Ah, the vagaries of using credit cards. Today as I returned home with the new puppy, I stopped for gas in Calera, Oklahoma. I pump gas for myself all the time. I scanned the card and the pump display instructed me to select the grade of gasoline. I pushed the “Regular” button. Nothing happened. I pressed it again. Still nothing. Finally the transaction timed out.
I tried to start the transaction over again. I got a message to “See cashier.” I was informed that I had to remove the nozzle from the pump before selecting the grade. Um, OK. I finally got mad and left.
About an hour later, I stopped for gas again. This time the message was “See attendant.” When I checked, I was told that my card was refused for being used “too frequently.” Luckily, I had plenty of cash and managed to get gas.
Then I tried to call the card’s “emergency number.” Huh! After going through a long routine which involved returning to the store to find someone to tell me what certain letters were on a regular push-button phone, entering the long credit card number and pressing a bunch of buttons, I finally spoke to a person. I needed to call customer service. That was a different phone number, but they could transfer me. When that new connection asked for the credit card number, etc. I blew a gasket.
By now I was paranoid. So when I had to go buy dog food, I didn’t even try the credit card.
Once I finally connected with the credit card company, I was told that there were no holds or denials on my card. If I wanted to be sure, I should use it.
The local grocery store approved it immediately.
