BP pumping out Velocity points by the tank

Virgin Australia Velocity has a shiny new partner. Velocity members can now earn 2 points per litre of petrol by filling up at BP petrol stations, as well as 2 points per dollar spent in-store.

The new partnership is a welcome addition for our members who are more than happy to start taking advantage of this new point-earning opportunity.

Must say I’m happy this has come along. Mrs Excel occasionally fills up at BP and is reimbursed for fuel, so can’t complain. This may slowly contribute to an upgrade if and when I ever fly VA.

Our members’ experience with actually getting the points credited has been mixed. On the whole, our members have had good experiences with points crediting punctually. However one member hasn’t had such luck so far:

2/2 fails. First one – machine error had to be completely reset. Second one – paying cash, didn’t swipe in time.

Given each purchase was a coffee no big deal but I’m yet to have a successful points swipe.

Some of our clever members have even been double-dipping with this deal. By swiping their Velocity card and paying with a point-earning credit card, some of our members are raking the points in at the bowser. Unfortunately, however, Velocity points cannot be earned in conjunction with a BP+ and various other cards – much to the disappointment of some of our members.

Given a BP+ card gives you nothing that is an absolute joke isn’t ….clearly they think they ‘have you already’ so no need to provide an incentive ……all that has done is to see me bin my BP+ card……..

Most would agree that the partnership gives Velocity and BP a small edge over Qantas Frequent Flyer and their partner Caltex. To earn Qantas points at Caltex, Qantas frequent flyers need to first get a Woolworths Everyday Rewards card, spend $30 at Woolworths, then forgo a 4c per litre discount they would otherwise receive when filling up. For many Caltex customers, the system is too complicated and the value of earning the points is not worth the loss of the fuel discount.

Will you be taking advantage of the new partnership? Join the discussion HERE.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.