How to Save Money on Gas in 2025
Updated June 2025 · Most people overpay by $200–$400/year on gas by not comparing prices or using the right payment method.
Skip the fluff — TL;DR
1. Use GasBuddy (or Google Maps) to compare prices
Gas prices at stations within a 5-mile radius often vary by $0.20–$0.50 per gallon. On a 15-gallon fill-up, that's $3–$7.50. Over 52 fill-ups a year, that's $156–$390 in unnecessary overpayment. GasBuddy shows real-time prices at every nearby station, crowdsourced and automatically updated. Google Maps also shows gas prices inline on the map view.
The GasBuddy debit card (no credit check required) activates cash-back discounts of $0.03–$0.25 per gallon at partner stations automatically — just tap to activate, pay as normal. It's free to get and free to use.
2. Pay with a gas rewards credit card
A gas rewards credit card earns 4–5% cash back on every gallon you buy. The average American spends about $2,800–$3,500/year on gas. At 5% cash back, that's $140–$175 back per year — automatically, every fill-up, for the rest of your life. Our top picks for gas rewards are on the best gas credit cards page.
The best no-fee option: Citi Custom Cash Card (5% in your top spend category, which can be gas). For Costco members: the Costco Anywhere Visa earns 4% on gas at Costco and most other stations with a $7,000 annual cap.
3. Join fuel rewards programs (all free)
| Program | How to earn | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Fuel Points | Earn 1 point per $1 grocery spend; 100 points = $0.10/gallon off | Kroger fuel centers and Shell |
| Shell Fuel Rewards | Free loyalty program; earn cents-per-gallon from restaurants, retail, Shell fill-ups | Shell stations |
| BP Rewards / BPme | App-linked; earn cents per gallon + partner discounts | BP / Amoco |
| GetUpside | Cash back at gas stations (1–25¢/gal); GPS-based offer activation | Wide network of stations |
| AAA Member Savings | Discounts at partner gas stations + travel perks | Varies by region |
Stack your grocery store fuel points with a gas rewards credit card for double savings on the same gallon.
4. Fill up at Costco or Sam's Club
Warehouse clubs consistently offer the lowest gas prices in their area — typically $0.10–$0.25 per gallon below the nearest branded station. A Costco membership costs $65/year; most members recoup that in gas savings alone within the first few months. The Costco Anywhere Visa then earns an additional 4% back on top.
One caveat: Costco gas stations can have lines during peak times (weekend mornings, post-work rush). Go early weekday mornings for no wait. The Sam's Club Mastercard earns 5% back on Sam's fuel with no annual card fee (Sam's membership required, ~$50/year).
5. Drive more efficiently
Accelerate gradually
Aggressive acceleration wastes 10–30% more fuel in city driving
Maintain steady highway speeds
Every 5 mph over 50 mph costs you roughly 7% more fuel
Anticipate stops
Coasting to a stop instead of braking hard saves fuel and brake wear
Reduce idle time
Idling gets 0 MPG; 10 minutes of idling burns about 0.15 gallons
Inflate tires properly
Underinflated tires reduce fuel economy by 0.5–3% per PSI below recommended
Combine trips
Short cold starts use more fuel; consolidate errands into one loop
6. Maintain your car
Fuel economy drops significantly with deferred maintenance. A clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%. Worn spark plugs reduce combustion efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. These fixes cost less than a tank of gas and pay back in fuel savings every mile thereafter. Check tire pressure monthly — tires lose roughly 1 PSI per month naturally and more in cold weather.
💰 Dime's Take