Cashback cards and loyalty schemes for fuel
Choosing the right payment method and loyalty scheme when filling up can quietly save £60–100 per year with no change to where or how often you fill up. The key is combining the right cashback card with the right supermarket loyalty programme, and not paying annual fees that wipe out the benefit.
Supermarket loyalty points
Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury's Nectar, and Morrisons More all award points on fuel purchases at their forecourts. The base rates are modest, typically equivalent to 0.5–1p per litre, but each scheme runs promotions that dramatically improve the return.
- Tesco Clubcard: 1 point per litre of fuel (1 Clubcard point = 1p). Regular "triple points" promotions on fuel purchases. Vouchers can be exchanged for up to 3× face value with partner rewards.
- Sainsbury's Nectar: Base rate 2 points per litre. Frequently offers bonus points events (5–10 points/litre) tied to in-store spending thresholds.
- Morrisons More: Points on fuel and in-store spend. Less generous than Tesco/Sainsbury's but accumulates naturally if you shop there regularly.
Cashback credit cards
Cashback credit cards earn a percentage back on all purchases, including fuel. The key is to pay the full balance monthly. If you carry a balance, interest charges far outweigh any cashback earned.
| Card | Fuel cashback rate | Annual fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday | 0.5–1% | Free | 1% over £10k spend. No annual fee, best for most drivers. |
| Amex Platinum Cashback | Up to 1.25% | £25/year | Higher rate but fee erodes saving unless spend is high. |
| Santander All in One | 0.5% | £3/month | Simple flat rate, modest fee. |
| Barclaycard Rewards | 0.25% | Free | No FX fees, useful for travel but modest cashback on fuel. |
At 15,000 miles/year and 40 mpg, a typical driver spends around £3,000–3,500 on fuel annually at current prices. A 1% cashback card returns £30–35 on fuel alone, more if the same card is used for all spending.
Stacking: combining both
The maximum saving comes from combining a cashback card with a supermarket loyalty scheme. Pay for your Tesco fuel with an Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday card and you earn Clubcard points on the transaction and cashback on the card. That's typically 0.5–1p/litre in Clubcard points plus 0.5–1% cashback on the card, stacked on top of the price advantage of filling at a supermarket in the first place.
Some Esso stations (including those operated by Tesco) don't accept American Express. Always carry a Visa or Mastercard backup. The cashback benefit evaporates if you're stuck with no alternatives.
HMRC mileage rate: for self-employed drivers
If you use your car for business purposes and are self-employed or a limited company director, you can claim the HMRC approved mileage allowance: 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles per year. This is a tax deduction, not a cashback, but for drivers doing significant business mileage the savings are substantial. Keep a mileage log and claim it. It's legitimate and commonly unclaimed.
Get an Amex Platinum Cashback Everyday (free, no annual fee), fill up at Tesco or Sainsbury's, always pay with the Amex. You earn both loyalty points and cashback automatically on every fill-up. Takes 10 minutes to set up and pays for itself within a month.