Pay at the pump

Pay at the pump was first invented in 1973 by George Randolph “Randy” Nicholson (1937 (1937)–2020 (2021)), debuting at an E-Z Serve gas station in Abilene, Texas, but did not take off until the 1980s.

In 2004, Sheetz was the first to use touchscreen kiosks by the pump, where customers can also order in-store foodservice items that they pick up after fueling.

[10] It is considered to be a major change from the days in which full service was the norm at filling stations, and the attendant not only pumped fuel, but also washed the windshield and checked the fluids and tire pressure, all while the customer remained in the vehicle.

[16][17] The vast majority of gas pumps with pay-at-the-pump capabilities will place a temporary hold on a certain amount of money, generally $75-$150, in a customer's account following the use of a debit or credit card to make a purchase.

[18] To avoid pre-authorizations and holds placed on their accounts, customers can pay for fuel inside the gas station and not use pay-at-the-pump services.

Paying at the pump may lead to customers avoiding going inside a convenience store and purchasing snacks, beverages, tobacco, or automotive products, thereby hurting the profits stations make from such sales.