Pilot/Flying J Loyalty Program

There has been a few confusing, if not contradictory, statements made in this thread. Here's my two cents FWIW:

1. Regarding points and cash back credit cards provided by PenFed, this is what is available, as I posted two days ago:

BobGed wrote:
When the reward points card first came out, each point was equal to $.01, which was the same as 1%, and you were earning 5 points, or $.05, on fuel purchases. However that has now been diluted when it comes time to redeem those points for cash cards. At that time you could purchase, for an example, a $50.00 Visa Prepaid Cash card for 5,000 points, or $.01 per point. That same card today requires 5,900 points, so a point now is only worth something like $.0085. The math wizards can correct my calculation if I'm wrong, but it is something else than $.01.

Now after 4/4/14 you will only be earning 3 points on fuel purchases. So comparing the Points to the Cash Rewards card that gives, and will continue to give, 5% off on fuel purchases, it would appear at first blush to be a no brainer that the Cash Rewards card would be the way to go.

But wait. The Cash Rewards card is fuel only. The Points card also awards points for supermarket purchases (now 3 points, after 4/4/14, 2 points), and 1 point for all other purchases (no change after 4/4/14).

So some one like me that only uses their coach for part of the year (I average about 6,000 miles per year with some fuel purchases being made at truck pumps where I can't use the card), purchases groceries at a supermarket, and earns the 1 point on everything else, the Points program, even after 4/4/14, still might work out to be the best deal for me.

This of course could be much different for some one that puts a lot of miles on their coach and possibly purchases the majority of their groceries at something like a military commissary.

I guess it's to each his own to figure out. Just about as much fun as the PFJ/GS programs. :)

2. In order to get the PenFed cash or points rewards, the card MUST be swiped AT THE PUMP. Regardless of which card you're using, you will not qualify for either reward if the card is swiped inside.

3. I have spoken to supervisors at both PFJ and GS who both confirmed that the GS Swipe & Save card will NOT start the truck island pumps. If you use the RV lanes then of course the pump will start, but that would happen whether or not you used the Swipe & Save card as it is simply a discount card, and you're actually starting the pump with your credit card.

Okay I'm done. ;)