These 4 Gas Apps Can Help You Save at the Pump

A few months ago, we all gritted our teeth when filling up as gas prices climbed to new heights. Now the national average for gas as of June 22 is around $5 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. California average gas prices are the highest in the country, topping more than $6 per gallon.

While you’re powerless to stop gas prices from rising, you can still take back a bit of control with money-saving gas apps. Depending on the app, you may be able to locate the nearest station with the lowest price. Some apps even show you gas-saving routes for everyday errands, offer cash back rewards or track fuel efficiency.

Ready to save money on gas? Before you make that next dreaded trip to the gas station, check out these four apps for gas savings and more.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy is the most popular gas app, boasting over 900 million searches from people looking for cheap gas. This free app shows you the lowest gas prices in your area. But that’s only one of ways the GasBuddy app can help you save on gas.

You can sign up for Gas Buddy’s FREE FOREVER gas card to save up to 25 cents a gallon. FREE FOREVER isn’t a credit card and requires no credit check. Instead, you link the card to your debit card, and the amount paid at the pump is deducted from your checking account.

GasBuddy also has a trip cost calculator that directs you to the lowest gas prices along the way to help you save on errands or road trips. You can even earn “free” gas, GasBack rewards for up to 10% of purchases made at retailers listed on the GasBuddy app’s savings tab.

Find out: 60 Creative and Simple Ways to Save Money

TripTik Travel Planner

You can download the American Automobile Association’s TripTik app to your phone, laptop or tablet. Then use the app’s interactive, online map to plan the best route and lowest gas prices, whether you’re driving across town or crossing several state lines. The app also makes a cross-country trip more fun by showing attractions and other places of interest along the way.

Find out: 10 Money-Saving Tips You Should Avoid

GetUpside

If linking your debit card to GasBuddy’s FREE FOREVER card to save on gas makes you nervous, you may prefer the GetUpside app. GetUpside doesn’t require you to link to your bank account. Instead you’ll receive cash back rewards when you pay for gas with a credit or debit card and submit a photo of the receipt.

But cash back with this app doesn’t stop at the gas pump. You’ll also get cash back on purchases made at restaurants and grocery stores.

Find out: 7 Simple Ways to Save at Least $100 a Month

Geico Explore

If you have Geico auto insurance and an iPhone 6s or iOS 11, Geico Explore app shows you the closest gas stations with the lowest prices. But this app has other cool features, too. Geico Explore uses “augmented reality,” to superimpose images and data onto your real-world environment.

For example, this app lets you mark your car before you shop. So, when you come out to a crowded parking lot and can’t remember where you parked, you can just hold up your phone and follow the icon to your vehicle.

Find out: What Are Easy Ways to Save Money?