Fred Meyer Complaint - Don't use your debit card at the pump! - gasoline

Posted by S_Hawking on 2011-08-09:

It's a good thing you checked your balance! Below is a link to an interesting article titled "10 places NOT to use your debit card."

When it comes to gas pumps, the article notes: "Some gas stations ... will place holds to cover customers who may leave without settling the entire bill. That means that even though you only bought $10 in gas, you could have a temporary bank hold for $50 to $100 (until the bill is settled with the bank (my note)).

"... At the pump, select the pin-number option, which should debit only the amount you've actually spent." (I've never noticed such an option.)

Link:
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/10-places-not-to-use-debit-card-1271.php

Posted by AshleyFurnitureRules on 2011-08-09:

Great review. Thinks for the link S Hawking..

Posted by Jay on 2011-08-09:

I just got back from filling up at a Shell station. It was a debit card transaction with PIN. Shell did a pre-authorization for $85.00. I pumped $79.45.

When I got home I checked the bank account. There I find these pending transactions: A charge of $85.00, a credit of $5.55 and a charge of $79.45. In effect they have the $79.45 pending TWICE.

Posted by olie on 2011-08-09:

A good lesson to us all: Don't use a debit card at the pump.

If you absolutely need gas, go inside and use the ATM to get cash, and use the cash to pay. You'll likely pay an ATM fee, but that seems petty compared to the hold on funds.

Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-09:

As others have indicated, this is not a "Fred Myers" issue. This is extremely common with most gas stations.

Posted by whatsthepoint on 2011-08-10:

Your best bet is to stick to using credit cards. You have more protections. As long as you pay your bill off in full at the end of the month, you'll have no problems.

Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-10:

I agree, whatsthepoint.

Posted by treym on 2011-08-10:

or you could just choose the option of credit when paying at the pump. doesn't say credit only debit? slide the card through the reader... then it will ask if it is debit or credit. quite easy. only holds out 1 dollar in the bank account.

Posted by justcuz on 2011-08-10:

I really must be the only one that does not incur this problem, ever, at any gas station. I only use the debit option at the pump and the exact amount I pump is the exact amount debited from my checking account.

Posted by olie on 2011-08-10:

jc: Are you checking your account immediately, or do you compare the receipt with your statement only when the statement arrives in the mail? I think this is a HUGE cause of stress to folks who go online almost immediately, or on a daily basis, to check their accounts. (Guess what I do? Hint: Arrives in the mail each month.)

OP seems to be running into a big problem with holds placed on purchases made at places such as pay-at-the-pump gas stations, hotels, and car rental agencies. The holds placed are WAY above the actual charges incurred.

The businesses place these huge holds to guard against drive-offs or damage or overcharges. This is completely understandable!! I really don't blame a hotel for wanting a CC, even if I pay cash. Who knows? I just might order a bunch of pay-per-view, or room service. I might just trash the place, or decide I really LOVE the pillows, or towels, or that fluffy robe.

Posted by justcuz on 2011-08-10:

ollie, it's immediate. I'm not saying this doesn't happen, because we see enough of these complaints that it's obvious it is, I just don't get why or whether it's the bank that does it or the gas station that does it.