As we cover all the ways to save on gas this week, one of the easiest is taking advantage of grocery rewards programs! There are lots of different reward programs out there, so I will briefly break down each one and then talk about a few tricks to save more.

This is part of a series we posted a number of years ago, that I have refreshed and brought out from the archives.  Today is part 2 of a three-part series on how to save money on gas. Part 1 covered habits to help save money on gas, and part 3 will cover whether gas reward credit cards are worth it.

Using Your Groceries to Save Money on Gas

Kroger Gas Savings

As the name implies, this is for Kroger stores (and their affiliates) only. They have Kroger gas stations and a few other gas brands (like Shell) that have partnered with them in various areas.  Find more about the Kroger gas savings program in your area here.

• Earn 10¢ off per gallon up to 20 gallons of gas for every 100 points you earn.
• Get 1 point for every dollar spent on groceries (before coupons).
• Get 50 points for each prescription filled. (Excludes Arkansas stores and any paid-for government-funded programs.)
• Get 100 points for every $50 spent in gift cards. (Doesn’t include Kroger store gift cards)

• If your area partners with Shell or other outside gas stations, buy $50 gas gift cards at Kroger, earn rewards points, and then fill up and save more.
• All Kroger pharmacies will price match any local pharmacies price for prescriptions.  This makes the extra gas savings even more awesome, you got the best possible price and saved on gas.
• Watch for 4X points offers on special weekends and on gift cards.  That means you buy a $50 gift card and get 20¢ off a gallon of gas.
• Consider getting the Kroger Mastercard to earn faster fuel points.  You’ll earn 2X the points on every store purchase plus more points on house brand items.  (We’ll discuss this more in tomorrow’s post).

The cons of this system is that it caps you at $1 off per gallon per fill-up, compared to earning a free tank of gas.  The other big problem is that in most areas the participating stations are few and far between. (In my area there are two stations for the entire town).

SE Grocer Rewards (Formerly Fuel Perks)

This is a gas program run that is run for Bi-Lo and Winn Dixie stores.  They are affiliated with Shell stations and give the option to use the rewards off your next grocery purchase of gas station fill up. Read More→