How to save money on gas in Canada
Learn how to save money on gas in Canada by comparing prices, earning cash back, joining fuel rewards programs and improving fuel efficiency.
CIBC
Sep. 21, 2026
3-minute read
Gas prices change often, and it can feel like you have no control over what you pay. In reality, there are several ways to lower the cost, from comparing prices before you fill up to earning money back on every visit. Here's what actually works.
Compare prices before you fill up
Prices can shift by several cents a litre within the same city, and even more between neighbouring towns. Building a quick habit of comparing a few stations near your regular route can add up to real savings over a year.
Many free price-tracking apps and websites are updated by drivers throughout the day, so you can confirm where the better deal is before you leave home.
- Compare 3 or 4 stations along your usual route
- Track which day of the week tends to bring lower prices in your area
- Fill up before a long weekend or holiday, when prices often rise
Pay with a cash back credit card
A credit card that earns cash back on gas purchases turns an everyday expense into money back over time. Rates and eligible categories vary from card to card, so compare what each one offers before you choose. To estimate how much you could earn based on your typical monthly fuel spending, use a rewards calculator.
Interest can add up if you carry a balance from month to month, so think about a payment plan that works for your budget before the cash back outweighs any interest charged.
Join a rewards program for the pump
Many gas stations and grocery chains run their own loyalty programs that give you points or a direct discount per litre. A few minutes of setup can turn a routine fill-up into an ongoing discount. Most are free to join and allow you to link to a card you already carry.
Plan errands to use less gas
Fewer trips mean less fuel, and a few small habits behind the wheel can stretch every tank further.
- Group errands into one trip instead of several short drives
- Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency
- Remove excess weight from your trunk and roof rack
- Reduce idling time, especially in cold weather
Weigh your longer-term options
If you drive often, it's worth reconsidering your vehicle and routine every few years. A more fuel-efficient or electric vehicle can lower your fuel costs significantly, and some cash back credit cards extend the same rewards to electric vehicle charging as they do to gas.
Carpooling and transit passes may also be options for routes you drive regularly, even if it’s only a few days a week.
Ready to put more of your fuel spending to work? Compare CIBC cash back credit cards.
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Book a chat with one of our advisors. They can help set you up for success, today and into the future.
