Why You Should Avoid Using Your Credit Card at Gas Stations in the USA

Using a credit card at a gas pump can feel convenient—but there are real risks worth knowing about. Skimming devices and other types of fraud are not uncommon on pumps, and taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward protecting your financial information.

1. The Risk: Skimming and Hidden Devices

One of the biggest risks when using a credit card at a gas pump is skimming. Skimmers are small, illicit devices that can be attached to or installed inside card readers on fuel pumps to steal your card data — sometimes even your PIN.
In addition, fraudsters may hide tiny cameras above the keypad to capture you entering your PIN.
These tactics allow criminals to clone cards or make unauthorized purchases later.
The FBI estimates that fuel pump skimming contributes to more than $1 billion in losses annually.

2. Signs a Pump May Be Compromised

You don’t always need to rely on your bank or law enforcement first: you can spot signs of tampering yourself.

  • Try to wiggle the card reader or keypad; if it feels loose or different from other pumps, that’s a red flag.
  • Look for a broken or missing security seal on the pump’s panel — many gas stations place tamper-evident seals.
  • Be alert for tiny pinhole cameras or odd attachments around the keypad.

If something looks off, don’t use that pump — report it to station staff and use a different one.

3. Safer Payment Methods to Use

Here are safer options than swiping your credit card at a pump:

  • Tap-to-pay / contactless cards: If your card supports NFC, this is one of the safest ways to pay. It avoids physical contact with the reader where skimmers might be installed.
  • Mobile wallets: Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay if the station accepts them.
  • Pay inside: Rather than pay at the pump, go inside the station and pay at the cashier’s terminal. These are less likely to be tampered with.
  • Cash: If you want to avoid all risk, paying in cash remains the most secure — it leaves no card data exposed.

4. Use Your Credit Card Safely — But Don’t Be Careless

If you still choose to use a credit card at the pump, here are some smart precautions:

  • Cover the keypad: Shield your PIN when entering it, just in case there is a hidden camera.
  • Use alerts: Set up transaction alerts via your bank or credit card issuer, so you immediately know when something unexpected shows up.
  • Choose the right pump: Use a pump near the station store or in full view of the attendant — these are less likely to be compromised.
  • Monitor your statements: Regularly review your credit card statements for unauthorized charges.

5. Understand Your Liability and Fraud Protection

One reason people use credit cards at pumps is liability protection:

  • Many credit cards offer zero-liability policies for fraudulent charges, meaning you typically don’t have to pay for unauthorized transactions.
  • Meanwhile, using a debit card can be riskier — if your debit card is skimmed, your actual bank account could be drained, and while protections exist, recovery may take longer.

Still, even with these protections, your credit card data can be misused, so the goal is to minimize risk in the first place.

6. What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you think your card might have been skimmed:

  1. Immediately check your account: Look for unauthorized transactions.
  2. Report to your card issuer: Call them to block or cancel the card if needed.
  3. File a complaint: You can report skimming to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  4. Inform the gas station: Let staff know which pump you used — they may be able to shut it down for inspection.
  5. Replace your card: If data has been compromised, request a new card with an updated number.

Conclusion

While using a credit card at a gas pump may seem convenient, the risk of skimming and fraud is very real. By being vigilant, choosing safer payment methods, and keeping a close eye on your account, you can significantly reduce your exposure. When in doubt, pay inside — or use a contactless or mobile payment option — because some money saved is not worth the risk of identity theft.