Amazon Prime just got a whole lot more attractive for drivers! The company has announced a new fuel discount program for its Prime members, bringing the total benefits package closer in line with competitors like Walmart+. This initiative offers Prime members the potential to save up to $70 annually on fuel, adding yet another compelling reason to maintain a membership. This development highlights the ongoing competition among major retailers to provide the most comprehensive and cost-effective membership programs.
Key Takeaways: Amazon Prime’s New Fuel Discount Program
- Significant Savings: Prime members can save up to $70 per year on fuel.
- Broad Reach: The discount applies to approximately 7,000 gas stations across the U.S. from BP, Amoco, and AMPM.
- Competitive Edge: This directly challenges Walmart+’s existing fuel discount program, intensifying the competition in the membership services market.
- Future Expansion: Amazon plans to expand the program in 2025 to include discounts on electric vehicle charging.
- Easy Integration: Members can easily link their Amazon accounts to Earnify, the BP loyalty program, to activate the discount.
Amazon Prime Fuel Savings Offer
Amazon Prime’s new fuel savings program allows members to save 10 cents per gallon at participating BP, Amoco, and AMPM gas stations nationwide—approximately 7,000 locations. This is double the standard five-cent discount offered to non-Prime Earnify members. This represents a substantial savings, potentially amounting to $70 annually depending on driving habits. The program leverages Earnify, BP’s loyalty program, for seamless integration. To activate the discount, Prime members simply visit amazon.com/fuelsavings and connect their Amazon and Earnify accounts. This straightforward process minimizes any potential barriers for users looking to take advatage of the offer.
How the Amazon Prime Fuel Discount Works
The process is straightforward: Prime members visit the designated webpage, link their accounts, and begin saving at participating stations. New Earnify users also receive a 250-point welcome bonus and earn double points for the first 90 days, further increasing their savings potential. Points can be redeemed for additional discounts on fuel or convenience store items. The program adds a layer of convenience to fuel purchasing, combining these benefits with existing perks like complimentary streaming and fast shipping to increase the value of the Prime membership.
Amazon Prime vs. Walmart+
The inclusion of fuel discounts positions Amazon Prime more competitively against established players like Walmart+. Walmart+ has offered gas discounts for several years, boasting a network of over 13,000 participating stations, including Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy USA locations. Both programs feature a 10-cent-per-gallon savings, but Walmart+ offers slightly broader coverage. However, Amazon’s fuel initiative is significantly more integrated since you are using your Prime account and therefore not needing to sign up to another rewards program. However, Amazon Prime’s overall package also includes free, fast shipping on millions of items, access to Prime Video, and, recently, a complimentary Grubhub+ membership. These additional benefits will certainly cater to a different variety of consumer needs.
Walmart+, on the other hand, provides free shipping with no minimum purchase, along with perks like 24/7 pet care access through Pawp and a Paramount+ Essential membership. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual priorities and spending habits. For instance, frequent Amazon shoppers who prioritize fast shipping and streaming benefits may favour Prime, while those who visit Walmart frequently might find Walmart+ to be more cost-effective and offer higher value. This underlines the importance of each consumer carefully assessing their spending patterns and lifestyle before committing to a particular subscription service. The competition further illustrates the shift towards value added membership programs from many large retailers.
Credit Cards to Maximize Gas Savings
Pairing a Prime or Walmart+ membership with the right credit card can further amplify savings. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, complementing either membership. This card is a valuable asset to anyone who does a significant amount of driving. This synergy represents the advantages of stacking savings from different programs and promotions.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), 6% cash back on select streaming services, and 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. While there’s a $95 annual fee (waived the first year), the potential rewards can easily offset this cost for regular users. This card offers a broader range of cash back opportunities compared to cards focused solely on gas discounts, making it a flexible choice for various spending habits. Customers should be aware of the cap on supermarket cash back and the annual fee, so that they effectively weigh the benefits of using that credit card.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
For flexible travel rewards, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns 3X points at gas and EV charging stations, and 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. The high rewards rate makes this card a compelling choice for frequent travelers, as it offers the ability to accumulate points at various touchpoints of the travel journey, making it particularly suitable for those who frequently travel for leisure or business, who also happen to regularly use gas.
Credit Cards for Amazon Shopping
Maximize your Amazon spending with the Prime Visa, providing 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel purchases. This card offers a compelling combination of cash back benefits specifically tailored to Amazon purchases, making it especially suitable for frequent Amazon users. It works seamlessly with the Prime ecosystem. The benefit is significantly greater for higher volume spenders through the Prime ecosystem.
Prime Visa
Prime members can also earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on other purchases, with rotating opportunities for even higher rewards, along with the $150 Amazon Gift Card welcome bonus. This bonus alone often covers the cost of a full year of Prime membership, making it an excellent starting point for those considering a Prime membership or for those who have already begun their Prime membership, but were looking for further discounts and perks to increase the long term value of their Prime membership.
Citi Double Cash® Card
For a versatile option, the Citi Double Cash® Card earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% back at purchase, 1% back when you pay). With no annual fee and unlimited cash back earning potential, it complements both Prime and non-Prime spending, making it a highly suitable alternative that is not capped by the purchase type. The card is ideal to build a good credit score as well.
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