This post will answer some myths about Prepay and mention the best time to fill up gas at a cheap price. This FAQ is based on major chains and self-serve pumps. For any Local Gas Station, some things might be different.
What is prepay and how does it work?
Prepay or Pre Authorization will temporarily hold a specific amount on your card until an action is completed.
If you Pre-Authorize gas for $50, a temporary hold of $50 will be placed on your card.
If you take $30 worth of gas, your card will only be charged $30 and the rest $20 will be released from hold.
If a pre-authorization is cancelled, all your money will be released. No need to tap/insert card at POS to cancel
Check out some scenarios to better understand it.
| Payment Place | Payment Method | Prepay Amount | Fuel you filled | Money you will be charged |
| At Pump | Credit / Debit / Fleet Cards | $100 | $80 | $80 |
| In Store | Credit / Debit / Fleet Cards | $100 | $80 | $80 |
| In Store | (Credit / Debit) + Cash | $50 Cash, $50 Card | $80 | $50 Cash, $30 Card |
| In Store | Cash + Card | $50 Cash, $50 Debit | $50 | $50 Cash, $0 Debit |
| In Store | Gift Card | $50 Gift Card | $20 | $30 goes back to your Gift Card |
Paying with Gift cards at Gas Station
You can combine company-specific gift cards with cash and (Debit / Credit). Visa or Mastercard can only be combined with cash and not with debit or credit.
Example: At Petro Canada, you can pay with a Petro Gift card + Cash + Debit or Credit. It might be the same at Shell and Esso.
When paying with a Visa or Mastercard, you need to know the exact balance. If you have $20.25, you can give the remaining change in cash or only make it for $20.25. Once you fill up gas, always check your receipt for the remaining balance before you throw away your gift cards.
To check the balance on your Gift card, visit the website mentioned on the Gift card and enter the card details.
Scenarios to prevent unintentional drive-off
Moving car after pre-authorizing: You complete the pre-authorization steps and then realize your fuel tank is on the other side of the car. After moving your car, you start to fill up fuel. In this case, the buffer time for fueling might have expired, causing the pump to cancel your prepay and can result in drive off
Tip: Don’t stretch the hose to the other side of your car. If broken, you or your insurance company is responsible for repairs worth $100-$200.
Tapping card at pump after filling Gas: If you fill up gas first, you must go in-store to pay for gas. You cannot pay at the pump after filling the gas.
Informing the wrong pump to the cashier: Several people inform the wrong pump to the cashier while they prepay in the store. People on pump 1 or 2 would say they are on pump 12 as both pumps are on the same pillar.
When you pay in-store, the cashier monitors your prepay and move it to your car if there is any miscommunication. However, it can be challenging for a cashier to keep track during busy hours.
Avoid paying for the wrong pump: If you already filled up gas first, check the pump number on the pump before going in the store. Once you are in the store for payment, you can mention pump number, car color and make of your vehicle. E.g.: White Honda on pump 1.
If you are planning to pre authorize in store, mention the grade, pump number and car color and make of car to avoid confusion. E.g.: Prepay ULTRA 94 for $50 on pump 2 for Black BMW.
If you Prepay in store, fuel grading must be specified correctly. In case of any changes, the transaction must be cancelled and done again.
Verify your pump number on Billing Display: While in the store, check the billing display screen before you tap your card and once tapped, check the receipt if it’s your.
Limit: If you prepay for $50, the pump will not allow you to fill more than $50 unless you put back the nozzle.
Monitor Fueling: If the pump runs above your prepay amount, there may be a miscommunication. Please confirm with the cashier before leaving.
TL;DR
- Check the display screen: If it says “pay inside”, you must go in-store to pay or to verify your prepay.
- Mention your vehicle: Along with your pump number, also describe your vehicle while in-store.
- Position your vehicle: Ensure the fuel tank of your vehicle is facing towards the pump. Do not stretch the hose on the other side.
I would like to fill up my tank. I don’t know how much It will take. What should I do?
Pre-authorize an amount based on your vehicle’s fuel tank capacity. Search online if you are unsure. “Your car name, model Tank Capacity”, e.g.: Civic 2024 Tank Capacity.
Fuel indicator is not working, how do I know how much to prepay?
Prepay for the maximum capacity of your fuel tank. You will only be charged for the amount of gas you fill up.
When is Gas Price lower?
Evening is the best time to get cheaper gas as prices change throughout the day. Check out the complete Guide to save money on fuel.
