Cash Or Credit?

Prices Cash Drivers using credit cards could soon pay more at the pumps

by Pat Peterson

Published: Tue, June 17, 2008 - 4:12 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, June 17, 2008 - 4:54 pm CST

The pain at the pump could get even worse for customers using plastic. News 5 has learned at least six gas stations and convenience stores in Baldwin County could soon start charging customers more for gas paid with credit. Gas station owners say an increase in fees and surcharges from credit card companies on each credit transaction could force them to make the move.

"Probably ten or 15 cents per transaction up to 70 cents just to use and run the credit card," says Erby Huggins. Huggins owns Sam's Grocery on Highway 98 in Foley. "Then the credit card company gets a percentage of the dollar amount on top of that."

The dual pricing system is simple: customers who pay cash for gas would get a better deal. Credit card users would be charged an extra six to ten cents a gallon.

"It doesn't make sense for me to give the credit card companies the profit and me sit here and get none," says Huggins.

Drivers are already fed-up with gas prices at nearly four bucks a gallon.

"That's not a good thing," says Roger George. "I guess I won't be using my credit card anymore at the pump. I'll carry cash."

Gas stations could implement the hike this summer.

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Wait4Me Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 3:45 pm

the ATM fees are more than the cc fees. Not such a good plan. I don’t use and haven’t used credit cards for years, but i do use my debit and I believe it’s unfair to the consumer, that we should pay a fee to use them. I for one will never use one of thier cards. They are trying to find another way to get to my money cause I won’t give it to them freely…..

LPJ1959 Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Most all gas stations have ATM in side the stores so go pump your gas then go to the ATM and git you money to pay for the gas then you dont have to pay there feas. Then you dont have to cary cash eather. There is always a way.

sydric Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 1:09 pm

I had a response from Shelby, but nothing from Sessions.

amber-marie Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 12:56 pm

Actually it does do some good. I sent a letter to Jeff Sessions because of a car accident that I got hurt in and the police, driver of the other car, everyone involved, did NOTHING. The guy didn’t even have to pay for the damage to my car or my body. He was released from jail the next morning. And I spent 3 months on the phone with a guy from Sessions office, they did everything the could. So, yes… write a letter, sound educated and prove a valid point and they will help you.

kctenac16 Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 2:49 pm

dont waste your time emailing politicians, it wont do you any good. they are probably the ones behind this policy anyways.

rmseek1234 Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 1:38 pm

I do think this is one more reason to cut up the credit cards. But I don’t think it is fair to penalize debit card users (if they do). My debit card is just like paying cash, it comes directly out of my checking account, and keeps me safer by not having to carry around all that cash.

working4u Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 1:30 pm

Murphy’s @Walmarts have already stopped taking American Express. Well, I just stopped useing my AMX for gas. Too bad so sad for AMX. Thats what AMX get for trying to stick it to retailers. You would think with the interests and fees the CC companies charge they would be satisfied. No, they want to make big bucks on the front and back end.

sydric Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 12:41 pm

I have emailed our senators, there should be some way to keep the cc companies from doing this. I guess everytime a mugging, robbery takes place at a gas station, we can send them a news article, or file a lawsuit saying their policy made it more dangerous for the buying public. That the crime took place because of their policy.

mikeydbama Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 12:30 pm

I take on over $100.00 of diesel 3 times a week! Will i be able to drive around armed across state lines? Not! so just go ahead and line up would be robbers and victims. thanks to GREED, we just chalked up a higher crime rate.

amber-marie Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 12:04 pm

So what about those of us who pay over $100 to fill up our tanks. I hate carrying cash, I have had it stolen numerous times. So aparently now I need to cary $120 around with me everytime I need gas. Thats really great.