Where To Find the Cheap Gas Stations in 2026—Plus 4 Genius Ways To Save Even More
From Costco to regional favorites, stack savings at the cheapest gas stations near you
Key Takeaways
- Warehouse clubs like Costco sell gas at thin margins for major savings.
- Download GasBuddy to find the lowest gas prices in your area instantly.
- Grocery rewards and credit cards can save you $100-$300 annually on fuel.
Let’s be honest: Filling up your tank shouldn’t feel like a splurge, but lately it does. Luckily, you don’t have to accept high prices at the pump! With a few smart strategies and knowing where to find the cheapest gas stations near you, you can take back control of your fuel budget. Ready to start saving? Here’s a look at how you can layer small discounts to get a bigger break next time you need to fill up your vehicle.
The cheap gas stations in every U.S. region
If you’re wondering the best place to fuel up for less, one chain consistently stands out across the U.S.: Costco! The warehouse chain—and others like it—often sells gas at a thin margin or even at a loss. Why? The company entices customers with savings at the pump, then makes its true profits via membership fees.
While you have to be a member (or have a Costco gift card) to buy gas at Costco, stopping by your local warehouse when you need to refuel can benefit your wallet in the long run.
But what if you don’t have a Costco membership? Thankfully, you aren’t out of luck! There are plenty of other chains that are priced competitively, especially in certain states.
Here’s a look at the cheapest stations in 2026 for each U.S. region:
- Northeast: BJ’s
- Southeast: Murphy’s USA
- Midwest: Sam’s Club
- Texas/Gulf Coast: Murphy USA and Buc-ee’s
- Mountain West: Maverick
- Southwest: Sam’s Club
- West coast: ARCO
But prices can vary by state, so it’s a good idea to find the best station near you when you need it!
How to find the absolute lowest price every single time
Download the GasBuddy app, then whenever you need a top-off, open it and sort by fuel type and payment method. You’ll see a list of stations in your area with their current prices, so you can find the cheapest one based on what you need (regular or premium) and how you’re paying (cash or charge), says deal-hunting pro Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com.
Also smart: Keep an eye out for Flash Deals, which are limited-time offers inside the app that give you extra discounts or dole out reward points that you can use toward store gift cards. If you spot one, tap “Activate” before you fill up to get it.
Easy ways to stack gas discounts for bigger savings
Add a rebate
Once you’ve picked a station, you may be able to get a portion of your fuel purchase returned with a cash-back app like Upside or Checkout 51, says James. Just open the app and see if there’s an offer where you’re headed. If there is, claim the deal before you start pumping.
After you hang up the nozzle, the app will prompt you to either check in or upload a quick photo of your receipt. When your account reaches the minimum ($15 for Upside and $20 for Checkout 51), you can cash out your earnings through a bank transfer or mailed payment. “It’s one of the few ways to get instant savings without changing where you shop,” James notes.
Nab loyalty benefits
If you regularly go to the same filling station, visit its website or ask an attendant whether they have a loyalty program. Many do, and they’ll give you automatic discounts or rewards every time you visit, says James. A few examples: Shell Fuel Rewards lets you save between three and 10 cents per gallon, Circle K’s Inner Circle gives you three to five cents off each gallon and Exxon Mobil Rewards+ adds points to your account for every gas purchase that you can redeem for money off a future fill-up.
Want to turbo-boost your rewards? Check if the loyalty program allows you to earn benefits in other ways. “Some let you link to grocery stores or dining partners for extra fuel savings,” James points out.
Shell Fuel Rewards members, for instance, get 10 cents off per gallon for every $50 spent at participating restaurants and five cents off for every $50 spent at certain online stores. And Exxon Mobil Rewards+ members can get bonus points just for linking their AARP card to their account. “You’ll be saving on gas without even thinking about it.”
Tack on grocery perks
Supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway and Stop & Shop offer fuel points for everyday food purchases that convert into big discounts at the pump. All it takes is using your store loyalty card when you shop, then redeeming your points for gas at participating stations.
“This is one of the most overlooked strategies to save,” says James. “I’ve seen people get 50 cents to $1 off per gallon simply by stacking grocery rewards over the month.”
Pay the best way
Pairing your gas purchases with the right credit card adds yet another layer of savings, says James. Many cards offer 3 percent to 6 percent back on fuel with no annual fee. The Citi Custom Cash Card, for example, gives you 5 percent back on your top spending category, which includes gas, while the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card gives you 6 percent cash back for the first year and then 3 percent after.
“That can easily mean getting $100 to $300 or more within 12 months if you drive regularly.”
A version of this story first appeared in the May 25, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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