Can You Manually Enter Your Credit Card Number at a Gas Station?
The short answer is:
✅ At the pump: probably not
? Inside the station, with a cashier/attendant: probably yes
Details on why: At the pump
You’re very unlikely to be able to manually enter credit card information at the payment gateway / physical terminal located at your pump. The card reader will simply not have this option. This is intentional to prevent a type of fraud know as “card not present.” Gas stations (and credit card companies) are trying to prevent a someone who has stolen your credit card info, but not your card, from being able to steal gas.
Details on why: Inside the station – with a cashier/attendant
The point of sale system inside the station will likely allow the cashier/attendant to manually enter payments. They are allowed to do a manually entered transaction, since they can verify:
- Customers card information
- Physical possession of the card their trying to use
- Customers identity
Introduction
Have you ever had the super-frustrating experience of your card not swiping effectively at the gas pump? This can be infuriating when you’re in a rush! That might make you wonder can you manually enter your credit card number at a gas station?
In today’s post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this topic. Stick around!
Manually Entering Your Credit Card Number at a Gas Station
While you can’t manually enter credit card information at the gas pump, you might be able to do it at the register. The cashier/attendant can enter your credit card number into point of sale (POS) registers or manual credit card readers (if they even still have these!).
Most of the gas stations in the US will let you pay for your gas at the pump yourself using a credit card or debit card. Yet, in New Jersey, you’re still not allowed to pump gas on your own. So, a gas attendant still has to insert your credit card at the pump.
Additionally, for security purposes, some gas stations might require you to have the card in your possession. This is to avoid fraud and the usage of stolen credit cards. In this case, for manual entry, you will need your credit card and your credit card details, like the security code on the back and the expiration date.
Moreover, at automated gas stations, you won’t have the option to manually enter your credit card number at all.
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Other Ways You Can Pay For Your Gas
There are various payment methods to pay for gas other than with cash or credit card. You can pick whatever method suits you best if the gas station accepts it as a method of payment.
Digital Wallets
Cashless payments are now part of everyday life. They save you the hassle of carrying around cash. They make payments faster, safer, and more efficient. They also save salespeople the time it takes to manually enter a credit card transaction. However, you might still need to use cash in some places.
While you might not carry around cash everywhere you go, you definitely can’t go out without your phone. Apple Pay and Google Pay are safe, secure, and fast. It’s all on your phone and can be done with a tap of your finger.
Setting up your wallet is a one-time process. You just add your credit card information to Apple Pay or Google Pay app.
When it’s time for your payment, all you need to do is scan a code or touch the NFC reader with your phone. If the gas station supports this kind of payment, you’ll spot the Contactless Payment symbol.
Debit Cards
In some instances, when a customer’s card is not working, your debit card may actually still work – don’t forget to try your debit card too! Remember this is simply a way to access money in your checking account. You can generally use it the same way you use your credit card, but may need to enter a pin number you have previously set up to complete manually entered transactions.
Cash
While of course, this won’t work at fully automated gas stations that only have card readers at the pump, like many small stores, if there is a store and a gas attendant you will likely still be able to pay in cash. The attendant can also help you manually enter credit card payments by using your card details.
Mobile Apps
Gas station chains around the US now offer online payment for your gas via each chain’s mobile app. All the apps are available for both iOS and Android devices. You can almost always complete this payment right on your phone at the gas pump.
While not all gas stations support this payment method, the number continues to grow each year. Cashless payments are the future! So, these apps are here to stay. These apps include:
● Shell
● Chevron
● BPme: BP & Amoco Gas Rewards
To Sum Up
You can manually enter your credit card number at a gas station if there is a gas attendant/cashier, who will need to do the actual entry. Any gas station that has old POS registers or manual credit card readers will allow you to do that inside with the cashier/attendant. You almost surely won’t be able to manually process credit card transaction at the gas pump, though.
However, some gas stations don’t allow this kind of payment to avoid dealing with stolen cards. In addition, some fully automated gas stations don’t have this option.
You can use digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay to pay for your gas. Digital wallets are safe, efficient, and fast. You can also use the mobile apps of some gas station chains.
Editor's Note:
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