Gasoline prices reached record-high levels in 2022, peaking at an average of $5.016 on June 14, 2022. As we head into 2023, it’s time to arm yourself with the latest tools for saving money. The top gas apps will help you find the best prices on gasoline in your area. Then, you can lower the effective price even further with cash back offers from the top credit cards for gas.

graphic of retail gas prices

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Key takeaways
  • According to AAA, the national average price of gasoline as of Dec. 22, 2022 was $3.01 per gallon (National Average Gas Prices, AAA).
  • As of Dec. 22, 2022, 10 states, including California, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, have average gas prices between $3.442 to $5.096 (National Average Gas Prices, AAA).
  • As of Dec. 22, 2022, the most expensive state for gas is Hawaii, with an average cost of $5.096 (National Average Gas Prices, AAA).
  • As of Dec. 22, 2022, the least expensive state for gas is Texas, with an average cost of $2.616 (National Average Gas Prices, AAA).
  • Mendocino, California, had some of the most expensive gas in the U.S. this year, as high as $9.60 (Deseret News).

5 best gas apps for 2023

1. Upside: Best for using with a cash back credit card

Upside is a free app that allows you to save money every time you fill up. When you download the app, you’ll see a map of all the offers nearby. You can get cash back (terms apply) at more than 45,000 gas stations nationwide.

Pros

  • Find gas deals for all types of gas: regular, mid-grade, premium and diesel
  • App shows restaurants and grocery deals too
  • Referral program gives you a bonus every time your referral makes an eligible purchase
  • Cash back can be redeemed for a gift card, direct deposit or via PayPal
  • Available on iPhone and Android

Cons

  • Only four hours to claim your offer after you activate it
  • Requires you to take photos of your receipts/save your receipts

2. GasBuddy: Best for up to 25 cents off per gallon

GasBuddy combines an app with the Pay with GasBuddy card, both of which are free to download and use. You’ll first need to enroll in the Pay with GasBuddy program (via the app or online), and then you’ll receive your GasBuddy card in the mail. To use your GasBuddy card, you’ll need to link the card to your checking account. You’ll then find and activate deals, swipe your card and see your deals automatically applied.

Pros

  • Works at 95 percent of gas stations
  • Up to 25 cents off per gallon, along with seasonal and station-specific promotions
  • The Pay with GasBuddy card is not a credit card, so no credit check is needed
  • App available on iPhone and Android

Cons

  • GasBuddy shares your personal information and location with third-party advertisers
  • By paying with the GasBuddy card, you’ll miss out on credit card rewards

3. Waze: Best for finding the best routes with the lowest gas prices

Waze is a free app that can help you find the lowest gas prices along your desired route, making it a great companion for road trips. After you download the app, you can view gas stations near you and filter them by price.

Pros

  • Doesn’t require registration
  • Compatible with credit card rewards programs and other discounts
  • User alerts about traffic, car crashes, police traps and construction delays
  • Easily view gas stations and gas prices near you, wherever you are
  • Available on iPhone and Android

Cons

  • No exclusive offers
  • Pricing information depends on users to provide accurate information

4. AAA TripTik: Best for planning an entire trip

AAA TripTik, which you can use online or via the AAA Mobile app, allows you to plan out an entire road trip, complete with stops at hotels, restaurants, gas stations, attractions and more. The app allows you to find gas stations along your route, helping you to choose the station with the lowest prices.

Pros

  • Helps you quickly find AAA-approved hotels and restaurants
  • You don’t need to be a AAA member to use the trip-planning features
  • Creates a summary of the time and distance of your trip
  • Doesn’t require any registration or a specific form of payment
  • Compatible with credit card rewards programs and other discounts
  • AAA Mobile app available on iPhone and Android

Cons

  • No exclusive offers
  • Numerous app features only available to AAA members

5. Gas Guru: Best for simplicity

Gas Guru is a free app available for iPhone and Android. Simply download and install the app on your device to get started. With the app, you can save and label the gas stations you stop at most frequently so you can easily see up-to-date prices. You can then compare the prices of your favorite locations to see which one offers the best deal.

Pros

  • Simple, user-friendly interface with few ads
  • No need to create an account
  • Great to use with popular map applications and credit cards rewards programs

Cons

  • Pricing is not as accurate as other apps
  • No exclusive offers

Other ways to save money on gasoline

Finding the lowest prices is only one part of saving money on gas. Here are some other ways:

  • Use a gas rewards program. Gas rewards programs are offered by gasoline retailers, and they can help you save at the pump. Most of the largest gasoline retailers, including many grocery stores that offer fuel stations, offer some sort of discount program.
  • Choose the best gas credit card. There are many credit cards that offer rewards on gasoline purchases. Many cash back cards will offer 2 percent to 3 percent back on every eligible gasoline purchase, but some top gas cards offer even more than that.
  • Buy gas on Monday. A 2022 study by GasBuddy found that gas prices in 2021 were lower on average on Monday than any other day of the week. Thursday was the most expensive day.
  • Drive cautiously and obey the speed limit. Being safe and obeying the law is a good idea for many reasons, and saving money on gas is one. The U.S. Department of Energy found that reducing your speed by 5 to 10 mph can improve fuel economy by 7 percent to 14 percent. Using cruise control is a great way to control your speed.
  • Reduce air conditioning and heat use. Instead of setting your climate control on automatic, consider using the fan or opening a window when the air outside is closer to the temperature you want inside.
  • Inflate your tires. The U.S. Department of Energy has found that by keeping your car’s tires inflated to the recommended pressure, you can improve your car’s gas mileage.
  • Carpool to work. This is a great way to save on both gas and maintenance while enjoying other people’s company on the way to work.
  • Look into fuel-efficient cars. Newer cars are often much more fuel efficient than older cars, especially gasoline hybrids, plug-in hybrids and, of course, electric cars. For example, Kelley Blue Book found the gas for a hybrid/alternative energy car costs only $76 a month, while a mid-size car costs $129 per month. This is based on a five-year average of gas prices and assumes that the average driver puts about 15,000 miles on their car per year (at varying speeds).

The bottom line

While you don’t have any control over the price of gasoline, there are many things you can do to reduce how much you spend. Using one of the leading gas apps is a start. There are many more ways to reduce what you pay for gas, including operating your current car more efficiently, earning cash back when you pay for gasoline and shifting to a more fuel-efficient vehicle. By understanding all of the ways to save money on gas, you can reduce its impact on your budget.