Buying gas in the US

[dandee00]

When we were travelling in the States this past January, we ran into something we were not familiar with. A few of our gas stations have the pay at the pump, but we had never used them before. In the U.S. one of us would always take in a travellers check, while the other one pumped the gas.

Here's my "silly" question: Can we use our Canadian credit cards in their pay at the pump machines?

 

[ChisJo]

you shouldn't have a problem using your credit cards at the pumps. Your debit card on the other hand, you will not be able to use.

 

[dandee00]

Thanks ChisJo.
I figured the debit card would be useless at the pumps. I'm glad to hear the credit card will work. Now I can sit in the vehicle, while DH puts the gas in.

 

[almacdonald]

Just a small tidbit i found fascinating in TX..... They don't turn off their cars when they re-fill their cars and apparently have never been told to do so. Odd, I thought.

 

[ChisJo]

Just to add to this...If you have a speedpass (from Esso), you can use that at any Mobile station in the US. I love my speedpass - I haven't paid in the store since I got it.

 

[connorsmom911]

Don't count on always being able to use your credit card at the pump...we have never been successful using Scotiabank Visa at Shell stations in Michigan (other stations have not been a problem). This has been on a few different trips. Something about the Canadian card not recognizing the same or some sort of extra security measure...

 

[dandee00]

Don't count on always being able to use your credit card at the pump...we have never been successful using Scotiabank Visa at Shell stations in Michigan (other stations have not been a problem). This has been on a few different trips. Something about the Canadian card not recognizing the same or some sort of extra security measure...

So, what did you do? Use another credit card? Or go in with cash?

 

[dandee00]

Just to add to this...If you have a speedpass (from Esso), you can use that at any Mobile station in the US. I love my speedpass - I haven't paid in the store since I got it.

Ah, ummmm how do I get a speed pass? Is it only at Mobile you can use this?

 

[dandee00]

Just a small tidbit i found fascinating in TX..... They don't turn off their cars when they re-fill their cars and apparently have never been told to do so. Odd, I thought.

We also saw this...but in Florida. We thought it was odd and suicidal!! We could hardly wait to get out of that gas station.

 

[connorsmom911]

So, what did you do? Use another credit card? Or go in with cash?

Credit card worked inside, just not at the pump. It happened twice in one trip, both times at Shell stations and the clerks both knew right off the bat that we were Canadians. They said it's some kind of extra security feature that won't work at the pumps. Not a big deal except when it was raining!!

 

[jncvh]

When I drive I usually find the gas prices cheaper as you get close to the state line. I think it is the state trying to grab the last few tax dollars before you move on the the next state. Remember, if you are half full and you see a good price on gas, don't hesitate to fill up. Odds are when it is time to fill up when you are empty the price will be higher.

 

[dandee00]

Credit card worked inside, just not at the pump. It happened twice in one trip, both times at Shell stations and the clerks both knew right off the bat that we were Canadians. They said it's some kind of extra security feature that won't work at the pumps. Not a big deal except when it was raining!!

An extra security feature just for Canadians, ay?


I guess it's one way to get people into the store part of the station to buy a water/coffee/pop.

 

[ChisJo]

Ah, ummmm how do I get a speed pass? Is it only at Mobile you can use this?

Go to this website . It is a small attachment that you attach to your keychain. At most (not all) esso stations, you can just point it at the pump, and it charges directly to you credit card. I've had mine for over a year, and I love it...It works great when you are in a hurry, and you also never have to wait in line at the store.

When I went online to see the locations in Florida that used Speedpass, it only had Mobile stations listed....I don't know about other states...

 

[dandee00]

When I drive I usually find the gas prices cheaper as you get close to the state line. I think it is the state trying to grab the last few tax dollars before you move on the the next state. Remember, if you are half full and you see a good price on gas, don't hesitate to fill up. Odds are when it is time to fill up when you are empty the price will be higher.

That's a great suggestion. We also noticed the moment you need gas, it's always higher.

 

[CharlesTD]

Just to add to this...If you have a speedpass (from Esso), you can use that at any Mobile station in the US. I love my speedpass - I haven't paid in the store since I got it.

That is good to hear as we are going to a hockey game next wed in Buffalo so I will fill up over there on our way home we were told when calling Esso directly that they wouldn't work in the US you had to get a US designated speedpass. So we have never tried and Shell said the same thing to us so we just didn't bother with them over there.

 

[dandee00]

ChisJo I checked out the website and it looks like it's Moble and Exxon stations.
CharlesTD...please let us know if your speedpass works in Buffalo. Thanx.

 

[CharlesTD]

ChisJo I checked out the website and it looks like it's Moble and Exxon stations.
CharlesTD...please let us know if your speedpass works in Buffalo. Thanx.

Will do hopefully it does because I will use it when I can for driving to Florida and just keep the money for gas in teh bank and pay off the visa with that when we get home makes for even less cash to carry on the drive and we can carry more tc's

 

[cslittle999]

ChisJo I checked out the website and it looks like it's Moble and Exxon stations.
CharlesTD...please let us know if your speedpass works in Buffalo. Thanx.

Exxon owns Mobile and Esso which is why it would be those three brands.

 

[MELISAZACK]

funny I am from the states - and Last month while in Canada my debit card worked just fine at your candianan tire store gas stations...so did my
cc card when I used it.. and I did it right at the pump - wonder why it is the opposite for you all here in the states...it is very strange to say the least!

 

[CharlesTD]

Ok my official findings are that the speedpass was a no go at teh mobil station we tried on our way home from teh hockey game last night. We tried at teh pump then in the station and the attendant said he has never had a Canadian try it at the station that he can think of so what that means I have no idea LOL. So I think we will stick with our original plan of carrying cash for gas when we drive to Florida it is safer atleast they all take cash still LOL.