Every fuel brand wants you to download their app and collect their points. But with so many loyalty schemes out there, which ones actually offer decent value? We've analysed the major UK fuel loyalty programmes to find out.
The Major Fuel Loyalty Schemes
Shell Go+
✓ Excellent 10% back on every 10th visit
✓ Regular bonus offers and challenges
✓ Free hot drink on signup
✗ Shell prices often higher to start with
✗ Reward only applies to fuel, not shop
Esso Nectar
✓ Works with existing Nectar card
✓ Points redeemable at Sainsbury's, Argos, etc
✓ Regular bonus point promotions
✗ Base rate only 0.5p per litre (0.35%)
✗ Need to collect many points for meaningful rewards
BP BPme Rewards
✓ Pay from your phone (no card needed)
✓ Instant discounts with partner offers
✓ Nectar points available on Ultimate fuels
✗ Very low base reward rate (0.17%)
✗ BP prices often above average
Tesco Clubcard
✓ Tesco fuel prices already competitive
✓ 1 point per £1 spent = 1% back
✓ Points worth up to 3x with Clubcard Partners
✗ Not all areas have Tesco petrol stations
✗ Points expire if account inactive
Sainsbury's Nectar
✓ Competitive fuel prices
✓ Regular bonus point offers
✓ Same Nectar points used in store
✗ Fewer fuel stations than Tesco
✗ Base rate still modest at 0.35%
The Real Value Calculation
Let's calculate what these schemes are actually worth for a typical driver using 2,000 litres of fuel per year (about 10,000 miles at 45 mpg):
- Shell Go+ – ~£25-30 in free fuel (assuming 5 rewards triggered)
- Tesco Clubcard – ~£29 in points (at £1,430 spend, 1% back)
- Esso/Sainsbury's Nectar – ~£10 in points (2,000 × 0.5p)
- BP BPme – ~£5 in points (2,000 × 0.25p)
The Catch
Here's the thing: if a loyalty scheme causes you to fill up at a station that's 5p per litre more expensive, you're losing £100 per year to "save" £10-30 in points. Always compare the total cost, not just the rewards.
Our Strategy Recommendation
Here's how to maximise value from fuel loyalty schemes without overpaying:
- Price first, loyalty second – Use Fuelwise to find the cheapest station, then use whatever loyalty scheme they offer.
- Stack your cards – Have accounts with Shell Go+, Nectar, and your supermarket card. Use whichever applies to the cheapest station that day.
- Watch for promotions – Bonus point events can make branded stations temporarily worth it, even at higher prices.
- Don't chase rewards – Never drive further or pay more just to earn points. The maths rarely works out.
The Bottom Line
Fuel loyalty schemes are worth using if you're already at that station for the best price. But they're rarely worth choosing a more expensive station for. The savings from shopping around (£100-200/year) dwarf the value of most loyalty schemes (£10-30/year).
Our Top Pick
If we had to choose one scheme, it would be Tesco Clubcard – because Tesco consistently offers competitive prices AND gives 1% back. You're not sacrificing price for points.
For those who pass Shell stations regularly, Shell Go+ offers the most generous rewards, but only if Shell prices in your area are competitive.
Whatever schemes you use, always check prices first using Fuelwise.