Shell Launches New Fuel Rewards Network Program

HOUSTON -- Shell Oil Company today launched a new loyalty rewards program that enables consumers to have total control over how much they pay at the pump through their everyday purchases.

The Fuel Rewards Network program offers multiple ways for consumers to earn rewards through purchases of a variety of things, such as food, clothing and household goods, which can be redeemed for instant fuel savings at participating Shell stations. Consumers in select markets can earn rewards through participating grocery stores, restaurants and hundreds of merchants from the Online Mall at fuelrewards.com, plus specialty offers at select participating Shell stations. By the end of the year, Shell expects the program to be in 200 markets across the country.

The new program is unique because it allows consumers to combine or stack multiple rewards offers -- or cents-per-gallon discounts -- together for potentially big savings (as much as $3 or more) right at the pump. The program is free -- consumers just pick up a Fuel Rewards Network Card at a participating Shell station, and then activate it online at fuelrewards.com.

The Fuel Rewards Network program will be offered by Shell in addition to the existing grocer rewards program with The Kroger Co. and Ahold grocers. Consumers will redeem their Kroger Co. and Ahold rewards separately from the Fuel Rewards Network savings.

The Fuel Rewards Network program -- or FRN -- was developed and is operated by Dallas-based Excentus, a leading provider of marketing and promotional programs and services that utilize price rollback discounts at the pump.

As one example, a consumer could eat out at one of the more than 10,000 participating restaurant locations nationally and earn fuel savings. By linking their debit or credit card to their Dining account with the Fuel Rewards Network program, they automatically earn 10 cents per gallon savings on their next fuel purchase for every $50 spent dining.

Consumers also save at the pump when buying products online. The Online Mall gives consumers access to nearly 700 brand name online merchants offering 5 cents per gallon savings for every $50 they spend. Some merchants may offer two, five, or even 10 times rewards or more -- enabling consumers to multiply their savings.

"Shell knows more consumers are looking for smart loyalty rewards programs that can help them save money at the pump without having to jump through hoops or sacrifice their quality of fuel," said Dan Little, Shell North American Fuels Marketing Manager. "That's why teaming up with Excentus on this revolutionary rewards program is so exciting because it empowers consumers to never pay full price at the pump again."

The free Fuel Rewards Network Card can be activated following these steps:

• Visit fuelrewards.com and click "Sign Up" to enroll in the Fuel Rewards Network program or to request a new card.
• Select "Fuel Rewards Network" for your card.
• Enter your card number and PIN. Follow the steps to complete online enrollment.

The Fuel Rewards Network program will initially be available in more than 40 markets, including Miami and San Francisco, with numerous additional cities rolling out each month.

As part of a special introductory offer, the expiration dates for rewards earned through the Dining and Online Mall features of the Fuel Rewards Network program will be extended through the end of 2012 to allow the consumers to be able to redeem their rewards when the program launches in their area. At that time, normal expiration dates on all rewards earned through the promotional period will apply.

"Excentus is excited to introduce the outstanding savings potential of the Fuel Rewards Network program to consumers across the entire nation," said Dickson Perry, chairman and CEO of Excentus. "By teaming up with Shell, every single person who participates in our program will be able to set their own price for high-quality fuel simply by choosing to buy the things they normally buy through one of our participating retailers and programs. These are trying times for many families, and we're proud to be able to offer relief through the Fuel Rewards Network program."