Petrol comparisons often stack several percentages that apply to different price bases. The useful number is the final amount paid for fuel you would buy anyway, plus rewards you can realistically use.

Start with the same litre and grade

Compare the posted price, station discount, membership benefit, card discount and any voucher cost in sequence. Do not add headline percentages as if they all apply to the original price. Record the actual receipt total and litres pumped.

Value rewards conservatively

Check whether the transaction earns card rewards after discounts and whether caps or station restrictions apply. If an eligible mobility or fuel-adjacent voucher appears in HeyMax, confirm outlet coverage, expiry and denomination before purchase.

Include convenience

A longer drive or rigid station loyalty can cost more time and fuel than it saves. Choose a repeatable route near normal journeys and review monthly using cost per litre after discounts, not the promotional headline.

FAQ

Can discounts and miles stack? Sometimes, but the card and merchant terms determine eligibility.

Is the largest percentage discount always best? No; the calculation base, caps and pump price matter.

Should I buy fuel vouchers in advance? Only after confirming use, expiry and outlet restrictions.

What if the official sources disagree? Prefer the source governing the exact account, market and transaction. Note effective dates and seek provider confirmation before committing money or irreversible points.

How conservative should reward value be? Use the value of an achievable, intended use after fees. If no credible use exists, assign little or no decision value rather than importing a headline valuation.

How long should records be kept? Keep terms, confirmations and receipts through fulfilment, reward posting and any refund, dispute or claim period. Follow longer legal or provider requirements where applicable.

When does simplicity win? When two options are close, choose the path with clearer support, fewer irreversible steps and lower monitoring burden. A strategy that is repeatedly executed correctly can outperform a fragile theoretical maximum.

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Internal links: Vouchers at HeyMax; HeyMax beginner guide; Resources hub.

Reconstruct the real discount

A fuel offer may combine a station discount, membership benefit, card discount and rebate. Apply each component in the order stated by the merchant and issuer. Do not add percentages. Use the final receipt amount divided by litres purchased to calculate realised cost per litre.

Field	Why it matters
Fuel grade and litres	Ensures like-for-like comparison
Posted pump price	Starting point, not final price
Immediate station discount	Reduces checkout amount
Voucher or membership condition	May restrict station or payment
Card rebate/reward	May post later and be capped
Travel time or detour	Can erase small savings
Final cost per litre	Comparable result

Repeat the exercise across two normal refuelling cycles rather than a one-off promotional visit.

A commuter example

One station is on the normal route; another advertises a larger discount but requires a detour. The driver should estimate additional distance and time, then compare final fuel cost. If the difference is marginal, convenience and consistent acceptance may be worth more than the theoretical maximum.

If a voucher is available, the driver should check denomination and expiry. Buying a large balance can reduce flexibility if the vehicle is sold, the station route changes or the voucher has outlet restrictions.

Fleet and family controls

For households with more than one driver, store membership details and voucher balances securely. Agree which vehicle and grade each offer covers. Avoid sharing full card credentials. Review actual monthly savings and unused balances together.

For business or reimbursed fuel, follow employer policy. Personal rewards must not conflict with required payment, receipt or tax documentation.

Payment and safety

At the pump, check the terminal currency only when abroad and shield the PIN. Prefer official station payment channels. Keep receipts until card discounts and rewards post. If the final charge differs from the pre-authorisation, wait for settlement before raising a rewards issue.

HeyMax should be described as an optional check for currently eligible mobility merchants or vouchers. It is complementary to station and card programmes, not a replacement.

Expanded FAQ

How do I compare cents-off and percentage discounts? Convert both into the final amount for the same litres and grade.

Do card discounts always appear immediately? No. Some benefits may post later; verify issuer terms and statement timing.

What if a voucher cannot cover the whole fill? Confirm whether split tender is accepted and how the remaining balance is paid.

How often should the article's examples be refreshed? Avoid naming fragile rates. Recheck the workflow and official links, and update only verified examples.