The cost of gas has reached an all-time high and isn’t showing any signs of decreasing any time soon. As such, more people are wondering how they can save on the cost of gas. While using public transportation and carpools are good options, sometimes you have no choice but to use your own car.
In these cases, it can help to know which gas stations offer the lowest cost on fuel. We’ve collected 7 of the best apps you can use to find the gas stations closest to you with the best prices so you can save.
What should you look for in a gas money-saving app?
Most of the available gas pricing apps work in a very similar way. Each of these apps uses your GPS to pinpoint your location. Once they have your location, the app can search all nearby gas stations and then returns the result to show which has the cheapest gas and is closest to your location.
When choosing a gas pricing app, you want to make sure you choose one that includes all the features you want and is reliable. Here are some features to look out for when choosing a gas pricing app:
- Available features
- Reliability
- Point program offered
- Range
- Privacy policy
7 Best gas pricing apps
Let’s look at seven of the best gas pricing apps available.
GasBuddy
Gas Buddy is a popular and well-known app. With this app, you simply enter your current zip code, and the app will return all nearby gas stations with their prices. The app is dependent on users and gas stations to provide prices, which means there can be a slight variance in what is shown on the app and what is charged at the pump.
Pros:
- Map and list view options available
- Prices are updated frequently
- Available on Android, iOS, and Windows
Cons:
- Only available in USA and Canada
- Location tracking and data collection can impede user privacy
AAA Mobile
AAA Mobile provides all the AAA services on your mobile device. This includes navigation software, trip planning tools, and roadside assistance. The app also features the AAA TripTik planner, which shows you the nearest restaurants, bars, and gas stations, including their fuel prices. If you are a AAA member, you’ll also get access to additional features such as roadside assistance when you get a flat tire or run out of fuel.
Pros:
- Variety of services offered
- Easy to use
- Interactive maps and directions
- Fast and efficient customer service
Cons:
- Certain services are restricted to member-only
- Heavy on system resources
- Only available on Android
Waze
Waze is best known as a navigation app. Many users drive with the app at all times to report issues such as potholes, accidents, and disabled cars. Another feature that this useful navigation app has is showing the nearest gas stations and their prices. Waze also features a contactless payment system that allows you to pay for your fuel using your phone at selected ExxonMobil and Shell stations.
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Shows nearby fuel prices
- Provides instant alerts
- Supports contactless payment options
- Available on Android and iOS
Cons:
- Displays pop-up ads
- User interface is bulky
Speedway Fuel & Gas Rewards
Speedway Fuel & Gas Rewards is limited to the Speedway gas station and convenience store. You’ll be able to see the nearest Speedway gas stations and their prices by using the app. Not only that, but you can also earn rewards for fuel and items purchased at a Speedway station. You can earn 10 points for every gallon of gas and 20 points for every dollar spent in the convenience store.
Pros:
- Can earn rewards
- See fuel prices of nearby Speedway stations
- Includes a Yellow pages feature
Cons:
- Limited to only Speedway Gas stations and convenience stores
- Only available on Android
MapQuest
MapQuest has been around since 1996. Despite being a simple-to-use navigation app, it can also show gas stations and their prices along your route. This app also has other useful features, such as sharing traffic conditions, and you can even make restaurant reservations directly through the app.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Shows points-of-interest
- Voice navigation
Cons:
- No navigation for public transit
- Only available on Android
GetUpside
GetUpside is a rewards app that offers rewards on gas and food. The app can be used at all supported gas stations, and you can earn up to $0.25 back on every gallon of gas. Once you’ve made your purchase at a supported gas station and taken a picture of the receipt, you’ll be rewarded. The app also has a handy check-in feature, making it even easier to upload your receipts to earn your rewards.
Pros:
- Referral incentive
- Multiple cash-out options
- Cashback
- Popular gas brands supported
Cons:
- Deal only available at certain stores
- Scanning receipts takes time
- Only available on Android
Fuelio
Fuelio is a very handy app if you travel a lot. Not only does it show the nearest and cheapest gas stations, but it can also track your fill-up history, mileage, and more. This app can be used to manage and monitor everything related to your vehicle, including service history, maintenance plans, tolls, and parking fees.
Pros:
- Many useful features
- User friendly
- Won Android Authority’s Best App of the Year 2020
Cons:
- Still fairly new
- Only available on Android
Final thoughts
Staying on top of your finances has never been more important. If you don’t know what’s happening in your finances, you won’t know where you can save. Using the above apps, you can easily find the gas stations near you with the cheapest gas prices, which means you can save on your gas bill every time by filling your tank at the cheapest station.
