When gas prices fluctuate from week to week—or even day to day—knowing where and when to fill up can make a noticeable difference in your monthly spending. Fortunately, a growing number of apps and tools make it easier than ever to track gas prices in real time. By combining these with strategic savings methods, you can consistently pay less at the pump.
Use gas price apps for real-time tracking
One of the most reliable ways to find cheap fuel is through crowdsourced and location-based apps. These platforms monitor gas prices in your area and update frequently throughout the day.
- GasBuddy: One of the most popular gas price tracking apps, GasBuddy allows users to report local fuel prices, compare station rates, and even plan road trip stops based on price trends. It also offers a GasBack rewards system and trip cost calculators.
- Waze: Known for real-time traffic updates, Waze also includes community-submitted gas prices along your route so you can plan cheaper fill-ups mid-drive.
- AAA Mobile: AAA members can access gas price comparisons along with travel discounts and road service tools in one app.
Find the cheapest day to fuel up
According to price trend reports from GasBuddy, Monday and Tuesday are often the most affordable days to buy gas, while weekends—especially Friday and Saturday—tend to be more expensive. Planning your refuels around these patterns can save you a few dollars each week.
Sign up for station loyalty programs
Gas station loyalty programs can shave off several cents per gallon or offer point-based rewards that lead to future discounts. A few of the most well-regarded include:
These programs are free to join and can be stacked with other savings apps and digital gift cards.
Pair with cashback tools for maximum impact
Apps like Fluz offer cashback when you purchase gas gift cards for major fuel brands. For example, you can buy a BP gift card online and use it at the pump while still benefiting from loyalty discounts. If gift cards aren’t accepted, Fluz virtual cards can be used through Apple Pay or Google Pay and earn up to 1.5% cashback.
Bonus tips for cutting fuel costs
- Keep your tires properly inflated to improve MPG
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and excessive idling
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain fuel efficiency
- Plan trips to avoid rush hour or congestion
The bottom line
With the right tools, you don’t need to guess when or where to get the best gas price. Apps like GasBuddy and Waze take the guesswork out of finding cheap stations, while loyalty programs and cashback platforms like Fluz help you stack extra savings. A little planning can go a long way toward shrinking your fuel bill.
