Shoppers using their Sainsbury’s Nectar card can now redeem their points for free petrol, providing a clever way to save on fuel. However, there are key conditions to be aware of when making use of this offer.
With the cost of fuel continuing to strain household budgets, the latest offer from Sainsbury’s comes as a welcome relief for many. Through its Nectar loyalty card programme, the supermarket allows customers to exchange points for discounts on petrol purchases.
While this offer might not entirely eliminate the financial burden of rising fuel prices, it certainly provides a practical opportunity to reduce costs for regular customers.
How the Nectar Card Works for Fuel Discounts
Nectar cardholders can redeem points at Sainsbury’s petrol stations to receive discounts on their fuel purchases. However, there are specific conditions that apply. According to Sainsbury’s, customers must swipe their Nectar cards at the kiosk to redeem points; they cannot use their points at pay-at-pump stations.
The amount of points that can be redeemed depends on the type of fuel purchased. For example, 300 Nectar points will earn a 5p discount per litre of fuel at participating Esso stations.
However, redemption is capped at 100 points for unleaded fuel and 250 points for diesel purchases, making the potential savings more limited for those with larger tanks. This system provides a modest saving, but for regular drivers, it can still add up over time.
Additionally, customers must visit a Sainsbury’s store or petrol station within a 12-month period to keep their Nectar account active. Failure to do so will temporarily disable the ability to redeem points until they shop again.
This requirement ensures that only active users can take advantage of the offer, limiting the redemption option for those who have not regularly shopped at Sainsbury’s.
Petrol Prices and the Appeal of Loyalty Programmes
The rising cost of petrol and diesel has continued to be a source of frustration for UK drivers. While the average price of petrol fell by 2p per litre in April, according to the RAC, the cost of fuel remains significantly higher than it should be, with the RAC stating that prices should be 4p lower on average.
As a result, drivers are paying nearly £74 for a full tank of unleaded fuel in a typical family-sized car with a 55-litre tank (£73.76), while the diesel equivalent is even more expensive, costing £77.34.
Loyalty programmes such as Sainsbury’s Nectar card offer a small but useful method for consumers to mitigate these high costs. While the financial relief may not be substantial for every individual purchase, it can make a difference for those who frequently use the supermarket’s petrol stations.
For example, those filling up their cars weekly or bi-weekly could see noticeable savings by redeeming their points over time.
