Dive Brief:
- Wawa debuted a new credit card this week through a partnership with the First National Bank of Omaha, according to a company announcement.
- The new Wawa Mastercard includes savings of 50 cents per gallon at Wawa fuel pumps as a statement credit for the first 30 days, plus 5 cents per gallon in savings moving forward. Cardholders also can earn three points for every dollar spent inside a Wawa c-store and one point per dollar spent anywhere else where Mastercard is accepted.
- Wawa said its new card aims to give customers more value, perks, security and convenience. The c-store retailer’s previous card was run through a partnership with Citibank’s Retail Services division.
Dive Insight:
Wawa entered the credit card game in 2015 with an option that gave customers 5 cents off per gallon for up to 100 gallons per month. The card was usable for all food, beverage and merchandise purchases inside Wawa’s c-stores.
A spokesperson from Wawa did not respond by press time when asked why the retailer’s partnership with Citi, the previous card’s provider, recently ended. A Citi spokesperson said in a statement to C-Store Dive that said the company does not disclose details regarding its partnerships.
Regardless of why the previous partnership ended, the Pennsylvania-based c-store retailer is excited about the opportunities its new card with FNBO will offer.
“We are deeply appreciative of our customers and we're thrilled to launch a credit card experience that aligns with what they value the most,” said Wawa Treasurer Preston Hawkins. “Together with FNBO and Mastercard, we’re delivering a card that fuels real savings while fulfilling the everyday moments our customers enjoy — whether it’s a morning coffee, a lunch stop, or a weekend fuel-up.”
Cardholders will receive benefits of the Mastercard network, including Mastercard Global Service, Mastercard ID Theft Protection and Zero Liability Protection. Points earned with the Wawa Mastercard are separate from Wawa rewards points and will earn customers Wawa gift cards.
“This partnership with Wawa and Mastercard reflects what FNBO takes deep pride in: building payment solutions that align with our partners' brand values and enhance customer loyalty,” said Jerry O’Flanagan, executive vice president at FNBO.
This new partnership comes nearly two years after Wawa and Mastercard were pitted against each other in a court case stemming from the c-store retailer’s 2019 data breach. In late 2023, Wawa lost its $10.7 million lawsuit against Mastercard, in which it accused the payments company of breach of contract and other charges in the wake of the event.
