Money mistakes at the gas station

How often you go to the gas station may have changed during the coronavirus pandemic, but whether it's once a week or once a month, there are several things you can do to save money, protect your vehicle and avoid identity theft. There are things that could prevent you from getting the most bang for your buck at the pumps. Let's look at some mistakes that may be hurting your wallet.

Filling up on the wrong day: Monday is the best day to buy gas because it costs less, and prices begin to rise on Friday through the weekend.

Paying with a debit card: Swiping a card is the easiest way to pay at the pump, but make sure you use a credit card instead of a debit card. Money expert Clark Howard always recommends that we pay for gas — and everything else — with a credit card because it carries better consumer protections.

Using the wrong credit card: If you're not thinking about which credit card you're swiping at the pump, you might be missing out on valuable rewards! The Sam's Club Mastercard, for example, offers 5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi offers 4% cash back on gas. A simpler cash back credit card like the Citi Double Cash can help you earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases.

Not using the type of fuel recommended: Every vehicle comes with a fuel type recommendation, which is usually included in the owner's manual. If you don't follow it, there's a possibility you could be wasting money. For example, if your car doesn't specifically require premium fuel, filling it up with higher-octane gas — CarFax.com says premium fuel is about 60 cents more a gallon — is a waste of money because it offers no benefit.

Shopping at the gas station food mart: If you find yourself buying groceries or other items from the gas station food market, you're most likely paying a higher price than you would if you purchased those same items from a supermarket.