How to Use GasBuddy to Find the Cheapest Gas Prices

As gas prices continue to soar upward, many Americans are asking how they can find the cheapest — or most affordable — fuel in their area.

Well, we’ve got the answer for you.

And it isn’t a list of different apps to try. It’s a single excellent app: GasBuddy.

GasBuddy is available for both iOS and Android and allows drivers to find the least expensive gas prices and fill up without paying an arm or a leg (or both).

Our guide will walk you through how to use the GasBuddy app, so you can discover the cheapest gas prices in your area, save money at the pump and potentially win free gas.

What Is GasBuddy?

GasBuddy is a mobile app that enables you to keep an eye on what different gas stations in your area are charging for fuel.

Using a driver-reported system, GasBuddy users can contribute their own reports on gas prices, find the best gas prices and save money themselves.

In exchange for reporting gas prices to the community, you can sign up for a shot at winning $100 in free gas every day.

GasBuddy also weaves in features to help you save even more, including signing up for a free GasBuddy card that can save you up to 25 cents per gallon.

The new Drives feature allows drivers to get a better sense of their fuel efficiency, makes suggestions to improve fuel efficiency and even save on car insurance.

How Do I Use GasBuddy?

If you’re thinking that GasBuddy sounds like the perfect app to help you save at the pump, you’re right!

Our guide walks you through using the GasBuddy app and your in-app options to save money.

How to Find Cheap Gas Near You

If you haven’t already, download the GasBuddy app. It’s free and available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android.

Once downloaded, we recommend creating an account as the savings are completely worth it. You can use GasBuddy to search for gas and report prices without an account though.

Once you sign up, tap the Find Gas tab at the bottom of your screen. You’ll see a list of the gas stations closest to you and the latest reported prices at each location.

If you prefer to view a map view, simply tap the map button in the top right-corner.

Using the controls at the top, you can sort the results by Price, Distance, Price & Distance, Deal & Distance or Deal Price. You can also adjust the type of fuel you are on the hunt for, such as Regular, Midgrade, Premium, Diesel, UNL88 or E85.

As you scroll through, you may notice that some stations don’t list prices or they may say Report Price. In these cases, the gas prices haven’t been reported, but you can help out the GasBuddy community by reporting the prices yourself.

In fact, this is a great time to talk about how you could win free gas by reporting prices.

Report Prices and Win Free Gas

GasBuddy operates by having its everyday users — that’s you! — report gas prices as they see them, but you won’t be left empty handed for your good deed.

You’ll earn points if you report gas prices. These points can then be used to enter daily drawings for $100 in free gas.

To report, tap the Find Gas tab at the bottom of the screen, then tap Report Price next to any listed gas stations that are missing prices.

You can enter prices for both cash and credit payments, as well as multiple fuel types at the station.

If a price has already been reported but it is outdated, you can click on the existing gas prices and report an update.

You can follow the same process to confirm existing prices and let other users know the prices they see are still in effect.

With each report, you earn points. Once you have enough points, you can tap the Win tab at the bottom of the screen to enter the daily free gas drawing. Each entry is 1,000 points and you can enter — and win — more than once.

To earn points faster, tap the Challenges button at the top of the screen to see one-time challenges you can compete for additional points.

Save With the GasBuddy Card

GasBuddy also offers a savings card that could knock off up to 25 cents per gallon at your next fill up.

Pay with GasBuddy works like a debit card by pulling the payment directly from your bank account via a linked debit card. The card is free and — best of all — no credit score or credit check is required.

To see savings, activate exclusive deals within the app first, then swipe your GasBuddy card to pay at the pump. Pay with GasBuddy is accepted at 95% of stations in the United States, except for Exxon Mobil, BJs, Costco, Sam’s Club, and H-E-B, along with certain Walmart and Arco stations.

To get started, launch the GasBuddy app, then click on the Savings tab at the bottom. Tap on the Get The Free Card button to apply and receive your card in the mail.

Increase Fuel Efficiency With GasBuddy

Another great feature that GasBuddy offers is known as Drives.

With the Drives program, GasBuddy tracks your driving habits to help you maximize fuel efficiency. You’ll receive a score for each trip, showing what impacted your fuel efficiency — such as hard braking and fast accelerating — and how to improve.

You can also export your driving data for taxes and mileage reimbursement programs, a great feature for those who travel for work.

Drivers who obtain a high score can even become eligible for savings on car insurance if they have coverage through Root Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Michael Archambault is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.

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