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As consumers have looked for ways to manage their budgets more efficiently in the past year, debit card usage has risen in popularity(1). To fill this need, Shell introduced the Shell $aver Card(SM), a non-credit payment product that acts like a debit card, in January of this year. It provides consumers with a convenient and secure way to pay for purchases as well as earnings on fuel pumped at Shell-branded stations. Starting today, Shell is bringing back their popular 5 cents per gallon discount for all Shell gasoline and diesel purchases with the Shell Saver Card through December 31 for all new and existing cardholders.
"When it comes to saving on everyday purchases, we see consumers making a 'shift to thrift' while looking for ways to get the most out of their methods of payment," says Mark Theobald, US Consumer Cards, Shell Oil Products US. "The Shell Saver Card offers more than just earnings, it also has an added layer of security for those who are gravitating more towards these types of payment products."
Through Telecheckî and the use of personal PIN numbers, the Shell Saver Card offers safety mechanisms that enhance consumer security. Also, since the Shell Saver Card directly links to a checking account, there's no impact to consumer credit scores, nor are there any application or annual fees. Additionally, it makes organizing personal budgets easier by making all gasoline purchases on one card that also offers earnings every time it is used to buy fuel, allowing consumers to get the most out of every drop of Shell gasoline.
SECURITY FIRST
According to a recent ACI Study(2), 18 percent of consumers have been victims of credit or debit card fraud in the past five years. With increasing card usage, signature-based fraudulent activity can be a consumer concern. To combat this type of identity theft, the Shell Saver Card was designed to only be used with PIN-based (Personal Identity Number) transactions, so if the card is lost or stolen, no one can use it without the owner's private PIN.
Since data security is a concern for any card user, below are tips to help consumers prevent and protect themselves from identity theft:
* Pinpoint a PIN: Consumers should use a PIN that is not obvious to the card user's identity (i.e., date of birth, anniversary). Also, keep it private and do not use the same one for all accounts.
* Keep Receipts Close: Develop good privacy habits and always take your receipts with you. When paying bills, cross-check charges against receipts.
* (Dis)Close Door Policy: Never disclose card information in response to any unsolicited e-mails or phone calls.
* Protect Your Privacy: Be alert for "shoulder surfing". As at an ATM machine, turn your body to shield your hand and the keypad from watchful eyes or wait until the individual moves away.
While Shell Saver Card earnings apply only to gasoline and diesel purchases, the card can be used for any purchases at Shell-branded stations except lottery tickets. Consumers who apply for the Shell Saver Card must have an active checking account in good standing to qualify. After the December 31, 2009 promotion end date, cardholders will continue to enjoy everyday earnings of 2 cents per gallon with their Shell Saver Card. Consumers may go online to apply or pick up an inactive card at a Shell-branded station and start the online application process at www.shellsavercard.com.
From gasoline cards to credit cards, the Shell Family of Cards addresses the diverse financial needs of today's consumers with a range of payment options. For more information about the Shell Saver Card promotion and the full Shell Family of Cards, visit www.shell.us/cards. For savings tips, consumers also can become a Shell Family of Cards fan on Facebook.
Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, and has a network of approximately 6,100 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group [(NYSE :RDS.A) and (NYSE: RDS.B)]. For more information, please visit www.shell.com
Motiva Enterprises LLC refines and markets branded products through approximately 8,100 Shell-branded stations in the Eastern and Southern United States. Shell Oil Company is a 50 percent owner of Motiva Enterprises LLC, along with Saudi Refining, Inc.
