Are You Broke And Need Gas? This Single Mom Has Hack For You

woman shares broke tips (l) chevron gas station (r)

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A single mom’s viral “hack” for getting gas when money is tight has sparked a wave of reactions from viewers—some grateful for the tip, others worried that sharing it publicly will alert banks and gas stations to fix it.

The video highlights a harsh reality many Americans face: the rising cost of living has people turning to creative workarounds just to make it from paycheck to paycheck.

With wages not keeping pace with inflation, financial hacks like this one reveal how many people are barely scraping by, forced to exploit system glitches just to afford basic necessities like fuel for work or errands.

Mom Shares Gas Hack

In a viral video with over 222,000 views, content creator and mom Panchis (@panchis._0530) shared what she calls a “broke b—- hack” for filling up on gas when funds are low.

The method is straightforward but relies on a quirk in how Chevron processes Apple Pay transactions.

“Here’s the broke b—- hack if you don’t have enough money for the gas of the week, and I’m gonna tell you what to do,” Panchis says in the video. “You at least need $2 in your bank account, so make sure you got $2.”

According to Panchis, Chevron allows customers to exceed the authorized amount when using Apple Pay.

“You’re gonna go to any Chevron because Chevron lets you go over the limit. It only credits those $2,” she explains. “You’re gonna Apple Pay it, and then, yeah, you can be as negative as you want.”

The hack works because gas stations typically place a small authorization hold on payment cards before pumping begins, then charge the actual amount afterward.

In this case, Panchis claims Chevron only authorizes $2, but the full amount pumped still goes through, even if it sends the account into the negative.

“If you need $50 for gas that week, it’s gonna go negative 50, but it’s OK because you’ll have gas, and it won’t charge you an overdraft fee,” she says. “At least my Chase Bank doesn’t.”

“As a single mom this helps me a lot lmfao,” she added in the caption.

Legitimate Ways To Get Gas When Money Is Tight

While Panchis’s hack uses a payment system loophole, there are other ways people struggling financially can access gas or reduce fuel costs, SimpleFastLoans reported.

However, these legitimate options require time, planning, or meeting specific eligibility requirements—luxuries not everyone has when their tank is empty and they need to get to work the next day. This reality explains why hacks like the one Panchis shared gain traction, even though they carry overdraft risk.

Many communities offer assistance programs specifically designed to help people get to work or handle essential transportation needs.

Gas station loyalty programs can provide savings over time, with many stations offering points or discounts that accumulate with regular purchases. Some credit cards also offer cashback rewards on gas purchases, effectively reducing costs for those who can manage credit responsibly.

For immediate assistance, organizations like the Salvation Army sometimes provide free gas vouchers to families and individuals facing financial hardship, particularly for essential travel purposes like getting to work or medical appointments.

SimpleFastLoans also notes that apps like GasBuddy, Upside, and Fetch can help consumers find the cheapest gas prices in their area or earn cashback on fuel purchases. Grocery store rewards programs frequently allow points to be converted into gas station vouchers, providing another avenue for savings.

And some churches and charity organizations recognize gas as an essential expense for getting to work or school and may offer assistance, though applicants need to check individual eligibility criteria.