How to choose a fuel log app without a backup subscription
A fuel log gets more valuable the longer you keep it. Yet reviews are full of drivers whose free backup suddenly moved behind a yearly plan — sometimes jumping from around $12 to $50 a year — or who lost records after a login change. Before comparing features, check whether you actually own your data.
Checklist
- Can you log a fill-up without creating an account?
- Can you save a backup file wherever you want, for free?
- Can you restore that file on a new phone?
- Can you export to CSV to open in other tools?
- Does the app explain how MPG is calculated (full tank to full tank)?
Account cloud backup vs. file backup
Both work, but a file backup stays in your hands even if the app's pricing changes.
| Account cloud backup | File backup + CSV | |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up | Required | Not needed |
| Cost | Risk of paywall | Free |
| Stored at | Vendor's servers | Your Drive, email, etc. |
| Moving to another app | Hard | Easy via CSV |
Habits that keep your log safe
Once a month, or before switching phones, send a backup file to your cloud drive or email. Exporting a CSV at year-end also makes it easy to total car expenses in a spreadsheet.
Try it with Fillnote
Fillnote works the moment you install it — no account, and data stays on your phone. Saving and restoring backup files and CSV export are free, and the app is supported by ads, so there's no subscription.
A fuel log with no sign-up and no subscription
Get Fillnote on Google Play