With fuel prices in 2025 remaining significantly higher than they were just a few years ago, many American families and individuals are feeling the pinch at the pump. If you're watching your spending closely, you'll be glad to know that your smartphone can be a powerful ally in the battle against high gas prices. Fuel-finding apps can help you locate the cheapest gas stations nearby, potentially saving you serious money over time.

Why Fuel-Finding Apps Matter

For high-mileage drivers like gig workers, delivery drivers, or anyone with a lengthy commute, even small per-gallon savings add up quickly. According to experts, using these apps can help consumers save around "15 cents per liter" (or approximately 57 cents per gallon) by finding the best deals in their area. What makes these apps particularly effective is their use of both crowdsourced data from users and official price reporting to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information.

Let's explore five top fuel-finding apps that can help you save money on gas in 2025.

Top 5 Gas-Saving Apps for 2025

1. GasBuddy

GasBuddy has become something of a household name in the fuel-saving world, with over 100 million downloads. The app shows real-time local prices by fuel type based on user reports.

What I love: The app is free to use and makes comparing nearby prices incredibly easy. If you're looking to maximize savings, GasBuddy also offers a "Pay with GasBuddy" debit card that provides additional discounts of up to about 30 cents per gallon.

What could be better: To get the maximum savings, you'll likely need to apply for their card or Premium subscription. In areas with fewer users, price reports can sometimes lag behind actual changes.

2. Upside

Upside takes a different approach by focusing on cashback deals for gas purchases (and groceries too).

What I love: There's no need to sign up for a new card—you can earn up to 25 cents per gallon back at participating stations using any credit card. Simply browse local gas offers, check in or upload receipts, and collect your cash via bank transfer or PayPal.

What could be better: Not all gas stations participate in the program, and offers vary widely by location. You'll need to accumulate at least $15 before cashing out, and smaller withdrawals incur a $1 fee.

3. AAA Mobile

The American Automobile Association's official app does more than just provide roadside assistance information—it also lets you check local gas prices and stations.

What I love: The app is authoritative and ad-free. It includes integrated EV charging search options and is excellent for planning longer trips with its TripTik planner feature. You don't need to be an AAA member to access basic price lookup functions.

What could be better: Gas price data is US-only, so it won't help when traveling abroad. And while basic functions are available to everyone, full functionality may require AAA membership.

4. Checkout 51

This general cashback app includes fuel offers among its deals.

What I love: The app covers both gas and grocery deals, potentially multiplying your savings. It partners with Upside to provide a wide range of gas offers, with cashback of up to 25 cents per gallon.

What could be better: The process requires some extra steps—you need to claim deals and upload receipts within specific time limits. You'll also need to accumulate $20 before you can cash out, and payments come as checks rather than digital transfers.

5. Waze

While primarily known as a navigation app, Waze also features gas prices along your route, updated by its community of users.

What I love: If you already use Waze for navigation, you can simply tap "Gas Prices" to see the cheapest stations along your current route. This integration helps you avoid unnecessary detours while still saving money.

What could be better: Since Waze relies on user updates, prices may not be as systematically refreshed as in dedicated gas apps. Some users also find the Waze interface busy with pop-up alerts unrelated to gas.

Tips for Getting the Most from Fuel Apps

To maximize your savings:

  • Set up price alerts to be notified when gas prices drop in your area
  • Check prices before you're running on empty, so you have the flexibility to choose where to fill up
  • Consider combining a navigation app like Waze with a dedicated fuel app for the best results
  • Look for apps that offer both official data and community updates for the most reliable prices
  • For frequent drivers, consider apps that integrate payment features for additional savings

Conclusion

With fuel costs continuing to impact household budgets, these apps provide practical tools to bring down your expenses at the pump. Even saving just 15-25 cents per gallon adds up significantly over time, especially for families with multiple vehicles or high-mileage drivers.

Have you tried any of these fuel-finding apps? Which one works best in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Sources: NerdWallet The Local Savings Grove Relay Payments