5 Gas Apps to Help With Fuel Costs
With gas prices fluctuating, drivers are always on the lookout for ways to save. Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to cut down on fuel costs, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by using gas apps. These apps help you find the cheapest gas stations, earn cash back on purchases, and even monitor your fuel economy. In 2024, the best gas apps are a must-have for anyone looking to save money at the pump. In this article, we’ll explore five gas apps that can help you reduce your fuel expenses and make the most of every gallon.
GasBuddy – The Go-To App for Locating Cheap Gas
Best for: Checking local gas prices and saving cents per gallon when you pay with the GasBuddy card.
GasBuddy has been one of the most popular gas apps for years, and for good reason. This crowd-sourced app relies on users to report gas prices in real-time, which makes it incredibly accurate and useful. With over 100 million downloads, it has become a go-to tool for finding the best gas prices in your area. The app is free to download, and you can start looking up local gas prices without creating an account, making it incredibly easy to use.
GasBuddy’s key feature is its ability to show you real-time gas prices from stations near you. You can sort the results by price, distance, or type of fuel, which is helpful for drivers with specific fuel needs. The app also includes a fuel-saving feature called “Pay with GasBuddy.” By signing up for this service, you’ll receive a debit-like card that is linked to your checking account. When you use this card to pay for gas, you can save up to 25 cents per gallon, depending on the station and the deals available in the app.
For those looking to save even more, GasBuddy offers a premium version of the Pay with GasBuddy service. For a small monthly fee, you can access additional discounts per gallon, which can add up quickly if you’re a frequent driver. Before subscribing, it’s a good idea to calculate whether the savings will outweigh the cost of the subscription. With both free and premium options, GasBuddy is a versatile tool for anyone trying to save on gas.
GasBuddy also has a variety of additional features that make it more than just a gas price comparison tool. Users can track their gas mileage, monitor fuel expenses, and receive notifications when prices are expected to rise. The app’s gas price prediction tool can be especially helpful for those who want to fill up before prices spike, allowing them to maximize their savings.
Moreover, GasBuddy includes a trip cost calculator, which can be invaluable for road trips. By inputting your starting point, destination, and vehicle information, the app calculates how much you’ll spend on gas for the trip. This feature helps budget-conscious travelers plan their routes more efficiently and avoid costly refueling stops in expensive areas.
For frequent drivers, especially those who spend a lot of time on the road for work, such as delivery drivers or gig workers, GasBuddy is an essential tool. The ability to save up to 25 cents per gallon by simply using the Pay with GasBuddy feature makes a noticeable difference over time, especially as fuel costs add up. Overall, GasBuddy is an all-around powerhouse for anyone serious about saving on gas.
- Apple Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.1
Upside – Earn Cash Back on Fuel Purchases
Best for: Getting cash back on gas purchases without the need for a new payment method.
Upside is another excellent app that offers savings on gas, groceries, and even restaurants. The best part is that you don’t need to sign up for a new payment method to take advantage of the deals. With Upside, all you need to do is find an offer on gas stations near you, claim it, and pay using your regular credit or debit card. Afterward, follow the app’s instructions to either “check in” or upload a receipt to earn cash back on your purchase.
Upside works at thousands of gas stations across the U.S., so chances are you’ll find one near you. The cash back you earn is stored in your account until you’re ready to redeem it. You can choose to withdraw your earnings via bank transfer, PayPal, or a gift card. Keep in mind that if you withdraw less than $15, there’s a $1 fee, so it’s worth waiting until you’ve accumulated more savings.
What sets Upside apart is its flexibility. It allows you to earn rewards without changing your payment habits, and it covers a wide range of gas stations, making it convenient no matter where you are. For gig workers, delivery drivers, or anyone who spends a lot of time on the road, Upside can provide substantial savings over time.
Upside doesn’t just focus on gas, either. It also offers cashback deals on groceries and restaurant purchases. This can be a huge benefit if you’re someone who spends regularly on these items, as you can stack savings across multiple categories. This versatility makes Upside more than just a gas-saving app; it’s a multi-purpose tool for cutting costs on everyday purchases.
To make the most of Upside, users should check the app regularly for new offers. Gas stations frequently update their deals, and timing can play a role in maximizing your savings. By staying on top of the latest offers and strategically planning your purchases, you can accumulate a significant amount of cash back, which can either be redeemed for more gas or used on other expenses.
- Apple Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.7
Checkout 51 – Get a Check in the Mail for Gas Savings
Best for: Getting cash back on gas purchases in the form of a check.
Checkout 51 is a lesser-known but highly effective app for earning cash back on gas purchases. It works similarly to Upside, allowing users to claim offers at participating gas stations. You can earn up to 25 cents back per gallon, and once you’ve made your purchase, you have four hours to upload your receipt. While Checkout 51 partners with Upside for gas station offers, it also stands out for its unique payout method: a mailed check.
Once you’ve accumulated $20 in savings, you can request a check, which will be sent directly to your address. While this might seem old-fashioned compared to digital payment options, it’s a reliable and tangible way to receive your savings. Plus, for those who like the idea of having a physical check in hand, this method can feel more rewarding.
Like other cash-back apps, Checkout 51 works best if you use it consistently. While the savings per gallon might not seem like much at first, it adds up over time, especially if you drive frequently or take long trips. By keeping track of your fuel purchases and consistently uploading receipts, you can steadily build up your cash-back total.
One of the advantages of Checkout 51 is that it extends beyond just fuel savings. The app also provides cash-back offers for groceries and other everyday purchases, making it a well-rounded savings tool. This is particularly beneficial for families or individuals looking to cut costs across multiple areas of their budget.
Another appealing feature is that Checkout 51’s offers refresh every Thursday. This means that users can revisit the app each week to find new deals, ensuring they always have fresh opportunities to save. Whether you’re filling up your tank or shopping for groceries, the app’s flexibility and frequent updates make it a valuable tool in your savings arsenal.
- Apple Store rating: 4.0
- Google Play rating: 4.2
Google Maps – Find Gas Prices and Directions All in One Place
Best for: Gas station prices and directions in one place.
If you’re like most people, you probably already have Google Maps on your phone. This app, known primarily for its navigation features, also offers a handy tool for finding gas prices. When you’re on the go, simply open the app, search for gas stations near you, and the current prices will be displayed. This feature is integrated into the app’s map view, so you can see prices alongside directions to the nearest station.
One of the most convenient aspects of Google Maps is that you don’t need to download a separate app or sign up for any additional services to access gas prices. Just search for “gas stations” in the app, and Google Maps will show you a list of nearby options, complete with current prices for regular, mid-grade, premium, and diesel fuel.
Not every gas station in Google Maps displays prices, but for those that do, it’s an incredibly efficient way to compare prices and choose the cheapest option. And since most drivers are already using Google Maps for directions, adding gas prices to the mix makes it an all-in-one solution for planning your trips and saving on fuel.
For frequent travelers, Google Maps offers additional features such as the ability to save routes and destinations. You can also use the app to check traffic conditions, which can help you avoid congestion and reduce your overall fuel consumption. By planning your route in advance and choosing gas stations along the way, you can save both time and money.
Google Maps also provides helpful information about the amenities available at gas stations. For example, you can see whether a station has a convenience store, car wash, or restrooms, which can be useful for longer trips. This level of detail makes Google Maps a versatile tool for both navigation and fuel savings.
- Apple Store rating: 4.7
- Google Play rating: 4.0
Carfax Car Care – Stay on Top of Car Maintenance and Fuel Efficiency
Best for: Sticking to recommended service intervals and monitoring true miles per gallon.
Carfax Car Care is an app designed to help you stay on top of your car’s maintenance schedule, which is key to improving fuel efficiency. By keeping your car in good condition, you can ensure it runs more efficiently, saving you money at the pump. The app works by using vehicle history records to alert you when maintenance is due, such as oil changes or tire rotations.
After signing up for a free Carfax account, you can add your vehicle(s) by VIN or license plate number. The app will then create a custom dashboard for your car, where you can track service history, view upcoming maintenance tasks, and monitor open recalls. One of the app’s most useful features is its ability to log gas fill-ups. By entering your fill-ups over time, you can track your true fuel economy and identify any trends or issues that might be costing you more at the pump.
Maintaining your car properly is one of the easiest ways to save on fuel in the long run, and Carfax Car Care makes it simple to stay organized. By using the app to log fuel consumption and monitor your car’s health, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that can improve both your fuel efficiency and your overall driving experience.
In addition to tracking fuel consumption, Carfax Car Care provides reminders for other important maintenance tasks, such as replacing brake pads or getting new tires. By keeping up with these tasks, you can extend the life of your vehicle and prevent costly repairs down the road. The app’s ability to send notifications ensures that you never miss a critical maintenance appointment, further enhancing your car’s performance and fuel efficiency.
For families with multiple vehicles, Carfax Car Care allows you to track each car individually, making it easy to manage the maintenance schedules for all your vehicles in one place. This is particularly helpful for households with several drivers or cars, as it ensures that every vehicle stays in top shape.
- Apple Store rating: 4.8
- Google Play rating: 4.7
Other Ways to Save at the Pump
While gas apps can be incredibly helpful, they aren’t the only way to save money on fuel. Many major gas station chains offer loyalty programs that provide discounts and rewards for frequent customers. For example, Royal Farms, Speedway, and Exxon all have apps that offer exclusive deals to users. If you often visit the same gas station, signing up for a loyalty program could save you even more in the long run.
Additionally, using a gas credit card can help you earn rewards every time you fill up. Many credit cards offer cashback or points for gas purchases, which can add up to significant savings over time. Be sure to compare credit card options to find one that offers the best rewards for your spending habits.
Finally, don’t forget about simple driving habits that can help you save fuel. Avoiding aggressive acceleration, keeping your tires properly inflated, and removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle can all help improve your fuel efficiency. By combining these strategies with the use of gas apps, you can maximize your savings and make every gallon count.
Conclusion
In 2024, saving money on gas is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to compare gas prices, earn cash back, or maintain your car’s fuel efficiency, these five gas apps offer the tools you need to cut costs. From GasBuddy’s crowd-sourced price comparisons to Carfax Car Care’s maintenance tracking, each app provides unique features that can help you save at the pump. Download these apps today and start making every fill-up more affordable!
