Buc-ee’s customers are debating a new policy requiring card payments at the pump.
While those using cash can still prepay inside, customers with credit or debit cards are no longer able to pay for gas at the register.
A Florida customer, Griffin McCarty, also posted a video on TikTok saying he was not allowed to use a gift card to purchase gas at a St. Augustine location.
Here’s what to know.
Can you use Buc-ee’s gift cards to buy gas?
The company has not yet posted an update to its gift card policies on its website. The FAQ section for its gift cards simply says, “You can use your gift card at any Buc-ee’s instore location.”
But Buc-ee’s started a new fuel policy change March 1. The Austin American-Statesman reports that the new signs tell customers to use a credit or debit card to pay at the pump, while customers paying with cash can still prepay inside the store.
What is Buc-ee’s pay-at-the-pump policy?
According to new signage in place on March 1:
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Fuel cannot be purchased at the store with a credit or debit card
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If you are using a credit or debit card, you must pay at the pump
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If you are paying with cash, you can prepay for fuel at the store
Reactions to Buc-ee’s new policy have been mixed
On social media and Reddit, Buc-ee’s fans are coming down on both sides, with some agreeing with the move, hoping it will speed up transactions and prevent drivers from parking at the gas pump and leaving the vehicle while they shop on their own time.
Others complained about the hold placed on debit cards when used at the pump, pumps running out of registration tape and the dangers of card skimming if you don’t pay inside.
The move could also cause confusion and extra steps for people shopping inside who want gas and don’t have cash.
Does Buc-ee’s place cards when you pay at the pump?
If you pay by card, gas stations authorize the pump for a certain amount depending on the type of card used. Since the gas station doesn’t know how much the customer is spending, the amount is calculated to cover the average amount of fuel needed to make sure the customer has money in their account before the gas runs out.
That amount, called a “hold,” can remain in a person’s account for a period of time, preventing them from accessing or using that money until it’s cleared.
“For example, if a pump is authorized for $100.00 and $40.00 of gas is pumped there will be a $40.00 charge and a $100.00 hold,” Buc-ee’s says on its website. “The hold can last up to 72 hours.”
“This is the decision of the debit/credit card issuer,” the company said.
Buc-ee’s locations received an ‘F’ from the Better Business Bureau
The popular gas station/convenience store chain recently took a PR hit when dozens of Buc-ee’s locations, including one in Kentucky, received an “F” rating on the Better Business Bureau website. The nonprofit consumer organization says it’s because the cult-favorite chain failed to respond to 88 customer complaints.
About 43 locations still show an “F” rating as of April 7.
Buc-ee’s locations are currently open in Kentucky
Two Buc-ee’s are currently open in Kentucky. They exist:
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1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard in Richmond
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4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road in Smith Grove
Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s store opens near Dayton
Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s store is now open in Huber Heights. The location, near Dayton, opened at 6 a.m. on April 6, with a grand opening at noon.
The store is located at the intersection of State Route 235 and Interstate 70 in Huber Heights – about 15 minutes northeast of Dayton. It is also located approximately 65 miles from Cincinnati and 160 miles from Louisville.
What is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s started in Texas in 1982 and has remained in the Lone Star State for years, but the chain is making inroads elsewhere. The locations are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and serve as one-stop shops for travelers and locals alike.
They are known for cheap(er) gas at the insane number of gas pumps in each location; A wide variety of hot food, bakery items and fudge prepared on site; an entire wall’s wide variety of store-brand snacks, grocery staples, sauces and jerky; and a large section of home decor, kitchenware, clothing, barbecue grills, souvenirs and more.
GasBuddy.com rated the Buc-ee As having the cleanest restrooms of any convenience store chain in the nation. In May 2024, USA TODAY’s 10Best selected Buc-ee’s as the 10th best for both Best Gas Station Brand and Best Gas Station for Food.
CA Bridges is a reporter for USA TODAY Network-Florida’s Service Journalism Connections team. Reach Marina Johnson at marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared in the Louisville Courier Journal: What to know about Buc-ee’s new gas pump policy
