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Author	Topic: Would you buy from a 'cash only' gas station?	Topic is locked Back to Topics

jeanniebellini Rookie Author New Hampshire Posts:13 Points:720 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Jun 1, 2009 1:05:18 PM Ignore jeanniebellini Report Abuse There is a small gas station that usually has the best prices, but they are cash only. I know that all gas stations have to buy from the big oil companies (Shell, Mobil, etc.), but I'm still hesitant. Any thoughts?

jeanniebellini

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New Hampshire

Posts:13
Points:720
Joined:May 2009

Message Posted: Jun 1, 2009 1:05:18 PM

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There is a small gas station that usually has the best prices, but they are cash only. I know that all gas stations have to buy from the big oil companies (Shell, Mobil, etc.), but I'm still hesitant. Any thoughts?

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Snowchoux Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,003 Points:145,635 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Feb 20, 2013 1:30:12 PM Ignore Snowchoux Report Abuse I have, but it depends on how much cash I have on me at that time.
GManCo Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:5,126 Points:977,340 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: Mar 13, 2011 5:09:17 PM Ignore GManCo Report Abuse Yes, if I need gas and have the cash in my pocket.
Gas_Buddy Champion Author Maryland Posts:26,197 Points:3,061,500 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2011 6:01:44 PM Ignore Gas_Buddy Report Abuse daklipper: How is a "cash only" gas station not participating in full commerce? Does the company you work for provide each and every service, or sell each and every product that anyone might want? Or do you have limits on what you provide or sell? Would you say you're not participating in full commerce? Just because a gas station takes one credit card, should it take every credit card? Should it take Diners Club simply because you might want to use it? Should it sell both branded and unbranded gas because you want both name quality and not be inhibited by franchise operating costs? Should your unbranded low priced station sell nitrogen enhanced gas because Shell does, but not at the price you don't want to pay for Shell? Or is that not part of full commerce? "I never carry enough cash to fill up my car let alone my truck. With all the counterfeit bills out there I carry no more than a 20 dollar bill, this way if a bill i get is a fake im only out 20 bucks as opposed to a 50 or a 100 bill." Have you really had that many problems with counterfeit $20 bills? "Also some of the cash only gas stations get the leftover loads from other tankers so its kinda like a leftover dump, some of the blends may be mixed prem and mid etc..I ran into this from a couple of stations in jersey they buy the fuel for cash from the drivers so some may be kinda shady... of course this is how it was explained to me by an employee. So it may be of a lesser quality." You know what, stations that take credit cards also, sometimes, get the last of a delivery load. It's not a dump; it's called a delivery. Someone, some station, has to get the gas; it just depends on the delivery route. But why, because a gas station pays cash for a spot delivery, does it have to be shady? And, considering that all gas has to meet minimum standards, why would it be of a "lesser quality"?
billymac296 Champion Author Maryland Posts:3,416 Points:762,945 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2011 5:21:05 PM Ignore billymac296 Report Abuse Go with the cheapest price
daklipper Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:120 Points:43,025 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2011 2:16:38 PM Ignore daklipper Report Abuse Also some of the cash only gas stations get the leftover loads from other tankers so its kinda like a leftover dump, some of the blends may be mixed prem and mid etc..I ran into this from a couple of stations in jersey they buy the fuel for cash from the drivers so some may be kinda shady... of course this is how it was explained to me by an employee. So it may be of a lesser quality.
daklipper Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:120 Points:43,025 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2011 2:11:19 PM Ignore daklipper Report Abuse No, either they participate in full commerce or they don't get a dime from me. I never carry enough cash to fill up my car let alone my truck. With all the counterfeit bills out there I carry no more than a 20 dollar bill, this way if a bill i get is a fake im only out 20 bucks as opposed to a 50 or a 100 bill.
ZiOLynn Rookie Author Orange County Posts:4 Points:80,725 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2011 9:31:32 PM Ignore ZiOLynn Report Abuse I would much rather pay cash at a cash only gas station because the stations near me charge a fee for paying with a card.
SensAL Sophomore Author Ottawa Posts:129 Points:708,880 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2011 8:33:14 PM Ignore SensAL Report Abuse I get reward points for using my Visa.
RANGERROGER Rookie Author San Diego Posts:6 Points:81,420 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2011 3:30:29 PM Ignore RANGERROGER Report Abuse I buy from Chevron and Exxon/Mobil 99% of the time and that is due to having their VISA card. I get 10% back on purchases made at theri stations, which normally makes them cheaper than everyone else.
CRAZYKAYFREAK All-Star Author Missouri Posts:674 Points:28,080 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2011 9:24:50 AM Ignore CRAZYKAYFREAK Report Abuse Very interesting article.
Gas_Buddy Champion Author Maryland Posts:26,197 Points:3,061,500 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 4:38:30 PM Ignore Gas_Buddy Report Abuse For those members interested in paying at the pump with their debit cards, you might be interested in the following news story today: JPMorgan Chase, one of the nation's largest banks, is considering capping debit card transactions at either $50 or $100, according to a source with knowledge of the proposal, because of interchange fees. Currently, every time you swipe your debit card, your bank charges the retailer an average fee of 44 cents, which it shares with its partners. Those fees add up to about $16 billion per year, according to 2009 data from the Federal Reserve. However, as part of the Wall Street reform legislation that was passed last year, these fees are being slashed. The Fed is currently proposing rules that would go into effect in July and would cap interchange fees at 12 cents. That change would cost Chase more than $1 billion a year. And Chase may not be alone. Other major issuers are also projecting huge losses from the interchange fee cap. Joe Price, president of consumer banking for Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), said in an e-mailed statement that the lower fee wouldn't fairly compensate the bank for the infrastructure and services it provides to retailers. And consumers would end up feeling the pain when Bank of America is forced to recoup costs "by increasing the cost of their everyday debit card transactions, limiting their payment choices, and impacting industry innovation," according to the email. Aside from mulling over a limit on transaction amounts, Chase is already testing $3 monthly fees on debit cards and $15 fees on checking accounts in certain states. Additionally, the bank announced in November that it has stopped issuing debit rewards cards. But a Bank of America spokesman declined to comment on whether the bank would cap debit card purchases at $50 or $100. If a cap like this does make its way into accounts across the board, consumers may have to write checks, withdraw cash from ATMs, or put their spending on credit cards. In a side story on increasing fees, Bank of America announced a $59 annual fee last month for some of its customers. That's in addition to any monthly fees that it might charge, reduction of "perks" and money returned from gas and other purchases. Basically they're saying that if they can't get as much as they want from your debit card, they'll reduce the amount you can spend on a purchase, meaning you make two purchases instead of one, and they can charge two transaction fees instead of one.
Gas_Buddy Champion Author Maryland Posts:26,197 Points:3,061,500 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 3:18:09 PM Ignore Gas_Buddy Report Abuse seecoolguy: ARCO has never hidden the fact that they only take their own fleet credit cards, or the fact that, to keep costs associated with the person creating the cost, that they charge 45 cents per debit card transaction. Not sure, as they clearly indicate that at the gas stations and on their website, why that's a problem anymore than other gas stations charging the gas station the debit card or ATM fee and then including it in the pump price for gas. ARCO simply doesn't include the ATM fee for everyone's purchase; simply for those creating the charge. That's how they're able to generally have lower prices than competing stations.
seecoolguy Sophomore Author Ventura Posts:138 Points:234,715 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 1:58:21 PM Ignore seecoolguy Report Abuse it's too inconvenient... I like paying with atm, but dislike arco because they charge extra for use of an atm card... :\|
Gas_Buddy Champion Author Maryland Posts:26,197 Points:3,061,500 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 1:19:03 PM Ignore Gas_Buddy Report Abuse bluetatanka wrote: "I use my gas credit card, in order to accumulate points. I try to buy gas with cash." Which is it? You use your credit card, or you pay cash? Your post seems to indicate you try to pay for the same gas both ways.
CRAZYKAYFREAK All-Star Author Missouri Posts:674 Points:28,080 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2011 9:13:41 AM Ignore CRAZYKAYFREAK Report Abuse yup
maxstar Champion Author Chicago Posts:18,680 Points:837,245 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 10:14:42 PM Ignore maxstar Report Abuse Sure, it beats financing a tank of gas with a credit card.
CactusBobs Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,816 Points:496,750 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 9:42:29 PM Ignore CactusBobs Report Abuse yes , pay cash anyway
Michael29644 Champion Author Greenville Posts:5,139 Points:870,000 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 7:33:48 PM Ignore Michael29644 Report Abuse Yes, as long as I could get a receipt.
babygirlNC Sophomore Author North Carolina Posts:156 Points:48,815 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 12:12:21 PM Ignore babygirlNC Report Abuse yes I would buy from a cash only station
CRAZYKAYFREAK All-Star Author Missouri Posts:674 Points:28,080 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 9, 2011 9:18:08 AM Ignore CRAZYKAYFREAK Report Abuse if it was cheaper, sure
ryanhornplayer Rookie Author Tennessee Posts:14 Points:10,070 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 5:09:28 PM Ignore ryanhornplayer Report Abuse I definitely prefer cash only. Easy to watch how much money I spend.
pjhbac Veteran Author Montana Posts:426 Points:44,350 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 5:00:41 PM Ignore pjhbac Report Abuse I prefer to pay cash for just about everything. I'm anti-credit card. Debit cards are OK, but I don't use mine. By the way, why are you hesitant? [Edited by: pjhbac at 3/8/2011 5:01:44 PM EST]
bluetatanka Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:59,030 Points:808,555 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 2:45:01 PM Ignore bluetatanka Report Abuse I use my gas credit card, in order to accumulate points. I try to buy gas with cash.
aud455 Rookie Author Georgia Posts:1 Points:1,200 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 12:12:58 PM Ignore aud455 Report Abuse Yes, I would use a cash only staion if they have the best prices.
anima Rookie Author Boston Posts:2 Points:2,540 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 11:10:33 AM Ignore anima Report Abuse Honestly it would have never occurred to me not to use whatever station was available and cheapest, cash or not (as long as I have cash on me, of course).
lizlemon4 Rookie Author North Carolina Posts:19 Points:35,050 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 10:26:28 AM Ignore lizlemon4 Report Abuse i actually prefer to use cash only. when you do debit or credit it can take a few business days to actually get pulled from the account, so dealing with cash i know exactly how much money i have, and with lower prices for cash i think its a win win!!
kb1of3 Rookie Author Pensacola Posts:2 Points:1,900 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 9:34:19 AM Ignore kb1of3 Report Abuse If it helps me to spend less on gas and I have the cash, I would buy there.
CRAZYKAYFREAK All-Star Author Missouri Posts:674 Points:28,080 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 8, 2011 9:18:18 AM Ignore CRAZYKAYFREAK Report Abuse yes
0hmee1965 Rookie Author Montreal Posts:49 Points:94,525 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 10:54:12 PM Ignore 0hmee1965 Report Abuse I always use my debit card anyway
gasman_dan Rookie Author Colorado Posts:60 Points:8,295 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 7:13:34 PM Ignore gasman_dan Report Abuse Even a five cent per gallon savings I would pay cash. I always use my debit card anyway.
icurok Rookie Author Indianapolis Posts:31 Points:339,935 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 4:42:56 PM Ignore icurok Report Abuse If the price was right!!!
bigwebb83 Rookie Author Kansas City Posts:56 Points:321,820 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 1:55:16 PM Ignore bigwebb83 Report Abuse don't think we have any cash only stations here in kc...
MarieNY Rookie Author Albany Posts:3 Points:285 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 10:49:18 AM Ignore MarieNY Report Abuse Of course! We have some 'cash only' pump stations here and the savings do add up!
CRAZYKAYFREAK All-Star Author Missouri Posts:674 Points:28,080 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 9:39:31 AM Ignore CRAZYKAYFREAK Report Abuse If I had cash on me I would. I don't blame the stations. Cuts out of their profit with the fee's they pay and all. It's a tight market for everyone. They are only playing fair.
Gas_Buddy Champion Author Maryland Posts:26,197 Points:3,061,500 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 9:16:46 AM Ignore Gas_Buddy Report Abuse "...anyone who accepts credit cards must pay fees, which are generally passed on to the consumer" Generally? If they're not passed on to the consumer, how are the fees paid?
auroraborealisOH Sophomore Author Cincinnati Posts:103 Points:51,625 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 9:12:32 AM Ignore auroraborealisOH Report Abuse I would, because if they don't accept credit, then prices will be lower, since anyone who accepts credit cards must pay fees, which are generally passed on to the consumer.
mnrick041 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,477 Points:1,396,010 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 7, 2011 8:48:59 AM Ignore mnrick041 Report Abuse There is a BP station in Minneapolis that I am on text alert with, they are always sending me texts for free this or that or discounts on different things. Once in awhile they send out a text saying that on that day they will give .10 off per gallon to anyone who pays cash. I usually take advantage of that whenever it comes up, just another way to save a little on these ridiculous gas prices.
gasbear63 Rookie Author Ohio Posts:1 Points:6,250 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Mar 6, 2011 6:43:35 PM Ignore gasbear63 Report Abuse cash pumps would be ok if significant savings were realised. I remember when you could insert a dollar bill and get that amount in gasoline. It was in N Carolina during another crisis. Just pumps vending gas.
jowa Rookie Author Mississippi Posts:43 Points:1,635 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2011 8:43:52 AM Ignore jowa Report Abuse all the gas from all the stations come off the same delivery truck, cash only stations are cheaper because they are not paying the credit card processing fee. so i would buy from a cash only station if one was available.
jhowar16 Rookie Author Michigan Posts:9 Points:3,565 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 8, 2011 3:33:32 PM Ignore jhowar16 Report Abuse Definitely! It's cheaper!
Mizzer1 Champion Author Worcester Posts:4,401 Points:867,805 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 8, 2011 12:40:21 AM Ignore Mizzer1 Report Abuse Yes, I do use one and save .
Brendah Rookie Author Indiana Posts:1 Points:370 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2011 10:17:21 PM Ignore Brendah Report Abuse I usually don't have cash on me, so it would not benefit me to go to a cash only station.
UP-Skier Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:13,361 Points:2,958,370 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2011 4:38:20 PM Ignore UP-Skier Report Abuse I haven't seen any cash only stations, but depending on the discount I might.
Amusiclover Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,090 Points:727,990 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Feb 2, 2011 3:40:15 PM Ignore Amusiclover Report Abuse Just because a station is Cash Only is no reason to boycott them. Small stores and smaller places sometimes do not accept credit cards. This is their choice. They can generally offer better prices because part of their earnings do not go to credit card companies. Since I get a 3% discount when I use my credit card, I prefer buying from gas stations that have a reasonable price and do accept credit cards. I will never buy from a station that has 2 separate prices for cash and credit as long as there are stations that offer the same price for cash or credit and this price is fairly reasonable in comparison with other stations around.
WhiteyOne Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:4,445 Points:2,084,310 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Feb 1, 2011 10:55:04 AM Ignore WhiteyOne Report Abuse If it was close buy.
BCERB Champion Author Victoria Posts:2,297 Points:425,015 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2011 2:47:23 AM Ignore BCERB Report Abuse Wouldnt make much sense to go out of your way regardless of payment method
2khawk Champion Author Iowa Posts:5,418 Points:955,705 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2011 7:18:00 PM Ignore 2khawk Report Abuse I wouldn't go out of my way to save 3 cents a gallon.
TreasuryGuy Champion Author California Posts:3,011 Points:1,283,485 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2011 2:16:20 PM Ignore TreasuryGuy Report Abuse I agree. That's what I tried say in pro #2. Maybe I could have stated it more clearly. If a person carries a credit card balance and is paying interest, they might want to pay cash. (I guess this maxim applies to all gas stations and not just cash-only stations.) I believe about 30-40% of credit card users are convenience users (i.e., pay off their balances every month and incur no finance charges).
scoutmaster Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:82,169 Points:3,281,170 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2011 2:07:56 PM Ignore scoutmaster Report Abuse #2 under the pros only applies if you carry a balance on your card. Not all people do. I don't.
TreasuryGuy Champion Author California Posts:3,011 Points:1,283,485 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2011 10:14:55 AM Ignore TreasuryGuy Report Abuse Assuming the cash only station has gasoline that is less expensive than nearby cash or credit stations. Pros to a cash only station: 1. Less expensive gasoline (that is most likely the most important factor) 2. You use cash to avoid interest charges on your credit card because you carry a monthly balance. Cons to a cash only station: 1. Your net cost per gallon using a rewards credit card (e.g., the 5% discount type) makes credit card usage cheaper. You would have to figure in finance charges if you don't pay off your balances each month. 2. Don't drive way out of your way to use a cash-only station. Poster nraacct effectively explained that rule. I use a rough 50 cents per "detour mile" "break-even" decision rule to see if it's worth driving somewhere out of the way to get cheaper gas (cash or credit). By now, I know where all my local cheaper stations are AND if they are cash only. 3. You don't carry cash (like poster Bourgui). My college-age son NEVER has any cash! 4. You have some actual first hand experience that the gasoline is lower quality and affects your car's performance. Rather than focusing on cash versus credit, you can use Gas Buddy to make a quick view to see if there is less expensive gasoline in an area you don't usually travel. Note that you can't really tell on Gas Buddy that a station is cash only. So be prepared with an unfamiliar station. A little planning can save you a lot of money over the course of a year.