Let’s talk about something that might be quietly eating into your wallet. If you’ve noticed that your gas bill seems a little higher than expected lately, you’re not alone. In some parts of the U.S., drivers are being charged up to $1 more per gallon just for using a credit card. Yes, really.
Why you might be paying more
You could be paying more at the pump because some stations are charging differently for cash and credit card sales. If you use a credit card to pay at the pump, you might get hit with a “surcharge” of as much as $1 per gallon extra. That won’t seem like much at first, but if you get a 15-gallon tank filled up, that’s an extra $15 added to your bill.
Where is this happening
It’s happening in some states, one being the most commonly reported, and that’s Florida. Surcharges are allowed, but they’re to be transparently posted so you will see what you’re going to pay before you fill up.
The trick? Some gas stations do not make it obvious. They might advertise the lower cash price in bold letters and put the credit card surcharge in small letters on the pump—if they mention it at all.
Why it matters
Let’s do some simple arithmetic. The typical driver spends about $2,400 a year on fuel. If you’re blowing more than you realize every time without even noticing it, that’s possibly hundreds of dollars down the drain for no other reason than that you swiped your card.
For families or individuals who are already scraping by on outrageous levels of gas these days, this sort of secret cost actually stings.
What you can do
These are a few simple steps to save money and protect yourself at the pump:
1. Read the signs
When you’re ready to fill up, read the price sign carefully. Does it say “cash” or “credit”? If there’s a big disparity and you will be paying with a card, think twice.
2. Pay cash when you can
If you’re willing to pay the surcharge, just paying cash is the easiest means of avoiding it. It’s annoying but could save you $10 to $20 per tank over time.
3. Obtain gas price apps
Apps such as GasBuddy or Waze can assist you in finding stations with lower prices or those that do not charge a surcharge for card use.
4. Use rewards or cash back cards
Several petrol stations provide loyalty schemes, and some credit cards provide cash back on fuel purchases. These will not make the surcharge go away, but you might receive a small amount of money back.
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What experts are saying
Consumer advocates warn that hiding credit card charges is a deceptive business practice. But if consumers do not act, this trend can grow. That’s why being informed is your best defense.
So the next time you top up a tank, take a glance at the notices. It could cost you a few pennies—it could cost you a heck of a lot of money down the line.
