Cheap gas is hard to come by these days. We all know that feeling, the tanks on empty and gas just increased by 5% overnight. It’s happened to all of us at one point or another, so what can we do about it? Today I’m summarizing the top 6 apps that help you save money at the pump! All of these apps are free and extremely easy to use!
6 Apps That Help You Get Cheap Gas
1. Gas Buddy
Countries: USA, Canada, Australia
Gas Buddy is hands down one of the best apps I have on my phone. It has a rating of 4.5/5 in the app store and has saved users over $7 Million dollars since it’s creation in 2017.
App Store: Click to Download Gas Buddy Here
Google Play Android: Click to Download Gas Buddy Here
How Does It Work?
Gas Buddy scans the area to find the cheapest pump near you! It also lists if there are any offers available at nearby stations as well. On average, users save around $350 on gas each year. The app also allows you to earn and win on prizes – which is an added bonus!
The data in the app comes from users like you. You are encouraged to share the gas prices they see in their area. By doing so, you earn points that can be used in draws (more on this below).
All Of The Features
1) Locate the Cheapest Gas Near You
You can assign a radius and the type of gas you’re looking for (great if your car, like mine, requires premium). In addition, you can filter by car wash and restaurant if that’s something else you require!
2) Daily Prize Draws for $100 In Free Gas
Remember I said you can earn points each time you add information into the app? You can also earn points by voting in polls, and other fun things contained in Gas Buddy. The points can then be exchanged for tickets in daily draws that can win you $100 in free gas!
3) Trip Calculator
Ever wonder how much a particular trip is going to cost you in gas? I’ve experienced this, especially when traveling with others. Trying to figure out how much we all owe can be a nightmare! Gas Buddy has a trip calculator you can use that’s extremely accurate!
4) Pay With Gas Buddy
Another feature in the App is Pay With Gas Buddy. For $99 dollars per year, you can earn $0.05/gallon you purchase. If you’re someone who drives a frequently or drives for a living this is a program you should consider.
2. Gas Guru
Gas Guru is the biggest competitor to Gas Buddy so naturally, I had to share it next.
How Does It Work?
Gas Guru is rated 3.4/5 in the App Store. Similar to Gas Buddy, it helps users find the cheapest gas prices around. However, unlike Gas Buddy, it doesn’t rely on user input to update. This can be seen as both a pro and a con.
Gas Guru uses the Yellow Pages network to collect and post its data. Therefore, gas prices aren’t updated as quickly as Gas Buddy. However, users don’t have to worry about entering any data into the app.
App Store: Download Gas Guru Now
Google Play Android: Download Gas Guru Now
All The Features
1) Nearby Search
The app allows you to perform a nearby search so not only can you look for cheap gas, you can locate ATMs, restaurants, etc!
2) Built-In Navigation
Unlike Gas Buddy, Gas Guru is connected to google maps. When you select a location you’d like to go to, it will automatically provide you with directions. Talking from experience, this is a great feature if you don’t know the area you’re in and can’t pull over to get directions.
3) Save Your Location
Another unique feature of this app is that you can save locations and areas. This makes it faster and easier to go back in the app and pull up previous places visited.
4) Color Based System
Gas Guru uses a color-based system depending on how expensive or cheap the station is. This makes it simple and easy to identify where the value is.
Get Gas Guru Now
3. Get Upside
GetUpside is an app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants. Currently, you can get back $0.25/gallon. The greatest part is this app can be paired with any of the apps in this article.
The app is limited to certain areas in the US, however, if you’re in those areas it’s worth a download!
How Does It Work?
Like any classic cashback program, the app has partnered up with 1000s of stores that have cashback offers. First, you pick an offer you would like to fulfill. Next, you make a purchase at the qualifying store. In order to complete the offer and receive the cashback, you must submit your receipt into the app by taking a photo of it on your smartphone.
All Of The Features
1) PayPal & Giftcards
One of the best features of this app is that you can cash out via Paypal or gift cards. I personally, always go with Paypal since it’s cash in my hands!
2) Cash Back Opportunities
One of the greatest things about this app is not only can you get cash back on gas, you can also receive up to 35% back on restaurants and 15% back on groceries. When paired all together you can easily earn $50/month in cashback.
App Store: Download GetUpside Here
Google Play Android: Download GetUpside Here
4. Waze
Ranked 5/5 in the app store, Waze is a free app, that uses AI technology to find you the best route to your destination (which saves you gas in the long run). With over 50 million users, it’s the most accurate mapping app on the market.
How Does It Work?
Waze uses the data of other users to report real-time traffic, making it exceptionally accurate. Prompting users to confirm what they see on the road, and sharing stops you may appreciate (like cheap gas) along the way, this is a fantastic app to have downloaded.
App Store: Download The Waze App
Google Play Android: Download The Waze App
All Of The Features
1) Accuracy
I’ve been a user of Waze for over a year now and can attest to how accurate it is. After you have used the app multiple times, it also predicts how fast you drive, making your estimated arrival time that much more precise.
2) Traffic Alerts and Hazards
Given that the app runs off of information provided by others, it can update you on traffic hazards, alerts and even cops in real-time!
3) Audio Directions With Simple Map Interface
Waze provides directions through audio command and an easy to read interface. The maps show congestions on roads by color coating the lanes.
4) Cheap Gas Suggestions
As you travel using Waze, it will automatically indicate if there’s cheap gas in the area. You can then add the station as a stop on your route!
5) AAA Mobile
Believe it or not, AAA or the American Automobile Association has a mobile app that can find you cheap gas! Along with many other functions, the app contains a feature called TripTik Planner. Which helps you plan a road trip, including where to gas up!
App Store: Download the AAA Mobile App Here
Google Play Android: Download the AAA Mobile App Here
How Does It Work?
The app is free in the app store. Once downloaded you can use the TripTik Planner to plan your next road trip! The app helps you plan stops, get gas and in case things go awry, call for help.
All The Features
*Please note – some of the features are for members only*
1) Cheap Gas
The TripTik Planner is by far the most relevant and useful tool on the app for finding you cheap gas prices. You also don’t need to be a member to use it! It helps you plan your route by giving you stop options, finding the most efficient path and showing you where the cheapest gas is located. You need this app for your next road trip!
2) Emergency Roadside Services
AAA or CAA for Canadians is mainly known for their roadside emergency service for good reason. If something does go awry during your trip you can get assistance right through the app.
3) Discounts, Discounts, Discounts
As a AAA or CAA Member, you are eligible for a multitude of discounts from over 165,000 stores. As you drive using the app, it will point out locations that offer discounts to members.
4) Booking Services
The app also has the capability of locating thousands of restaurants, stores, and hotels. You are also able to prebook services/reservations to these locations through the app!
6) GIECO Mobile
I’m sure when you saw GIECO Mobile the first thing you thought of is car insurance and not gas. The GIECO Mobile app actually does both! It’s also rated 4.8/5 on the app store. It’s 100% free and you don’t need to be a GEICO Insurance Member to use it.
App Store: Download GEICO Mobile Here
Google Play Android: Download GEICO Mobile Here
How Does It Work?
Similar to Gas Guru, GIECO Mobile uses the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS for short) to find you the best gas prices in your area. Under the Gas Price Locator, you can see the gas prices listed around you.
Final Thoughts On Cheap Gas
All of the apps on this list are great! However, hands down, the best app that will be saving you the most is Gas Buddy. Since it relies on others to update its information, it has the most up to date prices. With that said I encourage you to give them all a try to see what you like best!