why is it that you have to sign a reciept inside a gas station, but not outside at the pump.?

Answer 1

Thanks never thought of that so will someone tell us both becasue it is really stupid to think inside would steal and outside would not

Answer 2

It's mostly convenience.

I'm sure the retailers will accept some risk of fraud charge back in order to facilitate increased usage.

There are safeguards in place though. I know at some stations if you run your card too many times (several cars, several unsuccessful tries to get gas outside, etc) it will stop you from getting gas outside and make the customer go inside to complete the purchase.

Also, I have seen ceilings imposed on outside fuel purchase to $75.

The reasoning is this. When your card outside is initially authorized, the gas station will send a pre-authorization request of like $1-5 to your bank to make sure your account is in good standing. The gas station doesn't know how much room is left on the card in terms of limit, just that the account was in good standing for the amount they sent.

Now, if you pump $100 in gas and only have $50 in credit limit left, then there is $50 that needs to be paid by someone. That card would be declined if you went inside after pumping and tried to charge the full $100 to that card.

Also, if the card is stolen, then someone is responsible for the charged amount until they catch the fraudster since many companies to facilitate use of their products are implementing zero liability guarantees for unauthorized purchases.

Anyways, I rambled on but hopefully that answers your question.

Answer 3

I guess it is just a matter of convenience, sort of like how back in the day you used to have to sign a credit card receipt if you used a credit card at a restaurant, but now they just swipe your card through (fast food restaurant) and there is no signing required.

That question would be better directed at the credit card companies.

Answer 4

good question. who goes inside anyway except for restroom break?

Answer 5

magic