Fuel prices always seem to be on a rollercoaster, and more often than not, the ride goes up rather than down. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a long-haul truck driver, or just someone who loves road trips, the cost of fuel can take a serious bite out of your budget. But here’s the good news—there are plenty of ways to get discounts on fuel and save money every time you fill up.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best strategies to help you cut down on fuel costs without sacrificing your driving needs. Ready to keep more cash in your pocket? Let’s dive in!
1. Use Fuel Reward Programs
One of the easiest ways to get a discount on fuel is by enrolling in fuel reward programs. Many gas stations offer loyalty programs that give you points or discounts per gallon just for fueling up at their locations.
Some of the best fuel reward programs include:
- Shell Fuel Rewards – Earn discounts by linking your credit card and making everyday purchases.
- BPme Rewards – Offers savings on fuel after signing up and using their app.
- Exxon Mobil Rewards+ – Earn points on fuel and convenience store purchases.
- Kroger Fuel Points – Earn points for shopping at Kroger and redeem them for fuel discounts.
These programs are usually free to join and can lead to substantial savings over time.
2. Get a Fuel Card
If you drive frequently, using a fuel card is a smart way to get significant discounts. Fuel cards are designed to help individuals and businesses save money on gas while offering additional perks like tracking expenses and controlling fuel purchases.
For example, Darbpay Fuel Cards are excellent for drivers looking to monitor their fuel usage while getting discounts. The best part? These cards help reduce fraud by linking fuel usage directly to your vehicle’s mileage meter, ensuring you’re only paying for what you actually use.
Benefits of using a fuel card:
- Exclusive fuel discounts at partner gas stations
- Spending control and tracking
- No need to carry cash or worry about reimbursement hassles
- Additional perks like maintenance discounts and cashback
Fuel cards aren’t just for businesses—many providers offer individual plans too. If you drive a lot, this is one of the most effective ways to get consistent savings.
3. Use Cashback and Reward Credit Cards
Many credit cards offer cashback or points on fuel purchases. If you already use a credit card for daily expenses, why not choose one that rewards you for buying gas?
Some great cashback credit cards for fuel include:
- Citi Custom Cash Card – Earns 5% cashback on your top spending category (which could be fuel).
- Chase Freedom Flex – Offers rotating 5% cashback categories, sometimes including fuel.
- American Express Blue Cash Preferred – Provides 3% cashback on fuel purchases.
If you pair these cards with a fuel rewards program, you could save even more!
4. Plan Your Fuel Stops Wisely
Did you know that gas prices can vary significantly even within the same city? It’s worth taking a few extra minutes to compare prices and find the cheapest gas stations along your route.
How to find the best fuel prices:
- Use Gas Price Apps – Apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and Google Maps can show real-time gas prices at different stations.
- Avoid Expensive Areas – Gas stations near highways and airports tend to be more expensive. Drive a little further into town for cheaper rates.
- Buy Gas Early in the Week – Studies have shown that fuel prices tend to be lower on Mondays and Tuesdays, rising as the weekend approaches.
A little planning can make a big difference in how much you pay at the pump!
5. Take Advantage of Grocery Store Fuel Rewards
Many grocery store chains offer fuel discounts as part of their loyalty programs. If you do your regular grocery shopping at these stores, you can accumulate fuel points and redeem them for discounts at partnered gas stations.
Popular grocery store fuel rewards programs:
- Safeway & Albertsons Just for U Rewards
- Kroger Fuel Points (redeemable at Shell and other stations)
- Giant Eagle Fuelperks+
- Walmart+ Member Discounts
These programs are a fantastic way to save money without changing your normal shopping habits.
6. Carpool and Rideshare Whenever Possible
If you commute daily, carpooling is one of the most effective ways to cut down on fuel costs. Sharing a ride with coworkers or neighbors means splitting the gas bill, reducing wear on your car, and even helping the environment.
Apps like BlaBlaCar and Waze Carpool make it easy to find people heading in the same direction.
If you have a long drive, consider using rideshare services like UberPool or Lyft Line to reduce costs when traveling.
7. Improve Your Driving Habits
Your driving style has a direct impact on your fuel consumption. The more efficiently you drive, the less fuel you burn.
Tips for fuel-efficient driving:
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking – Rapid speeding and sudden stops burn extra fuel.
- Use cruise control – Helps maintain a steady speed on highways, improving fuel efficiency.
- Keep your tires properly inflated – Underinflated tires create more resistance, requiring more fuel.
- Turn off the AC when possible – Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, especially in city driving.
- Reduce excess weight – Carrying unnecessary items in your trunk can lower your car’s fuel efficiency.
Small changes in how you drive can lead to significant savings over time.
8. Consider Alternative Fuel Options
If you’re open to a long-term strategy for saving on fuel, consider switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV). While the upfront cost might be higher, you’ll save significantly on fuel over time.
Fuel-saving vehicle options:
- Hybrid Vehicles – Use a combination of gas and electricity to improve fuel efficiency.
- Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) – Can run on electricity alone for short distances before switching to fuel.
- Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) – No gas required at all, saving you entirely on fuel costs.
With governments offering incentives for electric cars, making the switch might be a smart move in the long run.
Conclusion: Start Saving on Fuel Today!
Fuel prices aren’t going down anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price every time you fill up. By using fuel rewards, fuel cards like Darbpay, cashback credit cards, and smart driving habits, you can significantly cut your fuel expenses.
A little effort in planning your fuel purchases and making small adjustments in your daily driving can result in substantial savings over time. So why wait? Start applying these tips today and keep more money in your wallet!
