5 Ways to Get Cash Discounts on Gasoline

With experts predicting 2011 summer gas prices to hit $4 a gallon or higher, many of us will certainly be looking closely at ways to lower the cost of gasoline. While driving around town in search of the cheapest pumps is one way to lower the cost of gasoline, I've discovered there are much better ways to find gas at a discount.

Buy gas at truck stops. Truck stops historically have cheaper gas per gallon than traditional gas stations; in our community for example, it's not unusual to see discounts as high as 10 cents per gallon. For extra savings, apply for a fuel rewards card for an additional 3 cents per gallon savings.

Use a gasoline credit card. Gas stations promote customer loyalty with discounted gas prices or fuel rebates to gasoline credit card holders. Gasoline credit cards can either be the traditional charge card or a Visa credit card, with both types offering discounts ranging from 3 cents a gallon to as high as a 5% rebate on the entire purchase.

BP (British Petroleum) and Shell gasoline Visa cards offers the best gas rebates I've seen at a whopping 5% off the entire purchase (that's a savings of 15 cents/gal or more). For extra incentive, both these cards include additional rebates of 1-2% on other selective purchases.

Pay cash and haggle down the price. Independently owned gas stations are one of the few places that offer discounts for cash customers. To get cheap gas at one of these places, I'll ask before paying if they "discount for cash".

Join a warehouse club. Warehouse clubs such as Costco, BJs, and Sam's Club sells gas to its members for 10 cents less than the general public. For motorists who put a lot of mileage on their cars, it may be worth buying a membership for the fuel discounts.

Use a grocery rewards card. I've recently discovered the amazing savings of "fuel points" at my favorite grocery store where grocery shopping translates into discounts on gasoline. Fuel points are earned at grocery stores such as Albertsons, Krogers, Fred Meyers, Ralphs, Safeway, Bi-Lo, and IGA, which are then redeemed at their partner convenience/gas stores.

Fuel points knock off anywhere between 3-30 cents per gallon and in certain locations, can be paired with a gasoline credit card for even more savings.

More articles by this contributor:
Ten Ways to Cut Food Expenses and Increase Your Savings.
How to save money easily without changing your lifestyle.
Consumer tips for avoiding credit card fees.