How To Get Free Food With Gas Rewards Points

Today I’m going to share with you how I get free groceries without using any coupons. In my opinion it’s probably the easiest way to get something for free because it doesn’t require a lot of thought. I’m no expert, in fact, I learned from my friend Esther of Coupon Cutting Mom just about a month ago. She would post pictures of her purchases online and how much she earned in gas. I was intrigued. I do coupon here and there, but I like to save on groceries the old fashioned way. I’m hoping that after you’re done reading this you’ll also have a better idea on how this awesome program works.

First of all, what is gas rewards?

Gas rewards is a program that some of the major supermarkets offer, but I know that Kmart also has a very similar program. Typically for every dollar spent, you earn a point towards your gas rewards. Once you reach a certain threshold (usually 100 points), you can use it towards gas. So 100 points=.10 cents off each gallon of gas.

What’s the maximum number of gallons?

Well that depends. Most programs allow up to 30 gallons, but I know there are some that only go up to 20 gallons. Just make sure you check out the store’s policy first.

Do the points expire?

Yes, they usually run on a rolling schedule. For example, gas rewards points earned during the months of March/April may expire in early May. Again, check with your store since they typically post these or print them on the bottom of your receipt.

But a point per dollar is not much, how is this worth it?

It’s called bonus points and most stores offer it. Each week retailers will allow you to earn extra rewards for purchasing specific items. There’s usually a specific number you have to buy to earn the extra rewards.

For example, in the purchase shown below the cereals were buy 6 for $2 each and earn 400 extra rewards points. So I paid $12 for 6 boxes of cereal. However, I earned 400 points in gas rewards points which is equavilent to .40 cents off each gallon. I can use this on up to 30 gallons of gas. So this is how I get that money back: 30 gallons x .40 cents off=$12.00. So I’ll get my money back at the gas pump. I also purchased the Quaker Real Medleys that are in the picture for $8.00, but earned .40 cents off each gallon of gas. Again that’s $12 for a 30 gallon fill-up so I made $4.00 from that purchase alone!

So you’re earning free gas, not food?

Technically yes, but here’s my logic behind it. I HAVE to buy gas whether I want to or not. So when I earn my gas rewards points, I look at it like I’m pre-paying for gas (when I make the food purchase) and getting reimbursed when I fill up. So I may have spent $60 on food, but may wind up earning $75 off of gas. So not only am I getting my money back from what I purchased, I could potentially make money! So what I purchased was essentially free.

I have a smaller vehicle so how can maximize my savings?

Purchase a gas can. I own an SUV that can hold 26 gallons of gas. So I go to purchase gas when I’m practically on empty and I take a gas can that holds 5 gallons of gas. When I get home my husband will take the 5 gallons and pour it into his smaller car. That way I can maximize my savings. You don’t want to do this if you only plan on buying 10 gallons of gas because that .40 cents off will equate to only a $4.00 savings.

What if my rewards are more than the gas prices?

This has happened to me and what the retailer will do is subtract the price of gas so you pay $0 at the pump and let you carry over any unused points.

So that’s it! Now go get yourself some free food {or gas}. 🙂 I know it can be confusing at first so please feel free to comment below with any questions you may have. It took me a little while to understand how this worked, but now I’m completely hooked.

Extra tips:

• Check out the gas deals before going to the store and make a list.
• Follow the rules. If they say buy 6 do just that or you won’t earn the bonus points.
• Maximize your savings by pairing up the deals with coupons.
• Go early in the week so that shelves aren’t cleared out. I was surprised how many people actually knew about this program!
• Ask for rain checks if what you want isn’t there. Most stores will gladly give you one.
• Buy a gas can. Odds are you don’t own a vehicle that holds 30 gallons of gas. So to get most out of this program, invest in a gas can.

So are you as intrigued as I was? Or simply confused? Please comment and ask your questions below!

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