The Shell Fuel Rewards scheme can trim your fuel bill… if you can make sense of it.
I checked it out last year and it quickly became overwhelming, so I went back to scrolling through my Facebook feed.
But now, Fuel Rewards is offering35 cents off per gallonafter your first fill-up of at least 5 gallons when you pay with Chase Pay.
This promotion is aimed at people who haven’t previously used Chase Pay to purchase gas at a Shell station. Since I hold a Chase card and have never used Chase Pay or Fuel Rewards, I gave the marketing tactic another shot.
If you have a Chase credit, debit or Liquid card, here’s how to grab this offer without tearing your hair out. I’ve done the confusing parts so you don’t have to.
1. Sign Up for Fuel Rewards
Go to the Fuel Rewards site and create an account. It’s free and you don’t need to provide a credit or debit card to join. You’ll automatically receive Gold Status, which grants 5 cents off per gallon for up to 20 gallons each day.
After registering, a physical card arrives by mail in about seven to 10 days, but your Alt ID — the number you can use instead of the plastic — activates right away. Usually your Alt ID is just your phone number.
2. Install the Chase Pay App
The Chase Pay application is separate from Chase QuickPay and the Chase Mobile app, so you’ll likely need to download it. They share the same login credentials, though, so you won’t need a new account.
3. Link Fuel Rewards to Chase Pay
When you sign into Chase Pay, your eligible Chase cards will be available for use automatically.
Inside the app, tap the “Wallet” icon, then go to the “Loyalty Cards” section. Tap the “+” symbol, choose “Shell” from the merchant list (it’s currently the only option), input your Fuel Rewards card number or Alt ID, then press “Add Card.”
4. Drive to a Nearby Shell Station
Once you’re ready to refill, locate a participating Shell station. You can find them by tapping the wallet tab, selecting “Shell,” then choosing “Find nearby locations.” Nearby participating pumps will show up; pick the closest and tap “Get directions” to open your navigation app.
If pay-at-the-pump is available, open the Chase Pay app, tap “Pay,” then tap “At the pump.” The app will detect your location, then allow you to enter the pump number and approve the charge. A code will appear on your phone — type that code into the pump, and you’re good to go.
5. Do It Again
After your first fill-up you’ll notice you only received the 5-cent-per-gallon Gold discount. That’s because the 35-cent bonus only becomes available after your first qualifying fill-up.
So you’ll need to run your tank down again and repeat step four. There’s no minimum for this subsequent fill-up, but the 35-cent-off benefit is single-use, so pick the fill wisely. The silver lining: you can stack it with other discounts, including the baseline 5 cents off you get as a Gold member.
This 35-cent incentive expires on the final day of the month after you earn it, so it’s smart to try this early in the month.
You can earn additional discounts by linking a credit or debit card to your Fuel Rewards account and using that card at participating shops and eateries. Other discounts that can combine with the 35-cent offer include:
- 10 cents off for every $50 spent at participating restaurants
- 5 cents off for bookings made through Priceline
- Up to 40 cents off for purchases at select retailers
Overall, it’s a fair bit of effort to save less than $10, but if you’re loyal to Shell or often shop with one of its partners, it could be worthwhile. For other ways to reduce what you spend on fuel, check out how to save on gas.
No rush — this promotion runs through Dec. 31.
Alex Carter writes about personal finance and simple ways to cut costs for Savinly Readers. He notes that Chase Pay failed to locate him when he tried to use it at the pump during testing.
