Many stations have installed units on their pumps to take credit cards at the pump. The question is, was it a good or bad idea?

While it's nice and convenient for motorists to pay without having to go inside the gas station, has pay at the pump been a success since stations starting installing them?

There are two groups of people- the motorists, and station owners. While motorists (such as myself) love pay at the pump for its simple and easy way to pay, station owners likely wish it had never been invented, and here's why.


Gasoline stations aren't making much money these days. It's no secret that competition is fierce, and stations are trying to make every penny- offering clubs, credit cards, just about anything to keep you coming back. When it comes to pay at the pump, gas stations typically lose quite a bit of money compared to if it never came out.

With pay at the pump station owners lose foot traffic and have to pay credit card fees each time the system is used. Much of a station's profits come from selling such things like soft drinks, chips, candy, and other food in the station. With the added convenience of pay at the pump, they're losing the possibility that someone will purchase something in the store, and they're losing the chance that the customer will pay cash.

While you and I may enjoy it, just think about it next time you use pay at the pump. Isn't it nice!