Amex BCE/BCP outrageous gas preauthorization?

[Anonymous]

I hit $200 the last time I was at the gas station, so it's really not that outrageous with gas prices these days.  I think the pre-authorization amount is set by station.  I usually have to swipe at least twice because stations cut off at certain amounts.  Some are like $100, but some are higher like $150 or $200.  I'd guess that for those cards that are only holding $1 that the issuer is recognizing it as a gas pre-authorization and choosing to only hold that $1 instead of whatever the gas station requested.

[Anonymous]

I won't even use an Amex at the pump because of it. More annoying is the pre-auth charge hands out a week or more.... mocking me!!

[Anonymous]

I always get a $125 pre-auth with my BCE.

No biggie, it rolls off in a day or two.

[crunching_numbers]

My local station is usually $110 for Amex. Takes 2-3 days to clear. Same amount for Gold as BCP.  Problem is it will be out there as pre-auth and then I pay the rest of my BCP charges in full, and the charge comes through WITH the bill and is my statement total. 3% back is worth it though.

[andre181]

Interesting. I rarely get gas on either of my AMEX cards, but when I do, its always a $1 pre-auth at Casey's General Store.

I use Discover if its 5% or BoA Cash Rewards when Discover isn't 5%. Both pre-auths are always $1 on those too.

[Imhotrodcrazy]

I have had my BCE for about 4 months now and use it for gas all of the time.  I have always been charged the exact amount of the gas purchase only, ( never a pre-auth ),  and I swipe my card at the pump.

[Creditaddict]

I feel like back when HUGE SUV' were the in thing and then gas started going up over $4 heading over $5, I use to see at the pump if gas goes over $50 the pump will stop and you will have to restart ( I saw it for $75 also) The sign always said it was a Visa or MC thing... but I always used Amex and never had a pump stop!

But like other said my QX at $50 used to be about $100, so depending where you live and just how huge of SUV you still driving $200 isn't that big of deal, unless as one said they have the $200 hard limit with Zync.

[Coldness]

Always $110 at the Shell stations around here. I could see it being a pain with a debit card / checking account if you don't keep much in it, but for a credit card I could care less. Suppose it depends if you have a low limit card you like to use, though.

[Anonymous]

I keep well under my credit limit so the high preauth is not an issue. Just surprised considering a full tank on my Civic runs only about $40.

[LS2982]

Got gas on my Zync at the Royal Farms store and a $100 pre auth is there now....