Gas prices have hit astronomical highs in the last few weeks. Specialized apps can help drivers find the best local deals and maximize savings on gas. Many national gas station chains offer loyalty incentives that also amount to major savings.
Using the right apps and tools can help you track down the lowest gas prices near your location and save over time. Here are several gas apps, along with tips on how they work and how to maximize their rewards.
GasBuddy Can Help You Save Cents per Gallon
GasBuddy is a crowdsourced gas app that reports real-time gas station prices provided by users. It’s free to download, and you don’t need an account to use it. If you do create a Pay with GasBuddy account through the app, “you can save up to 33 cents a gallon when you activate deal alerts,” according to NerdWallet.
Users need to link a checking account to the app to use the Pay with GasBuddy account and earn savings. There’s also a Premium subscription version that costs $9.99 a month and offers greater savings for frequent users.
Gas Guru Helps You Find Cheaper, Nearby Stations
The price difference between different gas stations may not seem significant, but even savings of a few cents per gallon can amount to dollars if your vehicle has a large enough gas tank. Multiply the dollars saved by the times you refill each month, and you could cover small monthly expenses.
Gas Guru is an app that uses a color-coded system to help drivers spot gas-price deals. Drivers can also filter results by distance, fuel grade and amenities.
Gas Guru is an informational directory and doesn’t offer a paid tier like GasBuddy. U.S. News & World Report calls it one of the best gas apps for saving money at the pump.
Upside Offers Cash Back on Gas and More
Upside is an app that offers users real-time cash back on several daily purchases, including food and gas. It generates an interactive map that displays discount offers from participating gas stations. Savings can range from 10 cents to 25 cents back per gallon.
Drivers need to link a credit or debit card to reap the benefits and either submit photos of receipts or check in at gas stations through the app to get cash rewards. These rewards can be sent directly to a bank account or a digital wallet like PayPal.
You can also redeem cash rewards for gift cards.
How to Save Money on Fuel Costs in 2026
Basic maintenance may not save you big money on gas, but there are a few things every driver can do to make sure their vehicle is as efficient as possible.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure recommended for your vehicle can help reduce rolling resistance. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed while driving can also help conserve fuel.
Every cent counts for some drivers as gas prices have hit historic highs due to the Iran War and the Strait of Hormuz closure. Using a combination of apps and best practices could result in fuel-cost savings over time.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected].
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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