Smith's fuel rewards now available at Shell stations

Smith's Food & Drug Stores has revamped its rewards fuel program so that customers can save up to $1 per gallon when they gas up at any Smith's fuel center or at participating Shell stations.

Customers will be able to insert their Smith's rewards cards and then follow promptings at the pump for the savings. Although redemption values may vary outside the Intermountain West, participating Shell stations nationwide will accept the Smith's cards, said Shell spokesman Larry Jacobs.

Each 100 rewards points go toward a savings of 10 cents per gallon, up to $1 per gallon, with a maximum 35 gallons.

As an additional incentive, any Smith's shopper using a rewards card for any single purchase from Wednesday through April 19 automatically will be credited with 200 extra points, which may be redeemed as 20 cents per gallon in fuel savings.

Points may be redeemed, starting Wednesday. Unlike the previous Smith's fuel program, no minimum purchase is required to earn fuel savings points.

"Now, every purchase, regardless of amount, will accumulate rewards points for our customers," said spokeswoman Marsha Gilford. "With the exception of tobacco products and beer, all purchases count toward rewards."

Every dollar spent will earn one point when using a rewards card at Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, and 50 additional points are earned through prescription purchases. Any rewards points not used toward fuel savings will be converted to a personalized rewards check mailed along with coupons to Smith's customers each quarter.

"We offer private-label brands, $4 prescriptions and case lot sales, but helping shoppers save on fuel costs will have an impact on their lifestyle choices," said Gilford. "I don't know of another program that offers this much savings."

Original Fresh Values cards will not be honored in fuel programs, and should be converted to a newer rewards card to receive fuel and points benefits. If customers don't have their cards at the pump, they may enter their telephone numbers into the pump's keypad.

Smiths operates 71 fuel centers in seven Western states, including 37 in Utah. Shell operates 27 stations in Utah, and has a network of 6,100 stations in the West.

Customers may check their total rewards point status by registering their card number at the Rewards tab at www.smithsfoodanddrug.com.

Smith's is a division of the Kroger Co., the nation's largest traditional retail grocer. From its offices in Salt Lake City, the company manages 132 food and drug stores in seven Western states, including 49 stores in Utah.

Shell Oil Products U.S., a subsidiary of Shell Oil Co., has a network of approximately 8,200 stations in the United States.

dawn@sltrib.com How the Smith's-Shell deal works

Smith's reward points may be redeemed at Smith's fuel centers or participating Shell gas stations by inserting a Smith's card at the pump.

Each dollar spent at Smith's Food & Drug or Smith's Marketplace will earn one point when using a rewards card.

One-hundred rewards points may be redeemed as a savings of 10 cents per gallon, up to $1 per gallon (maximum 35 gallons).

Any rewards points not used toward fuel savings will be converted to a personalized rewards check mailed along with coupons to Smith's customers each quarter.

For more information, call the rewards hotline at 800-576-4377.