GasBuddy Card Review: Can You Build Credit on the Road? 

If you’ve ever signed up to deliver for GrubHub, you may have seen their promo for the GasBuddy card. Or, maybe you found the GasBuddy app in Google Play or the iOS App Store and now you’re wondering about the card. 

Think GasBuddy might be right for you? Wanna know if you can build credit with the card? 

Here, I lay out exactly what you can get with the GasBuddy card to help you decide whether it might be a good fit for you. Then, I throw out a few alternatives and answer some of the most common questions. 

Here’s what’s in store: 

• How Does GasBuddy Work?
  • GasBuddy Company Overview
  • What is a GasBuddy Card?
• Features & Benefits of the GasBuddy Mastercard
  • 1. GasBack® Rewards on Every Purchase
  • 2. Discounts on Gas Purchases
  • 3. Versatile Usage
• GasBuddy Card Alternatives
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion: Is the GasBuddy Card Worth it?

Now, let’s roll!

How Does GasBuddy Work? 

GasBuddy is meant to help you find the best deals on gas – It’s a  mobile app that uses location-based services to help users find nearby gas stations and compare fuel prices. Its core feature is crowdsourced (human) data, where users actively contribute real-time information on fuel prices at various gas stations. 

This collective effort creates a dynamic and continuously updated platform, which (ideally) allows users to make informed decisions about where to fill up their tanks. However, while some people rave about the accuracy, others are turned-off by the inaccuracy of pricing.

I would assume that more densely-populated areas with more GasBuddy users might have more accurate pricing updates.  

The app is available on Google Play and the iOS app store. 

GasBuddy Company Overview

Originally founded in 2000 by Jason Toews, GasBuddy (Boston, Massachusetts) was acquired by PDI Technologies. The new board brought Sarah McCrary of Boston on as CEO/COO in 2016. Prior to joining the GasBuddy team, McCrary served as Vice President, Digital Strategy at Heartland Payment Systems, so her leadership background is legit.

According to Glassdoor, more than half of GasBuddy’s employees would recommend the company to a friend and approve of the CEO…So, they’re doing better than many companies, as far as how they treat employees. 

PDI Technologies is an Alpharetta, Georgia based company that has acquired 21 companies, including Koupon and Skupos. Now, TA Associates acquired PDI in 2019 for $1.6 billion. TA Associates has been part of at least 79 acquisitions, and have invested in eight women-led and Hispanic-led businesses, including TaxAct and Fortra, in the past 24 years. 

In sum, the company seems to be completely trustworthy, though you’ll read mixed user reviews. On this note, I want to say that not every offer is right for every person. 

What is a GasBuddy Card? 

GasBuddy actually has two payment card options: 

1. GasBuddy Gas Card (debit/transfer)
2. GasBuddy Mastercard (credit)

The GasBuddy Gas Card is a key component of the GasBuddy ecosystem, connecting directly to users’ checking accounts. This card offers a compelling incentive with discounts of up to 25¢ per gallon on fuel purchases at participating stations — This feature positions GasBuddy as free, no-risk, cost-conscious consumers looking for practical ways to save on fuel. 

Payments on a GasBuddy Gas Card will not be reported to credit bureaus, so it won’t help raise your credit score. However, it might give you a foot in the door to their credit card offer… 

Now, GasBuddy also offers the GasBuddy Mastercard to those with qualifying credit. The credit card introduces a rewards program called Gasback®. This card opens up opportunities for you to earn cash back or rewards points.

For our purposes, let’s talk more about the GasBuddy Mastercard, and find out if it can really save you the most on gas. 

You might also like: The Self Secured Credit Card: Is it Right for You?  

Features & Benefits of the GasBuddy Mastercard

The GasBuddy Mastercard offers some enticing rewards, particularly on fuel purchases. Let’s take a look at the GasBack® rewards program, discounts, and versatility of this card.  

Recommended: 7 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards 

1. GasBack® Rewards on Every Purchase

Earn rewards with every purchase, including a $10 GasBack® reward for your first gas purchase at the pump within 60 days of account opening and $25 GasBack® when you reach $500 in spend on non-gas purchases within 120 days.

GasBack® rewards expire after 12 months.  

Benefit from tiered rewards with 3% GasBack® on convenience store and restaurant purchases, and 1% GasBack® on all other non-gas purchases, enhancing the overall value of the credit card.

2. Discounts on Gas Purchases

Enjoy savings on every gallon purchased at the pump with GasBuddy’s credit card, ranging from 3¢ up to an impressive 25¢ back per gallon as a statement credit.

Activate exclusive Deal Alerts within the GasBuddy app, unlocking special promotions and saving up to 25¢ on gas at the pump.

GasBuddy credit cardholders can achieve substantial fuel savings, ranging from 3¢ to 25¢ per gallon, with additional perks such as GasBack® rewards for specific spending milestones and various purchase categories.

3. Versatile Usage

Use the GasBuddy™ Mastercard® Credit Card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, allowing for everyday purchases, not just limited to fuel-related expenses.

Seamlessly integrate the GasBuddy™ Mastercard® Credit Card with the GasBuddy app, providing a comprehensive platform for tracking rewards, activating exclusive deals, and managing your fuel-related expenses.

GasBuddy Card Alternatives

If you’re looking for a way to save money on fuel, but you’re not set on the GasBuddy card and app, there are other ways. 

For example, Google Maps now shows nearby fuel prices. To see them, you just have to open the app and search “fuel” or “gas station.” If you’re an Apple user, you can use Google Maps in place of Apple Maps by downloading the app from the iOS app store – for Apple users, there will be some disconnect between automatic links generated in SMS messages (you will just have to do more copy and pasting). 

It’s a simple way to bargain shop for gas, though you won’t automatically earn rewards this way.  

And, if you shop at Safeway, Fred Meyer, or Costco, you can earn fuel savings when you pay for everyday groceries and household items: 

• Fred Meyer Rewards members can enjoy significant fuel savings of up to $1.25 per gallon. The program operates on a points system, where members earn one point for every dollar spent. Accumulating 100 points translates to a 10-cent discount per gallon of fuel. 
• Safeway’s rewards program also offers fuel savings based on points. Members earn 10 cents per gallon for every 100 points earned at participating stations. The redemption process allows points to be used in increments of 100, contributing to savings with each fill-up.
• For Costco members, the credit card associated with the warehouse club provides an attractive benefit. Costco’s credit card offers a noteworthy 4% cash back on gas purchases. 

Finally, competitor apps like Waze and Upside offer various ways to save in your vicinity – their offers are worth a look.  

Credit Secrets members love sharing savings and credit building tips in the active, private Facebook group. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Is the GasBuddy Card Worth it? 

In a nutshell, the GasBuddy Card seems like a decent choice if you’re into saving on gas and building credit. The GasBuddy app uses crowdsourced data to help you find the best gas prices, though accuracy depends on your location and how active users are.

With two cards—GasBuddy Gas Card (debit) and GasBuddy Mastercard (credit)—you’ve got options. The Gas Card hooks up to your checking account, offering discounts on fuel but won’t boost your credit score. On the flip side, the GasBuddy Mastercard comes with GasBack® rewards, gas purchase discounts, and versatility, plus it reports payments to credit bureaus.

While the Mastercard brings tiered rewards, exclusive deals, and savings on non-gas expenses, watch out for the 29.24% or 34.99% interest rates. 

Other popular tools like Google Maps and brands like Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Costco also serve up fuel savings. It’s all about weighing what fits your style, spending habits, and credit goals to see if the GasBuddy Card is a good road trip companion for you.

To get that credit score up fast so you can move forward with your life, check out Credit Secrets and start your journey to better financial health.