Diesel fuel - cash or credit?

[mielock]

For those that drive diesel trucks, I’m sure you’ve noticed gas stations advertising different prices for cash vs. credit. I’ve noted inconsistencies between stations, with some accepting debit cards as cash, and others not. What is your experience? Do most accept debit as cash? I don’t like to carry hundreds of dollars in cash in order to get the discounted rate. What do you do?

[JamesBr]

In the DC metro area, other then one chain of stations which do cash only pricing does not carry diesel, otherwise no price differential here. When it comes to truck stops, there is always some way to get the cash price on a purchase. And if there is not, then its a location I don't stop at.

[msmith1199]

Northern Cal in most places if you use a debit card you get the cash price. I seem to recall finding one or two stations that charged the credit price for a debit card and I wouldn't use them. For the MH though, I got an account through Pacific Pride and try to only use them. I can pump 100 gallons of diesel without having to stop and reset the pump which it reaches its limit.

[REWahoo]

I avoid this issue completely by not purchasing fuel at truck stops, which seem to be where the price differentials for cash vs. credit are mostly found.

We use a Visa Cash Rewards CC from PenFed Credit Union that gives us a 5% cash rebate on all pay-at-the-pump purchases. Most truck lanes at the big truck stops require you to pay inside, which voids the 5% discount.

[mlts22]

I think Visa lost a court case that now allows places to charge a credit card fee (up to 3-5%) in some states.

I prefer paying by CC. If someone commits fraud via credit, the charges can be disputed or reversed. Debit, well, one is hosed. As for cash, ATMs are becoming more rare as time goes on.

[hitchup]

We justify paying by CC because we use a Rewards CC. Plus, with an auxiliary tank for total of 88 gals, we'd have to tow an armored car to hold all the cash.

[clubhouse]

Around here, debit card translations using you PIN are typically given the cash price.

[the_bear_II]

A gas station I have been going to since 1969 just began charging 10 cents per gallon more if you use a credit or debit card. I went in and told the owner (same one since 1969) that I was no longer buying gas from him. I could see 35 or 45 cents more per transaction like ARCO does but there's no justification for 10 cents per gallon.

Back to the point....most stations charge the higher rate for debit cards. I have ran into a few that consider debit cards like cash and will give the lower rate.

[Sez_Hoo_]

Get a Flying J/Pilot frequent fueler card. you can pay with plastic and still get up to 6 cents off the posted cash price.

[huffaz]

Most here in AZ do not consider debit cards as cash because banks charge them a service fee when used. The majority of stations do not have different prices for card vs cash. I tend to not go to the stations who charge more for cards because their cash price is the same or higher than the other stations.

Not sure about other areas but in Phoenix gas and diesel prices can vary considerably from one part of town to the next. Currently prices here for diesel range from $3.59 to $3.89 (1 station is $4.07).

[RAS43]

I see this in our area at the large truck stops. They are always higher then other places so I don't patronize them or any place that has a two price policy as I use a credit card when traveling. I should not have to carry large amounts of cash to get the best fuel pricing. I have always found fuel stops that meet my criteria. As for a debit card, I used to carry one but not any longer as there is more protection with a credit card.