I’m talking to you, Shell Oil.
The truck needed gas, so I did what you do. I looked at the marquee for a local Shell Oil that was on my way … and it said the price for Cash/Debit was $4.19/gallon (I live in California. I am used to paying the highest gasoline prices in America.)
But I digress.
I took out my debit card, waved the RFID chip at the reader, and was approved directly. Off we go. As I got the nozzle into the tank and started the fill-up, I looked back at the pump … and now it said $4.29.
What the hell?
OK, I was in a mood. I can be that guy. As Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday said in Tombstone, “I’ll be your huckleberry.”
I had been reading accounts of businesses putting in ghost charges without warning. Restaurants charging “mandatory” “tip” fees. Stuff like that. But on this day, I’m not playing.
The marquee was crystal clear: debit cards = cash price. I used a debit card but was charged the “credit” price.
I finished the fill-up and walked into the gas station’s store. Waited in line. Walked up to the register and told the young lady I needed to talk to the manager. She said OK and walked over to get him.
I explained the situation … and the manager seemed to have heard it before. He did immediately agree to refund the $2.10 I was overcharged, as he explained that this was a pump setting that he did not control.
I suggested the owner must control it … but no, he said it was Shell corporate, who charges the credit price automatically for “tap & pay” transactions. If only I had inserted the card into the pump reader, THEN I would have been charged the debit price (he said). But since I did the tap & pay thing, the higher rate applied.
Not that this was disclosed. Not that this was how they marketed their rates to the unsuspecting public. And speaking as a retailer selling handmade serving pieces & such in Mr M’s Woodshop … I know I am charged the exact same credit card fees when my customer uses tap & pay, inserts their card into the chip reader, or when they swipe their card in the reader. The fee is the same for me … but mighty Shell is trying to game the system to add a 10 cent/gallon ghost charge for their unsuspecting customers.
Caveat emptor: let the buyer beware.
I HATE when retailers lie to their customers. I’m rather obsessed with this idea – always have been. Sellers either believe their customers are smart or stupid … and they treat them accordingly. I am in favor of sellers that respect me … and will not do business with those that don’t.
The transaction was 12:28pm on 8/20/2025 at the Shell Oil station, 31786 The Old Road, Castaic, CA 91384. Yes, I have the receipt.
I’m glad the manager took care of it for you. Most people don’t take the time to correct the matter.