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A man wearing a blue jacket filling fuel in his car at a gas pump.

How to Save Money on Gas

Last Updated: December 3, 2024
4 min read
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Key Points:

  1. A gas rewards credit card can help you save money on gas and earn rewards for your gas purchases.

  2. Good driving habits could increase fuel efficiency and save you money on fuel costs.

  3. You could reduce your gas spending by using cash back rewards to pay for gas.

Gas prices can put a strain on household budgets across the United States. Fortunately, you can try these seven strategies to save money at the gas pump. Use these tips to earn rewards when you make a gas purchase, reduce your gas bill, and find the lowest gas prices in your area.

7 Ways to save money on gas

1. Use a gas rewards credit card

Gas rewards credit cards could help you save money at the pump. They offer extra cash back on gas purchases so that you can get rewards for your road trips and daily commute.

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With the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Credit Card, you can earn cash back on your next road trip with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.1
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2. Use the correct type of gas

Are you using the right fuel? Premium gas has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline and costs around 85 cents more per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Car manufacturers optimize many cars to function on regular gasoline. So, unless your vehicle requires premium gas, using regular could save you money without affecting the car’s function.

3. Check gas prices at each gas station

Have you ever noticed two gas stations on different sides of the same street charging different gas prices? As the EIA explains, gas prices vary by location based on each retailer’s marketing costs, state and local taxes, and distance from the distributor. You can find the cheapest gas by comparing the price and the available loyalty gas rewards program at your local stations.

 

You might use a gas price app for your smart phone that does the work of tracking current gas prices for you. You can also use a friend as a “gas buddy” where you share good deals you find while driving around town.

4. Check your car’s fuel efficiency 

The car you drive could also help in saving money on gas. How often do you have to refill your tank? You might want to note the average number of miles you’re getting per gallon. To save on gas costs if your car’s fuel efficiency is low, consider switching to a hybrid or electric car or another energy-efficient option.

Dealerships and auto loan providers may examine your credit score before approving you for a loan. Before starting the search for a new fuel efficient vehicle, you may want to check your credit report to ensure you have good credit.

5. Turn cash back rewards into fuel

One way to save money on gas is to use the cash back from your gas rewards credit card or other cash back card toward fuel costs. Depending on your budget and financial needs, using your fuel rewards to buy gas could help offset your gas bill.

You could save even more on gas purchases by participating in loyalty programs for gas stations. Then, you’d earn rewards through your credit card provider, and you’d also earn rewards through the loyalty program on the same transaction.

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6. Maximize fuel efficiency 

Whatever car you drive, your driving habits and decisions behind the wheel could help you save money on gas. As The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) outlined, driving efficiently matters; aggressive driving and speeding don't just put drivers in danger, they also reduce fuel efficiency. You lose efficiency by 10% to 40% for aggressive driving and 7% to 14% when you speed.

 

After you hit 50 MPH, your fuel efficiency begins to plummet. Idling eats up fuel quickly, too. Avoid leaving the engine running while the car is in park. You can also take anything you don’t need out of your vehicle to improve fuel efficiency. Extra weight could bring down fuel economy and increase fuel consumption, especially in a smaller car. 

7. Keep your car in good shape

You may reduce your car’s gas consumption by attending to maintenance needs immediately. According to DOE, taking steps to keep your car in good shape can help impact fuel economy. For example, check your tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires may improve gas mileage. Switching the motor oil you use may help, too. If you use the grade of oil your car’s manufacturer recommends, you may get better gas mileage by a few percentage points.

Grow your gas savings

Many small changes could help you save money on gas, from the car you drive to how you pay your gas bill. With a gas rewards credit card, your gas station purchases could earn you cash back so that you’ll save even more money with every gallon you purchase.

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  1. 2% Cash Back at gas and restaurants: You earn a full 2% Cashback Bonus® on your first $1000 in combined purchases at Gas Stations (stand-alone), and Restaurants each calendar quarter. Calendar quarters begin January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Purchases at Gas Stations and Restaurants over the quarterly cap, and all other purchases, earn 1% cash back. Gas Station purchases include those made at merchants classified as places that sell automotive gasoline that can be bought at the pump or inside the station, and some public electric vehicle charging stations. Gas Stations affiliated with supermarkets, supercenters, and wholesale clubs may not be eligible. Restaurant purchases include those made at merchants classified as full-service restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and restaurant delivery services. Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 2%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion. For online purchases, the transaction date from the merchant may be the date when the item ships. Rewards are added to your account within two billing periods. Even if a purchase appears to fit in a 2% category, the merchant may not have a merchant category code (MCC) in that category. Merchants and payment processors are assigned an MCC based on their typical products and services. Discover Card does not assign MCCs to merchants. Certain third-party payment accounts and digital wallet transactions may not earn 2% if the technology does not provide sufficient transaction details or a qualifying MCC. Learn more at Discover.com/digitalwallets. See Cashback Bonus Program Terms and Conditions for more information.

  2. There is no hard inquiry to your credit report to check if you’re pre-approved. If you’re pre-approved, and you move forward with submitting an application for the credit card, it will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit score. Receiving a pre-approval offer does not guarantee approval. Applicants applying without a social security number are not eligible to receive pre-approval offers. Card applicants cannot be pre-approved for the NHL Discover Card.

  • Legal Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.