Membership fuel discounts worth it? Woolworths, Costco, 7-Eleven, and more rewards examined

Sky-high petrol prices have been a major cost of living stress for the past few years. Many Australians have been scrambling for ways to save, and member rewards programs have been a popular choice. After all, if your car insurance provider, grocery store, or local servo offers to shave dollars off your fuel ticket, then it's worth it...right?
Let’s break down how much these discounts actually save you – and figure out if there's a better way to save money at the pump.
How much do Australians spend on fuel?

A simple question with a (sort of) complicated answer. On average, Australians could be spending anywhere between $1,130 - $2,260 per year on fuel at current $2 per litre prices, depending on their car’s capacity and fuel efficiency, as well as how much they drive.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average Australian passenger vehicle used 11.1 litres of fuel per 100 km in 2020, with petrol standing out as the most common fuel type bought at the bump. Besides mileage, different types of passenger vehicles also have different fuel tank sizes, with smaller vehicles starting out at around 38 L capacity while larger SUVs and utes near the 82 L mark.
So if we assume the standard fuel price these days is roughly $2 per litre, we can get an idea of how expensive it is to refuel different types of cars.
Average fuel costs for different classes of vehicle at $2 per litre*
Car type | City car | Small sedan | SUV | MPV | Ute |
Average tank size | 38 L | 49 L | 69 L | 75 L | 82 L |
Refuel cost | $75 | $98 | $136 | $150 | $164 |
Average capacity (L/100km) | 5.1 | 6.2 | 7.6 | 10.2 | 8.6 |
Max kms before refuel | 745.10 | 790.32 | 894.74 | 735.29 | 953.49 |
Average cost per day | $3.10 | $3.77 | $4.62 | $6.20 | $5.23 |
Average cost per year | $1,132.16 | $1,376.36 | $1,687.15 | $2,264.33 | $1,909.14 |
*Assuming average kms travelled of 11,100 km per year (30.41 km per day), based on ABS statistics. Average tank volumes and capacities estimated from BudgetDirect.
In October 2023, the ABS reported the cost of automotive fuel in Australia jumped +7.2% over the spring quarter and +7.9% over the last year, mostly due to price jumps in petrol and diesel. Yikes.
Fuel rewards: what discounts are out there?

Besides reducing mileage or upgrading to a fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle, the main way to save money on fuel is to find cheaper fuel prices. Many businesses offer fuel discounts as a membership perk, which is great news for creatures of shopping habit.
So what are the offers? Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
- Woolworths: 4-8c off per litre. Woollies offers 4c off per litre at participating fuel outlets if you spend $30 or more at Woolworths or Woolworths metro stores (T&Cs apply). You can combine with an extra 4c off (8c per litre discount total) if you spend $5 or more in-store at said outlets.
- Costco: 5-20c off per litre. If you become a Costco member ($60 per year for individual gold membership), you gain exclusive access to their competitively priced fuel stations. While fuel prices vary between locations, according to Fuel Price Australia they tend to run 5-20c cheaper than city and national averages. (Keep in mind Costco only offers specific fuel types, so they may not carry the kind you need for your vehicle).
- 7-Eleven: 1-30c or more per litre. 7-Eleven has adopted a rewards program where after six visits to their outlets (each with a purchase where you scan your rewards card), you could choose to ‘lock in’ the best fuel price you see on their app in your local area and refuel at said price for your 7th visit within seven days of activating the reward. This means your discount isn’t necessarily guaranteed, but if you happen to live near a low-priced pump, you could shave off cents big time. Conditions apply.
Several car insurance providers also offer standardised fuel discounts if you take out an eligible policy with them:
- RACQ Members: 4c off per litre. Only at Puma Energy and new Caltex petrol stations, T&Cs apply.
- RAA Members: 4c off per litre. Only with EG and Caltex Woolworths across SA and Broken Hill, T&Cs apply.
- RAC WA Members: 4c off per litre. Only at Puma Energy (becoming new Caltex) and Better Choice stations, T&Cs apply.
Keep in mind these discounts will often place fuel caps on their usage, varying between a maximum discounted 120-150 litres per refuel. Always read the terms and conditions or the PDS before signing up for a policy or rewards program.
How much could a 4 cents per litre discount save you?

Membership fuel discounts these days seem to fall around 4 cents per litre. If we use the average vehicle statistics and comparison costs from the first table, let’s see how much a price-cut of 4 cents could theoretically save you.
Fuel cost savings for average vehicles at $1.96 per litre*
Car type | City car | Small sedan | SUV | MPV | Ute |
Savings per refuel | $1.52 | $1.96 | $2.72 | $3.00 | $3.28 |
Savings per year | $22.64 | $27.53 | $33.74 | $45.29 | $38.18 |
It doesn’t seem to save a lot, but it could still be an extra $20-45 you don’t have to pay. These savings will still ultimately have to stack up against any costs sunk into becoming eligible for them, however (such as membership fees or grocery bills).
But what happens if you opt for the biggest savings possible? Let’s say you grab a rewards discount in the most ideal conditions: 20 cents off every time you refuel. How does this change the numbers?
Fuel cost savings for average vehicles at $1.80 per litre*
Car type | City car | Small sedan | SUV | MPV | Ute |
Savings per refuel | $2.79 | $3.39 | $4.16 | $5.58 | $4.71 |
Savings per year | $113.22 | $137.64 | $168.71 | $226.43 | $190.91 |
Those cents quickly add up over time, but the key point is that you will need to be consistent over long periods of time to see accumulated savings in fuel costs.
Mozo’s verdict? Fuel discounts could save you – but it will depend on the discount...and you

Ultimately any discount could technically save you money – and outrageous fuel prices are something worth saving on. However, it will depend on your circumstances whether these savings are ultimately worth it.
If you drive a lot, bundling a service you already have or need with maximum rewards could save you worthwhile money – or perhaps the added discount will just edge today’s fuel prices within your allowance.
But if the cost of membership sinks more money in than you get back, member fuel discounts probably won’t serve your money saving goals. Either way is valid – so embrace what makes sense for you!
Start by creating a personalised budget to see where extra dollars could be put to good use. You can also track your fuel expenditure using one of these budgeting/savings apps.
Looking for more ways to save? Head over to our family finances hub for more expert guides.
Compare high interest savings accounts - last updated 9 December 2023
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Reward Saver Account
5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
CompareCompareReward Saver Account
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
- Access
- ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
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- $0.00
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Reward Saver Account
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Savings Account
5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareSavings Account
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
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- Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Savings Account
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Reward Saver
5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
0.30% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Earn a high interest bonus rate if you hold an eligible transaction account and meet the bonus rate conditions (T&Cs apply). Only requires $1 to open. Free e-banking transactions. No monthly service fees to pay. Access your account via e-banking or the Bendigo Bank app. Not applicable to business customers.
CompareCompareReward Saver
Earn a high interest bonus rate if you hold an eligible transaction account and meet the bonus rate conditions (T&Cs apply). Only requires $1 to open. Free e-banking transactions. No monthly service fees to pay. Access your account via e-banking or the Bendigo Bank app. Not applicable to business customers.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.30% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Grow your balance each month and must have linked Bendigo Everyday or Student Account to be eligible.
- Access
- BPay, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Reward Saver
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High Interest Save Account
5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Save Account
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
- Maximum rate
- 5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
- Access
- Internet banking
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- $0.00
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Savings Maximiser
5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
For customers who have an Orange Everyday account, deposit $1000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account each month.
No ING fees. Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria.
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No ING fees. Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria.
- Maximum rate
- 5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- For customers who deposit $1000 from an external source into a personal ING account (excluding Orange One and Living Super), make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account each month so there is more in the account at the end of the month than there was at the start of each month (excluding interest). The total bonus interest rate is available on balances up to $100,000 on one Savings Maximiser the next month after meeting eligibility.
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Savings Maximiser
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