AARP Partnerships with Fuel Rewards Programs
While AARP does not offer a universal, at-the-pump discount at all gas stations, it has established valuable partnerships with major fuel brands to provide members with significant savings. These programs require you to link your AARP membership with their specific loyalty programs to activate the benefits.
The Shell and Fuel Rewards® Program
This partnership offers one of the most direct and consistent ways for AARP members to save on gas. By linking their AARP membership number to their Fuel Rewards® account, members receive several benefits:
- Complimentary Gold Status: AARP members are automatically upgraded to Gold Status in the Fuel Rewards® program. This status guarantees a minimum savings of 5 cents per gallon on every fill-up at participating Shell stations.
- New Member Bonus: Those who are new to the Fuel Rewards® program and sign up through AARP receive a one-time bonus of 50 cents per gallon on their first fill-up (up to 20 gallons).
- Additional Savings Opportunities: The Fuel Rewards® program itself offers many other ways to earn discounts, including rewards from linking credit cards, shopping online, and dining at participating restaurants. These can be stacked with your AARP Gold Status for even greater savings.
Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ Program
Another key partner is Exxon Mobil. This is a points-based system where AARP members can earn more rewards for their purchases.
- Extra Points for Fuel: By linking your AARP membership to your Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ account, you can earn one extra point per gallon on fuel purchases.
- Double Points on Member Days: AARP members receive double points on fuel purchases on the 22nd of each month, adding up to faster savings.
- 500-Point Welcome Bonus: New Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ members who link their AARP account will receive a 500-point bonus after their first fill-up, which is equivalent to a $5 reward.
- Redeeming Points: Points accumulate and can be redeemed for discounts on gas, car washes, and convenience store items, with 100 points equaling $1 in savings.
Comparison of AARP Gas Savings Programs
| Feature | Shell Fuel Rewards® | Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit Type | Direct per-gallon savings | Points-based system |
| Ongoing Savings | At least 5¢ off per gallon with Gold Status | 1 extra point per gallon |
| New Member Bonus | 50¢ off per gallon on first fill-up (up to 20 gal) | 500-point bonus (worth $5) after first fill-up |
| Bonus Earning | Additional rewards through shopping, dining, etc. | 2x points on fuel on the 22nd of each month |
| Redemption | Automatic discount at the pump | Redeemable for fuel, car washes, or store items |
| Setup | Link AARP and Fuel Rewards® accounts | Link AARP and Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ accounts |
| Best For | Consistent, immediate savings on every fill-up | Accumulating points for future discounts and bonuses |
Maximizing Your Fuel Savings Beyond AARP
While AARP partnerships are a great starting point, a comprehensive strategy can further reduce your fuel expenses. Healthy aging often means managing your budget more carefully, and every dollar saved adds up over time.
Combine Errands and Optimize Driving Routes
- Plan Your Trips: Instead of multiple short trips throughout the week, consolidate errands into a single trip. A cold engine uses more fuel, so combining trips ensures your engine stays warm and more efficient.
- Use Navigation Apps: Tools like Google Maps or Waze can help you find the most efficient route and avoid heavy traffic, which reduces idling and frequent braking, both of which waste fuel.
Adjust Your Driving Habits
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid aggressive driving like sudden acceleration and hard braking. Driving smoothly can significantly improve your vehicle's fuel economy.
- Maintain a Consistent Speed: Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed and conserve fuel. Fuel efficiency drops sharply above 65 mph.
- Avoid Excessive Idling: If you'll be stopped for more than 60 seconds, turn off your engine. An idling engine burns a surprising amount of fuel.
Maintain Your Vehicle
- Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and can decrease fuel mileage by up to 3%. Check your tires regularly to ensure they are at the correct pressure.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping your car properly maintained with regular oil changes and clean air filters can boost your fuel efficiency. A clogged air filter can decrease fuel economy by as much as 5%.
- Lighten Your Load: Remove any unnecessary weight from your car, as extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. This includes removing heavy items from your trunk that aren't needed.
Leverage Other Loyalty and Rewards Programs
- Grocery Store Rewards: Many major grocery chains offer fuel rewards. Shoppers can earn points on their grocery purchases that can be redeemed for cents-off-per-gallon at a partner gas station.
- Gas Station Apps: Beyond the AARP-linked options, apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area, and some offer their own rewards.
Conclusion
Yes, an AARP membership can help you save on gas, but the method is indirect. Instead of a blanket discount, AARP has secured exclusive benefits through partnerships with Shell and Exxon Mobil. By linking your membership to their respective loyalty programs, you can unlock ongoing savings and earn valuable points towards future fuel discounts. Paired with smarter driving habits and regular vehicle maintenance, these AARP benefits can significantly lower your overall fuel expenses and stretch your budget further during retirement. It's one of the many ways a comprehensive approach to personal finance can support healthy aging and a comfortable lifestyle. For more information on maximizing your retirement funds and exploring other discounts, you can visit the official AARP benefits website at https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/.
