Gasoline prices continue to climb, with the cost of regular hitting $3.54 a month on Thursday, according to AAA, a 21% increase from one month ago.
Some of that increase is due to the normal switchover to more expensive formulations for the summer, when gasoline evaporates more easily.
But the ongoing war in Iran is also fueling rising prices. Year-over-year, regular gas has increased more than 15%.
Iran is OPEC's fourth-largest oil producer and controls a vital portion of the Strait of Hormuz. Continued U.S.-Israeli attacks could push it to restrict access and, after a series of attacks on at least five energy installations around Tehran, the country has threatened to target oil facilities in neighbouring states.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles
Terms apply.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
$0
1. Use a gas rewards credit card
Cards with fuel rewards are an easy way to save at the tank. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card has 5X points on fuel purchases at U.S. gas stations and EV charging stations, plus no annual fee.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Rewards
5X points on gas purchases at the pump and electrical vehicle charging stations, 3X points on purchases at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services
Welcome bonus
15,000 points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening.*
Regular APR
17.99% variable on purchases; 17.99% non-variable on balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
3%
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
Terms apply.
Pros
- High 5X points on gas at the pump and 3X on supermarket purchases
- No bonus category activations
- Good special financing offer on balance transfers
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee
*0% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days after account opening. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
Another no-fee car, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card gives 4% cash back at gas stations, 3% cash back on dining and 2% cash back at grocery stores, up to $8,000 in combined purchases annually.
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
4% cash back at gas stations, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, and 2% cash back at grocery stores, for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually, 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
$200 bonus after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first 3 months following account opening
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 billing cycles on balance transfers
Regular APR
19.24% to 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
3%, $5 minimum, within the first 90 days from account opening, then 4%, $5 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Pros
- High cash-back bonus spending categories
- Valuable welcome bonus
- No annual fee
Cons
- Bonus cash-back categories are capped
- Has a foreign transaction fee
2. Use a cheap gas app
Apps like AAA and Gas Buddy list prices at local gas stations, letting you comparison shop. Don't travel too far for cheaper fuel, though, or you'll eat into any savings.
The Upside rebate app offers up to 25 cents or more back per gallon at thousands of gas stations nationwide, including BP, Chevron, Exxon, Love's, Shell and Sunoco. Users claim the offer in the Upside mobile app and pay the full price at the pump with a credit/debit card. The cashback is credited in the app later.
Some stations require you to upload your receipt, but most will automatically verify your fill-up when you check in or link your payment card.
The prepaid Pay with GasBuddy Card can also save you up to 25 cents per gallon. It's free, doesn't require a credit check and, according to GasBuddy, works at 95% of U.S. gas stations. A discount is taken when you swipe your card, so there's no waiting for a refund.
You also don't have to reload: The card just pulls from your linked checking account every time you pump.
For more savings, GasBuddy Premium can save up to 40 cents a gallon. It comes with Allstate roadside assistance and exclusive offers from supermarkets, auto stores and other partners.
There is a $9.99 monthly fee, but GasBuddy guarantees savings of at least 20 cents a gallon on up to 50 gallons per month, equal to $10.00 per month.
3. Join a gas loyalty program
If you visit a specific gas station chain frequently, sign up for its loyalty program to earn rewards and discounts.
BPme by BP is free and users get 5 cents off of every gallon they purchase at a BP gas station. You also earn points that you can put toward gift cards and theme park admissions. For 99 cents a month, BP's Price Match program will check gas stations within two miles of the BP or Amoco station you fueled up at. If it finds a lower price, you get the difference — up to 5 cents per gallon.
Exxon Mobil Rewards+ is also free to join: Users receive 3 points for every gallon they purchase and 2 points for car washes and convenience store purchases. For every 100 points you earn, you get $1 off at the pump.
Enroll in the Shell Fuel Rewards program, and you'll get 5 cents off a gallon for the first six months. If you don't fill up at a Shell station at least three times a month after that, your discount drops to 3 cents per gallon.
4. Drive smarter
Hitting the gas pedal may get you where you want to go faster, but it wastes money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gas mileage decreases rapidly above 50 mph: Every 5 mph above that is equivalent to an additional 27 cents per gallon.
Rapid acceleration and braking can also reduce fuel efficiency. Using cruise control on the highway will help you maintain a constant speed and save gas.
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FAQs
Why are gas prices going up?
The price of gas typically goes up in the spring, as refineries switch to the pricier summer blend and people drive more. The Middle East conflict is also driving up global gas prices as oil facilities near Tehran are being targeted and Iran is threatening to block access to the Strait of Hormuz.
Does using cruise control save on gas?
By enabling you to maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden acceleration and braking, cruise control can improve fuel efficiency in certain situations.
Does driving slower improve fuel efficiency?
According to the Department of Energy, gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. Every 5 mph above that is equivalent to an additional 27 cents per gallon.
