How to Save Money on Gas: Upside, GasBuddy, and Instacart Driver Rewards

Three cards labeled Upside, GasBuddy, and Instacart are held outdoors against a cloudy sky. Text reads: How to Save on Gas.

If you're frequently on the road—whether for commuting, errands, or delivery work—fuel costs can quickly add up. Thankfully, there are free tools that help you cut those expenses and even earn money back. In this guide, you’ll learn how to combine three top-rated resources: Upside, GasBuddy, and Instacart’s Cart Star rewards program for drivers to maximize savings at the pump.

1. Upside: Earn Real Cash Back on Every Fill-Up

Upside is a cash-back app that gives drivers a percentage back on every gallon of gas purchased at participating stations. It’s easy to use and available nationwide.

How Upside Works:

Open the app to see nearby fuel offers
Claim an offer before fueling
Pay as normal and check in or upload a receipt
Earn cash back (redeemable via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift card)

Why It’s Worth It:

Partnered with major gas brands like Exxon, BP, Shell, and more
Works alongside existing fuel rewards and credit card perks
Frequent promotions and bonuses for new users and delivery drivers

Sign-up Bonus:Use promo code LISA42442 to get an extra 15¢/gal on your first fill-up. Join Upside

2. GasBuddy: Compare Local Gas Prices Instantly

GasBuddy is a real-time fuel comparison app that shows the cheapest gas prices near you, using data crowdsourced from other drivers.

Key Features:

Sort stations by price, brand, or fuel grade
Plan trips and calculate estimated fuel costs
Receive price hike alerts in your area
Use the Pay with GasBuddy card to save even more

GasBuddy is ideal for price-conscious drivers who want to plan their fuel stops wisely—especially in areas where prices vary from block to block.

Exclusive Offer:

Use code EM4F5VF when you sign up to receive an extra 10¢ off per gallon on your first fill-up.

This is a great way to automate savings, especially when combined with Upside cash back.

3. Instacart Drivers: Extra Fuel Rewards Through Cart Star + Upside

Instacart's Cart Star program rewards delivery drivers for their dedication—and one of the perks is an exclusive partnership with Upside for even more cash back.

Cart Star Fuel Savings Tiers:

Gold Cart: Up to 30¢/gal cash back
Platinum & Diamond Cart: Up to 35¢/gal cash back

Your Cart Star status automatically qualifies you for higher fuel offers in the Upside app once your account is linked. This adds even more value for Instacart drivers who fill up regularly.

Not a Driver Yet?

Driving for Instacart is a flexible way to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries from local stores. You choose your schedule and delivery areas.

Interested? Sign up using my referral link: http://inst.cr/t/bXN1cjUxR0Ey Referral Code: JOE8D589B

4. Link Your GasBuddy Card in Upside for Double Rewards

A little-known trick: you can now link your GasBuddy card in the Upside app to streamline your savings. By paying with the GasBuddy card at qualifying stations, you can:

Earn Upside cash back and GasBuddy savings in one transaction
Avoid submitting receipts—Upside automatically tracks the purchase
Keep everything in one place for easier management

This is a smart move for frequent drivers who want to automate their rewards.

How to Use All Three Tools Together

Here’s a simple way to maximize savings every time you need gas:

Open GasBuddy to compare fuel prices at stations nearby
Check Upside to claim a cash-back offer at the lowest-price station
Link and use your GasBuddy card for even more automated savings
Instacart drivers: Maintain your Cart Star tier to boost Upside rewards

Combining these tools makes it easy to save 25–50 cents or more per gallon.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wait for prices to drop to save money on gas. By combining Upside, GasBuddy, and Instacart’s Cart Star perks, you can take control of your fuel budget and get rewarded every time you fill up.

Even small savings add up when you’re filling your tank weekly—or daily.

What About You?

What are your favorite ways to save money at the pump? Are you using other apps like Trunow, Shell Rewards, or T-Mobile Tuesdays?

Drop your favorite gas-saving tools—and your referral links—in the comments below. Let’s build a community of smart savers and help each other keep more money in our pockets.

Written by Lisa Foster

Photographer | Storyteller | Visual Creative