How to Pay With a Card at a Gas Pump

Paying for fuel at the pump with a card offers a convenient and quick way to refuel your vehicle, bypassing the need to pay inside the station. Understanding the procedures and potential issues involved can make your experience smoother and more secure.

Preparing to Pay at the Pump

Before initiating a transaction at the fuel pump, understand that gas stations commonly place a “pre-authorization hold” on your card. This ensures sufficient funds are available to cover the fuel purchase. This temporary charge can range from $1 to over $100, sometimes up to $500, depending on the station’s policy. This hold is not the actual charge for the fuel but a reservation of funds.

The duration of this pre-authorization hold varies; some are released almost immediately, while others can remain on your account for 48 to 72 hours. If using a debit card, this hold temporarily reduces your available balance, which could impact other transactions if funds are limited. Credit card holds affect your available credit limit but do not directly tie up funds from your bank account.

Before inserting your card, perform a quick security check for card skimmers, devices illegally installed to steal card information. Inspect the card reader and keypad for loose parts, uneven gaps, or anything attached to the original machine. Wiggling the card slot can reveal if a skimmer is present, as legitimate terminals should not move. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering a PIN to guard against hidden cameras. Selecting “credit” even with a debit card can sometimes bypass the PIN entry, adding a layer of security.

Step-by-Step Payment Process

After parking your vehicle close enough for the fuel hose to reach and locating the fuel door, select the desired pump number on the payment terminal if prompted.

Interact with the payment terminal by inserting, swiping, or tapping your credit or debit card. Newer pumps feature chip readers, requiring you to insert your card and leave it in until prompted to remove it. You may also have the option to tap your card or mobile device for contactless payment.

After the card is read, the pump’s screen will display prompts. For credit card transactions, you will be asked to enter your five-digit ZIP code for verification. If using a debit card, you will need to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Follow the on-screen instructions as the system processes your card.

Upon successful authorization, the pump will prompt you to select your fuel grade. Press the corresponding button for the octane level you wish to purchase. Remove the nozzle from the pump, insert it firmly into your vehicle’s fuel tank, and engage the pump handle to begin fueling. The pump will automatically stop when your tank is full or reaches the pre-authorized limit.

After fueling is complete, return the nozzle to its holster on the pump. The terminal will ask if you would like a receipt. Select “yes” to print a physical receipt from the pump, or choose an option to receive an email receipt. Collecting a receipt is a good practice for tracking expenses and for any potential discrepancies.

Troubleshooting Common Payment Issues

If your card is not reading or is declined, first try re-inserting or re-swiping it, ensuring proper alignment. A damaged magnetic strip or chip can prevent a card from being read. If the issue persists, try a different card. Common reasons for a declined transaction include insufficient funds, an expired card, an incorrect PIN, or a security block placed by your bank. If unable to resolve the issue at the pump, pay inside the station with the attendant.

If the pump does not activate after your payment is approved, ensure the nozzle is correctly seated in your vehicle’s fuel tank and you have selected a fuel grade. Sometimes, the pump handle needs to be fully engaged or reset. If the pump still does not dispense fuel, seek assistance from the station attendant. They can remotely activate or reset the pump, or guide you to an alternative working pump.

If a receipt does not print from the pump, it is often due to the printer being out of paper or experiencing a jam. Check the receipt slot for paper or jams. In such cases, go inside the station and request a receipt from the attendant by providing your pump number. Some stations may allow you to insert your card into another pump at the same station to print a copy of your receipt.

If a pre-authorization hold lingers on your account beyond five to seven business days, contact your bank or card issuer. While gas stations set the hold amount, your card issuer determines how long it remains. Provide them with the transaction details; they can investigate the delay and assist in releasing the held funds.