Travel center chain issues new rules for paying for fuel with credit and debit cards
Many Buc-ee stores earn “F” ratings
A previous version of this article incorrectly cited the number of Buc-ee stores that received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau. The exact number is 28 as of March 13th.
- A viral video of a Florida man protesting Buc-ee’s policy banning the use of gas gift cards at the pump.
- As of March 1, Buc-ee’s is asking customers to pay for gas at the pump with a credit or debit card, but cash is also accepted inside the store.
- The policy change has received mixed reactions from customers on social media.
Is the Bushi Church on the verge of splitting?
A Florida man who was once a loyal Buc-ee fan is in the news for stripping about $200 worth of Beaver-branded merchandise from his car in protest of the Texas-based travel center chain’s payment policies.
Griffin McCarty posted a video on his TikTok account on March 17 in which he said he drove 30 miles to a Buckeye location in St. Augustine, Fla., to use a gift card for gas money, but was told he wasn’t allowed to use it.
“I’ve got $4 in my account, 10 miles in the tank, and I literally can’t even get home without my parents paying for gas,” he posted under a video of himself tearing off a Buc-ee bumper sticker and kicking a stuffed Beaver mascot.
“It says online you can use gift cards,” McCarty said in a comment on the post.
Can I use a Buc-ee gift card to purchase gas?
The company has not yet posted any policy updates on its website. The FAQ section about gift cards simply says, “Gift cards can be used at any Buc-ee store.”
However, Buc-ee’s began a new refueling policy change starting March 1st. The Austin American-Statesman reported that new signs instruct customers to pay with a credit or debit card at the pump, but customers who pay with cash can prepay inside the store.
What is Buc-ee’s pay-at-the-pump policy?
According to new signs installed on March 1st,
- Fuel cannot be purchased in-store with credit or debit cards
- If using a credit or debit card, you must pay at the pump
- If you pay with cash at the store, you can pay for gas in advance.
Reactions to new Buc-ee policies mixed.
On social media and Reddit, Buc-ee fans are voicing their opinions on both sides, with some agreeing with the move in hopes of speeding up transactions and preventing drivers from parking at gas stations or leaving their cars there while they shop inside.
Some people complained about a hold being placed on their debit card when used at the pump, the register tape on the pump breaking, and the risk of card skimming if they don’t pay in-store.
The move could also cause confusion and extra steps for people shopping indoors who don’t have cash but need gas.
Will Buc-ee’s locations be held on my card when I pay at the pump?
If you pay by card, the gas station will authorize you at the pump for a certain amount depending on the type of card you use. This amount is calculated to cover the average amount of fuel required, since the gas station does not know how much the customer will spend and must ensure that money is available in the customer’s account before the gas starts flowing.
That amount, known as a “hold,” is held in a person’s account for a period of time, and they can’t access or spend the money until it’s cleared.
“For example, if a pump is licensed for $100 and gas is filled for $40, there will be a $40 fee and a $100 hold,” Buc-ee’s says on its website. “The hold lasts up to 72 hours.”
“This is a debit/credit card issuer’s decision,” the company said.
Buc-ee location earns an “F” from the Better Business Bureau
The popular gas station/convenience store chain recently took a PR hit when dozens of Buc-ee stores received an “F” rating on the Better Business Bureau website. The nonprofit consumer group blames the cult-favorite chain’s failure to respond to 88 customer complaints.
As of April 7, approximately 43 locations still had an “F” rating. One of them is in Florida.
Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach welcomes first customers
Video shows the first customers being greeted with cheers at the new Buc-ee’s gas station and convenience store in Daytona Beach on March 22, 2021.
Clayton Park, Daytona Beach News Journal
What is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s started in Texas in 1982 and remained in the Lone Star State for many years, but the chain has expanded to other areas. Each store is open 24/7 and serves as a one-stop shop for travelers and locals alike.
They have so many gas pumps at each location and are known for cheap gas. A wide range of hot food, bakery items and fudge prepared on site. A variety of store brand snacks, grocery staples, sauces, and wall-to-wall jerky. It has a large selection of home decor, kitchenware, clothing, BBQ grills, souvenirs, and more.
Buc-ee’s was rated by GasBuddy.com as having the cleanest restrooms of any convenience store chain in the country. In May 2024, USA TODAY’s 10Best ranked Buc-ee’s #10 for both Best Gas Station Brands and Best Gas Stations for Food.
CA Bridges is a journalist on the service journalism Connect team at USA TODAY Network-Florida. Sign up for our free newsletter, Florida TODAY, to get all of Florida’s best content straight to your inbox every weekday.
