Giant Eagle will make a small but negative change to Fuelsperks+ on February 5th, 2020 – when you redeem perks any remaining amount towards your next reward will be reset to zero. I feel like for most people this will be a nuisance than anything else (trying to minimize lost rewards) and given that you already have to worry about the points expiring after 75 day it’s just one more layer that makes this program annoying.
Hat tip to reader K & M T
This has now gone live. There have been several changes to the problem over the last year or two. First was the elimination of completely free groceries option (redeem $2.50 worth of points for a $25 Giant Eagle discount coupon). Second was changing the expiration from two months after the last day of the month in which they’re earned to this rolling Tuesday cycle. Third was this one when remaining “amount towards your next reward” perks would be eliminated. I have the new expiration of perks below. Even after all these negative changes, Giant Eagle still has the best fuel points program in the country.
Expiration of Perks.
The perks in your account will expire, on average, approximately 75 days after they are earned if not used for discounts or free products. Specifically, your perks will expire on rolling Tuesday cycles no earlier than two months after the month in which they are earned. Your account is randomly assigned to the first, second, third or fourth Tuesday of the month and perks will always expire on the assigned Tuesday. In addition, starting Wednesday, February 5, when you redeem perks any remaining “amount towards your next reward” that has not yet reached the 50 perks required to be converted into a reward will be reset to zero.
At first glance I thought this meant that I’d lose all my stored up perks but upon further review I realize now that it is referencing just the “PERKS away from earning your next reward”. So at worst, I guess I could lose 49 perks resulting in a loss of $2.94 worth of fuel at the pump. Up to this point their system had actually been doing the opposite – it was rounding you UP to the next 50. I was always confused on why random perks showed up every time I went and got gas.
I’ve analyzed this new program in depth and the layers of complexity are insane. They took a simple program and made it much more difficult. I’m sure part of that was intentional and part of it probably relates to the fact that most people aren’t like me (attempting to extract every ounce of value out of a fuel rewards program).
At any rate, glad to see that this change isn’t terrible although it still results in a small amount of lost return.
SFF…appreciate the input. One could always buy a custom value 3rd party gc before fueling up to avoid losing the ‘Perks Away’.
This is especially easy by buying an e-gift card on their website. In my experience, it credits more or less instantly.
Wow – a GREAT point. Since they now sell Target eGCs that could work perfectly! Thanks so much!!!
This explanation makes sense. When I spoke with customer service today, they really did not understand the changes.
Very possibly the worst grocery chain in the US! On top of that, the Fuelperks program has gone through so many changes and devaluations, it’s impossible to keep up. Very frustrating living in Pittsburgh to have no other good options.
You must not have a clue what you are doing. They have the best fuel program I’ve ever seen. I haven’t paid for gas in over a year. I have so much free gas I don’t know what to do with it
It is the worst grocery but the best fuel program. Their groceries are way overpriced vs other stores. I just use them for gift cards or the random item that happens to be on a really good sale.
I 100% disagree with you. I use 20% off every time I go
Are you doing the $200’s maybe I am spoiled having $500’s back in Buffalo. But I just pay for gas when I am in Cleveland cause I can’t stand dealing with the $200’s.
David
Not sure what you are talking about honestly
VGC’s.
I don’t mess with vGCs since there aren’t any 500s. I just go hog on third party gcs when there is a sale or double fps
Well, in that case, you might be doing the math wrong. Even with 200s for a $6.95 fee (and for years it was possible to pay only $4.95, though sadly no longer), it is still insanely profitable. Basically free gas for life once you factor in credit card rewards.
I’m not sure I understand? Living in Cleveland now, I have come to see that Giant Eagle Fuelperks is probably the best Fuelperks program in the country. I haven’t paid a penny for gas in 3 years…