Choosing the right fuel card can save drivers as much as finding the cheapest gas. This guide compares GasBuddy+™ and co-branded cards from Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil, highlighting features and rewards to help you pick the best fit.

The Pay with GasBuddy+™ card is a unique tool that functions as a charge card, not a traditional credit card. It is linked directly to your checking account and requires no hard credit check to apply. Its primary advantage is its universal acceptance; because it operates on the Mastercard network, it can be used at virtually any gas station nationwide. The card's savings are delivered as an instant discount, with a guaranteed minimum of at least 3¢/gal on every fill-up. The highest savings are achieved by actively using the GasBuddy app to find and activate time-sensitive "Deal Alerts," which can be stacked on top of the base discount for a much larger, temporary savings boost. This card is best suited for the price-sensitive, brand-agnostic driver who is willing to actively engage with the app to hunt for the best possible deal on any given day.

The Shell credit card program, which includes both a store-only card and a general-purpose Mastercard, is designed for the brand-loyal driver. Its core feature is a consistent, instant cents-per-gallon discount applied directly at the pump at all participating Shell stations. A common ongoing offer for cardholders is a discount of 5¢/gal or 10¢/gal. The card's greatest strength is its ability to "stack" this discount with the rewards from the free Shell Fuel Rewards® loyalty program, creating a powerful, multi-layered savings on a single transaction. The Mastercard version also typically offers percentage-based rebates on other spending categories like dining and groceries. This option is ideal for drivers who live or work in an area with a high concentration of competitively priced Shell stations and who value the simplicity of an automatic, upfront discount.

Similar to the Shell card, the BPme Rewards Visa® Signature Card is a co-branded credit card geared towards customers loyal to the BP and Amoco brands. Its primary benefit is also an instant cents-per-gallon discount on fuel purchases at their stations. A typical offer might be a high introductory discount for a limited time, followed by a standard ongoing discount. The card's rewards are integrated with the BPme Rewards loyalty program, which can also be accessed through a mobile app. The Visa version of the card extends its benefits by offering cash back on other purchase categories, such as groceries and dining. This card is a strong choice for the driver who consistently frequents BP or Amoco stations and wants to be rewarded for their loyalty with immediate, visible savings at the pump.

The ExxonMobil Smart Card+™ is another powerful tool for the brand-loyal consumer. It operates on a similar principle to the Shell and BP cards, providing an instant cents-per-gallon discount on fuel purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations. The program often features a tiered discount structure, where the savings per gallon can be greater on premium fuel grades compared to regular unleaded. The rewards are tied to the Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ loyalty program, allowing users to earn points on both fuel and in-store purchases. This card is best suited for drivers who prefer Exxon or Mobil fuel and have convenient access to their stations, as its primary value is locked to that specific brand network.

Choosing the right fuel card is a personal decision that depends on your specific driving and spending habits. If you are a "price hunter" who is not loyal to any single brand and uses an app like GasBuddy to find the absolute cheapest gas each time, the Pay with GasBuddy+™ Card is the ideal choice due to its universal acceptance. However, if you are a "brand loyalist" who consistently fills up at a specific brand due to convenience, quality preference, or competitive local pricing, then a co-branded card like the Shell, BP, or ExxonMobil card is the superior option. The best of these for you will almost always be the one for the brand that has the most convenient and well-priced stations along your daily routes.

The modern fuel card market offers a diverse range of tools to help drivers save money. The Pay with GasBuddy+™ Card excels in providing universal flexibility for price-conscious consumers who are willing to actively manage deals through an app. In contrast, co-branded credit cards from Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil offer a simple and rewarding experience for brand-loyal customers through consistent, instant discounts at the pump. The key to making the right choice is to first analyze your own driving patterns and then select the card that best aligns with your habits, whether that's the freedom to chase the lowest price or the deep rewards of brand loyalty.