How to Use Credit Card for Gas

Why use a credit card for gas? Why not? Using a credit card will frequently allow you to pump and go, completing the process much faster. This is because, with a credit card, you can usually pay at the pump. Using a credit card will also help you keep better track of your fuel spending since you can always receive a receipt, plus your purchases will be on a monthly statement. It is a great idea, particularly if you need to keep accurate track of your gas expenditures for work or business. Just make sure you pay off your gas purchases each month to keep your credit in good standing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pull your car to the gas pump. In most cases, you will be able to get out, put in your credit card and pump the gas yourself. After you get out of your car, look at the gas pump to see if this is an option. If it is, the pump will have a slot for you to insert your credit card.

2. Look at the display on the pump. This will vary from pump to pump, but you may be asked before you do anything else if you wish to pay with cash or credit card. Push the appropriate button for credit card. Other pumps do not require you to push anything if you intend to pay with a credit card, in which case go to step three.

3. Follow the directions for inserting your credit card at the pump. Most of the time, you are going to quickly slide your credit card in and out of the credit card machine on the pump. There are a few pumps that will take your card for the duration of the transaction and will give it back to you at the end. There will be a picture on the pump showing you which way to insert your card. Make sure to pay attention to it. The biggest difficulty with this process is putting the credit card in the correct way.

4. Put in your zip code using the key pad on the pump, should the pump direct you to. This feature is becoming more and more common as a way of cutting down on identity and credit card theft. The zip code you put in has to match the zip code on your billing statement or the credit card will be refused.

5. Pump your gas as usual. When you are complete, the digital display will ask you if you want a receipt. Push "yes" so you can keep track of your gas expenses. The receipt will appear out of the dispenser.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on what station you are purchasing gas and the type of credit card machine they have at the pump, the steps may vary a slight bit from the above steps. For example, you may be asked prior to pumping gas if you wish to have a receipt for your purchase.
• Make sure to keep your gas receipts so you can keep track of how much you spend. It is very easy to not pay attention to how much you are spending and spend much more than intended.
• If you live in Oregon or any other place that requires someone to pump gas for you, you can still use a credit card. It's just a matter of giving them the card when they ask for payment. Depending on the station and the price of your gas purchase, they may or may not require you to sign for it.