How Do You Pay for Gas on Your “Rides”?

[carolinarider09]

I ask the question because I have almost always used a credit card to purchase gas when riding my bike. 

But, recently I have had second thoughts (I will tell you why in a minute).  So, I thought I’d start using cash to pay for gasoline.  Turns out, almost all stations require that you specify, in dollars, what you want to purchase before turning on the pump.  That requires I know the exact amount of gas I need and then doing the math based on the cost per gallon. So, back to using the credit card.

So, after an incident three or four years ago, I tried to make sure I stopped at major dealer stations.  Not at “Mom & Pop” stations.  And I have always tried to use the “Tap” method to pay for my gas.  I have been told that this function is an encrypted two way communication between the pump and the authorization “agent”.  In other words safe.

Then earlier this year, I purchased some gas from the local station I have been using for several years now.  However, their “Tap” system did not recognize the card.  Since I was familiar with the station and had, at times before, used the “card reader”, I went ahead and used the card reader.  Got my gas and left.

A few days later (I forget the exact timing) I began to see several charges from Dicks Sporting Goods on my charge card.  Almost all being shipped to local (in South Carolina) addresses.  Orders I did not make (all around $150.00 each).  In fact I got a cal from someone about a purchase sent or being sent to her…… I told her to send it back.

It appeared my “Card” had been hacked (I assumed at that  gas station).   And yes, I do use that same card at grocery stores and Lowes and Walmart but always using the “Tap” function. 

Got the card blocked and then got a new card.  Also changed the authorization warning limit to $50.  And did not buy gas from that station again, until…….


I decided that I would only purchase gas at stations that had the “Tap” feature.  Turns out, there are no gas stations here in my small home town that have that feature active, except the one I was buying gas at. In other words the “Tap” feature was on the pump but it would not allow me to use it.

Now forward to this past week and the trip we took to Pawleys Island, SC.   It was less than 200 miles so, I only had to stop for gas once on the way down.  We rode around one day in the area (grew up in Myrtle Beach but my how it has changed ).  Purchased some gas there to fill up the tank for the trip back, used the “Tap” feature. 

On the way back, the wife needed to “stop”.  We were on some very rural roads and finally found a Murphys Gas Station in Cross, SC.  It was a very rural area and while there were several cars at the station, none were at the pumps. 

She went inside and I started to buy some gas.  They did not have a “Tap” function but since she was using the Restroom I figured I should buy some gas.  The card reader would not allow my card to be inserted.  Ok…. I decided to go inside, took off my helmet and went to the cashier and was about to give her a $20 bill and ask for $6 on Pump 4 when she pointed to the Card Reader on the counter.  I don’t know why but I used the card reader and got my $6 purchase.  That was at 11:18AM

We got home around Two O’clock that afternoon.   Got the bike unloaded, went to pick up our Dog from the local Kennel.

 I was coming back home I got the following texts on my cellphone at 4:16 PM, all from AA - PROC in WESTCHESTER (Illinois).

$1.01  (This is the way they verify the card is active). Not Declined
$18, 732.51 - Declined
$11,915.40 - Declined
$10,381.03 - Declined
$6,285,41 - Declined

Called the bank and the card was blocked and then called back a later to get a new card issued.

Since this is getting very frustrating I asked the question above.

[LTD]

Ilike the tap feature also but will use the card insert and pray its all right I feel your pain

[Serk]

I use a card (That gives me cash back) almost exclusively. Every year or two I or the bank catch some scum trying to use my card; no big deal, they back out the charges and send me a fresh card in a few days.

I always carry 3 cards with me, especially on trips. My primary one, a secondary card with the same financial institution (My main one) and an "Oh poop" tertiary card with a totally different company.

I also keep enough cash on me to get me home.

I've made it part of my daily routine to quickly check my cards and checking/savings accounts to look for any unusual activity (As well as to make sure things are paid.)

With the bank's app on my phone I can usually do this, er... while taking care of my morning constitutional.

Just part of modern life, but the banks have in general gotten good enough at catching cloners and making you whole afterwards I just don't sweat it anymore.

I prefer tap, but won't go out of my way to use it. I do keep an eye out for skimmers. Always give the "lips" around the card reader a good tug before putting your card in (Gads that sounded wrong)

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/how-to-spot-a-credit-card-skimmer/

[carolinarider09]

I also carry more than one card.  The card and account I consider the most secure is the one I use for gasoline purchases. 

I also stopped using credit cards for meals.  I only use cash, unless something strange happens.  Had an incident in New Brunswick some years back that caused me to be cautious at dinning facilities. 

One card for hotel rooms and the other card, just in case.  In general, I don't have to have my card swiped at the motel.  But... that does vary. 

[f6john]

I use cards almost exclusively which I never thought I would 25-30 years ago. I do recognize the risks involved but I have not experienced the problems you have been experiencing. I don’t travel as much as you do so that could be part of my differing experience. It is a troubling issue especially with millions of new people entering the country who will sooner or later latch on to whatever the easiest scams are they can use to generate income.

[Jess from VA]

I almost always use a card.  And I always go 50 miles so I can fill up on pure non ethanol gas (closest one).  I plan most rides to end up at my main non ethanol station (fill up and head home).

Quarterly (or so) I drive the van out to this station and bring home 30 gallons of non ethanol, and I use that as well to top up my bikes when I'm not going out to that station.  I have around 25 carburetors at my house, and only use non ethanol in all of them.  I also treat all that gas with stabilizer, so it can sit if necessary. 

I have had to use cash a couple times when the pump card reader is broken (always have cash on hand anyway).

I've had my card have fraudulent charges a couple times, but no gas stations (and instantly discovered and rejected).

[old2soon]

          The Caseys in the area when I use cash lets say fer the trike I just walk in give em a 20 dollar bill and go fill the trike. Come back in git my receipt and change done deal. Another station I use in West Plains has the pay inside option and the pump turns on after lifting the lever. Go inside and tap good to go git receipt cuz I generally use my debit card. U S Bank has called on ocassion and asked where I am currently. My card was attempting access in Portland Oregon while I was on my computer here in Willow Springs. U S Bank and Visa seem to be taking care of me-fer now anywho. U S Bank and Visa have offered to up my credit line on my credit card. I'm Just Fine with the current limit. 2? years ago U S Bank no longer requires an itinerary be called in BEFORE I travel.   Sometimes modern times ain't all cracked up like some think it are!   RIDE SAFE.

[NewValker]

Being a cash guy, I walk in, put $20 on pump whatever, walk out, fill the bike, walk back in, get my change, walk back out to bike. 
I can use the steps, steps = easier to pee. And no cc issues.
I carry 3 cards for unforeseen poop, hotels, etc.

Craig

[scooperhsd]

Bob - your card reader probably had a "skimmer" on it to collect your card information. It's much more secure to use a card that has a Chip in it - this is also why the tap function seems to be safer than the magnetic strip (don't use except for emergency).

[97BLKVALK]

I use only credit cards while I travel.

Technology is allowed us the ability to lock card via the app on our phones. I do let the credit card companies know that I will be traveling.

When fueling I'd use a particular credit card and always finish with a certain number on that particular trip. While traveling to Dubuque and back I always finished with a number 3. i.e. .03, .23.

This makes it easier to check the credit card statements and verify if there was any other fraud.

Like others have mentioned I carry cash to allow me to make it home. 

Lots of great ideas on here.


Michael

[scooperhsd]

I don't know if any other veterans would be interested, but Navy Federal Credit Union accepts all service members and veterans of those services. You can usually find a branch office close to any military base, and Headquarters is in Vienna VA (DC Metro area). They are very vigilant on  protecting your finances with them. http://www.nfcu.org for more info. I've been a member since Aug 1984 when I was in Pensacola FL....

[carolinarider09]

I don't know if any other veterans would be interested, but Navy Federal Credit Union accepts all service members and veterans of those services. You can usually find a branch office close to any military base, and Headquarters is in Vienna VA (DC Metro area). They are very vigilant on  protecting your finances with them. http://www.nfcu.org for more info. I've been a member since Aug 1984 when I was in Pensacola FL....

I had forgotten about Navy Federal. 

But, I have been a member of the Great Lakes Credit Union since 1969 or so.  I remember joining when I needed $25 for date I had planned.  I had to borrow the money to join the Credit Union and then they "loaned" me the $25 after I set up an automatic payment from my navy pay.

Don't remember when I got the credit card, which I use.  I was in ET"A" school at the time. 

Not the same but similar. 

[scooperhsd]

I don't know if any other veterans would be interested, but Navy Federal Credit Union accepts all service members and veterans of those services. You can usually find a branch office close to any military base, and Headquarters is in Vienna VA (DC Metro area). They are very vigilant on  protecting your finances with them. http://www.nfcu.org for more info. I've been a member since Aug 1984 when I was in Pensacola FL....

I had forgotten about Navy Federal. 

But, I have been a member of the Great Lakes Credit Union since 1969 or so.  I remember joining when I needed $25 for date I had planned.  I had to borrow the money to join the Credit Union and then they "loaned" me the $25 after I set up an automatic payment from my navy pay.

Don't remember when I got the credit card, which I use.  I was in ET"A" school at the time. 

Not the same but similar. 

I'm sure there are other Credit Unions at other bases (I know there at least used to be one at Anacostia). The Big advantage of NFCU is just that - IT'S BIG - with a world wide presence.

[Jess from VA]

I have been with the same credit union in Detroit since about 17yo. Changing banks/CU's every time you move (like in the military) does not build credit ratings and good history.

But I needed a better way to get cash (in VA) than cashing (small) checks, so I joined the local Navy Federal CU years ago just for that purpose.  I started taking my MRD (minimum required distributions) from my life savings this year at 71 (though they moved the age requirement back to 73), and have them deposited at my local Navy Federal, which funds my cash requirements nicely.  I also got one of their credit cards which only serves as an emergency backup.  They are a solid and reliable outfit.

Both credit unions upped my credit card limits (without me asking) based on good credit ratings, and I was not too happy with this since it seemed unnecessary, and could allow a scammer a bigger payday.  So I pushed the limit back down on my daily use card.  But not on my Navy Federal card, which is only rarely used.

I was amused on my last trip to Navy Federal; the usual banking employee business attire has apparently been relaxed to sweatshirts and jeans.    

[Hook#3287]

All cc and bank accounts text me of any transaction.

I've stopped several fraudulent charges, over the years, using that safety process.

Also have had a cc company contact me on pending charges they suspected were fraudulent.

If I'm remembering correctly, cc have fraudulent use protection but debit cards may not.

I use my debit card, which is attached to a separate checking account, pretty much for just groceries and keep a low balance in it.  Walmart, Bj's Wholesale and local grocery stores are not usually susceptible to card readers or fraud action.

Always pay at pump with chipped cc and I try to only use national top tier gas companies, both for gas quality and cc security.

[NewValker]

Glad you added the word “wholesale”…..

Craig

[Hook#3287]

Yeah, always wondered why they picked that name.

Maybe brand recognition?

Not easy to forget.

[Jersey mike]

Mainly cash, but have been considering a credit card with a low line and cash back of credit just for the bikes.

I typically keep a cash bank just for fuel in my riding jackets of mixed bills and some quick math lets me leave as close to the amount possible at the window, this way I’m just picking up pocket change instead of dollars. I still have a change dispenser on the handle bars from days gone by for toll money before ezpass.

I do carry credit cards for a few national gas stations…Exxon, Sunoco, BP which are typically used for the cars. Been considering a card for Marathon and maybe a Wawa card.

[scooperhsd]

I get the finding a financial institution  can sometimes be difficult. After we moved to NC (when I left the service), we went YEARS without a "local" branch or bank. at first our nearest branch was in Havelock (on the COAST, outside a marine base), eventually they opened a branch office in Fayetteville, and finally, right before we moved to KC they were about to open a couple branches in Raleigh. We got by with using our ATM cards, and getting cash with the cash back option. Worked for us for over 20 years.

Now here in KC - we have a branch in Leavenworth (outside the maingate of Fort Leavenworth) (about 20 miles for us to get to), and since we had to take over MIL's finances - we opened a bank account at the same bank she had used for years. We still don't do very many cash transactions, and I usually have $50 - $100 in my wallet, wife carries about $40.  We use electronic bill pay for utilities / insurance. Visa debit cards for most other daily transactions (fuel, restaurant meals etc.) I write one check per month for my piano lessons, and 1 annually for orchestra dues. Credit cards for big purchases / medical (we just purchased an electric scooter for the wife to get around on).  On trips, much the same as we do locally (NFCU will contact you about possible fraud purchases, but you can tell them in advance where your going so they know these oddball transactions are probably legit) (we used this feature on our summer trip to the east coast).

[carolinarider09]

I do carry credit cards for a few national gas stations…Exxon, Sunoco, BP which are typically used for the cars. Been considering a card for Marathon and maybe a Wawa card.

I was thinking about that the other day.  Figured they did not offer credit cards any longer for specific statins.  I will look at that and see what I can figure out.  Would be a way of minimizing the fraud possibilities.

The only issue is I have to sort of pick more than one station for trips.   

[vanavyman]

We’ve had issues over the years with fraud. Always taken care of by our Navy Credit Unions.  Last couple years we have been using a Sam’s Club Master credit card with no fee that gives 5% back on all gas’s purchases from anywhere. Have to use savings at Sam’s while shopping. No issues with Fraud on this card. Have found a couple smaller stations that wouldn’t approve it for some reason. This has solved our fraud issues for now.

[bassman]

Yeah, always wondered why they picked that name.

Maybe brand recognition?

Not easy to forget.

BJ = Beverly Jean …..name of the companies first president’s daughter.

[Jersey mike]

I do carry credit cards for a few national gas stations…Exxon, Sunoco, BP which are typically used for the cars. Been considering a card for Marathon and maybe a Wawa card.

I was thinking about that the other day.  Figured they did not offer credit cards any longer for specific statins.  I will look at that and see what I can figure out.  Would be a way of minimizing the fraud possibilities.

The only issue is I have to sort of pick more than one station for trips.   

Around here it’s hard to spot and not see a national brand gas station and we have full service at all stations so there’s always an attendant for cash purposes. Out of state it’s tough though to find an Exxon or Sunoco just driving by.

Since I’ve had arm issues I haven’t been out of state this year, did some local rides just to keep the bike moving, pulling on and or holding the clutch has been difficult. We’ve had 2 months of virtually no rain and beautiful weather and can’t ride. Hopefully by thanksgiving I’ll get a ride or two in. I try pulling on the clutch every few days and can get 3-4 pulls and can’t hold the clutch in for more than 30 seconds or so.

[Serk]

Drifting into financial institutions discussion, still good chat to have. My main bank currently is USAA. The closest physical location is several hundred miles away, I've never set foot in their physical locations.

Don't need to anymore though...

The only thing I've found lacking is I don't have the ability to move physical cash easily into my accounts, but the need to do that is so incredibly rare now, I don't worry about it.

I had been with Bank of America from my first teenager paycheck until a year or two ago. I'd made some politically unpopular posts that had gone small time viral (But with my real name attached), and suddenly my account wasn't working. I called the bank, and after being passed around to several folks got a very terse "We have made the business decision to close your account. This can not be appealed. Your remaining balance, once settled will be mailed to you as a cashier's check. Good day sir."

Bank of America can stick it where... well, you get the idea...

I shoulda switched to USAA years ago anyway.

[Jess from VA]

It's hard to believe a National Bank would terminate an account (esp a long term account) over a free speech issue (assuming no threats of violence or the like).

But I can believe anything... these days.

[Serk]

It's hard to believe a National Bank would terminate an account (esp a long term account) over a free speech issue (assuming no threats of violence or the like).

But I can believe anything... these days.

To be clear, they never said WHY they were doing it, but my accounts were all current, I hadn't been buying drugs with my account or sending money to Nigerian princes or anything like that. My credit score is exemplary. Could have been anything I guess, I just found the coincidence..... interesting...


Oh yeah, and this (There are many such stories out there, this one just came up at the top of my search)

https://www.bankingdive.com/news/15-attorneys-general-put-bofa-notice-debanking-conservatives-christians/713618/

[carolinarider09]

Until Serk mentioned it and provided the "documentation" was not aware of this happening. 

We need a list of banks that have done this. 

Meanwhile I did try and look at getting a "Gas" credit card.  When I did a search, Marathon did come up but it was only, it seemed to me, for "businesses" that had fleets. 

Will keep looking.  And control my habits to only use the tap/read devices or cash. 

This will probably be my third new credit card in as many years.  It is the one I use most often for purchases at stores and such, and gas.

[Serk]

Curious - especially if one uses a general purpose credit card that gives cash back or some other reward (Airline miles, etc)... what's the advantage of having and using a gas company specific card?

Seems you're limiting where you can get gas, and adding just one more bill to keep track of (And monitor for fraud) whereas a general purpose card can be used anywhere...

Doubly so since many gas stations are regional... (Ironically, since I worked for Marathon for a decade, there isn't one anywhere near me.)

[Jess from VA]

Curious....what's the advantage of having and using a gas company specific card?

I have the same curiosity.  Unless you have some particular brand loyalty or use one particular station all the time.  Unless it's that those cards never get hacked like regular credit cards (do they?).


To be clear, they never said WHY they were doing it,

And in your posted article, they all denied the practice entirely (not under oath).

Someone with time and money could sue them for it civilly (civil rights violations).  And in pretrial discovery and depositions, put corporate officers on the stand under oath and require a reason (and perhaps get an admission of guilt).  Or sit in jail for contempt until they provide truthful answers.

Like you, I wouldn't bother, but I wouldn't mind if someone did.

All this wokeness (diversity, equity, inclusion.. puke) is like some kind of infectious disease of rational thought and civilization.     

[Jersey mike]

Curious....what's the advantage of having and using a gas company specific card?

I have the same curiosity.  Unless you have some particular brand loyalty or use one particular station all the time.  Unless it's that those cards never get hacked like regular credit cards (do they?).


To be clear, they never said WHY they were doing it,

And in your posted article, they all denied the practice entirely (not under oath).

Someone with time and money could sue them for it civilly (civil rights violations).  And in pretrial discovery and depositions, put corporate officers on the stand under oath and require a reason (and perhaps get an admission of guilt).  Or sit in jail for contempt until they provide truthful answers.

Like you, I wouldn't bother, but I wouldn't mind if someone did.

All this wokeness (diversity, equity, inclusion.. puke) is like some kind of infectious disease of rational thought and civilization.     

For us using a gas company specific card essentially comes down to bookkeeping. We have five users on each of our fuel accounts…myself, my wife and our 3 kids. This allows us to track exactly how much we spend in fuel monthly. All 3 are adults now, 2 not living at home, it’s still a simple way of helping out a little bit.

[Serk]

On my USAA CC (And I'm confident just about any other has this ability too) I'm able to tell it to only show me transactions of specific categories, of which "Gas" is one... And I get cash back and can use any gas station I like...

(Not being argumentative, if that works best for you groovy and all, just pointing it out...)

[carolinarider09]

Curious - especially if one uses a general purpose credit card that gives cash back or some other reward (Airline miles, etc)... what's the advantage of having and using a gas company specific card?

I made an assumption that the card would be processed by the "Gas Company" and as such less likely for hackers to take it over and make charges. 

I stopped at a fairly large (20 pumps) gas station today to get some gas for my ST1300.   They did not have the tap card readers.  It was a fairly new station so.....  I just figured they would.

Went inside and got $10 worth of gas with cash.  It's a little extra work and I did not take off my helmet.   Normally I would when going inside the gas station (just trying to be more "open" about what and why).   And if I had my GPS and my radar detector mounted on the bike, I would have had to take them off as well before going inside.  Again more work.  Not a big deal just a deal.

[GiG]

Wow! You guys sure love to jump through tons of inane hoops just to comply with the almighty credit card companies!!!  
Not me! Cash only while traveling. The math is very simple- 5 gallons in Valkyrie, half tank in RAM = 15 gallons = $40 = (2) twenties  
I refuse to underwrite the credit card thieves That easily steal CC info at fuel pumps

Alert: Cash is cheaper!!! , & much more convenient  

[3fan4life]

Wow! You guys sure love to jump through tons of inane hoops just to comply with the almighty credit card companies!!!  
Not me! Cash only while traveling. The math is very simple- 5 gallons in Valkyrie, half tank in RAM = 15 gallons = $40 = (2) twenties  
I refuse to underwrite the credit card thieves That easily steal CC info at fuel pumps

Alert: Cash is cheaper!!! , & much more convenient  

I try to carry enough cash to get back home when I'm on a trip and I'll use it if I need something in a place that doesn't take cash.

But, I prefer to purchase gas, food and lodging with a cash back credit card.

The key is to pay it off monthly and not carry a balance.

I tend to use one card for gas another for lodging and another for food.

After my recent trip out west I got $$ enough back to cover 2 nights of my lodging and a couple of tanks of fuel.

[Jess from VA]

The key is to pay it off monthly and not carry a balance.

I've done this for at least the last 25 years.  NOT the minimum payment, the entire balance.   

[old2soon]

The key is to pay it off monthly and not carry a balance.

I've done this for at least the last 25 years.  NOT the minimum payment, the entire balance.   

     ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS! ^^^^^^^^^^^ As soon as my CC bill arrives I go pay it!  Sides the interest rates charged are Beyond Crazy!  RIDE SAFE.

[0leman]

I pay with cc for all our vehicles fuel.  We get cash back for using cc to by gas.  I do pay attention to the card reader.  So far, we haven't got hacked from using the cc in this way.

I tend to pay off the cc early as I go online to pay off other bills when they come. 

One of our accounts debit cards got hacked couple of years ago.  Seem that some folks were using a computer to come up with debit card numbers, when one hit, they would start charging stuff.   I decide to get rid of that debit card and with cc only.   They did refund the money. 

[Jess from VA]

You guys may know this, but it bears repeating.

When and if a card is hacked, the hackers often put a small charge on it just to see it it goes through successfully.  If it does, then they come back with a big charge.

My most recent hack was with a $30 charge, and I was just lucky and looking and caught it, and took action before a big one could come through. 

[3fan4life]

You guys may know this, but it bears repeating.

When and if a card is hacked, the hackers often put a small charge on it just to see it it goes through successfully.  If it does, then they come back with a big charge.

My most recent hack was with a $30 charge, and I was just lucky and looking and caught it, and took action before a big one could come through. 

One of the things that I like about Capital One is that they send a notification to my phone anytime that a purchase is made.

That way if something is suspicious I can call them about it right away.

[carolinarider09]

One of the things that I like about Capital One is that they send a notification to my phone anytime that a purchase is made.

That way if something is suspicious I can call them about it right away.

That was what happens to my device, but not every time.  It seems to happen only when I use the "card reader" function (you know slide the card into the slot.). 

For instance, I made several purchases at grocery stars (in person) and there was never a "test" charge of $1.00.  But I did use the "Tap" function. 

But the last two gas stations I used did the dollar thing and at both I used the "card slot".  I have not verified it happens when I used the "card reader" or when I used the "Tap" device or both. 

In fact one of them is still there "Pending" since October 16, 2024. 

I will have to check and see when and if it disappears.