GasBuddy+ Charge Card: 5 Key Facts Before You Fill Up
Frequent users of the GasBuddy app—well known for helping drivers find low fuel prices—may want to check out the Pay with GasBuddy+ card. This new offering replaces the original GasBuddy fuel card, which is scheduled to be phased out in 2025.
Backed by Fifth Third Bank, the GasBuddy+ card advertises potential fuel savings of up to 33 cents per gallon. That number can certainly grab attention, but in reality, getting the full benefit takes a little effort. Here’s what you should know before applying.
1. It’s a Charge Card, Not a Credit Card
The Pay with GasBuddy+ isn’t your typical credit card. It’s a charge card, which means you won’t be able to carry a balance from week to week. Instead, your full balance must be paid off regularly—either manually or through autopay.
Opting into autopay not only simplifies your bill payment but also unlocks additional discounts (more on that below).
2. No Credit Check Required
One major perk? There’s no credit check involved in the application process. You won’t face a hard inquiry on your credit report, making this a low-risk option for those looking to avoid a dip in their credit score.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Reside in the U.S.
- Have a valid bank account (which you’ll link to your card for payments)
3. Autopay Comes with Valuable Extras
GasBuddy+ gives you the option to pay manually or set up automatic payments. While manual payments are due within 7 days of your weekly statement, autopay offers a few compelling extras:
- A 3¢ discount per gallon at most stations
- Up to 5¢ off per gallon at participating stations
- An additional 3¢ discount per gallon for every $25 spent in gas station convenience stores
- Higher spending limits: $100/day and $400/week (versus $50/week for manual payers)
You can also opt into a GasBuddy Plus or Premium membership, unlocking even more savings and benefits.
- Plus: $7.99/month or $89/year
- Premium: $9.99/month or $99/year, includes roadside assistance
4. Getting the Full 33¢ Discount Isn’t Automatic
While the advertised 33¢ per gallon savings is possible, it requires stacking multiple discounts. Here’s how to maximize your savings:
- Autopay users get up to 5¢ off per gallon at select stations
- Spend $25 inside the station store to earn another 3¢ off
- Activate Deal Alerts in the GasBuddy app to get up to 25¢ off per gallon
When you add all of these together (5¢ + 3¢ + 25¢), you get the maximum savings of 33 cents per gallon.
Note: Rewards are automatically applied to future fill-ups when you pay with your GasBuddy+ card and expire after 12 months if unused.
Looking for a more straightforward option? The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 5% cash back in your top spending category (including gas) on up to $500 per billing cycle—no stacking required.
5. Minimal Fees
One of the nicer features of the GasBuddy+ card is its lack of common fees:
- No annual fee
- No interest charges (APR)
- No late fees
However, you’ll still want to avoid:
- A $3.50 fee for replacing your card
- A $15 fee for any returned payments
Bottom Line
The Pay with GasBuddy+ card could be a helpful tool for frequent drivers looking to trim their fuel expenses. Just keep in mind that maximizing savings takes some effort, and the biggest discounts come through consistent usage, autopay enrollment, and some in-store spending.
For a simpler rewards system, a traditional gas rewards credit card may better suit your needs.