Everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs at the pump. If Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian oil take effect next month, gasoline costs could increase even further. I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, but knowing we’re facing high gas prices with no end in sight means you’ve got to get creative to save any way you can.
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Suggestions like “Have you tried carpooling?” or “Just ride a bike” aren’t practical solutions. In many parts of the country, alternative transportation simply isn’t a realistic option when people need to get somewhere quickly. So, when you’ve got to pay, get crafty and check out our not-that-hard ways to save at the pump.
1. Featured Deal: Join Costco
How does it work? For starters, you’ll need to join Costco to unlock a great deal on top-tier fuel. Gold Star memberships are $65 per year, and Executive memberships are $130 per year and right now is the best time to sign up. When you join Costco and enroll in auto-renewal and enter code CJRTLMN, you’ll receive a Digital Costco Shop Card! New Gold Star Members will receive a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card* and new Executive Members will receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card.*
How do you save? You’ll find that Costco gas can be up to 30 cents cheaper per gallon than the going rate (though your results may vary by day and location). Plus, expect other membership perks to amplify your savings. If you have a Costco credit card, you can get 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas (up to $7,000 per year) too. So why wait? Join now and watch your savings soar.
2. Join Fuel Rewards Programs at Your Favorite Local Gas Station Chains
Many gas station chains have rewards programs designed to encourage customer loyalty. Rewards programs can offer some great perks including earning points that can be used toward gas savings or can even save you money per gallon on every gas purchase.
And you can usually sign up online, easily. Here are some of our favorite fuel rewards programs:
earnify
rewards app
This new rewards app is for BP and Amoco gas customers (formerly BPme).
How does it work? Download the free earnify app on your smartphone or explore the program online. After you finish registration you will be signed up and can begin saving. All members must enter a unique phone number to ensure your account stays secure. You can either pay for fuel in the app, swipe your linked payment card at the pump, or enter your Loyalty ID (phone number) at the pump. Super easy!
How do you save? When you sign up, you will receive a 250-point exclusive welcome offer that can be redeemed for snacks, drinks or fuel savings. For the first 90 days you’ll earn 2x points. After 90 days you’ll earn 1 point for every dollar spent on fuel and 2 points for every dollar spent at the convenience store. If you apply for a bp rewards Visa you can get even better rewards at the pump.
Shell Fuel Rewards
Shell Fuel Rewards is a fuel rewards program offered by Royal Dutch Shell to members who purchase gas at Shell gas stations.
How does it work? You’ll need to sign up by downloading the Fuel Rewards app on your smartphone or by signing up online. In addition to personal information, you will have to link a credit or debit card to your Fuel Rewards account. You’ll be able to access your Fuel Rewards account in a few ways, either with the app, with a physical Fuel Rewards card or by your “alt ID.” At the pump, be sure to use the credit or debit card associated with your account. The pump will prompt you to select “yes” to redeem all rewards or “no” to only redeem savings from Gold or Silver status. If you decide to use an alternate credit card, be sure to select “Fuel Rewards” at the pump and enter your Alt ID or swipe a Fuel Rewards Card. If you pay with cash, an attendant inside can redeem your rewards before you fill up.
How do you save? As soon as you join, you’ll automatically start with Gold status, which grants you savings of at least 5 cents per gallon. In order to maintain that, you’ll have to fill up at least six times during your three-month qualification period, and each fill-up must be at least 5 gallons. Silver status will save you 3 cents a gallon, which is the base level of their rewards program. However, when you link your Fuel Rewards to your credit or debit card, there are more ways to earn rewards and stack your savings. For example, you can earn 10 cents a gallon for every $50 you spend at participating restaurants, as well as earn for shopping online, rental cars, event tickets and more.
Inner Circle Rewards
Inner Circle Rewards is a fuel rewards program that allows you to save money on gas and snacks from Circle K and get personalized savings offers.
How does it work? You can enroll in the free program by downloading the Circle K app or by signing up online. You’ll also find QR codes on signage at your local Circle K that you can scan using your smartphone to download the app. It is a tiered membership, you start as a Member, and level up to Premium Member after spending $500+ on fuel/merchandise.
How do you save? You will save 3 cents off per gallon every day on fuel, or 5 cents a gallon if you are a Premier Member. You also will receive in-store discounts and 6th free on most Circle K items.
3. Consider a Credit Card That Offers Fuel Rewards
Plenty of credit cards offer cash back/bonus rewards on gas. We all need credit cards and we all need to save on gas. Why not consider a card that marries your shopping needs with your desire to save at the pump? Now might also be the time to do a wallet audit and determine which of the cards you have (if any) offers rewards or cash back for gas.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
How does it work? There is no annual fee for this card. You can earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, which you can select as gas. You’ll also be able to earn 2% back at grocery stores and at wholesale clubs, and 1% back on all other purchases.
How do you save? You’ll be limited to $2,500 in spending per quarter on qualifying cash back purchases for the 3% category and 2% back categories, then 1% cash back unlimited thereafter. The default 3% cash back category for this credit card is gas.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
How does it work? You’ll earn 3% back at U.S. gas stations, 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in spending per year), 6% cash back on streaming services and 1% on all other purchases. There is an annual fee of $95. However, you can expect an introductory offer of no annual fee for the first year.
How do you save? This card will allow you to save 3% on whatever gas station you wish to go to in the U.S., so you don’t need to be loyal to one company. After the first year you’ll be charged a $95 fee.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
How does it work? This card allows you to earn cash back with no annual fee. You’ll get 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, 5% on travel booked through Chase’s travel portal and 1.5% on everything else you buy including gas. The rewards you earn will not expire as long as your account is in good standing, and there is no minimum to redeem.
How do you save? New cardholders get a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months of opening your account. You’ll consistently get cash back for your shopping, and getting 1.5% cash back on gas is helpful.
4. Get Cash Back and Special Offers From Apps Like GetUpside
How does it work? You’ll need to join GetUpside and download their app for your smartphone from the Apple or Google app stores. You’ll see offers based on your area — then claim an offer, pay normally, and check in or scan receipts. After your purchase is confirmed, you’ll earn your cash back.
How do you save? You’ll receive special offers from nearby businesses that want to try to win you over as a regular customer, including some from gas stations. That means you could earn cash back every time you fill your tank with gas. The app partners with many gas stations including BP, Circle K, Valero, Shell and Marathon .
5. Shop Around for the Lowest Gas Prices Near You
You can download the Gasbuddy app, which will allow you to search for the best gas prices in your area quickly. Or, you can check for local gas prices on the popular navigation app Waze. When all else fails, use your street smarts. Keep your eyes alert to prices. Even the same neighborhood can offer pretty different gas prices. During your errands and commute, get into the habit of noting gas prices. While it doesn’t make sense to drive very far out of your way to get a better gas price, checking prices while you’re headed somewhere you need to be anyway can save you several cents a gallon.
6. Use Cash to Pay for Gas to Get a Cash-Only Discount
Some gas stations offer a lower rate per gallon when you pay with cash (it saves them the cost of credit card processing fees).
When gas prices weren’t so bad, I’m the first person to admit I don’t obsess about a few cents in savings. I’ll opt for the convenience of using my bank card at the station. However, when gas prices are this high (I live in California which has some of the highest-priced gas in the country), I plan my fill up in advance and make sure to have cash. At Arco, I was able to save 10 cents per gallon by using cash. I filled up my Honda CR-V for $60 cash. If you also can pair this with a fuel rewards program, you’ll be maximizing your savings. Setting aside cash for fuel can also help with overall budgeting for the week.
7. Service Your Vehicle
Your vehicle’s maintenance record can affect your car’s fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual to be sure your mechanic is selecting the proper type of motor oil for your vehicle and changing filters regularly. Keep your tires fully inflated and aligned. Regular service not only means your car will last longer — it also means your gas will burn more efficiently.
8. Drive Efficiently
Small adjustments to your driving can add up to overall savings by helping to extend your tank of gas further. Removing heavy loads from your trunk and not leaving your windows down at high speeds can reduce unnecessary drag. Try to limit idling when stopped, and avoid slamming on breaks and the gas pedal when driving (instead, tap gently). Aim to maintain a consistent speed that isn’t too fast. All of these seemingly small adjustments will improve your overall miles per gallon.
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