spend by combining a tiered loyalty structure with automated rewards and strategic vendor partnerships. By tapping into CPG promotional dollars, the brand launched targeted campaigns at no additional cost, proving how loyalty design can directly impact revenue. 

The MyTime Rewards program features four distinct tiers based on both visit frequency and spend. As customers move up, they unlock better fuel, beverage, and bonus rewards—motivating larger transactions and return visits. 

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Your Fuel Loyalty Strategy 

Before launching or adjusting a loyalty program, it’s essential to step back and ask the right questions. A strong strategy starts with clear alignment between business goals, customer behavior, and available data.  

• Are we capturing actionable guest data or just giving away margin? 
• Can we measure the fuel-to-store conversion rate accurately? 
• Are rewards tied to the habits that drive our bottom line? 
• What are our top three fuel segments, and how do we serve each uniquely? 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Gas Rewards Programs 

Navigating gas rewards programs can be tricky. Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you understand what works best for drivers and convenience stores alike. 

Which gas company has the best rewards? 

Shell’s Fuel Rewards stands out for tiered savings, strong dining partnerships, and easy ways to earn and redeem discounts. It's a blend of fuel cost and lifestyle perks that creates real value, especially for frequent drivers looking for consistent best rewards for gas beyond the pump. 

What is the most rewarding fuel card? 

The Exxon Mobil Rewards+ stands out as one of the best fuel reward cards, earning points on fuel, convenience store purchases, and car washes. Its integration with a mobile app adds ease, making more rewards accessible and simple to redeem, which drives frequent use and customer satisfaction. 

What are the top five c-store reward programs? 

Top programs include Shell Fuel Rewards, Exxon Mobil Rewards+, BPme Rewards, Speedway Speedy Rewards, and Pump N Pantry’s Paytronix-powered loyalty. These excel through features like tiered benefits, app-based offers, multicategory personalization, seamless POS integration, and behavior-triggered rewards that make them some of the best gas station rewards cards available. 

What's the best time of day to buy gas? 

Some of the best fuel rewards programs use daypart-triggered offers to boost sales during slower times. Early mornings or late evenings often have promotions. Checking your local program’s app or offers can reveal the best times to buy gas with extra savings or bonus points, helping you maximize the best gas discount available. 

Fuel Loyalty That Actually Fuels Growth 

The best gas rewards program goes beyond simple discounts. They influence guest behavior, boost visit frequency, and increase overall spending. By combining the right technology, clear strategy, and thoughtful segmentation, your loyalty program can become a powerful engine for growth, not just another expense.  

Ready to upgrade your fuel loyalty strategy? Book a demo with Paytronix today to see how our platform drives engagement and growth.