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This was a first for me. Now, I only buy Chevron gas, and my Z likes Supreme. There are 3 stations I go to close to me. So yesterday I went to get gas, but I didn't have any cash, but I had my ATM card. Fine. I use it all the time. No problem. Yeah, right.

I had to wait for this guy in his Toyota Sequoia to finish fueling his guzzler. Pulled up to the pump. Put my card into the slot thingy. Display said "begin fueling". Tried to select Supreme, but it wouldn't change from Cheap Crap. Then I saw the other guy hadn't replaced the nozzle correctly, so I put it back correctly. I heard a "beep" and the display said "insert card or see cashier" I put my card in again, this time it asked for my zip code? I thought WTF? Entered my zip code and the display said "card not authorized" Tried again, same shit.

Instead of running the pump over or strangling the guy behind the window, I went to my next choice station, went inside and used my card for $20 worth of gas.

Looked at my credit card balance online this morning because I had made 3 other stops yesterday buying stuff, and I want to do some online shopping. Well, it looks like I paid for that Sequoia guy's tank of gas. $59 charged to my card at the first station! Where I didn't even get any gas! It's a "pending transaction" which means it probably won't go thru, but the funds will be held from my use for 7 to 10 working days. Good thing I didn't need that money right now for anything real important.

That's the first and last time I'll ever use my card at the pump itself. Chris.

It is never suggested to use the Debit style cards or Prepaids at the pump. Personally, I would never use anything that was attached to my bank account for any reason, or check my banking online.

All the Gas station I use my card at will not even let you pump the gas till the card is authorized. Plus most gas station today you have to pay before you even pump the gas that's cash or credit. I would keep a really good eye on that one Chris.

I figured out at the second station (when the clerk told me) that when the display said "enter your zip code" it meant PIN code. That's why the card wasn't getting authorized. I was entering my zip code! D'Oh! But that's what the stupid thing was saying to do.

I have no bank account and since my credit sux like Monica Lewenski, I can't get a regular credit card. This one is a pre paid card that you can reload as many times as you want. I only put money on the card when I'm going to spend it that day or the next. Can't buy stuff online without a CC. Chris.

I use prepaids for all online transactions. But honestly, using them at the pump costs you a hit for a specific amount and then again for the charge. The specific amount is always held for 7-10days before it is recredited. This specific amount is to verify that you have the funds to pay for the gas and is generally the highest average over the last year.

Never use a card at the pump.

Use cash at the pump, use the card at the store. Never continually use the same Prepaid, as if it does get nabbed in a CC pin scheme, it can still cause you problems.

Your area must really suck, I have never been denied a bank account for bad credit, since bank accounts are one way of rebuilding your credit. I go with free checking, where I only pay for my checks. But I have been denied an account for 1 year due to overdrafts on a previous account.

Mr. Chris wrote:I figured out at the second station (when the clerk told me) that when the display said "enter your zip code" it meant PIN code. That's why the card wasn't getting authorized. I was entering my zip code! D'Oh! But that's what the stupid thing was saying to do.

I have no bank account and since my credit sux like Monica Lewenski, I can't get a regular credit card. This one is a pre paid card that you can reload as many times as you want. I only put money on the card when I'm going to spend it that day or the next. Can't buy stuff online without a CC. Chris.

Trust Me!! Chris~

You Really Don't want a Credit Card (full on) the Fees have went through the roof! Some Banks are charging 29% interest!!

Insane, and the Hidden FEES OMG. The Banks get Bailed out then Turn a profit and Screw the Customer with Fraking RED TAPE

I have a Standard run of the Mill Debit card, works fine, if I don't have the money to Back up a Purchase, I have no business buying Period.

So Many folks RAN up 60K+ in Debt with Credit cards, Insane. Then file Bankruptcy. Oh well, that's the American way, spend what you don't have.

LOL!!

If I don't have the Money I don't buy, that's the way I roll....





Credit cards are similar to Monopoly Money, he he....

I have been lucky so far....

Got several cards, none have raised their interests. One we use for travel is 8% with $11,000 line. Highest we had it was several years back $3000.

The problem is exactly as you stated, most people use them like money grows on trees freely.