How to Get Gas Money Fast Without Falling Into Debt
Your fuel light is blinking, but payday is still days away and you need to get to work tomorrow.
It’s a stressful situation many Americans know too well, especially with transportation costs making up as much as 17% of household spending. But what's important to know is you do have options.
From aid programs to earned wage access (EWA) apps like EarnIn, here are the most practical ways to get gas money quickly — without getting tangled up in debt.
6 Quick options to get gas money fast
1. Use gas station rewards and loyalty programs
Many major chains run loyalty programs that reduce fuel costs immediately:
- Shell Fuel Rewards: Save up to 10 cents per gallon when you sign up.
- Kroger Fuel Points: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on groceries, redeemable for up to $1 off per gallon.
- Costco Gas: Consistently offers below-market prices, though membership is required.
Some stations also sell prepaid gas cards, which might be a useful way to budget your fuel expenses in advance.
2. Apply for gas assistance programs
Nonprofits and community groups can provide emergency fuel help in the form of gas cards or vouchers. Two national organizations to consider:
- United Way 211. Dial 211 to connect with local programs that may cover gas, bus passes, or other transportation help.
- The Salvation Army. Many local branches offer limited fuel vouchers or prepaid cards for people in need.
Resource Box
Need immediate gas assistance? These resources can help:
- United Way 211 – Dial 211 to find local fuel aid programs near you
- Salvation Army Gas Assistance – Contact your local branch for vouchers or prepaid cards
- GasBuddy – Free app to locate the lowest gas prices nearby
- EarnIn – Access to earned wages before payday for eligible users
3. Sell unused items for cash
One way to fill your tank could be to turn clutter into cash. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist allow you to sell household items quickly. Electronics, tools, and baby gear tend to move quickly.
For those in a tighter pinch, local pawn shops or ecoATM kiosks (for old phones and devices) can provide some cash on the spot. While you may not get top dollar, it can be immediate money for an immediate need.
4. Take quick-turn gig work
Tapping into the gig economy could put gas money in your account the same day you work:
- Delivery apps. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart all offer instant cash-out features (for a small fee), letting you access earnings as soon as you finish a shift.
- Microtask apps. Options like Field Agent or Gigwalk pay small amounts for simple jobs like surveys or store checks. These are two microtasking apps that can cash out quickly. But the downside is the payouts are sometimes small.
If you can dedicate a few hours, these platforms might cover a tank of gas in a single shift.
5. Leverage credit card cash advances — cautiously
If you’re truly out of options, a credit card cash advance is one way to get immediate cash — but it comes at a cost.
- Fees: Most issuers charge typically 3% — 5% upfront.
- Interest: Rates often hover around 30% APR, and interest starts accruing immediately (no grace period).
A credit card cash advance should ideally be a last resort, and it's good practice to repay it quickly. Otherwise, the debt can snowball fast.
6. Use EarnIn for same-day access to earned wages
When your tank is reading “E” and waiting isn’t an option, EarnIn can provide a bridge to your own earned wages. Unlike payday loans, EarnIn doesn’t charge interest or mandatory fees. Instead, with its Cash Out1 feature, you can access up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays — of money you’ve already earned.
Here’s how it works: Connect your bank and employment info, track your earnings, and cash out when you need it. The app operates on a voluntary tip2 model, making it much more affordable than traditional payday lenders that can charge as much as 400% APR. If you need money within minutes instead of the standard one-to-three days, use EarnIn's Lightning Speed3 tool (starting at just $3.99 per transfer).
A key to any fast-money option is seeing quality user reviews. Here's what one reviewer on the App Store shared about EarnIn:
“All in all, if you’re really going through a financial hardship, please trust me that this is the perfect app.”
How to make gas money fast — without borrowing
Not every solution involves borrowing or selling. Service-based side jobs can generate same-day cash without getting you into a debt cycle.
Jobs like babysitting, housesitting, dog walking, or mowing lawns can bring in quick earnings from around your community. And online platforms like TaskRabbit allow you to pick up one-off gigs — like moving furniture or running errands — for fast pay.
Some tips to prevent future gas money emergencies
Running on fumes doesn’t have to become a recurring crisis. For example, you could aim to set aside a small “fuel emergency” fund — even $5 to $10 per paycheck will add up over time. You can also consider tracking your fuel spending with apps like GasBuddy, to help you spot patterns and budget effectively. Plus, using a cashback credit card that rewards fuel purchases can stretch your dollar even further.
EarnIn also offers savings tools like Tip Yourself4, where you could automatically set aside small amounts from your paycheck for future needs like fuel.
Keeping your tank full without draining your wallet
When gas money runs short, you don’t have to turn to expensive lenders or risky options. From EarnIn’s earned wage access to community aid programs and gig apps, there can be multiple low-cost choices to choose from.
With a little planning, you can avoid the last-minute scramble and keep your tank full without the stress of high-interest debt.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company not a bank. Banking Services are provided by Evolve Bank & Trust or Lead Bank, both Member FDIC. The FDIC provides deposit insurance to protect your money in the event of a bank failure. More details about deposit insurance here.
1
A pay period is the time between your paychecks, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out.EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
2
Tips go to EarnIn and help us provide tools such as Credit Monitoring for free and keep Lightning Speed fees low. Your service quality and availability aren’t affected by whether you tip or not.3
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available in all states and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.4
Tip Yourself Account funds and Tip Jars are held with Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC and FDIC insured up to $250,000. Tip Yourself is a 0% Annual Percentage Yield and $0 monthly fee service deposit account. For more information/details visit Evolve Bank & Trust Customer Account Terms.The FDIC provides deposit insurance to protect your money in the event of a bank failure. More details about deposit insurance here.
