Fuel prices don’t just change week by week—they can shift by the hour. If you’ve ever driven past your usual station and noticed a higher price than the day before, you’re not imagining it. Timing your fuel stops can make a noticeable difference over time, especially for high-mileage drivers or anyone on a budget. In this post, we’ll break down the best days and times to buy gas, plus how to maximize your savings with tools like loyalty programs and cashback platforms.
When Is The Best Day To Buy Gas?
According to fuel analysts at GasBuddy, Monday and Tuesday are typically the best days to fill up. Prices tend to rise later in the week—especially Thursdays and Fridays—as stations anticipate weekend travel demand. By fueling up early in the week, you’re more likely to beat the price hikes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Monday: Often the cheapest day in many states
- Tuesday: Still competitively priced, especially early in the day
- Friday–Sunday: Prices climb due to increased demand
What Time Of Day Is Cheapest To Buy Gas?
Fuel prices can fluctuate within a single day, though not always dramatically. Many stations adjust prices in the late morning to early afternoon, based on market trends and nearby competition. If you’re aiming for peak savings:
- Fill up early (before 10 a.m.)
- Avoid lunch hour spikes
- Check pricing apps for sudden changes
Using tools like the GasBuddy app or AAA’s Fuel Price Finder can help you compare station prices in real time.
Watch Out For Holiday Surges
Fuel prices often spike around national holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. If you can plan ahead, fuel up 3–5 days before a holiday weekend, when prices are still stable. Also avoid the Sunday “return rush,” when stations tend to raise prices for returning travelers.
Combine Smart Timing With Smart Spending
Timing your fuel purchases is just one side of the savings equation. The other? How you pay. Apps like Fluz let you earn cashback with a Shell virtual card, get rewards with a BP virtual card, or earn cashback with a Chevron virtual card, all purchased digitally and usable immediately. By stacking that cashback on top of strategic timing, you’re hitting two layers of savings with every trip to the pump.
For example, if you fill up on a Monday using a gift card from Fluz, you’re:
- Paying the lowest price of the week
- Earning instant cashback on the gift card
- Still eligible for station loyalty rewards
Check Station Trends In Your Area
Fuel trends vary by region. In urban areas, competition keeps prices more dynamic, while rural stations may stay fixed longer. Use localized tracking apps to find the lowest gas prices near you, or browse price histories to see which stations adjust less frequently.
Helpful resources:
Fuel Smarter All Week Long
Timing your gas purchases is an underrated tactic that pays off over time. Combine early-week fill-ups with digital gift cards and loyalty programs to optimize every gallon. If you haven’t already, download Fluz to start stacking cashback with your next fuel purchase.
