Credit Card Limits on Gas Purchases
Immediately, panic and curiosity set in. Did I pay my credit card bill? Yes. Did I pay it on time? Yes. Is the station out of gas? No. Is someone else using my credit card? I certainly hope not. I call my credit card company there in my car next to the pump.
Surprisingly I became aware of an old policy that is newly striking many drivers and credit card users. Credit card companies have set cap limits on single transaction fueling at gas stations around the country as a way to combat credit card fraud that apparently is rampant in regards to gas stations and pay at the pump conveniences. The conveniences are quickly disappearing.
This policy appears to be new, but it's not. The only difference is that the caps are reached much easier with high gas prices. Gas prices holding strong at $3.00 + a gallon; provide a quick reach to the top of the caps which are alleged to be $50-$75 per transaction.
What is one to do when they know that their fill-up will cost over $50, and buying a more fuel efficient car is simply not an immediate option? There are a few options, perhaps split the fuel costs on to more than one card to lower the amount on each card thereby bypassing the caps. Another way to skip the cap is to go into the gas station and pay in person, when the gas station attendant charges your card, there shouldn't be any specific cap placed on the card.
Both options are delving back into inconveniences, whereas Americans thrive on their little conveniences of the day. Especially when forced to pay up to $50-$75 per tank topping with gasoline, a driver certainly feels entitled to any and all conveniences provided by credit card and gas company profiteers.
Since gas caps from your credit cards weren't noticed for so long due to lower pricing, it may be a slight shock and anger you to be denied the amount of gas you want in one transaction. Be fair warned, but feel free to still feel disenfranchised and inconvenienced at the pump, frankly, we all feel the same way.
Published by Drew Dungan
I am a lifelong resident of the Southwest. Much of my life has been focused on education. View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentI just noticed there were limits the other day. Good article.
I had no idea. Thanks for the warning.
Interesting article. I always knew that there were ways to scam those pay-at-the-pump things, and now I guess they're doing something about it. Good reporting, Drew!