How to Get Cheaper Petrol in the UK: 6 Money-Saving Hacks
Table of Contents
Petrol prices in the UK seem to be constantly rising, making it a major expense for drivers. However, there are several clever hacks you can use to reduce your fuel bill, and in some cases, you can even combine multiple methods for bigger savings. Whether it’s through cashback, receipt rewards, or discount fuel cards, this guide covers the best ways to pay less at the pump.
1. Use Instant Cashback Gift Cards
One of the easiest ways to save on petrol is by purchasing instant cashback gift cards. These are essentially pre-paid cards for specific supermarkets or fuel retailers that give you cashback instantly.
How it works:
Buy a supermarket gift card (e.g., Tesco, Morrisons, Asda) via an instant cashback platform.
Use the gift card to pay for your petrol at the pump or in-store.
You’ll receive immediate cashback on your purchase.
You can find current cashback gift card offers here.
Pro tip: Maximise your savings by combining this with a cashback debit card (explained below).
2. Claim 2% Cashback with NX Rewards
NX Rewards offers a 2% cashback rebate on supermarket fuel purchases (Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Asda) when you submit your receipts.
How it works:
Buy your petrol at one of the qualifying supermarkets.
Email your receipt to: cashback@nxrewards.com.
You’ll receive 2% cashback on your purchase.
For a full step-by-step guide, check out how NX Rewards works.
Stacking tip: If you pay with an instant cashback gift card, you’ll earn cashback from both the gift card and NX Rewards.
3. Pay with a Cashback Debit Card
Why not earn cashback simply by using the right payment card? Several cashback debit cards offer up to 0.5% back on purchases, which can include petrol.
Best cashback cards for fuel:
Zilch: 0.5% cashback on all purchases. You can even buy petrol gift cards through Zilch and still earn cashback. → Zilch guide.
Trading 212: Earn cashback when using your card for everyday purchases, including petrol. → Trading 212 guide.
Uphold: Crypto rewards card that offers cashback on spending.
Pro tip: Use a cashback card to buy an instant cashback gift card, then submit the receipt to NX Rewards—triple dipping on the same fuel purchase!
4. Get a Free WEX Fuel Card with Blue Light Discounts
If you’re eligible for the Blue Light Card (e.g., NHS, emergency services, armed forces), you can get a free WEX fuel card, which offers a small but consistent discount on fuel at Esso stations.
Benefits of the WEX fuel card:
Discount of 1-3p per litre at participating Esso stations.
Collect Nectar points (Esso) or Tesco Clubcard points at the same time, boosting your overall savings.
Apply for your WEX fuel card here.
Pro tip: Even though the fuel discount is small, pairing it with Nectar or Clubcard points helps boost your rewards.
5. Use PetrolPrices.com to Find the Cheapest Fuel Near You
Fuel prices vary between stations, so it’s worth checking which is cheapest before you fill up. The website PetrolPrices.com lets you:
Compare petrol prices at nearby stations.
See which supermarkets or local garages have the lowest prices.
Plan your fill-ups accordingly.
Pro tip: Costco often offers some of the cheapest petrol in the UK, so if you’re a member, it’s worth making the detour.
6. Stack Multiple Methods for Maximum Savings
The real magic happens when you combine several of these fuel-saving hacks. Here’s how you can maximise your discount on a single fill-up:
Buy an instant cashback gift card for a supermarket that sells petrol.
Pay for the gift card with a cashback debit card (e.g., Zilch or Trading 212).
Fill up at the supermarket using the gift card.
Submit your receipt to NX Rewards for 2% cashback.
If you’re at Esso, use your WEX fuel card and earn Nectar points too.
By stacking these methods, you could save 5-10% or more on every petrol purchase!
Final Tips to Save on Petrol
Drive smarter: Avoid aggressive driving and keep your car maintained to improve fuel efficiency.
Use loyalty schemes: Supermarkets often offer fuel discounts with their loyalty cards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard Fuel Save).
Fill up midweek: Fuel prices tend to be lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
