# Drive Further: Stacking Walmart+ Gas Discounts with Your Credit Cards

At RewardSmart, we're always on the lookout for new ways to stretch your dollar, especially when it comes to everyday essentials like fuel. The recent expansion of the Walmart+ gas discount benefit presents a fantastic opportunity for members to shave a little extra off their fill-ups. But as savvy rewards maximizers, we know the real game-changer is combining these discounts with the right credit card strategy.

The Expanded Walmart+ Fuel Perk

Walmart+ members now enjoy a steady $0.10 per gallon discount on gasoline. This isn't just limited to Walmart and Murphy stations anymore; the program has significantly broadened its reach to include Exxon, Mobil, and recently, CITGO locations. This widespread availability means more opportunities to save, whether you're commuting, running errands, or embarking on a road trip. While a previous temporary promotion offered double the savings at $0.20 off, the consistent $0.10 discount is a solid baseline benefit that adds up over time.

Stacking Savings: Beyond the Pump Price

The beauty of the Walmart+ discount is that it reduces the base price of your fuel. This is crucial because your credit card rewards, whether cash back or points, are then calculated on this lower price. It might seem like a small detail, but every penny counts when you're optimizing your spending.

For example, if gas is $3.50 a gallon and you save $0.10, you're paying $3.40. If you use a credit card that offers 5% cash back on gas, you're getting 5% of $3.40, not $3.50. While the percentage is on the slightly lower amount, the overall cash savings from the combined discount and rewards will always be greater than just using a rewards card alone.

Your Credit Card Arsenal for Gas Savings:

  • Rotating Category Cards: Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Discover it® Cash Back often feature gas stations as a 5% cash back bonus category for a quarter. Timing your fill-ups with these bonuses can yield substantial returns. Always activate your quarterly categories!
  • Dedicated Gas/Grocery Cards: Some cards offer elevated rewards rates specifically on gas. For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets (terms apply). While not 5%, it's consistent all year round.
  • Everyday Spend Cards: If you don't have a specific gas bonus category active, a card that offers a solid 2% cash back on all purchases (like the Citi Double Cash® Card) is a great default. Even better, some travel cards earn 2x points on everyday spend, which can translate to a higher value when redeemed strategically.

Is Walmart+ Worth It Just for Gas?

Let's do some quick math. If you drive a car with a 15-gallon tank and fill up once a week, that's roughly 780 gallons per year. At $0.10 off per gallon, you'd save $78 annually. The current annual cost of a Walmart+ membership is $98 (or $12.95/month). So, if gas savings were your only benefit, it might not fully cover the membership cost unless you drive significantly more or have a larger tank.

However, Walmart+ offers much more than just gas discounts: free grocery delivery from your local store, free shipping on Walmart.com orders with no minimum, Paramount+ Essential plan, and mobile scan & go in stores. When you factor in these additional benefits, the gas discount becomes a valuable bonus that enhances the overall value proposition of the membership for frequent Walmart shoppers.

Maximizing Your Fuel Rewards Strategy

  1. Check Your Card's Bonus Categories: Before you head to the pump, quickly verify if any of your credit cards are offering bonus rewards on gas. This is your first line of attack for maximizing earnings.
  2. Combine with Walmart+: Always link your Walmart+ account to your payment method at participating stations to secure that immediate $0.10/gallon discount.
  3. Consider Other Loyalty Programs (with caution): While the Walmart+ discount is great, some gas stations have their own loyalty programs (e.g., Exxon Mobil Rewards+). Often, you can't stack multiple direct fuel discounts. Prioritize the one that offers the most value for that specific fill-up, but always use your rewards credit card for the purchase.
  4. Evaluate Your Driving Habits: If you spend a significant amount on gas and regularly shop at Walmart, the combined benefits of Walmart+ and a strong gas rewards credit card can lead to substantial annual savings.

The RewardSmart Takeaway

The expanded Walmart+ gas discount is a welcome perk, especially with the inclusion of major brands like Exxon, Mobil, and CITGO. For RewardSmart users, this isn't just about the $0.10 off; it's about intelligently combining that discount with the best credit card for gas purchases. By doing so, you ensure you're not just saving at the pump, but also earning valuable cash back or points on every single gallon. Drive smart, save more!