Can you get free gas at the pump? YES!
If you drive your car as much as the average person, you likely spend quite a lot on filling up your tank with gas. Although gas prices continue to decrease in the US, we still face record-high prices. Combine this with high-priced groceries, and you have the perfect mix for financial stress.
Luckily, there are ways to get free gas at the pump and keep more cash in your pocket. These options work for both in-town driving and road trips. Without further ado, here are some genius ways to get free fill-ups. Don’t worry; they are all completely legal.
Let’s get started!
1. Apply for a gas station credit card
One way to get free gas at the pump is by applying for a gas station credit card. This is a tool that can offer generous rewards for fuel and related purchases.
For example, within the first 90 days after signing up for a card, the BP Visa Credit Card offers 25 cents off per gallon for every $100 spent in BP gas stations, 15 cents off for $100 in qualifying grocery, travel, and dining purchases, and five cents off every $100 in purchases at other stores.
While the idea of getting cashback sounds tempting, it’s always best to choose a gas credit card carefully. One that allows you to use it anywhere (like the BP Visa) is usually more profitable than a credit card you can only use for gas.
2. Earn free gas gift cards with credit card rewards.
Another way to get free gas at the pump is by earning free gas gift cards. Sometimes, rewards credit cards offer gas station gift cards as a feature of their redemption program. Moreover, you may be able to receive bonus rewards on purchases made at gas stations to stretch your money even further.
For example, the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 3% cash back on fuel purchases at US gas stations. And the Discover It Chrome Gast Station and Restaurant Rewards card offers you 2% cash back on your first $1,000 spent on gas stations and restaurants each quarter, making it perfect for travel.
3. Cash in grocery store rewards
Next on our list of ways to get free gas at the pump is cashing in grocery store rewards. Many supermarkets from coast-to-coast have partnered with gas stations, resulting in fidelity programs that allow you to earn money off every gallon of gas just for shopping.
For example, some of the grocery stores that have lucrative loyalty programs let you earn up to $1.50 off per gallon. We know it’s not free, but it can almost reduce your gas bill by half.
When you’re trying to collect points for gas discounts, the rule is this: the more you spend, the more you save. In other words, being loyal to one store can help you accrue points more quickly, and stores bank on that.
4. Become a GasBuddy member
Another way to get free gas at the pump would be to become a GasBuddy member. If you haven’t heard about it yet, here’s what you should know!
GasBuddy is an app that helps you find gas stations that offer the best prices near you. Moreover, if you use the Pay with GasBuddy debit card, you can also earn free gas. All you have to do is load funds onto this pre-paid debit card and use it at top retailers. You’ll earn GasBack rewards that you can use on your next fill-up.
But that’s not all; when you use the Pay with GasBuddy debit card, you’ll also earn 24 cents per gallon back on every fill-up. The best part? The card is completely free, and no credit check is required.
5. Join your gas station loyalty program
Next on our list of ways to get free gas at the pump is a great method for those who don’t want to open another credit card or have poor credit that won’t allow them to qualify. Even in those cases, you can still get free gas at the pump by joining your preferred gas station loyalty rewards program.
QuikTrip, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Circle K, BP, Speedway, and many other gas stations all have a loyalty program that allows you to collect points you can redeem for savings or cash back on fuel.
BPMe and Shell loyalty rewards members get 5 cents off every gallon they purchase just by using the program.
Keep reading to discover other ways to get free gas at the pump!
6. Use Fetch to earn gift cards
With over one million five-star reviews, the Fetch app is another great way to get free gas at the pump. The app has been gaining popularity as a method to earn free gift cards just for shopping.
This has changed, though. Shop at any store, scan your receipt, and receive points you can use towards gift cards from major retailers, including gas stations. But that’s not all; if you share the app with friends, shop online, and redeem special offers, you can earn even more.
7. Redeem Swagbucks points for gas
Swagbucks is a rewards program that gives you free cash and gift cards for the everyday things you already do online. By doing simple tasks, such as taking surveys, playing games, shopping online, and even sharing Swagbucks with friends, you can earn points towards free gas gift cards or deposits of cash into your PayPal account.
Try it; you don’t have anything to lose!
8. Download the Upside app
Upside is another app that can help you get free gas at the pump. By using it, you can earn cash back when you do fill-ups, dine out at restaurants, and shop at grocery stores. No separate card is required.
Just pick an offer from those available in the app, pay with your linked credit or debit card—even a rewards card—and you instantly earn cash back. Trade it in for gift cards, funds deposited into PayPal, or a direct deposit straight to your bank account; no matter which option you choose, the money is yours, and you can use it for gas and more.
9. Get gas vouchers from the Salvation Army
According to several sources, if you’re in financial need, one way to get free gas at the pump would be to seek out the Salvation Army. The charitable organization typically hands out free gas vouchers once a year to people who need gas to travel to work or to a doctor’s visit. Check with your local Salvation Army to see if you are eligible.
10. Reach out to your local charity organization or church
Another way to get free gas at the pump would be by seeking help from your local charity organization or a church you’re familiar with. Local houses of worship and food pantries may provide gas vouchers to those in need.
Other national and international charities, including Catholic Charities and Saint Vincent de Paul, may also be able to offer assistance.
It’s important to note that these resources are for those who really need them, so only request them if you need gas money for traveling to work, school, or for non-emergency medical care.
By the way, if you feel like an expense tracker may help you keep a record of the purchases you make, this one is exactly what you need!
If you liked our article on ways to get free gas at the pump, you may also want to read Are You on a Low Income? 9 Ways to Save Money!
