Here's how to find cheaper gas with retail programs and memberships
From warehouse clubs to retailer membership perks, we found secret savings on gas for our readers.
Rachel Cortez- Paid memberships like Walmart+ and Amazon Prime offer significant fuel discounts at participating gas stations.
- Wholesale clubs such as Costco and Sam's Club provide member-only pricing that is consistently lower than local competitors.
- Grocery store loyalty programs and cash-back apps can help you earn rewards and find the cheapest gas prices in your area.
- Maintaining your vehicle with fuel system cleaners and proper tire pressure can improve its overall fuel efficiency.
We’ve all felt the sting of rising oil prices lately, making it harder than ever to stay on budget. It’s no secret that gas prices are notoriously volatile—but whether they’re hitting record highs or just creeping upward, your fuel budget shouldn’t have to take the hit. To help you navigate the pump without breaking the bank, the USA TODAY Shopping team has curated the ultimate guide for where to find cheaper gas.
From exclusive membership perks to simple lifestyle shifts, here are the best ways to keep your tank full and your wallet happy.
Everything you need to know about how to get cheaper gas
- Paid memberships with fuel perks
- Wholesale club gas savings
- Grocery and big box loyalty rewards
- Best cashback and gas finder apps
- Easy ways to boost vehicle efficiency
Paid memberships with fuel perks
Some of the most powerful fuel-saving tools might already be sitting in your pocket. Popular retailer subscriptions aren't just about free shipping or streaming; many now offer significant fuel discounts as part of their member benefits to provide tangible, everyday value. These memberships turn your monthly or annual subscription into a recurring win at the pump, often paying for themselves through gas savings alone.
1. Walmart+ fuel savings
A Walmart+ membership provides an instant discount of $0.10 per gallon at more than 13,000 participating stations nationwide, including Exxon and Mobil. Beyond these partnered stations, members also save between $0.05 and $0.10 per gallon at Walmart and Murphy USA locations.
In addition, one of the most underrated perks of the program is that it grants subscribers access to member-only pricing at over 500 Sam’s Club fuel centers, allowing you to bypass the need for a separate warehouse membership while still enjoying their competitive rates. To unlock these savings, you simply use the Walmart app to scan a QR code at the pump or enter a specific ID code before you fuel up.
2. Amazon Prime fuel savings
Amazon Prime members can save $0.10 per gallon at roughly 7,500 locations across the country, including bp, Amoco and ampm stations. To activate this perk, you must link your Prime account to a free Earnify account (bp’s loyalty program), which essentially doubles the standard $0.05 discount offered to non-Prime Earnify users. Once linked, the savings are applied automatically when you enter your phone number at the pump or use the Earnify app to pay.
Even better, Amazon is currently offering a bonus Fuel Up Friday promotion, where these fuel savings are now $0.20 off per gallon on Fridays through May 29.
Wholesale club gas savings
Wholesale clubs offer some of the most consistent fuel savings on the market, with member-only prices that often beat local gas stations by $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon. By pairing these daily low rates with store-branded credit cards, you can turn a basic warehouse membership into a massive monthly discount on groceries and fuel.
1. Sam's Club fuel savings
A Sam's Club membership provides exclusive access to over 500 fuel centers where prices are typically $0.10 to $0.30 lower than the local average. One of the biggest perks for Sam's members is the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app, which allows you to pay for gas directly from your phone to skip the keypad and lines.
For those looking to double-dip on savings, the Sam’s Club Mastercard offers a massive 5% back in Sam’s Cash on gas purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year). This means you aren't tethered only to Sam’s Club pumps—you can earn that 5% back even when you're forced to fill up at a different station while traveling.
2. Costco fuel savings
A standard Costco Gold Star membership grants you access to Costco Gas Stations, which are famous for their Kirkland Signature fuel—a TOP TIER certified gasoline designed to clean your engine and optimize performance. While the membership doesn't offer a "cents-off" points system like grocery stores, Costco’s base price is consistently among the lowest in any market, often saving members $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon compared to nearby name-brand stations.
To maximize these savings, members can use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, which recently boosted its rewards to an impressive 5% cash back on gas purchased at Costco (and 4% at other gas stations/EV charging) on the first $7,000 spent per year.
3. BJ's Wholesale fuel savings
A standard BJ’s Wholesale Club membership offers immediate relief at the pump with "Everyday Low Prices" that typically sit about $0.10 below local competitors. Beyond the base discount, the Fuel Saver Program allows you to stack savings by purchasing eligible grocery and household items, with each qualifying product knocking an additional $0.10 off per gallon for your next fill-up. By timing your shopping with these stackable items or taking advantage of seasonal "spend and save" promotions, you can significantly lower your fuel costs.
While a basic membership provides full access to these perks, upgrading to a Club+ tier or using a BJ’s One Mastercard can unlock an automatic, stackable discount of up to $0.15 off every time you fuel up.
Grocery and big box loyalty rewards
Programs like Kroger and Safeway turn every dollar spent into fuel points redeemable at their pumps or partners like Shell. To maximize savings, shop during "4x Points" gift card events—buying cards for services you already use can quickly earn you $1.00 or more off per gallon.
For those who prefer a specific brand, linking your Shell Fuel Rewards account to their dining or travel partners earns "cents-off" rewards on everyday purchases. When stacked with the base Gold Status discount, you can consistently save $0.05 to $0.10 per gallon every time you fill up.
Best cashback and gas finder apps
For savvy drivers, using cashback and gas finder apps has become a proven strategy for significant savings. By turning your smartphone into a real-time price tracker, you can bypass the "highway tax" at expensive stations. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Upside: This app remains the "king" of fuel apps for earning actual cash back rather than just points. Simply "claim" an offer in the app before you fill up and pay with your usual card to see rewards—often ranging from $0.11 to $0.25 per gallon—hit your account within days. With a network of nearly 50,000 businesses, it’s the perfect tool for "double-dipping" alongside your favorite gas station's loyalty program.
- GasBuddy: This app remains the gold standard for real-time price tracking, letting you know exactly what the sign says before you turn the corner. Driven by millions of "GasBuddies" who report local prices daily, the data stays incredibly fresh and reliable. For the biggest wins, watch for "Flash Deals" that can knock up to $0.30 off per gallon, or use the built-in Trip Cost Calculator to map out the cheapest stops for your next road trip.
- Google Maps: This popular app now uses AI-driven "Ask Maps" to help you find the cheapest gas on your route while filtering for extras like clean restrooms or car washes. You can even use its 3D Immersive View to scout station entrances and avoid traffic before you arrive.
- Waze: For a community-driven approach, this app excels at finding hidden gem stations off the main highway, relying on real-time price updates from fellow drivers to ensure accuracy.
Easy ways to boost vehicle efficiency
To maximize your fuel savings, you can equip your vehicle with a few key items that ensure it's running at peak efficiency. Here is a quick shopping list of the best tools and treatments to help you get more miles out of every tank:
1. Fuel system cleaners and treatments
Over time, carbon deposits can build up in your engine, disrupting fuel flow and lowering your MPG. A high-quality cleaner can help restore your car’s original efficiency.
- Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus: Widely considered the gold standard, this cleaner is recommended by many automakers to remove deposits from fuel injectors and intake valves.
- STP Ultra 5-in-1 Fuel System Cleaner: A great multi-purpose option that not only cleans but also uses friction modifiers to help engine parts move more smoothly.
- Royal Purple Max Clean: A premium synthetic treatment that deep-cleans the entire fuel system and can help stabilize fuel if your car sits for long periods.
2. Precision tire pressure tools
Since even a slight drop in tire pressure can hurt your fuel economy, keeping an accurate gauge and inflator in your trunk is a smart move.
- AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge: An affordable, highly-rated digital tool that provides instant, easy-to-read measurements in 0.5 PSI increments.
- Avid Power Portable Tire Inflator: A top-rated cordless pump that lets you top off your tires anywhere, ensuring you never have to pay for air at a gas station again.
- JACO ElitePro Tire Gauge: A heavy-duty, battery-free analog option known for its extreme accuracy and rugged durability.
3. Performance air filters
Your engine needs to "breathe" to burn fuel efficiently. A clogged filter forces the engine to work harder, which wastes gas.
- K&N High-Flow Air Filter: These washable, reusable filters are designed to increase airflow. While they have a higher upfront cost, they can last the lifetime of your vehicle and save you money on replacements.
- Wix Engine Air Filter: A favorite among mechanics for its superior sealing technology, ensuring that only clean air reaches your engine for optimal combustion.
4. Diagnostic "Smart" tools
Sometimes the biggest fuel-wasters are hidden sensor issues.
- BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner: This small plug-in tool connects to your phone to show you exactly how your engine is performing. It can alert you to faulty oxygen sensors or other "check engine" issues that might be silently tanking your gas mileage.
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