Hundreds of comments complain “No Authorisation” at the fuel pump, yet the same card works fine at McDonald’s. The culprit is the giant pre-hold. Follow these pump-proof strategies and you’ll never be stranded.
1 – Understand the Hold
Most chains authorise $125–$175 at the moment you insert the card. If your balance is lower, the pump aborts.
2 – Pump B Hold Table (2025)
| Brand | Hold | Work-Around |
|---|---|---|
| Shell | $125 | Pre-pay inside |
| Costco | $150 | Members must pre-pay |
| Love’s | $175 | Inside kiosk |
3 – Split-Pay Trick
- Ask cashier to run your exact balance first.
- Swipe second card (or cash) for the remainder.
4 – Timeline for Hold Release
Target Gift Card issuer releases unused fuel auths within 2–4 hours—much faster than most banks. Check MyBalanceNow for the pending line disappearing.
Verified data June 2025.
