Long road trips come with unforgettable views, playlists, and memories—but they also come with a hefty fuel bill. If you’re planning to hit the highway soon, downloading a few fuel-saving apps ahead of time can make a serious difference. From cashback platforms to real-time gas price finders, there are multiple ways to reduce what you pay at the pump without taking a detour.
Here are the best apps to use before and during your next road trip to keep fuel costs down.
- GasBuddy – Real-time fuel price comparisons
GasBuddy is a must-have for road trippers. It helps you find the cheapest gas prices near your current location or along your route. You can search by fuel grade, sort by distance or price, and even filter for stations with restrooms or amenities.
Pro tip: Create a fuel route before you leave so you’re never forced to fill up at high-priced stops.
- Waze – Traffic navigation plus gas prices
Waze isn’t just a GPS app. It also includes real-time gas price tracking submitted by users. As you navigate, Waze shows nearby stations with updated fuel prices and lets you route to the most affordable option without leaving the app.
- Fluz – Cashback on gas through gift cards and virtual payments
Fluz is a game-changer when it comes to instant fuel savings. Instead of just looking for a low price, you can earn cashback with a BP gift card, save on Chevron fuel, or get rewards with an Exxon gift card—all while paying the same pump price.
You can purchase a gift card in the Fluz app just before filling up, matching the exact amount owed. If a gift card isn’t available for your location, you can still earn up to 1.5% cashback by using a Fluz virtual card via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Top participating fuel merchants include:
- Upside – Cashback at the pump without gift cards
Upside offers direct cashback on fuel purchases at thousands of stations. You check in via the app, pay with a linked card, and upload your receipt. Rewards are credited to your account and can be withdrawn via PayPal or gift card. It’s especially helpful when traveling through unfamiliar towns or rural areas.
- Roadtrippers – Plan your route and find gas
Roadtrippers helps you map out your full journey, including pit stops for food, gas, and attractions. With premium features, you can layer in fuel estimates and use it alongside GasBuddy or Fluz to choose the most efficient stops.
- AAA Mobile – Fuel prices and emergency roadside support
AAA Mobile offers updated gas prices for members and provides access to exclusive discounts and roadside assistance. If you’re a AAA member, this app gives you the added bonus of security in case of vehicle trouble.
How to stack savings on the road
Here’s how to combine these tools for maximum efficiency:
- Use Roadtrippers to plan your route.
- Pull up GasBuddy or Waze to find the cheapest nearby fuel.
- Open Fluz to purchase a cashback gift card for that station.
- Scan your receipt with Upside if it’s a participating location.
- Pay with a rewards credit card for even more points.
- Redeem loyalty points from Exxon Mobil Rewards+ or Shell Fuel Rewards if you’re enrolled.
Final thoughts
A few smart app downloads can lead to serious savings over the course of a long road trip. With tools like Fluz, GasBuddy, and Upside, you’ll save more than just cents per gallon—you’ll cut real costs while staying on track. Fuel smarter, and your trip will go even further.
