Very interesting fact about VC/** Gift Credit/Debit Cards

**Footballtime** · 01-02-11, 01:40 PM

I own a business and they do that everytime a van gets gas, that why we fill up completely, which takes around 75.00-80.00.

**stevek173** · 01-02-11, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by Footballtime

I own a business and they do that everytime a van gets gas, that why we fill up completely, which takes around 75.00-80.00.

Yeah. Weird. They say if you pay in the store you avoid it. Glad to know nobody's van filled up on my dime.

**Jrod124** · 01-02-11, 01:53 PM

just go in the store and have them turn the pump on. I do that at my local station

**chilidog** · 01-02-11, 01:53 PM

Sure, they have to do it this way now. When you first swipe your card, it does a pre-auth to make sure that you have the funds available to pay for the gas. The pre-auth amount used to be $1, but I guess too many people were ripping them off by not having the full funds available on the card to pay for the full amount of gas that they used, so now the pre-auth charge is a lot more.

**ronjon619** · 01-02-11, 02:07 PM

Originally posted by Jrod124

just go in the store and have them turn the pump on. I do that at my local station

**stevek173** · 01-02-11, 02:07 PM

Yeah it's funny how they have to adjust everything to account for the douchebags. Just didn't want others thinking they got ripped off and calling the merchant and the CC company like I did.

**stevek173** · 01-02-11, 02:08 PM

Originally posted by ronjon619

I know that now. I was in a rush to go get laid lol.

**KKoz9** · 01-02-11, 02:23 PM

Go in and ask for $20 and there won't be any pre-auth

**mighty maron** · 01-02-11, 02:37 PM

The money will be back on in like 10 business days

**maxvalue1** · 01-02-11, 02:41 PM

interesting...thanks for the info

**nosniboR11** · 01-02-11, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by stevek173

Found this out today. I received a $100 Card from a business contact. I spent $28.17. I went to a Sunoco last night on the way to my girl's house to buy $10 of gas with the card. Today I go to use it and it has a zero balance. I clearly thought I forgot to say no receipt or whatever and that some douche behind me bought $71.83 in gas, so I was ready to dispute the charge. Here is the interesting part. If you use a gift card to buy fuel and pay at the pump they put a $75 additional authorization on the card. Massive amount for that. Good to know that no one ripped me off and that it will be credited back to me when the merchant settles the actual $10 amount. Just thought I would make a note of that for all of you who received gift cards this holiday season. That is weird. I am very glad that when me and my girl had dinner last night and I ripped out the card to pay that she insisted on paying. I mean sure I could have with my bank debit card or cash, but that would just have been embarrassing.

I love it when people learn lessons

**pavyracer** · 01-02-11, 03:07 PM

Enjoy the 3 gallons of gas Stevie. Don't forget to fill up again tomorrow.

**saints7011** · 01-02-11, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by stevek173

I know that now. I was in a rush to go get laid lol.

I assume "getting laid" does not happen that often for you...

**3PtShooter** · 01-02-11, 03:09 PM

use credit,,,not debit

**Naz18** · 01-02-11, 03:42 PM

Gift card is just like a debit card.....

**ccy8888** · 01-02-11, 03:55 PM

no guys, gift cards can only be processed as credit. There are no pin and no recourse if someone else use it just like cash. Its best if you go inside of station and ask for specific amount to be charged to avoid the pre-authorized amount which can be at least 50 up to 100. Also dont over estimate since any refund to your card can have more fees or if the gift card allows refund at all. Only exception is the reloadable version.

**adlai** · 01-02-11, 03:57 PM

credit cards have been this way for years. you just never notice it because the bank never holds it against your balance.