Drivers have threatened to boycott Tesco after the supermarket chain announced changes to its petrol pump payment policy.
The supermarket giant is changing its £1 pre-authorisation deposit charge and replacing it with a £99 charge instead.
Customers have been left furious by the announcement with some even threatening to boycott the chain.
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It means drivers filling up at Tesco’s self-serve pumps, will now see up to £99 on their card as a deposit.
Many motorists have taken to social media to voice their opposition, saying they will not have enough in their bank while others are annoyed at the extortionate charge.
Adrian Lamb said: “@Tesco £99 deposit at a pump…? What about the people who don’t have £99 in their bank account to cover the deposit? A bit thoughtless & insensitive to those who are struggling - I’ve been there, working nights, petrol station closed only had £10 in my bank for fuel…#poorform.
Elizabeth McGinlay said: “Will not be going to Tesco for fuel then.”
Another added: “Well best avoid Tesco Petrol Stations… turns out if you pay by card they charge you £99 no matter what and then refund the difference. So if you topped up a tenner of fuel, you won’t get £89 back for three days. #BoycottTesco”
Tesco says the changes are being introduced because of rule changes by card companies including Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
The measures are currently being trialled out and, if successful, will be rolled out to all UK forecourts later this year.
What are the changes?
Previously, all Pay at Pump transactions were authorised by requesting a £1 transaction from your card issuer before taking payment for the value of the fuel 1 to 3 days later, says Tesco.
"Under new rules implemented by Mastercard, Visa and American Express, we must now request authorisation from your card issuer for up to £99. Once you’ve finished filling up, the final transaction amount is sent to your card issuer, and the remainder of any unused funds up to the maximum filling amount will be released back to your available balance. We’ll only ever charge you for the value of the fuel you’ve actually purchased."
A Tesco spokesman said: "Under these changes, the customer’s bank will pre-authorise £99, with the unused amount released back to their account within the hour."
Why are the changes being made?
The rules have been changed by Mastercard, Visa and American Express to help cardholders to keep control of their budgets in real time, says the supermarket.
What if I don't have £99 in my account?
Tesco says if your account balance is under £99, your card issuer should respond with the lower amount they’ll allow and the fuel pump screen will show the value you can fill up to.
Some card issuers might not allow partial authorisations below £99 and the advice then is to try another card.
Will my statement show a £99 transaction?
Tesco says it will only ever charge drivers for the value of the fuel they have purchased, but advise people to talk to their bank if they have concerns.
What about other supermarkets and pay at the pump places?
The changes will be brought in to cover all pay at the pump petrol stations as they are being driven by card companies including Mastercard and Visa.
According to the Mastercard website: "The way you pay for your fuel at an automated fuel pump in the UK is changing. Your card issuer/bank will temporarily reserve up to £99 of your available balance while you fill up. Then when you have completed fuelling, you’ll be charged for the correct amount of fuel you have used and the remainder of any reserved funds will be released back to your available balance."
The move comes almost two years after Asda scrapped the controversial charge following concerns over overdraft fees and lack of available funds.
