5 Smart Strategies for Saving Money at the Gas Pump

Gas is expensive these days, and it isn't getting any cheaper.

While you can't control gas prices, you can control how much money you spend on it. Here are the best ways to save money on gas, starting with your next fill-up.

1. Wait for non-peak times

According to Nasdaq, Mondays and Tuesdays are the best days to fill up your tank as there's less demand early in the week.

For the same reasons, gas is often cheaper late at night or early in the morning. So, if your schedule allows it, fill up outside of peak times.

As a bonus, you may be able to squeeze out some extra gas in the morning or night. Gasoline expands when it's warm, so colder temperatures can make a difference!

2. Change your payment method

Skip the cash or credit card. Instead, pay with a gas gift card from RaiseRight, and earn up to 5% back on every fill-up. 

RaiseRight is a fundraising platform where you can buy gift cards from brands you already use to generate earnings for schools, sports teams, or other programs. 

The brands fund the earnings, so you're not spending anything extra. RaiseRight carries gift cards for several major gas stations, including:

• Shell
• ARCO
• Chevron
• BP
• Exxon

Most gas gift cards are reloadable, too, so if you run low mid-trip, you can add funds instantly from the RaiseRight app.

See how much you could earn in one year with our free calculator:

3. Use apps to find the best deal

You might be surprised to learn about these easy tools that can help you save on gas. Instead of driving from station to station on the hunt for cheaper fuel (oh, the irony!), you can use an app to find the lowest prices.

Some of the best money-saving apps for gas include:

• GasBuddy – This free app shows you nearby gas stations and their prices so you can decide where to go. You can also enter contests and earn points to win gas gift cards.
  
  
• Fuelzee – Like GasBuddy, Fuelzee helps you find the cheapest gas near you. There are also reward points that go toward non-gas station retailers.
  
  
• Upside – Upside is a free cash-back app that lets you earn real money back on gas (as well as groceries and restaurant purchases) by claiming offers at nearby participating stations before you fill up.
  
  
• Waze – Waze is a community-based navigation app, but it's more than just a map—it'll let you know how to get gas cheaper, too. Drivers can input local gas prices so you can sort by price when you put in directions for a nearby gas station. Plus, Waze provides up-to-date information on traffic jams and optimal routes, so you can save even more time and gas.

4. Use grocery store discounts and rewards

Hot tip: one of the best ways to save on gas is to simply buy food and groceries for the week!

Some grocery stores include a gas coupon on your receipt, so you can save money by filling up at the store's gas station on your way out.

Other grocery stores have reward systems. For example, when you shop at Albertsons, Safeway, or ACME, you can earn Gas Reward points that save you up to $1 per gallon at participating stations. Other stores have similar programs, so check in with your local grocery chain to see what's available near you.

And if you want to stretch your savings even further, use RaiseRight.

RaiseRight user Ann H. shares how she stacks grocery store gas rewards with gift cards to save on every fill-up.

5. Drive less (it's simpler than you think)

The best way to save gas involves driving your car less often. It may not always be possible, but even the smallest tweaks can make a difference.

Whenever you head out, plan your errands and stops, and know your route. The more you combine trips, the less gas you'll spend driving across town (and the more efficient your errand-running will become!).

Or, create a carpool system with families in your neighborhood. If your kids participate in the same activities as other neighborhood kids, consider riding together so you can reduce everyone's driving.