Credit Card News
Shell Introduces Performance Elite World Mastercard with Imprint
A far-reaching gas station chain is launching a new credit card that not only offers rewards on fuel but also on other everyday purchases.
About the Shell Performance Elite World Mastercard:
Shell is rolling out a new rewards credit card called the Shell Performance Elite World Mastercard. The product is powered by Imprint, while First Bank & Trust issues the card.
With the card, customers can earn 4% back in rewards at Shell stations. This includes fuel, EV charging, and in-store purchases. Beyond that, cardholders can also earn 3% back in rewards on restaurant purchases and 3% back on grocery store purchases. All other purchases earn 2% back in rewards.
Earned rewards are automatically issued as a statement credit at the end of each billing cycle, but only apply to eligible Shell purchases. Also, Shell Fuel Rewards members can stack their eligible Fuel Rewards savings with the card’s rewards.
The Shell Performance Elite World Mastercard has no annual fee. Customers can also choose from four different card designs (seen in the image above).
To mark the launch of the new card, customers can also claim a welcome bonus. Currently, new cardholders can earn a $50 bonus after spending $500 on the card within their first 60 days.
What They’re Saying:
Commenting on the new card, Shell North America’s CMO, Mobility and Convenience Zoë Baldwin said, “Our customers are looking for simple ways to get more value from their everyday spending. This card delivers by going beyond traditional fuel credit cards to reward all purchases — not just fuel. It’s an easy way for our customers to turn routine spending into savings at Shell.”
My Thoughts:
If you’re going to debut a new gas rewards credit card, now seems like a pretty good time. According to GasBuddy data, the average cost per gallon currently sits at $4.47 — which is up $1.33 from this time last year. Thus, you can bet there are many Americans looking to save or be rewarded when filling their tank.
Turning to the card itself, it’s actually better than I would have expected. Obviously, the 4% back at Shell is helpful, while the 3% categories are useful. But what’s perhaps most impressive is the 2% base overall.
With that said, my big question was about how rewards are redeemed. If rewards automatically apply with each statement cycle but only cover eligible Shell purchases, does that mean you have to make a Shell purchase each cycle? What happens to the rewards you earn through everyday spending during a month when you might not have visited a Shell? Luckily, according to the card’s FAQ, this scenario would result in remaining rewards rolling over and being applied to the next eligible cycle. Phew.
With that question settled, I think this could be a solid card for those who regularly visit Shell stations and enjoy the practicality of earning rewards in the form of fuel statement credits. But, if you want something more flexible, be sure to check out my post about some of the best rewards credit cards for gas.