So today I saw something I’ve never seen in Australia: the option at a petrol (gas) station to fill up at a cheaper price if you’re using cash, as opposed to debit/credit card.
It seems they are that keen to on-sell debit/credit fees (at a profit I’m sure) that they will display two sets of pricing for fuel.
After coming from Australia where for years now I have barely ever carried cash on me, the switch back to needing to have cash on me at all times has been jarring. Between tips and fuel, I’ve always got to have some green in my wallet.
Oh! I almost forgot – here’s some other fun facts:
- In Oregon and New Jersey, it is ILLEGAL to pump your own fuel. You need to let an attendant do it.
- I all cases I’ve seen so far, you are required to pay for fuel BEFORE I fill up (and then go back in to get change!). This drives me nuts when paying with cash.
- Costco is great for lower fuel costs (members only, card only).
- One thing I do like is that you can clip the fuel nozzle trigger to stay in place (hands-free fill ups!). So you can let go of the handle and just wait until the trigger automatically unclips when you’re full.
