Valero and AMEX BCE - No Preauth!!

[laboi_22]

I've decided to use my BCE as my gas card since I get paid mileage and am able to pay it off quickly. It will provide a great way to keep track of how much gas I'm using and how much mileage reimbursement I'm getting from my employer. I was a bit worried when I read posts about $99 to $200 preauths especially since my limit right now is only $2000. I tested it out at Valero and as soon as I got into my car, logged on to AMEX using my iphone app. It showed the exact amount of $27 right away. That's the total amount I pumped. Not $1 like BofA for a few days but the exact amount in seconds from pumping! That is wonderful. I'll always use Valero now. Just wanted to pass that information along for those who have Valeros around your cities. 

[Imhotrodcrazy]

I live in So Cal and have used my BCE card exclusively for gas and I have never had a pre-auth show  up regardless of the station I have bought from.  I have used it at Valero, Mobil, Union 76, USA and Shell stations.  Maybe it's the area some people live in. 

[laboi_22]

Maybe so. Not sure what's going on. This is the thread I was referring to:

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Amex-BCE-BCP-outrageous-gas-preauthorization/m-p/135327...

Many different cases with fuel preauths.

[r34dy2fly]

I think it all depends on the gas station whether they set it up for it or not. I've had gas stations that did and some that didn't where I live. I also noticed the pre-auth charge for the gas stations I visited only applies once. After the initial visit, all other gas purchases at the same gas station gave me the exact amount on my card. I honestly think it has much to do with the gas station franchise than the card itself. Though that last part is complete speculation.