As fuel costs keep climbing, many Americans are wondering how to locate the most affordable gas near them.
Good news — we’ve got the solution.
And it’s not a list of multiple apps to test. It’s a single outstanding app: GasBuddy.
GasBuddy is available for both iOS and Android and helps drivers find the lowest gas prices so they don’t have to empty their wallets at the pump.
This walkthrough will show you how to use the GasBuddy app to uncover the cheapest fuel in your vicinity, cut costs on refueling and even try your luck at winning free gas.
GasBuddy
- Locate the lowest gas prices
- Extra discounts with the GasBuddy payment card
- Report prices for a chance to win free gas daily
What Is GasBuddy?
GasBuddy is a smartphone app that lets you track what nearby gas stations are charging for fuel.
Relying on reports from drivers, GasBuddy users add price information, discover the best deals and save money on fuel.
As a reward for contributing price reports to the community, you can enter for a chance to win $100 in free gas every day.
GasBuddy also includes tools to boost savings, like signing up for a free GasBuddy card that can reduce your cost by up to 25 cents per gallon.
The newer Drives feature helps motorists understand their fuel consumption, offers tips to improve efficiency and can even lead to car insurance savings.
How Do I Use GasBuddy?
If you’re thinking GasBuddy sounds like the ideal app to save at the pump, you’re right.
Below we’ll guide you through using the GasBuddy app and the in-app options that can help you cut fuel costs.
How to Find Cheap Gas Nearby
If you haven’t already, download the GasBuddy app. It’s free and available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android.
After installing it, we suggest creating an account since the savings make it worthwhile. You can still search for gas and submit price reports without signing up, however.
Once you’re logged in, tap the Find Gas tab at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of stations nearest you and the most recently reported prices at each one.
If you’d rather see a map, tap the map icon in the upper-right corner.
Use the controls at the top to sort results by Price, Distance, Price & Distance, Deal & Distance or Deal Price. You can also select the fuel type you need, such as Regular, Midgrade, Premium, Diesel, UNL88 or E85.
As you browse, you may spot stations without listed prices or marked Report Price. These indicate that prices haven’t been submitted yet — and you can help by reporting them.
Speaking of reporting, that’s how you can enter to win free gas.
Report Prices and Enter to Win Free Gas
GasBuddy depends on everyday users — that means you — to report local gas prices, and you won’t go unrewarded for your contribution.
When you submit price reports you earn points, which can be used to enter daily drawings for $100 in free gas.
To report a price, tap the Find Gas tab, then tap Report Price next to any station that lacks a price listing.
You can log both cash and credit prices and report multiple fuel types available at the station.
If a price listed is outdated, tap it to submit an updated price.
You can also confirm current prices, letting other users know the displayed price is still accurate.
Each report earns you points. When you’ve accumulated enough, tap the Win tab to enter the daily free gas contest. Each entry requires 1,000 points, and you can enter multiple times.
For quicker point accumulation, tap the Challenges button at the top to view one-time challenges that award bonus points.
Save With the GasBuddy Card
GasBuddy provides a payment card that can shave up to 25 cents off per gallon at participating stations.
Pay with GasBuddy functions like a debit-style card by debiting your bank account through a linked debit card. The card is free and does not require a credit check or credit score.
To receive savings, activate special offers inside the app first, then use your GasBuddy card at the pump. Pay with GasBuddy is accepted at about 95% of U.S. stations, excluding Exxon Mobil, BJs, Costco, Sam’s Club, and H-E-B, as well as some Walmart and Arco locations.
To get started, open the GasBuddy app and tap the Savings tab at the bottom. Tap Get The Free Card to apply and have your card mailed to you.
Boost Fuel Efficiency With GasBuddy
Another handy GasBuddy feature is called Drives.
Drives monitors your driving patterns to help you improve fuel economy. Each trip gets a score that highlights behaviors — like hard braking or rapid acceleration — that affect efficiency, with tips to do better.
You can also export trip data for tax purposes or mileage reimbursement, which is useful for work travel.
Drivers with strong Drives scores may even qualify for car insurance discounts if they have coverage through Root Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to a2021 GasBuddy study, gas prices tend to be lowest on Monday. Another relatively inexpensive day is Friday. The priciest days are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The most reliable method to locate the cheapest gas is to track local prices yourself using theGasBuddyapp.
Regionally, thesoutheastern statesoften have the lowest gas costs. Still, driving far out of your way to save a few cents usually isn’t worth it.
Instead, use theGasBuddyapp to find the most affordable gas near you and save at the pump.
GasBuddydoes more than locate low prices. If you enroll in thePay with GasBuddycard, you can save up to 25 cents per gallon.
Pay with GasBuddy is free and operates through a linked debit card.
Yes — theGasBuddyapp is free to use. You can also be entered into drawings for free gas by reporting local prices. ThePay with GasBuddycard is free and offers extra savings.
Alex Turner is a senior writer specializing in consumer technology at Savinly.
