Debit Cards and Gasoline

The price of a gallon of gasoline is getting way out of hand. Even the filling stations and convenience stores think so. If you pay by debit card, beware. A store could, legally, put a hold on your checking account until such time as the charge you made against it for gasoline goes through. And, sometimes, that could take several days.

In the meantime, you may not be able to get cash from an ATM and checks you write could bounce. And it's all legal. Banks, credit card companies and gas stations say they need the protection to make sure everyone pays for their fuel. But guess who's liable when checks bounce their way back to your bank? That's right - you.

Stores typically put a hold on amounts ranging from $50 - $150 for gasoline purchases, so if you have that or less in your checking account you could experience some problems. Some stations automatically stop their pumps at a certain dollar level and control the issue that way.

Since nothing has to be posted to warn consumers, just be cautious when using your debit card for gasoline purchases.