Credit card shows invalid at truck stop pumps

Typical consumer cards are not used at truck stops and diesel fuel pumps.

And if your history does not reflect consistent use of such pumps, they are blocked for your own protection because of the high tabs typically seen at them.

All you do is call your CC company and tell them. Its literally a couple mouse clicks to allow these charges to go thru in the future.

At the truck stops the card readers could be for commercial account cards only. Often on those, the fuel distributor does not charge the highway taxes, it leaves that up to the carriers. I've seen that at a truck stop in Vancouver, WA. Thought I was getting a good price from their billboard until I went inside and had to pay the taxes also. Could have gotten it cheaper anywhere else.

Bill

There are very few large truck stops where a standard credit card will work at the pump. I always have to go inside first. They may ask you for a pre authorization amount before you pump. You can have more then you need authorized. If you tell them $200 and you can only get $150 fuel into your tank when you go back inside after pumping the receipt will be for the $150. Good luck.

RoyB wrote:
I have run into that as well and always thought it was just the fuel pumps reader wore out from excessive use. When I go pay inside I usually have to tell them the amount in advance and they hold the card which I don't like to do...

Roy Ken

X2

I have had cards that will not work at fuel pumps but work everywhere else.

Then I try my wife's card which is not used as much and it will usually work.

I have run into that as well and always thought it was just the fuel pumps reader wore out from excessive use. When I go pay inside I usually have to tell them the amount in advance and they hold the card which I don't like to do...

Roy Ken

If it's a DirectExpress card it won't work at a lot of places and not work at all for ANY pay at the pump sites.