Apps to save money on gas won’t make fill-ups cheap, but they can shave off a few cents per gallon, and those cents add up. Here’s the short answer: GasBuddy is the best free way to find the lowest price nearby, Shell Fuel Rewards gives a fixed discount if you fill up at Shell, and Upside pays cash back at certain stations. Let’s do the math, because the paid options only make sense if you drive a lot.
Apps to save money on gas at a glance
I compared each app’s listing and the company’s help pages. Ratings and savings are as of October 2026 and change often.
| App | What it saves | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| GasBuddy | Finds low prices; the free card saves 3¢ a gallon with Auto Pay | Free; optional paid plans | 4.69 on App Store (448K); 2.84 on Google Play (818K) |
| Fuel Rewards | 5¢ a gallon at Gold status, 3¢ at Silver (Shell) | Free | 4.74 on App Store (682K); 3.99 on Google Play (154K) |
| Upside | Cash back that varies by station and day | Free | 4.79 on App Store (686K); 4.56 on Google Play (455K) |
GasBuddy: best for finding the lowest price
GasBuddy (GasBuddy Organization Inc on the App Store) shows nearby prices. It also offers a debit-style fuel card, Pay with GasBuddy+, that takes money from your bank account. According to GasBuddy’s help center, the free version saves a guaranteed 3¢ a gallon when you turn on Auto Pay, plus 2¢ at participating Fuelman stations and 3¢ a gallon for every $25 you spend inside the store.
- Paid plans: GasBuddy+ Plus costs $7.99 a month or $89 a year and saves 20¢ a gallon on your first 50 gallons each month, then 5¢. GasBuddy+ Premium costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year and adds roadside assistance and other perks.
- The catch: The card is linked to your bank account and requires Auto Pay. You won’t see the discount at the pump, only in your app or emailed receipt.
- Reviews: The Google Play rating (2.84) is much lower than the App Store rating (4.69), so read recent Android reviews.
- Privacy (App Store label): Data used to track you includes location, contact info, identifiers, usage data, and health and fitness data.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play. The plans are explained in GasBuddy’s membership levels page.
Fuel Rewards: best if you already fill up at Shell
Fuel Rewards is a free loyalty program. GasBuddy’s help center says you save 5¢ a gallon on every fill-up with Gold status or 3¢ with Silver status, and you can add more savings from everyday purchases. You redeem them at participating Shell stations. You can connect your Fuel Rewards account inside the GasBuddy app to see your personalized price.
- The catch: It works at participating Shell stations, not everywhere. If you fill up elsewhere, it won’t help.
- How to use it: Select Fuel Rewards at the pump, enter your Alt ID, and follow the prompts. Your discount shows up at the pump.
- Privacy (App Store label): Data linked to you includes financial info, location, contact info, user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics.
- Developer: Excentus Corp. on the App Store; PDI Software, Inc. on Google Play.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Upside: best for cash back, not a flat discount
Upside works at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. You claim an offer in the app, pay with a credit or debit card, and cash out later. Gas offers are usually a few cents a gallon and change by station and day. For the cash-out fees, see our best cash back apps guide.
- The catch: It needs your location, and offers aren’t guaranteed. Cash-out fees can apply on small balances.
- Privacy (App Store label): Data used to track you: usage data. Data linked to you includes location, contact info, user content, search history, and identifiers.
- Developer: Upside Services Inc. on the App Store; Upside Inc. on Google Play.
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Let’s do the math: is GasBuddy+ Plus worth $7.99 a month?
Plus saves 20¢ a gallon, compared with 3¢ on the free card. That’s an extra 17¢ per gallon. To cover the $7.99 fee, you’d need to pump about 47 gallons a month (7.99 ÷ 0.17). If your tank holds 12 gallons and you fill up about four times a month, you’re right at the line. If you drive less, the free version is the better deal. If you drive a lot, Plus can pay off.
How to set up a gas app
- Open the App Store or Google Play and search for the app’s name.
- Check the developer name against the one listed above before you tap Get or Install.
- Open the app and allow location, so it can show nearby stations.
- For a card or cash-out account, connect your bank only through the app’s official screen.
- Before every fill-up, check the price and any active offer.
For more ways to save, browse our money app guides and our saving money picks.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best app to save on gas?
For most people, start with GasBuddy to find the lowest price nearby. If you fill up at Shell, add Fuel Rewards. Upside is worth a look if stations near you offer cash back.
Can I use more than one gas app?
Yes. GasBuddy lets you connect a Fuel Rewards account to see your personalized price at Shell stations. Check each program’s terms for stacking rules.
Is the GasBuddy card safe?
It’s linked to your bank account and paid by ACH debit, so keep an eye on your statement. Read the terms and set a calendar reminder to review the plan after a month.
Do gas apps work at every station?
No. Price lookups work widely, but discounts depend on the station and the program.
My take
- If you want to find the cheapest gas: GasBuddy.
- If you fill up at Shell: Fuel Rewards.
- If you like cash back: Upside.
Start with the free versions and track what you actually save for a month. Savings vary, and programs change, so check each app before you rely on a number.
