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Topic: Safe Way to Purchase Gas? (Read 908 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #25
I'm with Linda.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #26
Along the lines of Linda’s tactics…

We reserve a separate credit card for our recurring auto-pay charges (utilities, insurance, etc…).  That card stays in a safe at home.  We keep a couple of other cards for day to day purchases.  In this way, if we loose or otherwise are forced to replace a day-to-day credit card, we do not need to worry about re-setting our account information on our various service provider web sites.  Since we adopted this approach, we’ve not had to re-set any of our auto-pay credit card information.

On the road, we use a CostCo, chip/RFID card at CostCo store/gas stations.  We keep a second chip credit card for use in places where Apple Pay is not accepted.  Finally, we have an Amazon credit card that we use only at WholeFoods & Amazon due to the 5% rebate it affords for purchases at Amazon entities.

We too use an ATM/Debit card only for cash withdrawals.  We link that card to a checking account dedicated to that purpose.  And we keep a modest amount of money in that associated account so that if someone were to obtain the ATM credentials they would be able to steal only that limited sum.

W
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #27
I stumbled into Apple Pay when I was looking to buy a new computer.
If you use Apple Pay, you can spread payments for one year without interest.
A much easier hit on my finances than paying $2000 or more at one go.
Once I started using it, I realized just how convenient it is.
Now, I use it when possible. Convenience wins over just about anything.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #28
"We reserve a separate credit card for our recurring auto-pay charges (utilities, insurance, etc…).  That card stays in a safe at home.  We keep a couple of other cards for day to day purchases.  In this way, if we loose or otherwise are forced to replace a day-to-day credit card, we do not need to worry about re-setting our account information on our various service provider web sites."

Smart move! I should do that.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #29
"Maybe it’s time to apply for another card."

Greg,

Yes, why not, and dedicate it just to fuel purchases if that feels right to you? Maybe the bank you use offers credit cards too? Mine does, so I can keep track of my credit card purchases as well as my debit card and other accounts just by logging in to my online banking (only on my computer, I've never used my phone for any banking). Another option might be a pre-paid CC from your bank for the trip? Estimate how much cash you expect to need for gas and put it on the card?

Carrying a bunch of cash, going inside each time to pay all sounds like a lot of trouble to me; standing in line, estimating how much you'll need, etc., especially given the current conditions with C19!  As I said, I haven't been paying attention to payment options at the pump, and I haven't been far from home, but I wonder if Apple Pay or Google Pay aren't much more common out west, particularly California than they are elsewhere?

Bill

Bill
2003 -- 23' FL

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #30
I had considered Apple Pay until I looked at the application requirements to use the option. You are required to sign up to the cloud.

No thanks. “I don’t do the cloud”. Not for photos. Not for anything. Especially with Apple’s latest announcement of spying on customer photo storage. This just opens up a whole can of worms.

I’m good with checking my bank notifications. US Bank covers us for fraudulent Debit Card use. Works for me.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #31
I did not have to sign on to the cloud to get Apple Pay.
I don't use the cloud and won't.
The account is handled by Goldman Sachs, they issue you a Mastercard.
You can get a physical card also, for places that don't use an NFC reader.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #32
"No thanks. “I don’t do the cloud”. Not for photos. Not for anything. Especially with Apple’s latest announcement of spying on customer photo storage. This just opens up a whole can of worms."

I Agree 100%. I've never used the cloud either. I don't use Apple products, but did read the announcement. Slippery slope! 

Bill
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #33
 I believe Jota was referring to the Apple Card. But you don't have to get one of those to use Apple Pay--I didn't. You can us any major credit card with Apple Pay. I use one that was issued by my credit union many years ago.

There's a lot of fear-mongering right now about Apple's child safety initiatives--not only from mainstream media, who often get tech issues wrong, but even from some tech journalists who should know better. This is not a subject we should get into a discussion of here, but please read Apple's explanation and FAQ before jumping to any conclusions.

In particular, note that "Communication safety in Messages" is off by default. It's something parents can turn on on their children's phones if they choose. Basically, it's a way for parents to prevent children from sexting.

A separate feature, "CSAM [Child Sexual Abuse Material] detection in iCloud Photos", only checks for known, illegal images of child sex abuse*. It doesn't look for nudity. It won't flag a picture of your toddler in the bathtub. It does not search your phone. And if you don't use iCloud for photo storage (I don't--can't afford the bandwidth) it doesn't affect you at all.

Again, before you fall for clickbait "Apple Snoops User Photos!" headlines, please read Apple's explanations of what they are actually planning to do... or for a more technical assessment, this review by an independent computer security researcher.

* based on a database of known CSAM maintained by NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children), a nonprofit organization founded and funded by the U.S. government
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #34

" I believe Jota was referring to the Apple Card. But you don't have to get one of those to use Apple Pay--I didn't. You can us any major credit card with Apple Pay."

After this illuminating and educational discussion about online scamming, cc card usage, etc., I was thinking I might try Apple Pay but didn't want to get a new credit card to embrace it. Now I see how it works. Thanks, Andy. I can continue using my favorite credit card.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #35
I just signed up for Apple Pay and did not have to be in the Cloud to do so. As Andy and Jota stated, you just link your existing CC. Not sure what Apple Card requires.

I just used Apple Pay for the first time at a Valero in Lost Hills. I had to go inside as no pay at the pump feature, unlike the Love’s next door which was overly crowded. I asked the cashier for $100 gas but it was over the gas limit so had to do $90 instead.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #36
$100 was over the fill limit!? Gas here in the South Bay at top tier stations (except Costco) is $4.55-$4.65 per gallon. I doubt that it’s a lot less along I-5 through the valley? (I just fed my old ride $150 worth, muttering imprecations and assorted curses in two languages as the pump numbers tumbled over at lightspeed!)  ::)
2003 TK has a new home


Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #38

A large part of the $100 limit is so the station doesn't get stuck with chargebacks if/when someone claims that a card was used by an unauthorized person.  It stems from banking rules, not the price of fuel or the size of your tank.

What You Need to Know about Credit Card Limits at Gas Pumps | Financial Fuel...

Quote
The authorization limits are a compromise between liability for the merchant and the average consumer gas purchase. Most car drivers will never run into the limit. Only truckers and RV drivers have to deal with it regularly, except when gas prices rise. Then owners of Hummers and other big pickups and SUVs may bump up against the limits.

Rich
2003 MB

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #39
Paid under $2.80 at Costco this weekend.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #40
A large part of the $100 limit is so the station doesn't get stuck with chargebacks if/when someone claims that a card was used by an unauthorized person.  It stems from banking rules, not the price of fuel or the size of your tank.

What You Need to Know about Credit Card Limits at Gas Pumps | Financial Fuel...

So I guess you just have make two separate transactions if you want more fuel?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #41
$100 per purchase limits are the norm at Costco. No big deal. Simply start the procedure again. Funny, my second transaction usually isn’t for much. Maybe $12 worth of fuel. But hey, every drop of gas matters.

I’ve seen lower limits set at other gas stations. Might have something to do with the moon. 🌛

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #42
I just topped-off for ~$150 last week at Costco, no $100 limit there (at least for us :) ).

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #43
Warning tad off topic.

At the risk of being that guy again ......
You use the 'cloud' when you are using the internet.   Basically its all binary math that is using assorted computers that you don't own.   Once you connect to any server on any service you have lost control.  You are trusting the assorted vendors that they are doing the programming they said they are doing. 
The 'problem' with Apple scanning your phone is Apple is scanning your phone.

Years ago it was said if you wanted to know the truth about somebody all you had to do is look at their checkbook and appointment calendar.    <smile> today I'd add web browser history.   Who do you thing knows that?

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King

 
Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #44
I wonder if Costco $ limit is set for debit cards and not for credit cards. Crazy me. I always use my debit card at Costco pumps. 🤯

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #45
We use our Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Card for most of our purchases. We get 4% cash back on gas worldwide, including gas at Costco and 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases. Before Costco we were original FedMart and then Price Club members Costco History.

Charles

Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #46
I wonder if Costco $ limit is set for debit cards and not for credit cards. Crazy me. I always use my debit card at Costco pumps.

Costco is the only place where I can fill a near-empty tank without having to use the card twice and not receive a text message to confirm the purchase.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #47
I was talking with one of the gas attendants at the local Costco(Roseburg, OR)  recently and he told me the limit for the Costco Citi Visa is set at $150 and $100 for any other credit or debit card.  

Matt
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Safe Way to Purchase Gas?
Reply #48
Although a Costco member for years, I had never purchased their gas as I hate long lines and there always seems to be long lines at Costco.  Yesterday, I decided to suck it up and try the store in Lancaster, CA.  Yes, the line was long and it was pretty tight getting to the pumps and getting back on the main road because of the layout of this particular store.  I couldn’t imagine taking an RV with toad through but I did see one large class A there so . . .

Anyway, at $3.99, it was the cheapest gas around (Top Tier to boot) and I’m happy to report they do accept Apple Pay. Not sure if it’s limited to $100 or not as I was in a car.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264