Gas is expensive these days, and it doesn’t feel like it’s getting any cheaper.
The problem, of course, is that gas is a necessity when you drive a car. You have to fill up, no matter the cost.
But that doesn’t mean you should settle for high prices and hefty bills—we’re here to help. Here are our top five tips for how to save money on gas.
1. Fill up when gas is cheapest
You may think there isn’t any difference between starting your week with a trip to the gas station or ending your week with one. But in truth, there is.
According to Nasdaq, Mondays and Tuesdays are the best days to fill up your tank as there’s less demand early in the week.
For the same reasons, gas is often cheaper late at night or early in the morning. So, if your schedule allows it, fill up outside of peak times.
As a bonus, you may be able to squeeze out some extra gas in the morning or night—because gasoline expands when it’s warm, colder temperatures make a difference!
2. Change your payment method
If you’re part of an organization that partners with RaiseRight, you can save money with every trip to the gas station. Skip the cash or credit card; instead, pay at the pump with a gas gift card from RaiseRight.
RaiseRight carries gift cards for several major gas stations, including:
You can earn up to 5% back every time you fuel!
Not yet earning with RaiseRight? Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
- Enroll your nonprofit or community organization in a RaiseRight fundraising program. Or, join an existing one with an enrollment code.
- Shop online or buy gift cards from hundreds of brands you know and love—from gas to groceries, clothing, fast food, travel, entertainment, and more, there’s something for everyone on the RaiseRight platform.
- A percentage of every purchase goes directly back to you or your organization. Even better? The earnings come directly from the brands you buy from, so you’re fundraising and earning effortlessly—without spending an extra dime.
Best of all, most gas gift cards are reloadable. If your gift card funds deplete while you’re on the road, you can instantly add money with just a few taps on the RaiseRight mobile app.
3. Use apps to find the best deal
You might be surprised to learn about these easy tools that can help you save on gas. Instead of driving from station to station on the hunt for cheaper fuel (oh, the irony!), you can use an app to find the lowest prices.
Some of the best money-saving apps for gas include:
- GasBuddy – This free app shows you nearby gas stations and their prices so you can decide where to go. You can also enter contests and earn points to win gas gift cards.
- Fuelzee – Like GasBuddy, Fuelzee helps you find the cheapest gas near you. There are also reward points that go toward non-gas station retailers.
- Waze – Waze is a community-based navigation app, but it’s more than just a map—it’ll let you know how to get gas cheaper, too. Drivers can input local gas prices so you can sort by price when you put in directions for a nearby gas station. Plus, Waze provides up-to-date information on traffic jams and optimal routes, so you can save even more time and gas.
4. Take advantage of grocery store discounts and rewards
Hot tip: one of the best ways to save on gas is to simply buy food and groceries for the week!
Some grocery stores include a gas coupon on your receipt, so you can save money by filling up at the store’s gas station on your way out.
Other grocery stores have reward systems. For example, when you shop at Albertsons, Safeway, or ACME, you can earn Gas Reward points that save you up to $1 per gallon at participating stations. Other stores have similar programs, so check in with your local grocery chain to learn more about what’s available in your area.
Additionally, these programs enable you to double down on savings since you can use RaiseRight gift cards to shop at most major grocery stores. Here’s how RaiseRight user Ann H. stacks grocery promotions with gift cards to save money on gas:
“I figured out ways to capitalize on the savings and put more money in my pocket…For example, I save 6 to 8% on groceries while collecting points through the store’s promotion to save $1 per gallon of gas. Then, I use another RaiseRight gift card to buy that gas, which stacks on another 8% in earnings.”
Win-win!
5. Figure out ways to drive less
The best way to save gas involves driving your car less often. It may not always be possible, but even the smallest tweaks can make a difference.
For example, whenever you head out, plan your errands and stops, and know your route. The more you combine trips, the less gas you’ll spend driving across town (and the more efficient your errand-running will become!).
Or, create a carpool system with families in your neighborhood. For instance, if your kids participate in the same activities as other neighborhood kids, consider riding together so you can reduce everyone’s driving.
Discover more ways to save with RaiseRight
Fuel prices may seem scary, but when you have the right tricks up your sleeve, you can hit the road without breaking the bank.
Now that you know the best ways to save money on gas, check out our other money-saving tips. From savvy vacation advice to grocery store hacks, we have plenty of ideas for stretching your dollar.
