7 Best Gas Apps to Save Money at the Pump

Buying cheap gas is essential if you want to stay within your monthly budget. While commuting costs are a variable expense, it’s possible to keep them low and have more spending money.

There are many 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 other ways to get discounts on each fill-up.

What Are the Best Apps to Find Cheap Gas?

Despite rising fuel prices, you can save money each time you fill up your tank. Here are the top gas apps to find real-time prices at nearby gas stations, allowing you to cut costs at the pump.

1. Upside

Upside is one of the top ways to save money on fuel. It works similarly to Ibotta but specializes in helping users get rebates on gas purchases.

Here is how it works:

1. Find participating gas stations near you in the app
2. View current prices
3. Pay at the pump with a linked credit card or debit card
4. 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.

It’s possible to find offers with the interactive map and save an additional $0.25 per gallon. However, most discounts are between $0.05 and $0.15 per gallon.

Additionally, you can take advantage of perks from any credit card rewards or fuel rewards program.

The map shows current prices for participating stations. The real-time prices and current shopping offers can make finding a lower gas price easy.

This money-saving app also offers cash back at grocery stores and restaurants. Most non-gas offers are for dining, and you can anticipate getting up to 15 percent back on meal orders.

Most stations offer a check-in option, so you don’t need to scan a receipt to earn cash. Instead, you claim an offer and pay with a linked payment card.

Rewards take between 24 and 48 hours to track and are accessible immediately. Your cash back redemption options include the following:

• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• Gift cards

You can cash out via PayPal once you reach $15. If you choose a gift card or bank transfer, you can redeem earnings once you reach a $10 balance.

A valid email address is necessary to register for the app and redeem your earnings.

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
• Offers are not available in every city

Best for: Instant cash back at gas stations and other local merchants

2. GasBuddy

GasBuddy is one of the best gas apps to save money when filling up your car. It offers many free and premium features.

You can find the cheapest gas prices by fuel type and enjoy exclusive discounts for additional savings.

Here are some of the app’s key features:

• Trip cost calculator: Enter your destination and vehicle details to estimate your trip fuel costs and average gas price.
• Pay with GasBuddy: Get 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 provides 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:

• Up to $0.40 off each gallon
• 24-hour coverage provided by Allstate for up to three events per year, including towing, flat tires, jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, and winching

You need the GasBuddy fuel card to lock in the gas pump discounts and make money from the GasBack shopping rewards program.

The rebate app offers real-time pricing data from over 150,000 gas stations nationwide, so you can find cheap gas locally or as you travel. This way, you know the national average gas price and how costs in your area compare.

Pros

• Free fuel card for extra savings
• Redeem shopping rewards for gas discounts
• Trip cost calculator estimates fuel expenses

Cons

• Not every station offers discounts
• Premium membership is required for the best benefits
• Must use the GasBuddy Card to receive loyalty discounts

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 with traffic in your area. It offers the best routes and tells you how long it’ll take to reach your destination.

To find cheap gas near you using Waze, simply search for stations in your area via the mobile app.

You can pick a route and check traffic conditions on the website. However, you must save the route to your phone to view gas prices and get turn-by-turn driving directions.

The navigation app will provide all the information you need, including the best route. Then, you can choose the cheapest gas station along that route.

Community members update the price per gallon regularly, and you can do the same while filling up to help fellow Wazers with current costs.

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
• Gas prices don’t show on web platform

Best for: Finding cheaper gas and getting directions within the same app

4. AAA TripTik Planner

Are you planning on taking a road trip? If so, you need the AAA Mobile app. It works on both Android and iOS devices.

You’ll be able to 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 in case your phone loses power or service during your trip. You should do this any time you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar.

It’s possible to sort fuel stations by price or name. Plus, 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 stops.

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 $65, $100, or $125, depending on which plan you choose.

Read our guide about the club to determine if AAA membership is worth it.

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 free gas app if you need to filter gasoline by type, distance, and price. These search filters can make it easier to compare gas prices.

For example, the most affordable prices are highlighted in green, while pricier stations have different colors.

Not every gas app has in-depth search filters, but this one lets you apply advanced filters to find stations with specific amenities like car washes and eateries.

Another great perk is the ability to search by distance. This feature can be the easiest way to find the cheapest gas near you 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. Gas Prices by 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. You can even 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 also 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 cheapest gas prices in your area, the platform offers traffic updates. Plus, you can view traffic webcams for popular intersections.

However, gas prices won’t display for every station, and prices can also be several days old. Results vary by city, so it’s best to verify the accuracy to decide if this is the best all-in-one travel app for your needs.

Pros

• Lists the best gas prices by grade and distance
• GPS navigation and traffic alerts
• Free

Cons

• No loyalty discounts
• Doesn’t display prices for every station
• Displays online ads

Best For: Finding the best gas prices along your regular commute

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 GEICO app has an “Explore” feature that lets you search for stations nearby or along your driving route. You can save your preferred fuel type to find the best price quickly.

Other app features include:

• Digital insurance cards
• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle maintenance reminders
• 24/7 virtual assistant
• Parking spot finder

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 money-saving tips to spend less at the gas station.

Visit Costco

If you live near a Costco, you might be able to get cheap gas at their stations. This warehouse club usually has the lowest prices for gas when you use your member discount.

Low-cost 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 at the pump since you must factor in the $60 or $120 per year membership cost. However, if you are a member and need gas often, it could save you a few cents on every fill-up.

Sam’s Club is similar because it offers reduced-price gas to members. Read our Sam’s Club vs. Costco analysis to see which is the better choice for you.

Properly Inflate 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.

Furthermore, worn tires can also cause your car to use more gas. Paying attention to the condition of your tires and getting new ones when warranted can solve this problem.

While replacing worn tires with new ones can set you back a few hundred dollars, you can save money by purchasing quality tires with minor cosmetic imperfections from TireMart.com.

Get Perks for Your Grocery Shopping

Many local grocery stores offer gas rewards programs so that you can save several cents by purchasing groceries. The free store loyalty card will also help you save money via weekly specials.

You might be able to save the most money by filling up after grocery shopping since your latest purchase earns more fuel points.

Grocery store apps may also have digital coupons to earn bonus gas perks on certain days of the week or after purchasing participating items and gift cards. 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 a cash back app like Ibotta when buying groceries, you can double dip and save more money. You can earn cash from online shopping sessions as well.

Go on the Right Day of the Week

Gas prices fluctuate often, sometimes even daily. According to GasBuddy, Mondays and Tuesdays are the best time to fill up, while Fridays and Saturdays are the worst.

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 your tank as often. Driving at slower speeds and avoiding rapid accelerations can reduce your fuel consumption.

When possible, consider driving during non-peak hours and taking less crowded roads since traffic jams result in worse mileage and additional vehicle maintenance.

Purchase Discounted Gift Cards

Just like you can buy discounted gift cards online for restaurants and stores, you can do the same for gas. You might be able to save a few extra cents on each visit.

This is also a great gift to give to someone who drives a lot.

Plus, several gas station loyalty programs award points for each gallon of gas. In time, you can redeem them for free gift cards through the loyalty app or by speaking with the cashier.

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 cut costs each time you head to the pump.

If you’re constantly filling up, have a gas guzzler, or just want to find easy ways to lower your costs, gas apps are a great money-saving solution.