Reports across the country have claimed Tesco is about to start charging people a £99 deposit taken straight from their card or bank before drivers are allowed to fill up with fuel.
Changes are being made to the way pay-at-pump payments work at Tesco forecourts across the country.
But some have become confused about the way the system will work, and are claiming Tesco will take £99 out of your account before you are allowed to put petrol in your car.
In fact, Tesco says it will never charge you for more than the petrol you buy.
Tesco explained the changes, it said: "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.
"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."
Crucially, the £99 is a 'partial authorisation'. That means the money is not taken from your account, Tesco just asks your card provider whether up to £99 is available.
The actual amount taken - and what will appear on your bank statement - will be the amount you fill up with.
If you don't have £99 in your account your card provider should tell Tesco how much is available, and you will then be allowed to fill up to that amount.
Tesco warned: "There may be a small number of occasions where your card issuer doesn’t update your balance in real time.
"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."
The changes will involve all petrol stations - not just those run by Tesco.
