The data downside of fuel discount schemes

Z Energy says seven of every 10 fuel purchases use a supermarket discount voucher or loyalty card. It’s not the only one – you can also get cheaper petrol and diesel by flashing the right card at BP, Caltex and Mobil.

But what are you giving up to save a few cents on a litre of fuel? We investigated the major discount schemes to find out.

What we found

• There are plenty of loyalty schemes promising cheaper fuel, but many of them collect more of your data than you might realise.

• Discounting distorts price competition, making it harder to see who has cheaper fuel. A discounted price isn't always the cheapest price.

• The Gaspy app gives customers power to choose the cheapest fuel - use it!

• We think it'd be fairer for consumers without all the complicated discounts and loyalty schemes. Plus, you'd get to keep your personal data.

Vouchers and cards

AA Smartfuel (BP and GAS)

Pumped (Z Energy and Caltex)

Fuelup (Z Energy, NPD and some Caltex, Challenge and Mobil)

Smiles (Mobil)

Discount Days (Gull and NPD)

Gaspy: The easy way to compare prices?

Are discounts fair?

Fuel market 101