GasBuddy Review: Helpful Tool for RoadTrips, or nah? [2024]

Looking for a way to save more than five times the amount you would with a debit or gas credit card? That's a question on all traveler's mind, especially when you're going on a road trip.

GasBuddy offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for everyone, particularly those new to an area or in urgent need of gas. These features include a quick sign-up process that requires no credit check, no bills, and no hassles.

If you want to make the best of your travel or road trips, you're not alone. But is GasBuddy actually worth it? In this review, I’ll take a closer look at the features that make this app so popular. This includes how it works, the cost, the pros and cons, and everything in between.

Life is easier if you have the right app handy the next time you hit the road. Let’s dive in, shall we? 

What Is GasBuddy?

GasBuddy is a popular travel mobile app designed to help travelers like yourself find the cheapest gas prices in your area. It uses prediction and historical data to locate the cheapest nearby gas stations and compare their prices, making it easy to save money on fuel. 

In addition to finding the cheapest gas, GasBuddy helps you locate gas stations with better amenities. I’m talking about clean restrooms and good food. 

The app is free on Android and iOS devices. It has become a go-to tool for drivers looking to save money and time on their daily commutes or road trips. 

With millions of downloads, GasBuddy has established itself as a leading fuel price and information resource.

GasBuddy Features

Best Gas Prices

At GasBuddy, you can find one of the cheapest gas prices for more than 150,000 gas stations across North America. This means you can easily compare prices and find the best deals in your area. 

Plus, GasBuddy’s gas prices are updated frequently, so you can trust that the information you see is accurate and up-to-date.

Gas Stations Sorted by Distance or Price

One of the great things about GasBuddy is that it allows you to sort gas stations by either distance or price. This means you can find the gas station closest to you or the one that offers the best price for the fuel you need.

With the app’s intuitive interface, you can sort and filter your search results in just a few clicks. 

Gas Station Map View

If you like to see where gas stations are located visually, you’ll love GasBuddy’s map app view and how it works. You can view all the gas stations in your area on a map, and it helps you identify which one is closest to you or offers the best price. 

And if you’re traveling to a new area, the map view can be especially helpful in finding gas stations along your route. With a glance, you can plan your stops and ensure you never run out of gas.

Reviews and Ratings 

Have you ever visited a gas station with dirty bathrooms or broken gas pumps? It can be frustrating and even ruin your day. 

With GasBuddy, you can avoid those unpleasant experiences. GasBuddy allows users to leave reviews and ratings for gas stations based on their experiences. 

This means you can see what other users think about a particular gas station before you decide to visit. So, GasBuddy’s user reviews and ratings provide valuable insights to help you choose where to fill your tank.

How Does GasBuddy Work? 

Below is all that’s required: 

• Download the GasBuddy app or visit its website.
• Search for gas stations in your area using the search bar or GPS.
• Sort gas stations by distance or price, and filter your search results as needed.
• Use GasBuddy’s map view to see precisely where gas stations are located.
• Explore additional features like user reviews and ratings, cashback rewards, and the Pay with GasBuddy payment card.

What is the Cancellation Policy? 

When an item is returned, canceled, or exchanged, the corresponding GasBack amount will be reversed. This entails deducting the amount you earned from your GasBack balance. 

If the reversed GasBack amount exceeds your current balance, your GasBack balance could turn negative. 

Do note that a negative GasBack balance renders you unable to redeem GasBack. Nonetheless, you can still earn more GasBack to return your balance to a positive and redeemable status.

GasBuddy's Recent Controversy with Data Collection

When I initially approached the app, I was taken aback by the amount of information GasBuddy is collecting from me. While it was very suspicious, I had an iPhone and was able to deny access to to app gathering data to a certain extent.

Upon further look, it seems like the GasBuddy app isn't as pure as trying to help you save money on gas and earn points based on gas purchases. It has a dark side.

While the app remains free, it collects a mountain of information on users using the app. According to its privacy policy and lawsuit reports that have came out, GasBuddy collects and sells location data to location-data brokers in the industry. It's apparently making up to 9.5$ per 1000 users for the location data it was selling.

Gas Buddy also sells your driving habits (if you have Drive feature enabled) to Arity, an Allstate owned company that shares these information to insurance companies to more accurately and unethically collect information that may help them predict the level of driver riskiness.

I've uninstalled the app since then, but if you're okay with the huge amounts of data collection brokerage GasBuddy is conducting, there are ways to limit its ability to collect data based on what phone OS you're on.

Is GasBuddy Worth It?

One of the main benefits of using GasBuddy is that it locates the cheapest gas stations near you. This can be particularly helpful for those who drive frequently or for long distances. 

The app can search for gas prices based on fuel type, brand, and location. This level of flexibility can help you find the gas station that suits your needs.

Another benefit I’d like to point out is its rewards program. You earn points for reporting gas prices and redeeming them for free gas, and this can be an excellent incentive if you’re looking to save even more on gas.

However, based on the huge amounts of data breach and brokerage GasBuddy has been doing, I'd stay away from the app. Next thing you know your insurance company increase your premiums because of "additional risk assessment factors".

My Rating: 2.1/5

Pros:

• Source cheap gas prices
• Offers a rewards program 
• Flexible search option 

Cons:

• Required account creation
• Cluttered interface/navigation
• Collects huge amount of data
• Known to sell your data

Let Pilot Help You Go Further!

If you plan to hit the road, go camping, or fish at a far destination, an app like GasBuddy can be handy for gas refills.  

It makes no sense to spend heavily on gas when you could save a few bucks when you know where to look. 

Now that you’ve got GasBuddy, why not take things further and let Pilot help you plan your trip?