Buying cheap gas can be essential to staying within your monthly budget.
There are several apps you can use to find the lowest gas prices without driving around town or manually checking prices at each station.
These apps may even provide additional ways to get discounts on each fill-up.
What Are the Best Gas Apps to Find Cheap Gas?
Despite rising fuel prices, it is possible to save money. Here are the top gas apps to find real-time prices at nearby stations, allowing you to cut costs at the pump.
1. Upside
Upside is one of the top choices to save money on fuel. It works similar to Ibotta, but specializes in helping users get rebates on gas purchases.
Here is how the app works:
- Find a participating gas station near you in the app
- View current prices
- Pay at the pump with a linked credit card or debit card
- Enjoy up to $0.25 savings per gallon, in some cases you can earn $0.35 back per gallon
You must use the promo code FRUGALRULES25 to earn the rebate.
You can find offers with the interactive map and save an additional $0.25 per gallon. Plus, you can take advantage of any payment card rewards or loyalty discounts.
The map also shows current prices for participating stations. The real-time prices and current shopping offers can make it easy to find a lower gas price.
This money-saving app also offers cash back at grocery stores and restaurants.
You will need to scan your receipt to receive credit. Several stores offer a check-in option, so you don’t need a receipt and can access your rewards sooner.
Your cash back redemption options include:
- Bank transfer
- PayPal
- Gift cards
You can cash out to PayPal once you reach $15. If you choose a gift card or bank transfer you can redeem earnings once you reach a $10 balance.
Read our Upside app review to learn more.
Pros
- Earn cash back on gas, grocery, and dining purchases
- Works with your current credit card or debit card
- Free
Cons
- Participating stores may not have the best prices
- Won’t show gas prices for non-participating stations
Best for: Instant cash back at gas stations and other local merchants
2. GasBuddy
GasBuddy is one of the best apps to save money when filling up your car. You can find the cheapest gas prices by fuel type.
Here are some of the app’s key features:
- Trip cost calculator: Enter your destinations and vehicle details to estimate your trip fuel costs.
- Pay with GasBuddy: A free debit card that saves up to $0.25 per gallon at stations ($0.40 for Premium members). This gas card links to your bank account.
- GasBack rewards: Shop at participating merchants in the app. You can redeem the rewards points and get free gas.
This app offers a free and premium plan. The free plan is sufficient for finding the lowest gas prices and gas card savings worth up to $0.25 per gallon.
Upgrading to the premium plan costs $9.99 per month (or $99 per year) and offers additional perks, including:
- Getting up to $0.40 off each gallon
- 24-hour coverage provided by Allstate for up to three events per year that include towing, flat tires, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and winching
GasBuddy offers real-time pricing data from over 150,000 gas stations nationwide that you can use to find cheap gas.
Pros
- Free card for extra savings
- Redeem shopping rewards for gas discounts
- Trip cost calculator estimates fuel expenses
Cons
- Not every station offers discounts
- Must have premium membership for the best benefits
Best for: Finding cheap gas prices and a loyalty program for extra savings
3. Waze
The Waze app is free and can help you find affordable fuel while receiving real-time navigation and traffic information.
Both the app and the website have a “live map” option where you can see what’s going on in your area. It offers the best routes to avoid traffic and tells you how long it’ll take to get to your destination.
To find the closest cheap gas using Waze, search for stations in your area.
The app will provide all of the information you need, including the best route. Then, you can choose which station has the cheapest option.
Additionally, the app lets you stream music and podcasts from Spotify, iHeartRadio, and similar services. You can even use the Carpool feature to split gas purchases and tolls with others.
Pros
- In-app navigation
- Integrates with audio streaming apps
- Free
Cons
- No discounts
- Audio streaming apps may require a paid subscription
Best for: Finding cheaper gas and getting directions with the same app
4. AAA TripTik Planner
Plan on going on vacation or a road trip? If so, you need the AAA Mobile app. It works on both Android and iOS devices.
You’ll find cheap gas prices along your route, get travel directions, and plan your entire trip online all in one free, easy-to-use app.
However, make sure you print some maps to accompany the app just in case your phone loses power or service during your trip (you should do this any time you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar).
This app lists which stations provide Top Tier detergent gasoline, making it easy to find the best places to stop for gas and avoid cheap fuel that can harm your engine.
Other map search filters include:
- Restaurants
- Campgrounds
- Hotels
- Attractions
- AAA savings offices
- Auto repair locations
Your trip itinerary can include up to 25 stopovers.
If you’re not a AAA member, you can still use the app. However, you must be a member to redeem the discount offers and request roadside assistance.
An annual membership costs $68, $104, or $131 depending on which plan you choose.
Read our guide on the club to determine if AAA membership is worth it to learn more.
Pros
- Highlights stations with Top Tier gasoline
- Interactive trip planner
- Members can get travel discounts and roadside assistance
Cons
- Some features require a paid membership
- No discounts for free members
Best For: Planning a road trip
5. Gas Guru
Gas Guru is a terrific app if you need to filter gasoline by type and distance as well as price. These search filters can make it easier to compare gas prices.
Not every gas app has in-depth search filters and instead only shows the current price for regular unleaded.
*Related: Did you know it’s possible to get free gas? Check out our guide on the best ways to get free gas at the pump and lower your fuel costs.*
Another great perk is the ability to search by distance. This feature can be the easiest way to find cheap gas nearby so that a long drive doesn’t negate your savings.
While the app doesn’t offer exclusive discounts, you can search for stations offering deals when you purchase a car wash or pay with cash.
This app is free to use and available for iOS and Android devices.
Pros
- Compare prices by grade
- Many search filters
- Free
Cons
- No loyalty program
- No trip planner or navigation tools
Best For: Comparing gas prices with advanced search filters
6. Mapquest
If you use MapQuest, take advantage of their free app to save on fuel and get turn-by-turn GPS navigation.
The app lets you create a customizable list based on the type of petroleum you need, helping you avoid wasting time wading through multiple results.
This gas finder app lets you filter prices by fuel grade and distance.
If you commute to work, you can enter your regular route. Then, the app will automatically update pricing before you leave.
You can even add features to your route for other needs you may encounter, like stopping at the store or a restaurant.
In addition to the in-app navigation and finding the best gas prices in your area, the service offers traffic updates. You can view traffic webcams for popular intersections as well.
Pros
- Lists the best gas prices by grade and distance
- GPS navigation and traffic alerts
- Free
Cons
- No loyalty discounts
Best For: Finding local gas prices and in-app navigation
7. GEICO Mobile
Most people know GEICO as a car insurance company. In addition to offering affordable insurance products, the company’s mobile app can help auto and motorcycle insurance customers find cheaper gas prices.
The app lets you search for stations nearby or along your driving route.
Other app features include:
- Digital insurance cards
- Roadside assistance
- Vehicle maintenance reminders
- 24/7 virtual assistant
The best reason to consider this app is if you want cheap car insurance.
Pros
- Gas station finder
- Vehicle care tool
- Can manage GEICO insurance policies
Cons
- Only for GEICO insurance customers
- No gas station discounts
Best for: Managing auto insurance and vehicle care in one app
Other Ways To Save Money on Gas
Here are some additional options to save money at the gas station.
Fill Up at Costco
If you live near a Costco, you may be able to get cheap gas at their stations. This warehouse club usually has the lowest prices for gas when you use the member discount.
Cheap gas is one of the best Costco hacks if you regularly pass the warehouse store.
It isn’t a guarantee that you’ll save money as you must factor in purchasing a membership ($60 or $120 per year).
But, if you already have a membership and stop for gas often, it could save you a few cents on every fill-up.
Sam’s Club is similar in offering reduced price gas to members. Read our Sam’s Club vs. Costco analysis to see which is the better choice for you.
Maintain Your Tires
Underinflated tires mean your car is less efficient and uses more gas. Check your tire pressure every few months to ensure they’re properly inflated.
Improper tire wear can also result in having to replace your tires sooner.
Did you know worn tires can also cause your car to use more gas? Still, replacing worn tires with new ones can set you back a few hundred dollars.
Thankfully, you can save money by purchasing quality tires with minor cosmetic imperfections from TireMart.com.
Get Perks For Your Grocery Shopping
If your local grocery store offers gas perks, you can save several cents by purchasing groceries. The free store loyalty card will also help you save money with the weekly specials.
You might be able to save the most money by filling up after grocery shopping as your latest purchase earns more fuel points.
For example, every $100 in groceries could save you $0.10 per gallon. These discounts can help you effortlessly get the best prices for gas without constantly comparing prices in an app.
Many stores let you save at least $0.03 per gallon when you scan your loyalty card at the pump.
If you use an app like Ibotta when buying groceries, you can double dip and save even more money.
Go On The Right Day Of The Week
Gas prices fluctuate often, sometimes even daily. Sundays and Mondays are the best time to fill up, while Thursdays and Saturdays are the worst, according to GasBuddy.
Before heading to work on Monday morning, fill up your car. If you don’t, you may regret it later in the week.
Be a Conservative Driver
Getting better gas mileage means you won’t need to fill up as often.
Driving at slower speeds and avoiding rapid accelerations can reduce your fuel consumption.
Gas Gift Cards
Just like you can buy discounted gift cards online for restaurants and stores, you can do the same for gas. You may be able to save a few extra cents on each visit.
*Related: Do you need to replace a key? Read our guide on the best places to get keys made near me for cheap.*
This is also a great gift to give to someone who drives a lot.
Bottom Line
Gas is expensive, but there are ways to save money on fuel. Between the best cheap gas apps and discount programs, you can cuts costs every time you head to the pump.
If you’re constantly filling up, have a gas guzzler, or just want to find easy ways to cut costs, gas apps are a great money-saving solution.
How much money do you spend on gas each month?
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