US immigration and life in the United States are inseparable from cars, and cars are inseparable from gasoline. Therefore, refueling is a frequent necessity and a significant expense. So, how can you save money on gas?
Money-saving method 1: Buy cheaper gas
This is the most direct way, and everyone knows it. However, this does not mean you should drive around aimlessly; even if you arrive at a gas station, you may not know if it is the cheapest, and you will waste fuel. You might think the price difference won't save you much in a year, but according to statistics, in the Los Angeles area, the difference between the highest and lowest prices can reach $1.22/Gallon. For my own Solara SLE V6, which has an 18-gallon tank, I can save $21.96 on a single fill-up. How do you know where the lowest gas prices are? Please check GasBuddy.com before you head out. You can find the cheapest gas stations based on your Zipcode, and there are even online maps!
Money-saving method 2: Refuel at wholesale club gas stations.
Places like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club—with Costco being the cheapest—offer members gasoline that is $0.20 to $0.30 cheaper. This allows me to save $3.6 to $5.4 each time, $10.8 to $16.2 per month, and $129.6 to $194.4 per year. You can use a Costco Cash Card or an American Express credit card at Costco gas stations.
Money-saving method 3: Use Cash Back for refueling.
Consider applying for a credit card that offers Cash Back:
5% Cash Back: BP Visa Rewards card (Chase)
5% Cash Back: Discover Card
6% Cash Back: Citibank Driver’s Edge MasterCard
If you calculate it carefully, you can save $90 to $108 per year.
Money-saving method 4: Look for promotions
Many gas stations have customer loyalty rewards or weekly promotions. For example, in Waldoboro, Maine, prices drop by $0.1 every Sunday, which saves me $1.8 each time. Of course, some offer discounts on gas when you purchase food or car washes, such as at a few Chevron or Arco stations. If you happen to need a car wash, or just a body wash, you can give it a try!