Gasoline Credit Cards

We’ve all been complaining about high gas prices for awhile now, but this year’s increases could really hit your wallet hard. Prices estimated to be $4 a gallon in some areas of the United States coupled with a possible economic recession presents a scary scenario for many Americans. Although we can’t stop prices at the pump from skyrocketing, it is possible to find those sought-after spots around town that provide better deals. Below you’ll find a list of tools that will aid you in your quest for the cheapest gas available.

Internet Tools

Plan ahead by checking out these sites or signing up for e-mail updates from those in the know.

1. GasBuddy.com: Click on your U.S. state of Canadian province to start your search for cheap gas. Prices are tipped off by other visitors by the minute, so you’re always the first to know. This website also lists national averages and the states or cities with the lowest prices.
2. MapQuest Gas Prices: Search the lowest gas prices that are nearest to your home or office by typing in your address. MapQuest also lets you search by gasoline type: regular, diesel, or alternative fuels.
3. GasPriceWatch.com: Gas prices are separated into three categories: green prices are less than 12 hours old, orange ones are less than 24 hours old, and red ones are more than 24 hours old. Users can type in a location or click and drag on the U.S. map to find nearby stations.
4. MSN Autos: Enter your zip code to access a detailed map of the most economical gas stations in your area.
5. GasWatch: Set up this widget on your website or blog to get updates on the cheapest gas available in your U.S. zip code. Once you’ve selected a particular gas station, click on the Map It button for directions.
6. Gas 3.0: Mac users can download this widget which “provides a simple, elegant, easy to use method for finding the cheapest gas in the area, right from your Dashboard.”
7. Motor Trend: This popular car and racing website also features a gas price locator. Click on your state, county and city to find the lowest prices available for regular, plus, premium and diesel fuels.
8. Fuel Gauge Report: The fuel gauge report from AAA reports local and national gas price averages each day. If you’re planning a trip, type in your departure and destination cities to get a rough estimate of how much cash you’ll need to spend on gas.
9. FuelEconomy.gov: This government website has current gas price data for cities all over the country. Find cheap gas near you or read the helpful gas mileage tips to help you conserve the amount of gas you use.
10. IGoogle Gadget: This post from Lifehacker discusses the Local Gas Prices iGoogle gadget that alerts Google account holders of the cheapest gas in their area.
11. Automotive.com: This helpful site finds the cheapest gas in your area and compares it to the national average so that you can see how much you’re really saving.
12. Yourcitygasprices.com: Sites like sanantoniogasprices.com and washingtondcgasprices.com quickly link you to the cheapest prices in your city. Type in your city’s name to see if you’ve got a site!
13. InternetAutoGuide.com: InternetAutoGuide.com is another site that lets visitors find cheap gas prices in their neighborhoods.
14. My WikiMap: GoogleMaps finds the cheapest gas prices for you when you enter your address or zip code.

Tools for your Phone

Sign up to receive text messages and alerts when gas prices drop.

15. gas@gasbuddy.com: Send a text to this e-mail address to get alerts sent right to your phone.
16. FuelGo.com: FuelGo.com supports another texting service that lets you compare cheap gas prices when you send them your zip code.
17. mobGas: Enter your cell phone number on this website to receive free SMS alerts once gas prices drop. You can also view maps of each neighborhood to help you locate each station.
18. 411Sync: Get connected with 411Sync, and access “your favorites at your fingertips.” The gas price locator is only one of several useful tools that this service provides.
19. GetMobio: If you’re already a GetMobio user, add on the Gas app “that helps you get the cheapest gas in your surrounding area.”

When You’re Already in Your Car

Sleek navigation systems will help you find the cheapest gas around when you’re running on empty.

20. MSN Direct: Get traffic reports gas prices, weather reports and movie times sent to your vehicle’s navigation system via a local FM signal.
21. StreetPilot c580: This navigation system supports MSN Direct, and with a free trial, users can enjoy gas price locators and maps at no charge.
22. nuvi 670: The nuvi 670 is a “widescreen personal travel assistant” that displays maps and gas prices all over the country so you’ll be able to fill up on the cheap even when you’re in a new place.
23. nuvi 680: A slightly less expensive model than the nuvi 670, the 680 is still a trusty driving companion with its weather and traffic updates, gas price locators and easy-to-use “large touchscreen display.”

Awards Cards and Rebate Programs

These credit cards offer excellent rebate programs to help you save money each time you buy gas.

24. Discover Open Road Card: The Discover Open Road card pays users 5% back on all gas purchases and all automotive purchases, including maintenance.
25. AmEx Simply Cash Business Card: This card is specially designed for small business owners, but anyone who puts in a fair amount of driving time will reap the benefits. Members receive 5% back on all gas purchases.
26. Chase Freedom Credit Card: This credit card is “the only credit card that gives you triple rewards where you spend the most.” If you’re constantly pumping gas, then you’re in luck.
27. BP Visa Card: The BP Visa Card was voted the “best gasoline credit card of 2006″ by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Earn double rebates for the first 60 days, and enjoy a 5% rebate at all BP locations after two months.
28. Citi Drivers Edge Card: Earn up to 6% rebates on gas purchases plus additional rebates just for driving around town.

Articles

The following articles offer more tips and advice for finding the cheapest gas in your town. You might be surprised to see where you can get more great deals!

29. 12 Ways to Find Cheap Gas: This article from MSN Money provides a list of tools and ideas for finding cheap gas in your area, including stopping at Wal-Mart or the grocery store.
30. Cheap Gas Prices: Find out why gas prices are continuing to rise with the information provided in this article. Readers will also find useful tips on locating the lowest prices in their area.
31. How to Find Cheap Gas: eHow.com shares its secrets to getting cheap gas: visit low income areas, get gas at a wholesale club and more.
32. Where to Find Cheap Gas and Gas Saving Tips: This article not only gives tips for finding cheap gas, it also encourages readers to research alternative fuel options.
33. 5 Ways to Instantly Find Cheap Gas: This popular article from LifeClever lists its top 5 tips for finding cheap gas.

For many Americans, driving to and from work, school and extracurricular activities is a necessity. Public transportation systems are lacking in most cities, and walking from suburbia into the city is out of the question. Paying too much for gas, though, doesn’t have to be your only choice, however. Consider using some of these tools and tips for finding the cheapest gas in your neighborhood, and you could wind up saving a bundle each year.

If you enjoyed this article, please bookmark it at del.icio.us »