app to track gas prices

You don't need a spreadsheet to track gas prices. You just need the right app. When prices are high, saving a few cents a gallon makes a real difference. A good app finds the cheapest pump and can stack extra savings from rewards or cashback.

Forget brand loyalty. The cheapest station is your new favorite.

The Two Big Ones: GasBuddy and Upside

Most people end up with either GasBuddy or Upside. They both save you money, just in different ways.

GasBuddy is a map of the cheapest gas around you, with prices reported by other drivers. Think of it like Waze, but for gas. The data is usually fresh. They also offer a free "Pay with GasBuddy" card that links to your checking account for an extra discount at most stations.

Upside (formerly GetUpside) is all about cashback. You claim an offer in the app, fill up with your normal credit card, and then snap a picture of the receipt. The cash builds up in the app until you cash out to PayPal or a gift card.

The other day, the low fuel light in my 2011 Civic had been on forever. I pulled over and checked both. GasBuddy found a station three blocks away that was $0.12 cheaper per gallon. Upside offered $0.15 cash back at a station a little farther away. So, instant savings or slightly more money later?

Your Navigation App Can Do This, Too

You might not need a separate app. Google Maps and Waze both have gas prices built in.

Search for "gas stations" and prices will pop up on the map. It's easy because you're probably already using one of them. The data just isn't always as fresh as GasBuddy's. Waze uses user reports, so it's pretty good, but Google Maps can lag by a day or two. Still, for a quick check, it works.

A Few Others to Check Out

A couple other apps are worth a look.

• Gas Guru: Pulls data from the Oil Price Information Service, not users, so the prices are often spot on.
• Checkout 51: Works like Upside, with cashback offers on both gas and groceries. Claim the offer, buy your stuff, and upload the receipt.
• Drivvo: This is different. It's for tracking your car's total costs. You log fill-ups and maintenance to see your actual MPG and cost per mile. It helps you understand what you're really spending on your car.

Using one of these apps changes how you buy gas. It turns a mindless chore into a small, satisfying win. And those wins add up. The best app is just the one you remember to open.