With gas prices at all-time highs, nearing $4.50 in some locations, any way you can save some money at the pump has to be a good thing.  Most everyone in Northeastern Ohio is probably familiar with Giant Eagle’s fuelperks program.  It’s pretty straightforward: You spend $50 at Giant Eagle, you get 10¢ off per gallon when you fill up at the Giant Eagle Get-Go gas station.

The problem is at $4 a gallon you have to spend $2,000 for a free tank of gas.  That’s a lot of groceries.  I’m sure there are families with 4 kids that can spend that much in a couple of months, but I want to find a way to get things done sooner.

I want to find a way to beat the Giant Eagle Fuelperks system and get free gas.

I don’t know of any full proof method right now, but here are some things you can do to increase your savings:

• Bring an extra gas can with you when you go to fill up.  Giant Eagle will allow you to use your discounts on up to 30 gallons of gas.  Considering that most cars only have 15 gallon tank, you’re leaving some of your discount in the pump.  Put a 5 or 10 gallon gas tank in your trunk and fill it up when you use your discount.  Just don’t store it in your closet.
• Buy gift cards for places you will be shopping.  You earn fuelperks even when you buy gift cards, so if you know you’re going to Home Depot, why not buy the gift card at Giant Eagle and get the fuelperks too?
• Buy gift cards and then get rid of them.  This is a big money saver.  Buy gift cards at Giant Eagle.  Then do one of three things with them: Sell them online, use them for something very inexpensive and get cash back or return the card to the issuing retailer for cash. 
• Buy your prescriptions at full price.  This takes more work, but you’ll have a free tank of gas in no time.  Take your prescriptions to Giant Eagle, but tell them you don’t have insurance. Pay the full price on your credit card and then submit the receipt to your insurance company who will reimburse you for the difference.  

There has to be more ways out there to beat the system.  I’ve racked my brain, what do you think?  Do you have a way to get free gas at Giant Eagle?  Let everyone know in the comments.

Free Gas – Beating Giant Eagle’s Fuel Perks

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