Gas is likely one of your biggest monthly expenses, especially with prices on the rise. If the increasing cost of fuel is straining your budget, there are ways to save money on gas and even find free gas cards.
With gas prices higher than normal, you’re probably spending more than usual just to get to work, school, run errands, and maintain your social life. Since gas is a necessity for most people, cutting it out entirely isn’t an option, but there are strategies to help reduce the burden.
Simple practices like combining errands, carpooling, and driving efficiently can help, but sometimes that’s not enough. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save on gas, and learning how to get free gas cards online can be especially helpful for low-income families and those in need of financial assistance.
In today’s article, I’ve compiled a list of resources, including websites and programs where you can find free gas cards, apply for gas vouchers, and access assistance programs. Additionally, I’ve included practical tips for saving money on gas.
Whether you’re familiar with some of these strategies or discovering new ones, I hope these tips help you stretch your fuel budget further and make life a little easier.
How to get free gas cards
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1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular online rewards platform that allows users to earn cash back and free gift cards for various activities. By using Swagbucks, you can even get free gas cards, such as a $50 Chevron gift card for just 5,000 points.
I’ve been using Swagbucks for years, and it has become an easy way for me to earn extra cash on the side. The platform is free to join and only requires an internet connection. Over the years, I’ve earned over 100 gift cards through Swagbucks.
There are many ways to earn money on the platform, including watching videos, playing free online games, scanning receipts, installing the Swagbutton, printing coupons, answering daily polls, and searching the web using their search engine. To get started, you can join Swagbucks through my referral link and receive a $10 bonus.
Once you’re a member, you can earn points by taking surveys, searching the web, watching videos, and shopping online. These points can then be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards to retailers like Amazon or Walmart, or even free gas cards. Swagbucks is a flexible and convenient way to earn rewards for activities you already do online.
2. Fetch Rewards
I’ve been using Fetch Rewards for over a year now, and it has made saving on groceries and other daily purchases incredibly easy. Fetch Rewards is a cash back and gift card app that gives you rewards for purchases you’ve already made.
By simply submitting your receipts to the Fetch Rewards app, you can earn points from any grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, gas station, and more. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Walmart, Uber, Target, and other rewards.
The process is straightforward—all you need to do is take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone, and you’ll start earning points. I make it a habit to scan all of my receipts into the Fetch Rewards app to maximize my rewards.
With Fetch Rewards, you just shop as usual, scan your receipt when you’re done, and watch the points add up effortlessly.
3. Upside
Upside, formerly known as GetUpside, may not offer free gas cards, but it’s an excellent way to save money when buying gas. This easy-to-use app helps you find gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants where you can earn cash back on your purchases.
Signing up for Upside is free, and once you’re registered, you can use the app to find nearby places offering cash back deals. You can earn up to $0.25 per gallon cash back at gas stations, up to 30% back on grocery purchases, and up to 45% back at restaurants, making it a great tool to help offset the cost of inflation on everyday purchases.
With access to over 50,000 locations nationwide, including Shell, Phillips 66, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, and Piggly Wiggly, Upside users can save money almost anywhere.
One of the app’s best features is the map that shows how much each gas station in your area is charging for gas, allowing you to find the lowest price while earning cash back. Upside makes it easy to save money on everyday expenses, turning your routine purchases into opportunities for savings.
4. Contact a local charity organization
If you’re a low-income individual asking, “How can I get free gas gift cards?,” reaching out to a charity organization may be a good option. Some organizations offer free gas vouchers to low-income families, making it worthwhile to contact local churches, government agencies, and non-profits.
For example, the Salvation Army occasionally provides free gas vouchers for emergency situations like health care needs or job interviews. Other organizations such as local churches, United Way (through the 2-1-1 program), Catholic Charities, and food pantries may also offer free gas cards, financial help, and transportation assistance.
If you’re on government assistance like Medicaid, you might qualify for free gas vouchers through a reimbursement program designed to help you attend medical appointments. Additionally, Free Gas USA is a grant program that helps households afford gas.
Many of these non-profits can also assist with job counseling, transportation, utility payments, and other support services. However, free gas vouchers are typically limited in supply due to funding and are meant for specific situations, such as getting to a medical appointment, a job interview, or starting a new job.
You may need to fill out an application and possibly undergo an in-person interview to qualify, providing proof of your need and copies of pay stubs. While free gas cards are not available regularly, they can be a valuable resource in times of need.
5. Get credit card rewards
Using a credit card strategically can help you earn rewards that contribute to your gas budget each month. I’ve been relying on rewards credit cards for years, and they are now my primary method of payment.
The concept is simple: every time you use your card, you earn points in various spending categories. Some cards are designed to give you extra points for gas purchases, while others offer more points for groceries, travel, or other expenses.
These rewards can be significant, but it’s essential to pay off your balance in full each month to make the rewards truly worthwhile. With a rewards credit card, you can earn airline tickets, gift cards, hotel stays, cash, and more just by using your card for everyday purchases.
Two of my favorite cards are the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Sapphire Preferred, both of which offer excellent rewards programs. Some cards even offer a higher rewards percentage, such as 5%, during certain times of the year to incentivize use.
If you’re looking to maximize your savings on gas, you might consider applying for a gas-specific credit card. You can redeem your rewards for gift cards, transfer points as cash back, or earmark this cash back specifically for your gas expenses. Using rewards credit cards can be a smart way to offset your gas costs and make your spending work for you.
6. Sign up for your grocery store’s loyalty card rewards program
Many grocery stores offer loyalty cards that not only provide discounts on certain items but also allow you to earn fuel rewards. These programs are typically free to join and can significantly lower your gas expenses.
Participating nationwide gas stations, such as Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP, and QuickTrip, often partner with grocery stores to offer these fuel rewards. The process is simple: sign up for the loyalty card during your next grocery trip, and you can start earning points immediately.
At checkout, enter your phone number or swipe your membership card, and your points will accumulate with each purchase. These points can then be redeemed at participating gas stations by swiping your member card or entering your phone number at the pump.
For example, by using my grocery points, I’ve saved up to $1.00 per gallon at the pump. Several grocery stores, including Kroger, City Market, Safeway, Albertsons, Piggly Wiggly, Harris Teeter, and Stop & Shop, offer loyalty programs where you earn one fuel point for every dollar spent.
Additionally, many of these stores allow you to earn points when purchasing gas gift cards, enabling you to stack your savings. This means you earn points on the purchase of the gift card and then use the points and the gift card to maximize your fuel savings.
7. Answer surveys
Many online survey companies offer gift cards or cash in exchange for answering market research surveys on their platforms. These companies collect valuable insights from consumers to understand their thoughts on various products, services, and brands.
This feedback is crucial for companies looking to improve their offerings and better meet customer needs, which is why they are willing to pay for your opinions. By participating in these surveys, you contribute to the development of new and existing products while earning points that can be converted into cash or gift cards as a reward for your time and input.
Here is a list of legitimate online survey companies:
8. Find gas gift card promotions
Occasionally, grocery stores and pharmacies, such as Publix and CVS Pharmacy, offer promotions on gas gift cards, allowing you to save money on fuel. For example, you might find a deal where you can get a $50 gas gift card for just $40, effectively giving you a $10 discount.
Another common promotion is receiving a $10 gas card when you spend $50 or more at the store. These deals are a great way to stretch your budget further, especially with rising fuel costs.
To take advantage of these offers, it’s best to keep an eye on the store’s weekly flyers, where they advertise current promotions, including any gas card discounts. By planning your shopping around these deals, you can make the most of your purchases and save on fuel expenses.
9. Buy discounted gas cards online
Buying deeply discounted gift cards online is a smart way to save money, especially on everyday purchases like gas. Many gift card resale sites allow people to sell unused or partially used gift cards at a lower price.
These sellers may no longer need the gift card, so they list it on a marketplace to make extra cash instead of letting it go to waste. For buyers, this means access to discounted gift cards for things they already plan to buy.
Raise is a popular site where you can occasionally find discounted gas gift cards for places like Speedway, BP, and Citgo. While gas prices are currently high, making deep discounts harder to find, it’s still worth checking these platforms for potential savings.
Besides Raise, another popular option for finding discounted gas gift cards is CardCash. Both platforms provide a convenient way to stretch your budget on fuel and other essential purchases.
How can I get free gas?
I hope you found today’s article on how to get free gas cards informative and helpful. We explored several strategies for saving money on gas and finding free gas cards, which can make a significant difference in your budget, especially with rising fuel costs.
While some methods, like obtaining a free gas voucher from a government agency or local charity, are temporary solutions that can be crucial during emergencies, they aren’t sustainable long-term options.
On the other hand, some approaches, such as completing surveys, may require more effort but offer consistent opportunities to save. Certain methods can even help you save up to $1 per gallon, and by combining these strategies, you can maximize your savings and stretch your fuel budget further.
How to save money on gas?
In addition to learning how to get a free gas card, there are several other ways you can save money on gas. One of the simplest methods is using GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas station near you, ensuring you’re always paying the lowest price.
Combining errands and planning the most direct route can help avoid unnecessary trips that waste fuel. Maintaining your vehicle is crucial as well—keeping your tires properly inflated and completing regular maintenance like oil changes can improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
Reducing the weight in your car by clearing out unnecessary items from your trunk or backseat can also boost your mileage. When it’s feasible, consider using public transportation or riding your bike to save even more on gas.
Additionally, driving at a steady speed and avoiding rapid acceleration or hard braking can help conserve fuel. Lastly, you might consider partnering with a company to place a display ad on your car, which can earn you extra money while you drive.