If you’re a regular gas-guzzler, or you’re simply trying to save money, one thing you may not know is how to pay for gas with cash. It’s something most people would rather avoid, but there are some advantages to doing it this way, including the ability to avoid credit card fees. Moreover, you can also avoid temporary holds and pre-pay for your gas. You can even get a reward gas card to help you save money on gas.
Pre-paying for gas
Prepaying for gas is a common practice in many parts of the country. It can save you time and money, but it’s not without its downsides.
If you don’t have enough cash on hand to fill your tank, prepaying for gas with a credit card can be a good option. However, you’ll need to tell the cashier how much you want to spend. Also, it will take you more time to pay.
Some gas stations will place a hold on your credit card. Fortunately, this usually comes off within a few hours or days. But keep in mind that you’ll need to set up overdraft protection to ensure you have the money you need when you get there.
For a small fee, some gas companies will allow you to pay for your gas right at the pump. Others, such as Chevron and Texco, offer in-app payment options. This means that you can use your smartphone to purchase fuel.
Avoiding credit card fees
You can avoid credit card fees when paying for gas with cash. It’s important to be aware of these charges, as they can add up to a big bill.
Some card issuers charge an annual fee, which can vary greatly. If you don’t want to pay an annual fee, you can look for a card that doesn’t have one. There are also some credit cards that offer cash back.
Another way to avoid credit card fees is to opt out of over limit transactions. This can be done by calling the credit card issuer or by checking your account online.
There are many ways to save money on gas. Many stations offer a discount for paying for gas with cash. A typical discount is 5 to 10 cents per gallon.
Another way to avoid convenience fees is to pay with a check. You can also use a personal check instead of a credit card. In some cases, you can even get a refund if the payment was an error.
Avoiding temporary holds
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with paying for gas with your debit card. A hold can be placed on your account and you may be charged fees for not having enough money. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this hassle.
Some credit cards will allow you to pay for a certain amount of money without incurring a hold. This is called a pre-authorization. In this case, you’ll need to enter your PIN before completing the transaction. If you have a debit card, you can avoid a hold by entering your PIN as soon as you swipe your card.
Another option is to use cash. You can use cash to pay for a certain amount before you pump gas. Although you’ll avoid the inconvenience of a hold, you’ll also save yourself the hassle of trying to find a bank or ATM to draw up cash.
Using a rewards gas card
One of the best ways to get discounts on your gasoline is to use a rewards gas card. You can use these cards to save money at the pump, but you can also sign up for a loyalty program that will give you bonuses on your purchases.
When you’re looking for a card that will offer the most cash back, look for one that offers rewards on a wide variety of purchases. This can include fuel, groceries, and other spending categories.
If you’re looking for a credit card that will reward your gas purchases, try a card that is co-branded with a major credit card network. These credit cards are usually a great option because they can be used at any gas station that accepts credit.
Another way to earn rewards on your gas purchases is to use a general purpose gas credit card. These are cards that will earn you cash back, points, or a percentage discount on gas.