Gas prices are rising, and we expect them to get even more expensive this summer.
The good news is that there are ways you can save on gas without sacrificing your car or your comfort.
Gas rebates from local governments, corporations and other entities are one such option that many people overlook.
But these gas rebate programs can help cut the cost of a tank of gas by as much as 25% or more.
If you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with a gas rebate program, the savings could be substantial.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that on average, participating in a gas-rebate program can result in a 20-25% reduction in the price of a gallon of gasoline.
That’s pretty significant—especially if you drive a lot and are prone to filling up around $3 per gallon (which is where we’re trending).
What is a Gas Rebate?
A gas rebate is a program offered by a local government, business or other organization that provides cash back when you fill up your car at a gas station.
Gas rebates can reduce your fuel costs by as much as 25 percent, depending on the station. A gas rebate works a lot like a coupon. You act as the “consumer” and the gas station is the “merchant.”
The gas station gives you the “rebate” in the form of a gift card. The rebate gift card is usually redeemable only at that particular gas station.
How do Gas Rebates Work?
When you fill up your tank, you swipe your card at the pump just like you normally would. The pump will then give you a printed receipt. You take that receipt over to the cashier at the gas station.
They will then give you a gift card based on the amount of gas you purchased. Gas stations will often offer a higher rebate at the pump versus the price at the pump, so you may have to decide if you want to take the higher rebate or just pay the lower price.
If the rebate amount is significantly higher than the pump amount for the gas, you may want to fill up your tank at the pump as opposed to inside the station itself.
When Can You Expect a Rebate?
If you use a gas station that offers rebates, you’ll need to look for a sign inside or outside the station that advertises the promotion.
Make sure you read the fine print so that you know what types of purchases qualify for the rebate. Some rebates are only for a specific grade or type of gas, while others are for any grade.
The cashier will likely ask you if you’d like to take advantage of the rebate. If you do, then you’ll get a gift card with the amount of the rebate added to it.
The gift card should have specific instructions on when and how you can redeem it. It’s important to read the fine print to make sure you use the card correctly.
For example, some cards have an expiration date, while others may require a minimum purchase. If you don’t use the card within a certain amount of time, the company may expire the card and take away the rebate amount.
Who Offers Gas Rebates?
Many industries and businesses offer gas rebates, including: Local governments: Many municipalities and counties offer gas rebates to encourage people to drive less and use less fuel.
Schools: Colleges and universities often offer gas rebates to students who need to drive long distances. This is a great option for students who don’t have access to public transportation or a car, or who don’t want to drive their parent’s car.
Automotive companies: Some car manufacturers offer free gas or cash back on gas through their “loyalty” programs.
Toyota, for example, gives customers who purchase certain vehicles up to $100 per year to be used towards the purchase of fuel.
Convenience stores: Many popular convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven and Wawa, offer gas rebates when you sign up for their customer rewards programs.
Rental car companies: Some car rental companies, including Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, and Budget, offer gas rebates to frequent customers.
How to Find Out Which Companies Offer Rebates in Your Area?
You can find out which companies offer rebates in your area by doing a quick search online. You can also check out the rebate section of your favorite store’s website.
Many large corporations have sections on their websites dedicated to their rebate programs. When you do a search for “gas rebate” or “free gas” in your area, you will likely be inundated with options.
Choose a few that meet your needs, and then follow the instructions listed on their websites to apply and take advantage of these gas rebate programs.
How to Find a Gas Rebate Program Near You
If you don’t see a gas rebate program near you listed above, it’s time to get creative. Companies want your business, so you can always contact local businesses and see if they offer any perks or incentives to frequent customers.
Offering incentives, such as gas rebates, is a good way for companies to attract new customers. If there’s a gas station near you that you normally don’t shop at, you may want to consider filling up at that station.
A quick Google search for “gas station near me” will likely bring up several gas stations in your area. You can then look through their websites and social media accounts to see if they offer any gas rebates or incentives for customers.
You may also want to sign up for text alerts from gas stations in your area. Many gas stations will let you sign up to receive updates and special offers via text message.
Why are Gas Rebates Important?
Gas prices will always go up and down. Gas rebates help you save when they’re high, and they help you save when they’re low as well.
A gas rebate program can be a great way to save money on gas without having to change your driving habits. It’s also a great way to save money if you don’t drive a lot and don’t want to buy a ton of gas.
Gas rebates make it easier to budget for higher gas prices and still get to where you need to go. If you drive a long distance to work, to school, or to see family and friends, saving money on gas can help you avoid getting stressed out about the rising costs of fuel.
Rebate Apps You Can Trust
If you prefer to save money on gas through an app or website, there are several reputable companies you can choose from. You can visit our Gas Rebates page for more information about each company and how they work.
– Gas Buddy: This app is an excellent choice if you want to find the cheapest gas in your area. It also offers some coupons and gas station discounts, but not on a consistent basis.
– RetailMeNot: One of the most popular rebate apps around, RetailMeNot offers a wide variety of different rebates and coupons. You can also use this app to find savings on groceries and other products.
– Ibotta: This app is another excellent choice. It’s primarily a grocery savings app, but it also offers rebates on gas.
You can use ibotta to earn money back on gas, groceries, clothes, health and beauty products, travel, and more.
– Gas Buddy: This app is an excellent choice if you want to find the cheapest gas in your area. It also offers some coupons and gas station discounts, but not on a consistent basis.
Conclusion
Gas rebates are an excellent way to save money on gas. You can find gas rebates in a number of different industries and with a wide variety of companies.
You can also find a number of ways to save money on gas through apps and websites. When gas prices are high, it’s important to look for ways to save money, even if it’s just a couple of dollars here and there.
When they’re low, you’ll want to take advantage of those savings so you have cash on hand when they go up again.
When gas prices are high, there are a lot of customers who will avoid filling up their tank. This can result in less competition at the pump.
