✈ Gas Prices Are Surging — Here’s How to Pay Less, 9 Underrated Spring Travel Spots & More News From TPG ✈

March 17, 2026

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Beat the price bump at the pump

by Stephanie Stevens, Associate writer

Gas prices are on the rise, largely due to the conflict in the Middle East. The national average climbed more than 60 cents over the past few months. While none of us can control the price at the pump, there are ways to make that fill-up a little less painful.

Here are a few helpful tips:

No. 1: Choose the right credit card. Do not use a debit card at the pump. Some credit cards earn up to 5% back on gas purchases, which means every stop at the pump can put a little money back in your pocket.

For example, the Citi Strata Premier® Card earns 3 points per dollar spent on gas, while rotating-category cards like the Chase Freedom Flex® can hit 5% back when gas is part of the quarterly bonus categories.

But using the right credit card is just the beginning.

No. 2: Activate your credit card merchant offers. Card issuers often have targeted merchant offers you can activate to increase your savings on top of what you already earn with your credit card.

No. 3: Sign up for gas station loyalty programs. If you’re willing to layer a few simple tools together, the savings can add up faster than you might expect. Many gas stations run loyalty programs that knock a few cents off per gallon.

No. 4: Consider a rewards app. Add a cash-back app, like Upside (used by a few TPGers), into the mix and suddenly that routine stop at the pump starts working a lot harder for you.

Bottom line: By stacking a few of these strategies, it’s possible to shave 50 cents per gallon or more off the price of gas, depending on where you fill up. On a typical 15-gallon tank, that’s $7.50 back in your pocket, which can help take the sting out of those rising prices.

Looking for more ways to save? Start here:

Happy saving,

Stephanie

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Photo Credit: Getty Images.

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