Gas prices fluctuate throughout the day, and timing your fill-ups can lead to surprising savings over time. While the differences may seem small per gallon, frequent drivers know that every cent counts. By understanding when to fuel up, you can keep more money in your wallet without driving extra miles.

Early mornings for stable prices
Many experts recommend buying gas in the early morning. Stations often adjust prices overnight based on market changes, and fueling up before demand spikes helps you lock in lower rates.

Avoid weekends and rush hours
Weekends and late afternoons tend to bring higher demand, which can push prices upward. To avoid paying more, try filling up on weekdays during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Midweek is often cheapest
Reports show that Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently among the best days to fill up, as stations frequently lower prices to attract midweek customers. By contrast, Friday and Saturday often bring price hikes ahead of weekend travel.

Leverage loyalty and rewards programs
No matter when you fuel up, joining programs like ExxonMobil Rewards+, Shell Fuel Rewards, or BPme Rewards ensures additional savings. These programs let you earn points or discounts on every gallon, stacking more value onto your timing strategy.

Stack timing with cashback apps
To maximize your savings, pair smart timing with cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta. For example, you can buy a 76 gift card with cashback through Fluz, then redeem it during an off-peak time for compounded savings.

Plan ahead, save more
Fuel costs can feel unpredictable, but timing your purchases strategically helps reduce the impact on your budget. Combine off-peak fueling with loyalty rewards and cashback apps to create a reliable system for saving at the pump.