In light of Absa’s choice in April to temporarily raise the fuel earning cap within its Absa Rewards programme, both FNB and Standard Bank have rolled out updates to their fuel reward offerings.

Standard Bank’s UCount Rewards programme kicked off its temporary fuel rewards increase on Saturday (16 May), set to continue until 15 July 2026. This enhancement enables qualifying members to earn up to R15 back in Rewards Points for every litre purchased at Astron Energy and Caltex service stations.

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This change represents a 50% increase over the R10 per litre that a uCount member typically earns on Tier 5 under its ‘Double Fuel Rewards’ system.

As per Standard Bank, customers filling a 50-litre tank could accrue as much as R750 in Rewards Points, depending on their UCount Rewards tier and eligibility requirements.

During this two-month duration, Standard Bank reported that members will benefit from an enhanced earning structure for fuel, offering increased rewards on both petrol and diesel purchases using their credit card.

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“Fuel is a significant and unavoidable expense for many South Africans. By temporarily enhancing the fuel rewards our clients can earn, we aspire to provide substantial relief at the pump, allowing for greater flexibility in household budgets,” commented Fayelizabeth Foster, head of Loyalty and Rewards at Standard Bank.

“Rewards points can also be redeemed at partner retailers or transferred into their savings account,” she added.

In April, Absa announced an increase in its fuel earn cap from R3,000 to R5,000 “to offer practical relief at critical times.” Customers signed up for its complimentary Absa Rewards programme can earn up to 30% back in cash on fuel purchases at partner Sasol.

Read: Govt slashes levy on diesel to zero, extending fuel relief

FNB eBucks has also introduced a limited-time ‘Fuel Boost’ campaign that will run from May to June 2026. This initiative allows customers to earn an additional 50% in eBucks on their fuel spending at Engen, alongside their usual monthly fuel rewards.

To be eligible for the extra guaranteed 50% ‘fuel earn,’ customers must meet their standard monthly eBucks criteria and spend a minimum of R450 on fuel at Engen each month during the campaign.

“Fuel is a necessary expense for a majority of South Africans,” states Pieter Woodhatch, CEO of eBucks. “As fuel prices increase, the impact is felt immediately. Therefore, by providing an additional 50% back in eBucks on fuel, we intend to alleviate that financial pressure by offering immediate value to our customers when it’s most needed. This initiative focuses on delivering relief now, rather than making promises for the future.”

Over the past year, eBucks customers have redeemed R418 million worth of value at Engen, which comprises R241 million earned back through eBucks rewards and R177 million spent directly to offset fuel costs.

An FNB Private Banking (Premier, Private Clients, or Private Wealth) client at eBucks Level 5 who meets all qualifying criteria with WesBank and insurance currently earns R8 back per litre on eligible fuel purchases. Under the Fuel Boost campaign, this customer will gain an additional 50% on their standard fuel earnings, totaling an extra R4 per litre.

Consequently, they could potentially earn up to R12 back per litre during this campaign. If the client does not have motor insurance through FNB, they will earn a base rate of R6 per litre, equating to a total of R9 during May and June.

“The aim of this straightforward offer is to ensure convenience,” Woodhatch adds. “Customers won’t need to rethink their spending or navigate complex requirements. They only need to refuel as they normally would. This simplicity amplifies the practicality and effectiveness of the benefit.”