Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Buying Gasoline With A Debit Card

Yesterday when I got gas, I was using my debit card at the pump.  I was having trouble completing the transaction, so after 4 attempts I pressed the "Help" button on the pump and an employee came out to help me.  Meanwhile, I had swiped my debit card 4 times & entered my PIN number.  Then on the 5th attempt (with his help), I got my $20 worth of gas.  And away I went. 

Well,this morning I looked at my bank account on line and about choked when I saw 4 pending withdrawals for $75 from this gas station plus the 1 for $20.   The lady at the bank explained that with gas prices as they are, if you use a debit card...they are automatically freezing anywhere from $50-$100 to make sure there's money in your account to cover your gas purchase. She suggested that if you are given a choice of "debit"or "credit" at the pump....push the "credit" button so that the amount you pump comes out instantly & they won't freeze an amount in your checking account. 

She also told me that the way the four  $75 amounts are coded, they will fall off tomorrow.  So that was a relief for me. 

So again...if you use a debit card, make sure it runs thru as a "credit."    You learn something new everyday. 

And in today's paper it talks about our gas tax going up 1.5 cents a gallon.  It's the final installment of a 9.5 cents a gallon increase approved by the Legislature in 2005 to pay for "hundreds of transportation projects." (I'm still wondering where those projects are)  Our total state gas tax is 37.5 cents a gallon. 

So far this morning at 10:30am it's overcast and cool....ahhhh refreshing cool air.  The thermometer that read over 95* on Monday is at a cool 58* this morning.  I know some of you are really suffering in the heat...I hope you're able to stay cool and hydrated.   Until next time........Linda

 

 

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad that it has cooled off for you. It isnt bad here probably about 65 today. ..hugs, Christine

Anonymous said...

Nice morning temp. ours was 70 this am.
We have a scam going on in PA and NJ where they are able to pick up and use your credit card numbers when you use it for gasoline. People getting ripped pff right and left.
I only have one credit card with a $750 limit and rarely charge anything. I like cash and the feel of real money in my hands and pocket. I am not smart enough for the theives out there. Have a cool day. It is lovely at 78 with a nice breeze in Philly right now. Bill

Anonymous said...

This gas thing is totally out of control.  One of the great new things of this past century (pay at the pump...lol) will be the death of many if that happens to someone who has checks written on those amounts and they are bounced.  UGH.  Life as we knew it...when we could gather our change to put gas in the car...is gone forever.
Hugs, Joyce

Anonymous said...

That is so good to know!  I will remember that.
Traci

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info.
Barbara

Anonymous said...

Linda we have had a lovely Sunny day here today ~ the first one in ages ~ and as for the Gas prices they are out of control here as well ~ it is making the price of everything to go skyhigh ~ and I can't see an end to it ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

Wow, I had no idea they did that.  That could be a problem if it was tying up money you needed for something else.  Thanks for the heads up.

Anonymous said...

Just got the BD card from you & Gabi. TY sooo much, loved it!
Huggies,
Sugar

Anonymous said...

I know I've been at gas stations where we reach $75 and still don't have a full tank they cut off and we can't put any more gas in. I haven't seen this problem you mentioned Linda but will look out for it on our acct and son's acct; he exclusively uses debit for gas purchases and hasn't had problems that I'm aware of; thanks for the info!

glad it is more pleasant weatherwise there :)

betty

Anonymous said...

I put gas in my car yesterday and I had to call the bank for a small business loan.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

you should always use the card as credit... that way there are no fees either... some banks charge for the debit transaction
d

Anonymous said...

i would've choked too!  thankfully, it wasn't as bad as it first appeared. i don't think they are doing that around here...at least not yet, but you never know. thanks for the heads up.
gina

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you got the charges taken off your account Linda, I bet that's happened to a lot of people and frightened them! Compared to our prices your gas is so cheap, if we had gas at our garages at your prices for a few days there'd be queues miles long of people filling their tanks! Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

today was good, i was not sweltering.  
I ALWAYS do credit for gas, because it takes 3 days to charge your account. :-)  But now I have a better reason, LOL

Anonymous said...

I am just in shock at how high the gas prices are. Amber said that the uk is paying about 8 a gallon and I heard that Ireland is up to $10!
Kelli
http://journals.aol.com/kamdghwmw/noonmom

Anonymous said...

Our prices are awful over here, much worse than yours. Hubby is glad that he no longer has to drive to work every day because we would never manage.  Glad you got it all sorted with the bank

Anonymous said...

I always thought debit was imediatly taken out and credit wasnt...hmmmm

Anonymous said...

Have you thought of selling the car and buying a horse and buggy?  Oats are relatively inexpensive.  The Amish don't worry about gas prices.

                                                                                                D

Anonymous said...

The price of gasoline is really frightening.  It's putting up the costs of everything.  It's getting really tough to make ends meet now.
Marie
http://ayearatoakcottage.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I knew about this debit card issue and never use my debit card for gas.  I am glad the additional charges are going to be wiped out for you.
Lisa