We’ve all been there—driving a few extra miles just to shave off a couple of cents per gallon. But while saving at the pump is important, focusing only on price per gallon can actually cost you more in the long run. What really matters is the total cost of fueling—and that’s where cashback apps like Upside and Fluz can make a much bigger impact.

Here’s how to reframe your fuel-saving strategy and get more value every time you fill up—without chasing the lowest sign price in town.

Use Location-Based Tools to Maximize Real Savings

Upside helps you find gas stations offering real-time cashback, often ranging from 10¢ to 25¢ per gallon depending on the area. Instead of basing your decision on pump price alone, you open the app, claim an offer near you, and earn rewards after you fill up and upload your receipt or use a linked card.

This approach lets you factor in both cashback and convenience, so you’re not wasting fuel driving across town just to save a few pennies.

Buy Gift Cards with Fluz and Stack the Savings

Fluz takes it one step further by giving you instant cashback when you buy digital gas gift cards. You can save money on Chevron gift cards, earn cashback at Shell, or get a discount on Texaco fill-ups—then use the gift card immediately at the pump or inside the station.

By combining Fluz with a loyalty program (like Shell Fuel Rewards or BPme), you’re stacking:

• Instant cashback from Fluz
• Per-gallon discounts from loyalty programs
• Additional rewards if Upside is used at that location

That’s triple-layered savings with just a few taps.

Why Cashback Beats Cheap Gas (When Done Right)

Let’s break it down. Say one station has gas for $3.55/gallon and another is $3.59/gallon. On a 12-gallon fill-up, that 4¢ difference equals 48 cents. But if the higher-priced station offers 3% cashback through Fluz and another 10¢/gal through Upside, you’re getting:

• $1.29 cashback from Fluz
• $1.20 from Upside
• Total savings: $2.49

That’s five times more savings than just choosing the cheaper station.

Final Thoughts

The smartest drivers don’t just chase the cheapest gas—they optimize the way they pay. By layering location-based cashback with Fluz gift cards and station loyalty programs, you’ll consistently spend less on fuel overall—even if the per-gallon price isn’t the lowest.

Focus on total value, not just price tags. Your wallet will thank you.