Whether you’re driving to work every day, taking road trips, or simply looking to stretch your wallet, gas prices are always on the mind of drivers. In 2025, with inflation worries and volatile oil markets, saving at the pump is more crucial than ever. Fortunately, there’s a way to save money and get rewarded for every mile you drive — through fuel rewards programs, intelligent driving behavior, and fuel-efficient options.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about saving gas and earning fuel rewards, such as:
Understanding fuel rewards programs
Top fuel rewards programs of 2025
Tips on fuel-efficient driving
Apps and tools to assist you in saving
Using credit cards for gas rewards
Alternate transportation methods
Blending methods for maximum savings
Let’s fill up and get started.
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1. What Are Fuel Rewards Programs?
Fuel reward programs are loyalty programs that reward customers by enabling drivers to get discounts on fuel by earning rewards from purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, retailers, or even fuel stations themselves. The programs can be based on a specific fuel station brand or credit card and usually award customers for their daily purchases.
How They Work:
Points-Based Systems: Spend money at participating gas stations or retailers to earn points.
Discount Per Gallon: Use points to earn cents off per gallon.
Tiered Memberships: Advanced levels reveal better savings or bonus promotions.
Partnership Offers: Bonus fuel points for shopping via paired grocery stores or dining networks.
You don’t have to spend more — you just have to spend smarter.
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2. Best Fuel Rewards Programs 2025
Here’s a recap of some of the greatest and most popular fuel rewards programs to join this year:
Shell Fuel Rewards Program
How it works: Get 5 cents off per gallon immediately for signing up. Add a credit card or purchase at partner merchants.
Pros: Conveniently accepted, regular offers, and redeemable with grocery rewards.
Tip: Take advantage of the Shell app for extra bonus savings.
Kroger Fuel Points
How it works: Earn 1 fuel point per $1 spent at Kroger and affiliated stores. Every 100 points = 10 cents off per gallon at Kroger gas stations and Shell stations.
Bonus: Earn double or quadruple points during promotional periods.
Pro Tip: Buy gift cards during 4X point events to boost rewards.
BPme Rewards
How it works: Save 5 cents for every gallon filled after each 1-gallon-or-more fill-up. Additional savings through network-linked offers and deals.
App Features: Pay directly from the app, keep purchases in sync, and get station locations.
Bonus: Join BPme Rewards Visa for more fuel and daily spend savings.
ExxonMobil Rewards+
How it works: 3 points/gallon and 2 points/inside-store spend. 100 points = $1 savings.
Mobile Perks: App offers digital payment and bonus offer redemption.
Pro Tip: Combine with AARP discounts if you are eligible.
Upside (formerly GetUpside)
How it works: Shop through the app to find listed stations. Save an offer, fill up, then upload a receipt or pay with the app.
Savings: Up to 25 cents per gallon in cashback.
Flexibility: Cash out to PayPal, gift cards, or bank accounts.
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3. Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits That Save You Money
In addition to earning rewards, driving smarter can save you a lot of money on fuel. Consider making these fuel-saving habits:
1. Maintain Steady Speeds
Constant speeding, quick acceleration, and hard braking burn fuel. Cruise on highways when it is safe to do so.
2. Keep Your Car Maintained
Regular oil changes
Proper tire inflation
Clean air filters
Routine engine check-ups
A well-tuned vehicle can increase fuel economy by as much as 10%.
3. Lighten the Load
Take out unwanted weight from your trunk or roof racks. Each extra 100 pounds can lower MPG by 1–2%.
4. Use the Right Grade of Fuel
Don’t pay for premium unless your car needs it. Check your owner’s manual.
5. Limit Idling
Idling over 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
4. Compare Gas Prices with Apps and Get Cash Back
Technology makes saving money on gas as simple as ever. These apps are must-have tools for all cost-cutting drivers:
GasBuddy
Locates the lowest gas closest to you with crowdsourced information.
Provides price monitoring, trip budget calculators, and even a GasBuddy card to save even more.
Upside
Get cashback on gas at thousands of locations.
Excellent for layering savings on top of other reward programs.
Receipt Hog and Fetch Rewards
Snap your gas station receipts to accumulate points for gift cards or cashback.
Complements grocery shopping for additional fuel rewards.
Store Loyalty Apps
Monitor fuel points and redeem digital coupons.
Enjoy special gas promotions based on your shopping patterns.
5. Use Credit Cards That Offer Gas Rewards
Most credit cards have gas rewards as one of their bonus categories. If you pay your balance in full every month, this is an excellent way to earn additional cash back or points.
Top Credit Cards for Gas in 2025:
Blue Cash Preferred from American Express
3% back at U.S. gas stations
Also earns on groceries and streaming services
Chase Freedom Flex
5% cash back on rotating categories (gas often included)
Awesome opening bonus for new customers
Citi Custom Cash
5% back on your biggest spending category (gas is included)
Automatically adjusts to your spending
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Select gas as your 3% cashback category
Costco Anywhere Visa
4% cash back on eligible gas (up to $7,000 annually)
Tip: Pair your gas credit card with a rewards app and fuel loyalty program for triple-layered savings.
6. Alternative Transportation Options
Occasionally, the best way to conserve gas is to drive less. These modes of transportation are not only budget-friendly but also environmentally friendly:
Biking and E-Bikes
Ideal for short trips. E-bikes are increasing in popularity for city commuting and can slash your gas expenses by half.
Public Transit
In well-built cities, transit passes can be significantly less expensive than monthly fuel payments.
Carpooling or Rideshare
Share fuel expenses with coworkers, friends, or neighbors.
Walking
It’s free, healthy, and optimal for very short trips (less than 1 mile).
7. Stack Strategies for Maximum Savings
The magic really occurs when you stack multiple saving strategies on top of each other. Here’s a real-life example:
Example: How One Fill-Up Can Stack Multiple Rewards
Shop for groceries at Kroger and earn 200 fuel points = 20 cents off per gallon
Redeem an Upside offer and receive 15 cents back per gallon
Use a gas rewards credit card and receive 5% back on the fill-up
Use the Fuel Rewards program and get an additional 5 cents per gallon off when filling up at a Shell station
Total savings? 45–60 cents off per gallon, plus points, cashback, and digital receipts that build up to future savings.
8. Seasonal and Special Promotions
Gas stations and retailers typically offer promotions around:
Holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving)
Back-to-school season
Spring and summer travel booms
Search for:
Double fuel points
Bonus gift card offers
Free gas sweepstakes
Check-in rewards on apps
Sign up for newsletters from your go-to fuel providers and grocery stores to get in the know.
9. Electric and Hybrid Cars: Fuel Savings in the Long Run
If you are serious about reducing fuel expenses, think about investing in a hybrid or electric car. Though the initial prices are more, they save you money on fuel and maintenance in the long run.
Examples:
Toyota Prius: 56 MPG (hybrid)
Tesla Model 3: Low charging fees as an all-electric vehicle
Hyundai IONIQ: 59 MPG (hybrid), also with an EV option
Government rebates and tax credits in numerous states can further assist in bringing down the purchase cost.
Last Thoughts
Gas is one of those necessary expenses that can chip away at your monthly budget — but it doesn’t have to be. By signing up for the right fuel rewards programs, driving smarter, using cashback apps, and selecting gas-optimized credit cards, you can make a significant impact on your fuel costs. The good news? You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle. A few simple adjustments can lead to huge annual savings.
So, the next time you get gas, consider it an opportunity — to save money, earn rewards, and drive smarter.