SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has changed the way it accepts payments at its UK petrol stations, in a major move which has left customers scratching their heads.
The British groceries retailer told a customer on X, formerly Twitter, it was “very sorry” for any concern caused.
GettyTesco apologised to a customer after changing the way payments are taken at its UK petrol stations[/caption]
AFPThe move is due to ‘changes to payment rules’ by Visa and Mastercard, says Tesco[/caption]
In response to a customer querying a pending charge, Tesco said: “I’m very sorry for any concern this has caused!
“We’ve changed the way we pre-authorise your fuel payment due to changes to payment rules by Visa and Mastercard. We now contact your bank and pre-authorise up to £120 for your fuel payment.”
Tesco continued: “The funds are reserved while you fill up and should be released back to your available balance almost immediately.
“If you continue to see a pending transaction on your banking, please contact your card issuer who will be able to help further.”
Customers can fill their vehicles with a maximum of £120 of fuel using Tesco’s “pay at pump” service.
There is no maximum spend for customers who pay at the kiosks.
If a customer’s account balance is under £120, their card issuer will generally come back with a lower amount that they are allowed to fill up to, which will appear on the fuel pump screen.
The retailer warned some card issuers might not allow partial authorisations below £120.
It stated on its website: “We’ll only ever charge you for the value of the fuel you’ve purchased, but if you do have concerns, please talk to your bank for further details.”
A driver was left furious earlier this year after noticing he had been charged £120 for just £15 worth of fuel.
Scott visited an Esso Tesco in Manchester and paid at the pump, not realising until later in the day that the much larger amount had been taken from his bank account, Manchester Evening News reported.
Unable to contact his bank, Scott drove back to the petrol station, inside which he spotted a sign warning customers about the charge.
A sign at the cash desk read: “Please note, paying at pump with your card will automatically charge £120 then refund the difference back to your account from your fuel total.”
It came after Tesco upped the “pay at pump” charge in line with Visa and Mastercard requirements in October last year from £99 to £120.
This ring-fences cash to cover the cost of the fuel before the actual amount is taken later.
The measure – where a temporary hold of £120 is applied to a customer’s account – is intended to stop people driving off without paying for fuel, or filling their car with more than they can afford.
Tesco said the new system was due to Visa and Mastercard’s payment rules and that the £120 should be returned immediately after a sale.