It can be a stressful situation when you need to be somewhere, your car is running on fumes and you realize you don’t have money for gas. If there’s no one to borrow from in a pinch and you’ve already scoured the couch for loose change — consider cash advance apps, short-term loans or community assistance programs that may be able to get you fast cash for gas.
How to get gas money right now
Here are a few solutions when you need money for gas. Some options can provide immediate funding, while others could take a few hours to a day or two.
Cash advance apps
One of the fastest ways to get cash for gas money is with cash advance apps, which offer amounts anywhere from $10 to $250 or more. Providers typically don’t charge interest or late fees and don’t do credit checks. Plus, you can usually receive the funds within minutes if you request an instant transfer. All you need to do is download an app, link your bank account and get verified. You’ll repay the advance on your next payday or the date of your next deposit.
However, most cash advance apps aren’t free. Many require monthly subscriptions, with charges ranging from around $5 to $20. Most providers offer a free transfer option that can take up to a few days to hit your bank account. But instant transfers can cost a fee anywhere from $2 to $25, depending on the advance amount and the app you use. But a few apps don’t charge subscription fees, meaning in most cases, they’re virtually free except for instant transfer fees.
What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches 3+ types of short-term loans across 65+ lenders. It takes into account the product’s interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate – this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you’re comparing the best short-term loans for all credit types, you can see how each short-term loan stacks up against other short-term loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.
Read the full Finder Score breakdown
Short-term loans
Another way to get money for gas (relatively) quickly is through short-term loans. This category can include payday loans, installment loans, loans from credit unions or community banks or even pawn shop loans. Short-term loans typically have fast turnaround times — some as soon as the same day you apply — and lenient requirements to qualify. Plus, they can be more flexible than cash advance apps, with larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms.
But the downside to some short-term loans is that you’ll typically pay higher interest rates and fees than with cash advance apps or more traditional personal loans. In fact, some of these loan options come with triple-digit APRs and can end up putting you into a deeper hole than you were to begin with.
You may want to first check with your local bank or credit union to see about a hardship loan or a payday alternative loan (PAL) before having to resort to an expensive payday or installment loan.
Financial assistance programs
If you need gas money — or other types of financial assistance — numerous programs and services may be able to help you out. One option is to contact your local United Way office. You can call 211 from any phone or go to its website to explore services in your area. You may not be able to get a gas card or voucher directly from the United Way, but they’ll send you to organizations that can.
You may also want to try places like the Salvation Army, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or Catholic Charities. These organizations may offer gas cards or gas vouchers, or like the United Way, they may be able to give you other options. Local churches and homeless shelters are other resources that may know of programs in your community that could help.
Finally, if you need ongoing assistance, you can go to USA.gov/financial-hardship to learn about benefits programs you may be eligible for.
How much gas money you need by distance and fuel economy
Gas prices vary depending on where you live, and the mileage you get depends on the fuel efficiency of your car, the speed you’re driving and other factors. The chart below shows the range of costs to drive the following distances based on your vehicle’s fuel economy, with gas prices between $3 and $5 a gallon.
| 25 MPG | $1.20 to $2 | $3 to $5 | $6 to $10 | $12 to $20 |
| 30 MPG | $1 to $1.67 | $2.50 to $4.17 | $5 to $8.33 | $10 to $16.67 |
| 35 MPG | $0.86 to $1.43 | $2.14 to $3.57 | $4.29 to $7.14 | $8.57 to $14.28 |
How to save money on gas
Cutting down on your gas expenses is one way to stretch an already tight budget. Here are some tips that might help you save a few bucks on gas.
- Carpool. If you can catch a ride to your job with coworkers, others who work nearby or alternate who drives, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars on gas throughout the year.
- Gas rewards cards. A number of gas station credit cards, like Exxon Mobile and Shell, offer rewards on gas and other purchases — plus discounts on gas every time you fill up. Credit cards with national banks, such as Discover and American Express, also offer cashback rewards on gas and other perks, no matter which filling station you choose.
- Gas apps. Download apps like Upside or GasBuddy to find the best gas prices in your area, earn cashback rewards and gain access to exclusive deals.
- Drive more efficiently. If you tend to have a lead foot, slowing down can increase your car’s fuel efficiency, saving you more money at the pump. Bonus: safe driving can also get you discounts on car insurance.
- Drive less. If possible, walk, ride a bike or take public transit to avoid driving. You can also try grouping your errands together so you don’t make multiple trips during the week.
Other alternatives to help with gas money
You may also want to consider these alternatives when you find yourself short of gas money.
- Ask your employer. You could ask your boss for a small advance on your pay, which they can just deduct from your next check. Some employers offer paycheck advances as a benefit to workers.
- Take on a side gig. Earning a little extra money on the side can take the pressure off financial hardship and ensure you never find yourself short of gas money.
- Visit a pawn shop. If you have something of value that you’re not using, you could sell it to a pawn shop or take out a pawn shop loan. Rates are high on loans, but it’s a fast way to get your hands on cash in an emergency.
Bottom line
Short-term loans or cash advance apps can help when you need gas money right now. Just be aware of the rates, fees and terms of these agreements. You may also want to look into community assistance programs or explore ways to save money on gas going forward.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I run out of gas with no money?
If you have roadside assistance — such as AAA or through your car insurance — call, and they’ll bring you gas. However, some providers may charge you for the fuel if not the visit. You could also call a friend or family member to help.
What to do if I can’t afford gas?
If you’ve exhausted all your options to find gas money, you may need to ask someone for a ride, walk or ride your bike. If you need gas to get to work, you should call your employer as soon as possible to explain the situation — they might be able to help you out or at least get your shift covered.
How can I get gas if I don’t have money?
Is there any gas in the can you use to fill your lawn mower? That’s typically the same kind of gas we use in our cars and could be enough to get you where you need to go.
