Getting gas for your car is necessary, but what if your credit card chip reader isn't working or your card doesn't have a chip? You may be wondering if you can manually enter your credit card information at the pump. The answer is complicated and depends on several factors.
Why Would You Need to Manually Enter Credit Card Information?
There are a few reasons why you might need or want to manually punch in your credit card number to pay for gas instead of inserting or tapping your card:
- Your card doesn't have a chip (it only has a magnetic stripe)
- The chip reader at the pump isn't working
- You have an older credit card with a worn-out magnetic stripe
- You want to use a virtual credit card number instead of your physical card
In these situations, manually entering your card details may be your only option to pay for fuel.
Policies Vary by Gas Station
Whether or not gas stations allow manual credit card entry can vary significantly. Some stations have pumps that prompt you to enter your card information on the pin pad if you're not using the chip reader. Others only allow chip, tap, or mobile payments.
According to Visa's rules, merchants cannot require you to have a chipped card. If the chip reader is broken, merchants should provide another way for you to pay.[[1] However, each merchant sets their policies.
Some gas station brands that allow manual card entry include:
- Shell
- Exxon
- Sunoco
- BP
- Chevron
- Texaco
Meanwhile, Costco, Sam's Club, Buc-ee's, and other membership warehouses often only accept their proprietary member cards or mobile payments.
Your best bet is to call ahead to your local gas station to understand their credit card policies before filling up. Don't rely on being able to punch in your card number.
It Depends on the Payments Processor
Whether or not you can enter your card number manually also depends on the gas station's payment processor.
For example, many small gas stations use payment processors like Fuelman or Commercial Fueling Network (CFN). These systems are designed to accommodate fleet and commercial drivers who may not have chip cards. So they often allow manual card entry.
Meanwhile, large chains like 7-Eleven use processors that only support chip and contactless payments. So you likely cannot punch in your card number on their pumps.
Check the stickers on the gas pump or visit the station's website to determine their processor. That will give you an idea of their credit card entry options before you fill up.
Use Mobile Payments If You Can
If the gas station doesn't allow manual credit card punches, mobile payments are another option.
Apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay allow you to pay by holding your smartphone up to the pump's contactless reader. These apps store your card information digitally, so you don't need a physical card.
Just ensure your phone has enough battery, and that the gas pump you select is equipped for contactless payments.
Consider Getting a Chip Card
As more gas stations upgrade their pumps to support new EMV chip card standards, manual key entry is becoming less common.
That's why it's a good idea to request a chipped credit card if you don't already have one. Issuers like Capital One, Citi, Chase and Wells Fargo offer chip card replacements for existing customers.
Chipped cards are much more secure than old magnetic stripe cards. The embedded microchip creates unique data for each transaction, making it nearly impossible for fraudsters to steal your card number.
So while chip cards may be slightly less convenient when the reader malfunctions, they protect your account much better in case of a data breach.
Beware of Skimmers
If you do end up manually punching in your card number, beware of potential credit card skimmers attached to the gas pumps.
Skimmers are devices installed by identity thieves that surreptitiously steal your financial information. They are designed to fit seamlessly over the actual card readers. When you swipe or enter your card, they capture your data without your knowledge.
According to an FTC report, gas pumps are the most common places for skimmers.[[2]
Before using any pump, check that the card reader panel hasn't been tampered with and give the card slot a slight wiggle to check for loose parts. Also consider going inside and paying the cashier instead of using the outdoor pumps.
And if your account does get compromised after using a gas station pump, report it immediately. Under Visa's Zero Liability rule, you won't be held responsible for any unauthorized charges.[[3]
The Answer: It Varies
As you can see, whether or not you can punch in your credit card number at the gas pump depends on several factors:
- The merchant's unique policies
- Their payment processor
- The type of card reader installed
Some stations gladly allow manual entry, while others prohibit it in favor of more secure chip-based payments.
Before filling up, call or check your local gas station's website to understand their specific credit card policies. Opt to pay inside instead of at the pump when possible. Consider upgrading to a chip card for better security. And be vigilant about potential skimmers attached to the pumps.
With a bit of preparation, you can usually find a gas station that will accommodate manual credit card payments when needed. But don't count on the option being available universally. Technology and security standards are phasing it out over time.
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