Buc-ee’s changed the way customers pay for gas at the pump, and customers have been passionately split about it.
In early March, Buc-ee’s implemented a new pay-at-the-pump policy that bars anyone paying with a credit or debit card from paying inside the store.
Only customers paying with cash or gift cards can pay in-store. Gift cards, however, will be phased out from the practice on April 1, 2027.
Many Buc-ee’s fans online didn’t blink an eye when the new gas pump policy went into effect unannounced. Others have said they will no longer stop at the popular gas station chain.
Here’s why Buc-ee’s fans are so divided on the change.
What is Buc-ee’s pay-at-the-pump policy?
According to new signage in place on March 1:
When did Buc-ee’s new pay-at-the-pump policy change?
Buc-ee’s never announced the change. When asked about the new policy by USA TODAY, Buc-ee’s declined to provide additional information about when it was set. Reports from customers and other media outlets have narrowed it down sometime around March 1.
Why did Buc-ee’s change its pay-at-the-pump policy?
It’s unclear what prompted Buc-ee’s to implement the change.
Why Buc-ee’s fans are angry about its new gas pump policy
Most fans angry about Buc-ee’s new pay-at-the-pump policy point toward the amount of money its pre-authorization process holds on credit and debit cards when paying at the pump.
“I dont ever pay at the pump because some pumps will hold [$]50.00 of your money so no thank you. I pay for what I use only,” one commenter wrote on Facebook.
“WOW! If you are purchasing gas at Buc-ee’s and using a credit card or debit card, you have to pay at the pump now. The pump authorizes your card for anywhere from $50 to $200. My only option to get gas without putting a hold on my money was to pay their $4 ATM fee and get cash out. I guess I will be making sure I don’t have to stop at Buc-ee’s for gas anymore,” an Alabama woman posted.
Some Reddit users have brought up concerns about card skimmers.
“There could be card skimmers there. I find it less safe so I like to pay inside. Guess I’ll just have to carry cash. It’s [a] dumb rule,” wrote one Redditor.
“Time to boycott Buccees cause I always pay inside! Why? Because card scammers. Yeah so miss me with that bull****…” one Texas woman posted on Facebook.
What are fans defending the change saying?
Fans defending Buc-ee’s were mostly left unbothered by the change, and others have hypothesized that it could be a move to help curtail foot traffic inside during busier times.
The overwhelming sentiment had people online wondering why anyone would go inside to pay with a card in lieu of just paying at the pump.
Several people pointed out that pre-authorized holds on gas transactions are an inescapable practice at all gas stations.
“People weren’t paying at the pump with card anyway?” asked one Redditor.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve paid for gas with cash. And who in this day and age doesn’t have a card ??” replied another.
Why do gas stations put a hold on your card?
Gas stations put these holds on cards when paying at the pump to protect themselves from fraud. Merchants don’t know how much customers will spend on gas and want to ensure there is enough credit to cover it, AARP explains in a blog post. Pre-authorization amounts can range from $1 to $100.
On its website, Buc-ee’s provides the following example: If a pump is authorized for $100 and $40 of gas is pumped, there will be a $40 charge and a $10 hold, which can last up to 72 hours.
Contributing: Greta Cross, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Buc-ee’s changed how you buy gas and fans are split
Reporting by Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
