Smiths--Save Up to $1/Gallon on Gas

I just got back from a shopping trip to Smith's and one of the cashier's explained the new Smiths Fuel Discounts/Rewards Certificate program.

Before this new program . . . when you'd earned 100 rewards points** while shopping, you were eligible for a $0.10/gallon discount at Smith's Fuel Centers or Shell Stations.  Depending on the amount you spent in store, you could accumulate a number of $0.10/gallon discounts in one month.  When dispensing gas at the pump, after scanning your Smith's Reward Card, you would be asked whether or not you wanted to use the $0.10/gallon discount on your gas purchase.  $0.10/gallon was the maximum savings you could realize at the pump.

Under the new Fuel Discount/Rewards Certificate program . . . the savings at the pump is NOT capped at $0.10 per gallon.  You can accumulate up to 1000 points** for a $1 per gallon discount!  You now have the option of using the discount at the gas pump or you can choose to wait for a Rewards Certificate to be mailed to you at the end of each quarter.

**Points are earned when shopping.  You receive 1 point for every dollar spent in store.  So, what are the advantages and disadvantages to the new fuel discount/rewards certificate program?  If you use your discount for gas, those points will be deducted from your accumulated points total and the quarterly Rewards Certificate you receive (if any) will be smaller.  You can opt out at the pump and receive more on your Rewards Certificate.  You can't divide your points into multiple gas savings, you must take the whole discount on one gasoline purchase.

Let's look at an example.  You have 500 points on your card.  If you choose the rewards certificate option, you'll get $5 at the end of the quarter.  If you choose the fuel discount, you'll get a $0.50/gallon discount.  If you put 15 gallons in your car, you'll save $7.50!  Whoo-hoo!  And what makes this deal even better?  Every time you swipe your Smith's rewards card between now and April 19th, Smith's will give you 200 points (worth $0.20/gallon savings at the pump) or $2 towards your quarterly Rewards Certificate.
Update:  Looks like I was misinformed!  The 200 points are added only once to your card, not each time, between the stated dates.  But still, an additional $0.20/gallon freebie is nice!