There’s only one word to describe what it feels like to visit the pump these days – “OUCH!” To help lower the cost, you can use a gas app that pays you money.
According to AAA, today’s average national gas price is $4.93 (It’s $5.03 in my area right now). This number is expected to continue to rise.
If you’re household is operating off of a set budget, you’ll want to take steps to make up for the fuel increase. You can use the best gas app save money to help offset that cost.
What is a Gas App?
A gas app is an application that you can download to your phone for free that is designed to help you save at the pump.
This may be through cash-back rewards or by pointing you to the closest gas station with the cheapest price per gallon.
In some cases, you may be able to use more than one gas money saving app to lower the cost of filling your gas tank.
Every bit of extra cash you can put back in your bank account helps.
Are Gas Apps Legit?
Yes, gas apps are legitimate. Like everything else though, there are scammers out there that want to steal your personal information.
The apps we mention here have been proven to be 100% legit.
If you come across a company not mentioned here, we highly recommend you take the time to fully investigate them before signing up for any gas rewards/gas card/gas cash back app.
What Gas App Gives You Money?
You may be wondering what apps earn you real cash?
We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 save money gasoline apps that you can use to reduce the amount you’re spending at the gas station.
1. GetUpside
I have GetUpside as first on the list, as I have several family members that are using it currently.
GetUpside (now simply Upside) is a cashback app.
My brother-in-law so far has received $900 in cash back from GetUpside.
In addition to getting a certain amount back per gallon of gas (typically around $.15 or more per gallon of gas), you can also earn cash back with the Upside app when shopping for groceries or eating out at your favorite restaurants.
2. GasBuddy
Another one of the apps that save you money is GasBuddy.
Not only is GasBuddy easy to use, but it also connects with 95% of the gas stations across the country.
With GasBuddy, you can quickly check pump prices at the gas stations in your area to get the best deal.
If you want to earn cash back for your gas purchases, however, then you’ll need to get the GasBuddy card, which the company reports can earn you UP TO $.25 per gallon back.
3. Trunow
Trunow is a gas app that pays you money when you purchase gas or shop at certain stores.
With Trunow, you earn “cashback rewards.” You need to claim deals and then upload receipts for proof.
The downside to this money saving app is that you only have two options for redemption.
1. Request your money via PayPal and pay a 50% fee to Trunow, or
2. Choose to use your rewards toward discounted purchases at one of Trunow’s participating stores.
Users report that it can take weeks for receipts to get approved, so while this company is legit, there are better gas savings apps to save money on gas on this list.
4. AAA TripTik Travel Planner
The best way to save money gas is to know which gas station has the cheapest fuel. AAA TripTik Travel Planner helps you do just that.
You no longer have to be a member of AAA to use this app either. Since gas prices change from week to week, this is a handy app to have.
You’ll find AAA is able to show up to 85,000 gas stations around the US.
At the pump, you can pay using a cash back debit card or by making a cash or mobile payment.
5. Drivvo
Drivvo is one of those apps that save you money, but not by offering cash back. You’ll want to use it in conjunction with an app that offers deals on gas.
When you download Drivvo, you’ll be able to keep track of your automobile expenses. You’ll also be able to set reminders for maintenance.
Properly caring for your vehicle will help you use less gas, as well as extend the life of the car so you spend less overall.
The app will also reveal the cost of owning your car, once you input information from a few fill-ups at the gas station.
6. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a cash back app that works exactly the same way as GetUpside, however, once you reach the minimum $20 payout, payment is sent in the form of a paper check.
You need to claim your deal and then follow through within 4 hours.
Once you do, you’ll need to upload your receipt for proof. Then the cash back is credited to your account.
You can use this app with select grocery stores and restaurants, as well as at a participating gas station.
7. Fuelio
Fuelio is just like Drivvo, so you don’t earn cash back when buying fuel, but you’ll get a better understanding of how much gas you’re using.
The app is not just used to track your fuel costs, vehicle maintenance fees and mileage. It also provides a map of the area gas stations and their current prices.
Again, this is an app that is extremely helpful when combined with one of the other apps that gets you cash back on gas.
8. Fetch Rewards
Fetch is another one of the programs that I highly recommend when looking for cheap gas.
Not only can you earn points when you upload your gas receipts, but you can also use those points to toward a variety of rewards.
You can:
- Redeem the points for several auto parts gift cards, which you can use to keep your vehicle in pristine shape.
- Redeem the points for a Visa or Mastercard gift card, which you can use to pay for gas at the pump.
- Redeem the points for a Sam’s Club gift card, which you can use at any Sam’s Club gas station.
There’s a reason Motley Fool named Fetch their “#1 Best Cash Back App for 2022.” (Checkout 51 also made the list)
You only need to earn $3 to cash out, which is one of the lowest minimum payout requirements out there.
9. Waze
Waze is focused on helping you save money. They do so by:
- Revealing which gas stations in your area have the cheapest gas.
- Providing a way for you find someone to carpool with.
Waze also provides real-time traffic alerts, so you can choose the fastest route to your destination.
10. Receipt Hog
When you upload your grocery receipts from the grocery store to Receipt Hog, you’ll get entries into the monthly sweepstakes.
If you win, you earn coins that can be converted into PayPal cash or an Amazon gift card.
Regular store purchase receipts directly earn coins, so this option is really only worth it if you also use the app when shopping.
Still, it is a legitimate company with an excellent reputation, so I wanted to include it in this list.
Which Gas App is the Best?
In my opinion, the best gas app save money is GetUpside.
The app is easy to download, totally free, and gives you straight cash back. No worrying about converting points, etc.
According to the BBB, the company has been in business for 6 years. They have been given 4.78 out of 5 stars.
Since the app is completely free to use, you don’t have anything to lose.
If you want to start saving, download GetUpside here: Earn Cash Back at GetUpside
How Does GetUpside Work for Gas?
Using GetUpside for gas is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
1. Open the app and locate a gas station near you with a deal.
2. Choose the best deal, get the gas, and then pay with your debit or credit card.
3. Earn cash back that you can request deposited to your bank or PayPal account. You can also choose a gift card if you wish.
Does Upside Really Work?
Yes, the GetUpside app really works. I have first-hand knowledge of this, as I have personally witnessed multiple family members get cash back.
I would be using it myself, but I live in a smaller town and there aren’t any good deals near me.
The company is always expanding though, so I check back often to see if they have reached my area yet.
Do You Have to Pay at the Pump for GetUpside?
Yes, you have to pay for your gas when you get it at the pump of your local gas station.
GetUpside allows you to use a handy “Check-In” feature when you arrive at the gas station. When you go this route, you don’t have to upload any receipts.
If your forget to “Check-In” no worries! You can upload a receipt instead. It’s just faster to use the “Check-In” option.
You will earn your cash back per gallon of gas purchased.
Is There a Limit on GetUpside?
I reviewed the company’s Terms and Conditions Policy and didn’t see anywhere where there was a limit on the amount of cash back you could earn with Upside.
Here are a few things, however, that you’ll want to be aware of when using this gas app that pays you money.
- Once you claim an offer, you have 4 hours to redeem it.
- Cash back rewards don’t expire, but if your account is inactive for 6 months, your earnings are forfeited.
I suggest only claiming an offer when you’re on your way to the gas station. Also, make sure you use the app at least once per month to keep it active.
How Can I Get Gas With No Money?
You’ve surely noticed that each gas money saving app basically reimburses you a small portion of what you spent on the gas, but what if you have no money?
In this case, you’ll need to know what apps give you money.
Swagbucks is my pick among the list of what apps make you money.
When you complete activities on Swagbucks, you earn points. This is completely free to sign up for and complete.
Once you get enough points to cash out, you can request a free gift card, including one that can be used for a gas purchase.
Take the gift card to the gas station and get your fuel with no money at all! Who doesn’t love free gas!
A few other ways to get gas with no money including:
- Signing up with an agency to have an ad wrapped around your car
- Using Survey Junkie to get free money for gas
- Opting for a cash back credit card or a credit card with rewards toward Visa or Mastercard gift cards
- Sign up with Murphy Drive Rewards to get free grocery store snacks
What is Better Than GasBuddy?
In my option Get Upside and Fetch are both better than Gas Buddy, especially if you aren’t interested in signing up for a credit card in order to save on gas.
You can download these in your phone’s app store.
Other Ways to Save Money on Gas
The best way save money gas is to utilize multiple tips and tricks. In addition to the save money on gas app list mentioned above, you can:
1. Combine Trips
When you have errands to run, plan to do them all on the same day. This saves you on gas because you aren’t making multiple trips.
When I know I have a doctor appointment, for example, I’ll plan on grabbing my groceries that day (because I can’t change the day of the doctor appointment).
2. Use Google Maps
Once you open the Google Maps app, you’ll be able to click on the Gas Tile to locate the gas stations near you.
Simply click on each one to see their info, which most of the time includes the price per gallon.
3. Use Ibotta
Ibotta is a great way to earn cash back, which you can then use toward your next gas station fill up.
We have a full review on Ibotta here: Does Ibotta Work? Using Ibotta for Free to Get Cash Back
4. Keep Up With Your Car’s Maintenance
When your automobile is properly maintained, it runs more efficiently. That means you’ll save on fuel costs.
Check your car’s owner manual and consult a local mechanic to create a workable maintenance list for your vehicle.
This will take into consideration how long you’ve owned the vehicle, how old the vehicle itself is and how far you drive the car on a weekly basis.
5. Buy a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
If you’re in the market for a new car, consider going with a vehicle that is known and designed to be more fuel efficient.
I’m sure you’ve heard of some cars being referred to as “gas guzzlers.” You don’t want that with today’s gas prices!
Kelley Blue Book has a great research tool that you can use to help with this.
6. Carpool
You can save big when creating a carpool group at your work or school.
If at all possible, try to find four other individuals to join your group. Then you can each take one day of the week to pick up the rest of the group.
That would eliminate four days of driving. That equals BIG savings on fuel!
7. Consider Specific Gas Station Cards
Many of the major gas stations offer discounts on gas when you sign up for their gas credit card. A few popular companies that do this include:
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card
- Exxon Mobile Rewards+® Program
- Shell Fuel Rewards® Program
- Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
- BPme Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Capital One® rewards credit card
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card® by American Express
Gas Apps That Pay You Money Recap
When it comes to apps that save you money, I highly recommend you combine GetUpside, Fuelio and Fetch Rewards (or Ibotta).
You may find other cheap gas programs out there, but these are the best to counteract today’s highest gas prices in my opinion.
Keep in mind that every bit of savings you can must will add up.
It helps to have a budget in place, so you can clearly see where you can cut costs and save.
Here is an article we have to help you find the budgeting method that will work best for you:
The Best Budgeting Methods: Which of the Top 10 Budgeting Methods is Right for You?
Do you have a favorite gas money saving app? If so, let us know in the comments below!