If you’re a regular shopper at Food City, you might have heard about their popular Fuel Bucks program. It’s a fantastic way to save money on both your grocery bills and fuel costs, making your shopping trips even more rewarding. But how exactly do Food City Fuel Bucks work? Let’s break it down in simple terms and show you how to maximize your savings with this loyalty program.
What Are Food City Fuel Bucks?
Fuel Bucks are essentially rewards you earn when you shop at Food City. For every dollar you spend on groceries (including alcohol), you earn Fuel Bucks that you can later redeem for discounts on fuel at Food City Gas ‘N Go fuel centers. It’s like getting paid back for shopping, but instead of cash, you get discounts on gas – which can add up to significant savings over time.
How Do You Earn Fuel Bucks?
Earning Fuel Bucks is straightforward and designed to reward your everyday shopping habits:
– Earn 1 Fuel Buck for every $1 spent on groceries with your Food City ValuCard. This includes alcohol and select pharmacy prescriptions.
– Bonus ways to earn: You can get double Fuel Bucks (2x) when purchasing $50 or more in qualifying shopping and dining gift cards.
– Store brand bonus: For every $10 spent on Food City store brand products (like Food City, Food Club, Full Circle, Paws, and others), you earn an additional $1 Fuel Buck. This encourages shoppers to try and save on store brands while earning more rewards.
– Bonus Fuel Bucks: Occasionally, Food City offers bonus Fuel Bucks for purchasing specific promotional items or through pharmacy prescriptions, giving you even more chances to earn.
Fuel Bucks are automatically printed and given to you at checkout, so you don’t have to worry about tracking them manually.
How to Redeem Your Fuel Bucks
Once you’ve earned Fuel Bucks, redeeming them is just as easy:
– Fuel discounts: Present your Fuel Bucks and ValuCard at any Food City Gas ‘N Go fuel center to get discounts on gas.
– Discount rates:
– Redeem 150 Fuel Bucks to save 15¢ per gallon on fuel any day (called 1 Fuel Visit).
– Redeem 300 Fuel Bucks to save 30¢ per gallon on Wednesdays (2 Fuel Visits).
– Redeeming 450 Fuel Bucks can save you up to 45¢ per gallon at participating locations.
– Limitations: Discounts apply to up to 20 gallons per visit, and you must use your ValuCard to redeem.
– Alternative redemption: If you shop at a Food City location without a Gas ‘N Go fuel center, you can redeem Fuel Bucks for 5% off groceries instead.
Fuel Bucks typically have an expiration date, so make sure to use them before they expire (dates vary by promotion).
Why Use Food City Fuel Bucks?
The Fuel Bucks program is a win-win for shoppers who want to stretch their budgets. Here’s why it’s worth participating:
– Save on two big expenses: Groceries and fuel are major household costs. Fuel Bucks help you save on both simultaneously.
– Simple to earn: No complicated rules-just shop with your ValuCard and earn rewards automatically.
– Special promotions: Food City often runs Bonus Fuel Savings Days and other special offers to help you earn or save even more.
– Supports local communities: Food City operates in Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and Northeast Tennessee, so your participation supports local businesses.
Tips to Maximize Your Fuel Bucks Savings
To get the most out of the Fuel Bucks program, consider these handy tips:
– Use your ValuCard every time: It’s essential for earning and redeeming Fuel Bucks.
– Buy store brands: They earn you extra Fuel Bucks and often cost less than national brands.
– Look for bonus items: Check weekly ads for products that offer extra Fuel Bucks.
– Plan your fuel redemption: Save up Fuel Bucks to redeem on Wednesdays for double savings.
– Combine with digital coupons: Food City offers weekly digital coupons that can stack with Fuel Bucks savings for even more discounts.
– Purchase gift cards: Buying $50+ in qualifying gift cards can double your Fuel Bucks earnings.
What Can’t You Use Fuel Bucks On?
While the program is generous, some exclusions apply:
– Fuel Bucks cannot be earned or redeemed on videos, gift cards, cigarettes, pharmacy items (except select prescriptions), or alcohol in some cases.
– Some fresh meat, produce, and deli items may also be excluded from earning Fuel Bucks.
Final Thoughts
Food City Fuel Bucks are a smart, easy way to save money on both your groceries and fuel. By shopping regularly with your ValuCard, focusing on store brands, and taking advantage of bonus offers, you can enjoy meaningful discounts at the pump and in the aisles. It’s a simple loyalty program that rewards you for everyday spending, helping your budget go further.
Start earning your Fuel Bucks today and watch your savings grow with every shopping trip!