Best Ways to Save Money on Gas Right Now

Gas stations have been quietly doing what fast food chains figured out years ago. They've moved their best deals into their apps. If you know where to look, you can shave anywhere from a few cents to over a dollar off every gallon.

Here's every program worth signing up for right now, starting with the best of the best:

7-Eleven Rewards: The Best of the Best

Right now, 7-Eleven is the king of gas savings, but only if you know how to stack their promos correctly. Most people just download the app and leave money on the table. If you follow every step, you can get up to $1.47 off per gallon on your next fill-up.

Here's exactly how to do it:

1. Download the 7-Eleven app and confirm your phone number. This step is non-negotiable. Nothing works without it.
2. Text these codes one at a time to 711-711, entering your zip code when prompted after each one: SAVE, DEAL, FUEL, FUEL30, STARSWIN
3. Open your app and check your fuel rewards. You should see up to $1.47 off per gallon ready to go.

Don't skip any codes and don't rush through the prompts. Each one stacks on top of the last, which is how you hit that number.

Beyond the hack, 7-Eleven's standard rewards program gives you $0.11 off per gallon on your first 7 fill-ups, dropping to $0.03 off after that. Points also accumulate toward free food and drinks, and you get a free Slurpee every birthday month.

Potential savings: up to $1.47/gal with stacking, $0.11/gal on first 7 fill-ups, $0.03/gal ongoing

Shell Fuel Rewards Program

One of the largest chains in the U.S., Shell also has one of the best introductory deals for new members. Sign up before April 30th and you'll save $0.35 off per gallon on your first fill-up. Shell also lets you stack rewards on top of other programs like AAA, pushing savings as high as $0.45/gallon.

After your first fill-up, Gold Status gets you $0.05 off per gallon, which you maintain by filling up 6 times per quarter. Hit 12 fill-ups a quarter and you reach Platinum Status at $0.10 off per gallon. Drop below Gold and you fall to Silver at $0.03 off per gallon.

Potential savings: $0.05 to $0.10/gal ongoing, $0.35 to $0.45/gal on first fill-up

Circle K Inner Circle Rewards

Circle K is currently offering $0.25 off per gallon on your first five trips. After that it drops to $0.03 off per gallon, but the app regularly features challenges with bigger discounts. Spend $500 at Circle K and you unlock Premium status at $0.05 off per gallon. The $0.79 Polar Pops for members are a nice bonus too.

Potential savings: $0.03 to $0.05/gal ongoing, $0.25/gal on first five fill-ups

ExxonMobil Rewards+

Exxon Mobil is one of the most common gas stations in the country, but their rewards program is one of the weaker options right now at just $0.03 per gallon. If you fill up at Exxon or Mobil regularly, you'll get more out of pairing it with a Walmart+ membership at $0.10/gallon. Just know you can only use one discount at a time at the pump.

Potential savings: $0.03/gal

Paid Memberships

Costco ($65/year)

Recently named the cheapest place to buy gas in America, Costco Gas is typically $0.20 cheaper per gallon than other stations nearby. The Costco Anywhere Visa card adds another 5% cash back on top of that, making it one of the best overall deals for regular drivers. You can currently get a one-year Gold Star membership with a $20 gift card for just $65.

Limited Time Deal: Get a 1-Year Costco Gold Star Membership + $20 Digital Costco Shop Card for just $65!

Potential savings: ~$0.20/gal average

Walmart+ ($98/year)

Walmart+ members save $0.10 off per gallon at any Exxon, Mobil, or Walmart gas station. The savings look modest on paper, but Walmart+ regularly runs bonus weeks like their April promo where members saved $0.50 off per gallon. Members can also buy gas at Sam's Club without a separate membership.

Potential savings: $0.10/gal standard, up to $0.50/gal during promo events

Sam's Club ($50/year — going up to $60 on May 1st)

Just like Costco, Sam's Club members save around $0.20 per gallon compared to local gas stations. At $15 cheaper per year than Costco, it could be the better call if gas savings are your main reason for joining. Just note that the membership price is increasing to $60 on May 1st, so if you're thinking about signing up, now is the time.

Limited Time Deal: 1-Year Sam's Club Membership for just $30 – Lock in your year membership before price goes up to $60 on May 1st!

Potential savings: ~$0.20/gal average

Grocery Store Rewards

Kroger

If you already shop at Kroger or any of its family of stores (Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith's, King Soopers), you're likely leaving gas savings on the table. Every 100 points earned in the grocery store takes $0.10 off per gallon at the pump. With the right deals and point boosts in the app, you can stack up to $1.00 off per gallon.

Potential savings: up to $1.00/gal

Safeway/Albertsons

Safeway runs the same model as Kroger. Every 100 points earned grocery shopping knocks $0.10 off per gallon at the pump, with a cap of up to $1.00 off per gallon. The bonus with Safeway is flexibility. You can redeem at their own stations or at any Chevron or Texaco nearby.

Potential savings: up to $1.00/gal at Safeway, Chevron, or Texaco