Upside is the best overall app like Sunoco Gas Rewards because it works at many brands, pays in real cash, and can save drivers up to 25¢ per gallon at some gas stations [source: Upside]. But it is not the only good pick. GasBuddy, Checkout 51, Fuel Rewards, and BPme Rewards can also help you cut fuel costs without turning your phone into a coupon jungle.
TLDR: If you want one app, start with Upside. If you buy 12 gallons and get 15¢ back per gallon, that is $1.80 saved on one fill-up. Do that twice a week and you could save about $187 per year. Stack the right app with a rewards credit card, and the savings feel less tiny.
1. Upside
Best for: simple cash back at many gas stations.
Upside is the closest “use it almost anywhere” pick. You open the app. You find a nearby offer. You claim it. Then you buy gas and check in or upload a receipt, depending on the station.
The best part is the cash. You can usually cash out to PayPal, a bank account, or gift cards. That feels better than points that hide in an app forever.
- Pros: Real cash back. Easy map view. Works for gas, groceries, and food in many areas.
- Cons: Offers change a lot. Some stations are not much cheaper after the reward.
- Good move: Check the final price before driving across town.
It drives me crazy that some “big” offers are only useful if the gas price is already fair. Still, Upside is a strong first download.
2. GasBuddy
Best for: finding cheaper gas before you even use rewards.
GasBuddy is great when you want the lowest posted price nearby. It is not only about rewards. It is about price hunting. You can see what other drivers report, then pick the better stop.
GasBuddy also has a Pay with GasBuddy card. It can give fuel savings when you pay with that card. This is handy if you like one routine. Open app. Pick station. Pay. Save.
- Pros: Strong price search. Big user base. Useful on road trips.
- Cons: Prices can be wrong if no one updated them recently.
- Good move: Use it before you leave home. Do not check it at the pump like a sad little detective.
GasBuddy is best when you care about the price per gallon first. Rewards come second.
3. Checkout 51
Best for: people who already scan receipts.
Checkout 51 is known for grocery cash back. But it also has gas offers in some areas. The flow is simple. Claim the offer. Buy gas. Upload the receipt. Wait for approval.
This app is not as fast as tapping a station offer in a fuel app. Honestly, it feels like receipt apps love adding one more tiny chore to your day. But if you already scan grocery receipts, adding gas is not a big deal.
- Pros: Can combine shopping and fuel savings in one place.
- Cons: Gas offers are not always available.
- Good move: Keep the full receipt. Blurry photos can get rejected.
Checkout 51 is not the flashiest choice. But it works well for patient savers.
4. Fuel Rewards
Best for: Shell drivers.
Fuel Rewards is a smart pick if you often stop at Shell. You earn discounts from things like dining, shopping, and linked partner offers. Then you use those savings at the pump.
The app is clean enough. The reward system can be a little fussy at first. You may need to link cards or activate offers. After setup, it gets easier.
- Pros: Strong Shell savings. Many ways to earn.
- Cons: Less useful if Shell stations near you cost more.
- Good move: Compare the Shell price after the discount to other stations nearby.
This is the app for loyal Shell users. If you never visit Shell, skip it.
5. BPme Rewards
Best for: BP and Amoco regulars.
BPme Rewards is made for people who already use BP or Amoco stations. You can earn cents off per gallon and pay from the app at many stations. That means fewer taps on the pump screen, which is always welcome.
The best feature is the smooth payment flow. Pull in. Pick the pump in the app. Pay. Fuel up. Leave. It feels modern compared with punching buttons on sticky pump keypads.
- Pros: Easy mobile pay. Good for BP and Amoco fans.
- Cons: Not helpful if those stations are not close to you.
- Good move: Use it when the station price is already fair.
BPme Rewards is not the biggest savings machine. But it is simple and tidy.
Quick Comparison
- Best overall: Upside
- Best for price checking: GasBuddy
- Best for receipt scanners: Checkout 51
- Best for Shell: Fuel Rewards
- Best for BP and Amoco: BPme Rewards
How to Save More Without Losing Your Mind
Do not chase every penny. Your time matters too. Driving 15 minutes to save 60 cents is not a win. That is just a weird side quest.
Use this simple plan:
- Check GasBuddy for the cheapest nearby station.
- Open Upside to see if a cash back offer matches.
- Use a brand app if you are going to Shell, BP, or Amoco anyway.
- Save the receipt if you use Checkout 51.
A good gas rewards app should save money without making fuel stops annoying. For most people, that means using Upside plus GasBuddy. Add a brand app only if you already visit that chain. Keep it simple. Gas is expensive enough without turning every fill-up into homework.
