Tips for Using Your Visa or Mastercard Gift Card at Gas Stations
If you're having trouble using your plastic Visa or Mastercard gift card for fuel purchases, here are some helpful guidelines:
- Do Not Swipe at the Pump: Always avoid swiping your card directly at the gas pump.
- Request Authorization at the Cash Register: When purchasing fuel, ask the cashier to authorize your card for the exact amount you wish to purchase, which must also be available on the card.
- Understanding Pre-Authorization Holds:
- Standard Hold Amount: Swiping at the pump may trigger a pre-authorization request for approximately $200.
- Insufficient Funds: If the available balance on your card is less than the requested amount, the transaction will not be authorized, and a pre-authorization hold may occur on your funds for up to 4 days.
- Sufficient Funds: If your available funds exceed the requested authorization amount, the transaction will be authorized, but a hold on the unused portion may remain for up to 4 days.
- Expiration of Holds: Pre-authorization holds generally expire within 4 days, after which the funds will be available on your card again without any additional action needed.
Important Note
- Virtual Cards: Virtual Visa and Mastercard gift cards cannot be used for fuel purchases.
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