Whether you're commuting to work, road-tripping, or simply running errands, filling up your gas tank can quickly eat into your budget. Finding the cheapest gas stations near you can help you save significantly over time, and the good news is that there are plenty of tools and strategies to make it easier.

This guide will walk you through how to locate affordable gas, the role timing and payment methods play in pricing, and ways to maximize your savings with rewards and memberships.

Use Apps to Find Low Gas Prices

One of the easiest ways to locate the cheapest gas stations near you is by using apps and platforms designed for the task. These tools are often free, user-friendly, and updated in real time, giving you accurate information on gas prices in your area.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy is one of the most popular apps for finding cheap gas.

  • How It Works: Enter your location or use your phone’s GPS to view nearby gas stations and their prices.
  • Special Features: It offers a GasBuddy card that saves you up to $0.40 per gallon when linked to your bank account.
  • Why It’s Great: The app is updated frequently by both users and gas stations, ensuring you get the most accurate prices.

Waze

Known primarily as a navigation app, Waze also helps you find gas stations along your route.

  • How It Works: While using the app for directions, it lists nearby gas stations and their current prices.
  • Special Features: Waze considers your route, ensuring you don’t go out of your way for savings.
  • Why It’s Great: It minimizes driving detours, so you save both time and fuel.

Google Maps

Google Maps is another reliable option for finding cheap gas.

  • How It Works: Search “gas stations near me” and filter by price to see the lowest-cost options in your area.
  • Special Features: Integration with Google reviews lets you check station cleanliness or additional amenities.
  • Why It’s Great: Useful if you’re already using Google Maps for navigation.

Tips for Using Gas Apps

  • Enable notifications or alerts for price drops in your area.
  • Double-check prices before heading to the station, as they can change quickly.
  • Look for deals that partner with stations, such as loyalty discounts or special promotions.

Timing Is Everything When Buying Gas

Did you know that the time of day or week can impact gas prices? Planning your fill-ups strategically can lead to better deals.

Best Days to Buy Gas

  • Early in the Week: Research shows that gas prices are typically lower on Mondays and Tuesdays when demand is lighter. Avoid weekends, particularly Fridays, when prices tend to rise.

Optimal Times of Day

  • Gas stations often update prices in the morning. If you keep an eye on pricing trends, a mid-morning fill-up could be your best bet before rates rise later in the day.

Avoid High-Traffic Locations

Gas stations closest to highways or city centers may charge higher prices due to convenience and higher traffic. Opt for stations a bit further away from the main roads for potential savings.

Consider Membership Programs

If you’re a member of a warehouse club or retailer that offers fuel stations, you could score serious savings on gas.

Costco and Sam’s Club

  • These wholesale giants provide some of the lowest gas prices available, often $0.10 or more per gallon cheaper than nearby stations.
  • Membership Costs: Costco memberships start at $60/year, while Sam’s Club memberships start at $50/year. Regular users will quickly recoup their investment through savings at the pump.

Grocery Store Rewards Programs

Many grocery chains offer fuel discounts when you shop with them.

  • Examples include Kroger’s Fuel Points program and Safeway’s Gas Rewards.
  • How It Works: Earn points on grocery purchases, then redeem them at participating gas stations for discounts (up to $1 off per gallon).

Credit Card Perks

Use credit cards that offer rewards for gas purchases to multiply your savings.

  • Examples: Chase Freedom Flex (3% cashback), Costco’s Anywhere Visa (4% cashback on gas), or Citi Premier Card (3x points on gas purchases).
  • Be aware of interest rates and only charge what you can pay off monthly to truly benefit from these perks.

Maximize Savings at the Pump

Beyond finding the cheapest gas stations, there are other small but impactful steps you can take to stretch your dollars further.

1. Pay Attention to Payment Methods

Some gas stations charge different prices for cash versus card payments, with cash often being cheaper. If possible, carry some cash for additional savings at stations with this pricing model.

2. Drive Efficiently

Your driving habits influence how often you need to fill up.

  • Avoid aggressive driving, which burns more fuel.
  • Use cruise control where possible to maintain a steady speed.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage.

3. Don’t Overfill Your Tank

Stop filling as soon as the pump clicks off to avoid spilling fuel or overpaying for unnecessary top-ups.

4. Combine Trips

Consolidate errands so you drive fewer miles overall. Short trips or idle time in traffic decrease fuel efficiency, leading to more trips to the pump.

Location Matters

While apps and timing are helpful, your geographical location can significantly impact gas costs.

Urban vs. Suburban Areas

  • Gas prices are typically higher in densely populated urban areas due to overhead costs and demand. Drive a bit outside the city for potentially lower prices.

State Taxes

  • Some states impose higher gas taxes, leading to higher prices at the pump. If you live near a state border, it might be worth crossing into a neighboring state with lower taxes to save.

Regional Trends

  • Keep an eye out for regional factors such as refinery closures, seasonal shifts, or severe weather that might spike local gas prices.