Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 29, 2026 · Effective: App Store launch

This Privacy Policy describes how FuelFinder ("we", "us", or "the app") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use the FuelFinder iOS application (the "Service"). By using FuelFinder, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Location data

When you grant permission, we collect your approximate location only while the app is open to find gas stations near you. We do not track your location in the background. Your exact coordinates are used to query our servers for nearby stations and are not stored permanently.

1.2 Device identifier

We generate a random, anonymous device ID when you first open the app. This ID is stored locally on your device and used to save your preferences (preferred fuel type, distance unit), subscription status, and any crowd-sourced reports you submit. It is not tied to your Apple ID, name, email, phone number, or any personal identifier.

1.3 Subscription data

If you purchase FuelFinder Pro, Apple processes the transaction through In-App Purchase. Apple shares with us only a receipt confirming an active subscription tier (Monthly or Yearly) and its expiry date. We do not receive your payment method, full name, billing address, or Apple ID.

1.4 Crowd-sourced reports

When you report a fuel price or identify a station brand, we store the station ID, reported value, your anonymous device ID, and a timestamp. This data is shared with other FuelFinder users to improve accuracy for everyone.

1.5 Usage data

We log basic API requests (e.g., "a device requested stations near these coordinates") for debugging and reliability. These logs are retained for 30 days and then deleted. They do not include personal identifiers beyond the anonymous device ID.

1.6 What we DO NOT collect

• Your name, email, phone number, or Apple ID
• Your contacts, photos, calendar, microphone, or camera
• Background location or movement
• Browsing history outside the app
• Biometric or health data

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the data collected to:

• Show you gas stations near your current location
• Personalize prices and distances based on your preferences
• Verify and manage your Pro subscription
• Share crowd-sourced prices and brand identifications with the community
• Debug and maintain the reliability of our service

3. Third-Party Services

FuelFinder uses the following services to operate:

• Apple In-App Purchase — processes subscription payments. Governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.
• OpenStreetMap / Overpass API — provides gas station locations. No personal data is shared with them; our servers query station coordinates only.
• MongoDB Atlas — secure database hosting for your preferences and crowd reports.

If we add affiliate partners (e.g., for optional member perks), those partners will have their own privacy policies. Affiliate links are clearly labeled in the app and opening them is entirely optional.

4. Data Sharing & Sale

We do not sell your personal information. We do not share data with advertisers. Anonymous, aggregated data (e.g., "average price of regular fuel in Austin today") may be shared with partners or published for analytics purposes, but this data cannot be used to identify individual users.

5. Your Rights & Choices

• Revoke location access: iOS Settings → FuelFinder → Location → Never. The app will still work but stations will not appear near you.
• Delete your data: uninstall the app. Your device ID and all associated preferences will be purged from our systems within 90 days of inactivity. To request immediate deletion, email us (see Contact below).
• Cancel your subscription: iOS Settings → Your Apple ID → Subscriptions → FuelFinder.
• California residents (CCPA): you have the right to know, delete, and opt out of sale of personal information. Since we do not sell data, opt-out is automatic.
• EU/UK residents (GDPR): you have the right to access, correct, delete, and port your data. Contact us to exercise these rights.

6. Data Retention

Preferences and subscription data are retained as long as your anonymous device ID is active. If you don't open the app for 12 months, your device's data is automatically purged. Crowd-sourced price and brand reports are retained indefinitely in aggregated form (without your device ID linkage) to improve the service.

7. Security

All data is transmitted over HTTPS. Databases are encrypted at rest. We follow industry-standard practices to protect your data, though no system is 100% secure. If we become aware of a breach affecting your information, we will notify affected users within 72 hours.

8. Children's Privacy

FuelFinder is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect data from them. If you believe a child has used the app, contact us and we will delete their data.

9. International Users

FuelFinder operates from the United States. If you use the app from outside the US, your information will be transferred to and processed in the US, subject to US data-protection laws.

10. Changes to This Policy

If we materially change this policy, we will update the "Last updated" date and, for significant changes, post a notice in the app. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.