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Email this3:12 am
October 21, 2013
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I just noticed that the deal between AirMiles and Shell gasoline has changed,at least in Ontario.
It used to be based on how many dollars you spent.
Now it is based on how many litres you buy.
The current deal is:
1 AIR MILES® reward mile on a minimum 15 litre fuel purchase in a single transaction
And/Or
1 AIR MILES® reward mile for every $10 purchased in-store in a single transaction (before tax).
http://www.shell.ca/en/product.....miles.html
This is a better deal inasmuch as you don't have to spend as much money on gas to get an AirMile, but it is a worse deal inasmuch as there are no multiples - in other words, there is no incentive to buy more than the minimum 15 litres at a time, which there used to be.
I suspect this change reflects the falling price of oil. It's harder to spend what used to be the minimum $20 now, especially if you have a fuel-efficient car, so they are giving the reward at a lower level. At the same time, they are rewarding themselves by allowing you only 1 AirMile per purchase (unless there is a promotion on). Right now, to March 1, there is a promo for 4x AirMiles with minimum purchase of 25 litres regular gas.
I also suspect that other gasoline retailers will also be adjusting their reward formulas, so it might be a good idea to keep an eye on the provisions of the reward programme that you use. You may need to adjust your buying habits to get best advantage.
AirMiles is sneaky in never giving us notice of these changes. They just quietly show up as surprises on your statement every so often, usually not in our favour.
You heard it here first!
8:48 am
December 23, 2011
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BUT if you used an Amex Airmiles or MasterCard Airmiles you would double dip on the purchase. We rarely use the Air Miles card itself. To be honest I don't even know who all the players are in accepting them other than Shell (which I never go to), Timber Mart and Rona. Nor do I know who gives one for $15 or $20. We live close to a source of gasoline that is taxed less for "rapid transit" and can be 7-12 cents and liter less so I go for the savings over using or patronizing Air Miles Sponsors.
Lets face it Air Miles is not going to publicize a downer like this as it affects their reputation too.
Air Miles lost my interest when they adopted to expire miles after 5 years.
For now I plan to cash them in for $100 GIC purchases at BMO.
I have not had time to calculate if "Cash Back" cards would give a better return. Ie. keep the Amex Cash Back card that replaced the Costco Amex card and sign up for the new Costco Master Card.
But such a hassle to figure out all the rules and exceptions. 
And for any other SENIORS using Air Miles for theater tickets is not a good idea as you can only by tickets for ADULT admission and Seniors admission at the theater is less.
Gee after reading what I just wrote.....I must be grumpy today!!!
12:14 pm
October 21, 2013
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Hi Grumpy!
The deals with AirMiles are different in different provinces.
In Ontario, Shell prices are competitive, depending on geography. Competition tends to be local.
No such thing as less tax for rapid transit here - what a concept!
I've only got 12 AirMiles to go, and then I will be able to cash in $700 in BMO GIC! - they have already been earned but I will continue collecting at Shell because those ones might tally faster, and I have to do it before mid-March when the first certificate expires. Our local Shell is a block from a super-discount place, so they have to compete.
12:28 pm
December 23, 2011
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Gas prices in Canada are a joke. They can go up and down twice in one day in BC and when I lived In Alberta maybe once a week. In the greater vancouver area they add taxes to the price of gas from transit. Transit sticks it to us in many ways but is totally mis managed. We have transit police. We have people boarding buses and not paying to the tune of 7 million in 2013. That is stealing isnt it? Where are the transit Police...at the donut shop?
Gas prices are all the same per regional area.....even the no name brands not including Costco.
6:44 pm
February 17, 2013
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Sounds like a crappy deal. I put a hundred bux cash in my tank and I get 1 Air Mile?? 12 from Amex if I put on their card ( with the current per transaction promo)? Wouldn't drive 2 blocks out of my way to get 1 Air Mile. I guess I can do 6 separate 15 liter transactions and get 18 Air Miles using my Amex (6 x 15 liter transactions from Shell, 6 from Amex for doing $90 at an Air Miles sponsor, and 6 bonus miles from Amex's promo). Mind you, they are currently offering 4X miles on a 25 lt purchase of reg gas and 20X on premium until Mar 31, but still not impressed with the switch.I think the time to re-evaluate my participation in the Air Miles program has come. They are useless for short-haul trips as you still have to pay the fee/taxes portion of the ticket, which is more than the cost of the fare, their rewards are expensive and have gone downhill with the AM Cash program, sponsors are leaving and there are better rewards cards to be found elsewhere.
7:44 pm
October 21, 2013
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I guess they want you to have an incentive to come back more frequently to buy smaller quantities. It keeps the lines moving, and encourages you to buy more overpriced junk food in the store. The junk food may be a better profit centre for them right now!
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