Watch out for gas station holds

When you swipe your card at the pump, gas stations often block out a certain amount in advance to ensure that you have the funds to pay for a full tank. These “holds” usually range from $25-$75 and can stay on your account for up to a few days. For example: you enter your credit card before starting to pump and the gas station blocks out a $50 amount. Even if you only buy $5 worth of gas, a $50 hold could stay on your account for a while.

This block can cause trouble when you go to make your next purchase, especially if you have a low credit limit or used a debit card. Read more about holds online here. Avoid any issues with this process by using only one credit card for buying gas and keeping more than one credit card in your wallet.