How to save money on a summer car trip

If you’re planning a summer road trip, the price of gas likely has you thinking twice. Maybe driving to Minnesota to see the biggest ball of yarn isn’t a necessity after all. Though gas is expensive — the average cost per gallon is now $4.93 — there are ways to make your trip more affordable. Here are some things to try.

Consider the State

As you’re mapping out your car trip, consider which states have the cheapest gas. As Marketwatch reports, there are currently 10 states with gas below $4.30 per gallon: Georgia, Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas. If you’re going through any of those states, make sure to fill up your tank before moving on. Another way to save on gas is to download an app like GasBuddy, which tracks prices at local gas stations.

Rental Variation

If you’re renting a car, know that prices can vary widely by company, location and when you book. Shop around before you make your selection. You also might consider renting an EV. Yes, the upfront cost is higher, but when you cut out the cost of gas, you could come out ahead. Use the AAA gas calculator to see what your savings might look like.

Use a Card

One silver lining of spending a fortune on gas? You can charge it all on your rewards credit card and rack up points. Just make sure you can pay off the balance in full at the end of each month.

This blog is available for Granite State Credit Union members through CreditSavvy, in partnership with, and powered, by SavvyMoney. To learn more about CreditSavvy click here: https://www.gscu.org/learn/creditsavvy.html