Summer road trips expenses can add up, but with some simple planning, you can score rewards along the way.
Get your car checked up before you hit the road to improve fuel efficiency and drive with confidence.
Mapping out stops along your route can help you save time and money along the way.
When stopping, make sure to shop at gas stations that offer rewards and savings
Look for a rewards card like the bp rewards Visa® that makes the most of your everyday purchases and offers you the flexibility to spend your rewards points how you want.
By Alyssa Callahan, head of marketing for bp's mobility and convenience business
Summer travel planning can quickly become a full-time job. Creating budgets, booking hotels and mapping out rest stops can be exhausting, especially when seeking the best values.
Fuel may be a top-of-mind cost, but it is often just one part of a broader mix of purchases tied to time on the road. Multiple convenience-store runs, dining and little impulse buys add up fast. Plus, there are the purchases you'll make before your trip to stock up on road essentials and the big grocery trips and takeout dinners when you get home.
The good news is that with a little extra planning, you can save hundreds and even score some rewards along the way. For households hitting the road this summer, here are a few simple moves that will put some money back in your pocket.
Map it out. Summer has a funny way of turning one stop into four. Planning routes in advance, grouping errands and checking traffic before heading out can help drivers make the most of the miles they are already covering.
Treasure hunt for value. Sometimes, the best way to save money is knowing where to spend it. Plan your rest stops so you're always stopping at gas stations that offer savings and rewards for filling up and buying trip snacks.
Don't skimp on the tune-ups. Properly inflated tires, regular oil changes and routine service can improve your car's safety and efficiency. It's not exciting, but basic maintenance can make a huge difference over a busy summer of driving.
Make routine spending work harder. Outside of road trips, summer can be an expensive season with multiple nights of dining out, grocery runs and daily purchases that can put a strain on your budget. But what if you could make those purchases work in your favor? Consider signing up for a rewards card that offers value for your routine purchases. The best ones tend to fit the way you already live, not reinvent your routine.
Don't leave rewards on the table. When it comes to credit card rewards, flexibility is key. Opt for cards like the bp rewards Visa® that offer rewards and multiple redemption options, including cash back, fuel cards and gift cards from major retailers, so that you can spend your rewards on your own terms.
Best of all? New bp rewards Visa® cardmembers save 50 cents per gallon1 on fuel at participating bp and Amoco stations for their first 60 days, and a 15 cents per gallon1 discount thereafter, for accounts opened between May 18, 2026 - September 30, 2026. The card has no annual fee2, earns points on qualifying purchases, including nonfuel purchases at participating bp and Amoco locations, as well as groceries and dining elsewhere.
Any rewards card is only useful if it fits a person's actual habits. As with any financial product, it is worth reviewing the terms carefully and deciding whether the value holds up beyond an introductory offer.
For most drivers, summer spending is not about one dramatic splurge. It's the steady rhythm of a season spent in motion. And the little decisions before, during and after the road trip really matter. A smarter route, a well-maintained car and a rewards tool that fits everyday habits may not sound flashy, but together they can make a busy summer feel a little more rewarding as well as fun.
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The limited-time-offer is valid for new accounts opened between May 18, 2026 - September 30, 2026.
*Offers vary depending on where you apply, for example online or in person. To take advantage of this offer, apply now directly through this advertisement. Review offer details before you apply.
1See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for details, including earning, redemption, expiration, and forfeiture (subject to applicable law). Valid at participating bp and Amoco stations. Restrictions may apply.
2For additional information about Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), fees and other costs, see the Summary of Credit Terms.
Cards are issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO®), pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and used under license.
