Is a Buc-ee’s backlash brewing over its new pay‑at‑the‑pump rule?

• A Florida man's viral video protested Buc-ee's policy preventing the use of gift cards for gas at the pump.
• As of March 1, Buc-ee's requires customers to pay for fuel with credit or debit cards at the pump, while cash is accepted inside.
• The policy change has received mixed reactions from customers on social media.

Is the Buc-ee's cult facing a schism?

A Florida man and formerly loyal Buc-ee's fan has gone viral for ripping around $200 worth of beaver-branded merch off his car in protest of the Texas-based travel center chain's pay-at-the-pump policy.

Griffin McCarty posted the video to his TikTok account on March 17, saying he drove 30 miles to the St. Augustine, Florida, Buc-ee's location to use a gift card for gas, only to be told it wasn't allowed.

"Got $4 in my account and 10 miles in my tank and literally can't even get back home without getting gas money from my parents," he posted underneath a video showing him peeling off Buc-ee's bumper stickers and kicking a stuffed beaver mascot.

McCarty said in a comment to the post that "it said online I could use the giftcard."

Can you use Buc-ee's gift cards to buy gas?

The company has not yet posted an update to its policies on its website. The FAQ section for its gift cards says simply, "You can use your Gift Card at any Buc-ee's instore location."

But Buc-ee's did kick off a new fueling policy change, starting March 1. The Austin American-Statesman reported that new signs tell customers using a credit or debit card to pay at the pump, while customers paying with cash can still prepay inside the store.

What is Buc-ee's pay-at-the-pump policy?

According to new signage in place on March 1:

• Fuel cannot be purchased in the store with credit or debit cards
• If you're using a credit or debit card, you must pay at the pump
• You can prepay for fuel in the store if you're paying with cash

Reactions to new Buc-ee's policy are mixed

On social media and on Reddit, Buc-ee's fans are coming down on both sides, with some agreeing with the move in the hopes that it speeds up transactions and prevents drivers from parking at a gas pump and leaving their vehicle there while they take their time shopping inside.

Others complained about holds placed on debit cards when used at the pump, pumps running out of register tape, and the dangers of card skimming if you don't pay inside.

The move may also cause confusion and extra steps for people shopping inside who also want gas and don't have cash.

Does Buc-ee's place holds on cards when you pay at the pump?

If you pay with a card, gas stations authorize the pump for a certain amount depending on the type of card used. The amount is calculated to cover the average amount of fuel needed since the gas station does not know how much the customer will be spending and it needs to ensure the money is available in the customer's account before the gas starts flowing.

That amount, called a "hold," can remain on a person's account for a period of time, preventing them from accessing or using that money until it is cleared.

"For example, if the pump is authorized for $100.00 and $40.00 of gas is pumped then there will be a $40.00 charge and a $100.00 hold," Buc-ee's says on its website. "Holds can last for up to 72 hours."

"This is the decision of the Debit / Credit Card Issuer," the company said.

Buc-ee's locations received 'F' from Better Business Bureau

The popular gas station/convenience store chain also recently took a PR hit when dozens of Buc-ee's locations got an "F" rating on the Better Business Bureau website. The nonprofit consumer organization says it's because it says the cult-favorite chain failed to respond to 88 customer complaints.

Around 43 locations still show an "F" rating as of April 7. One is in Florida.

What is Buc-ee's?

Buc-ee's began in Texas in 1982 and stayed in the Lone Star State for years, but the chain has been making inroads elsewhere. Locations are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and serve as one-stop shops for travelers and locals.

They're known for cheap(er) gas at each location's insane number of gas pumps; a wide variety of hot food, bakery items and fudge prepared on site; a wider variety of store-brand snacks, grocery staples, sauces and an entire wall of jerky; and a large section of home decor, kitchen utensils, clothing, barbecue grills, souvenirs and more.

Buc-ee's was rated by GasBuddy.com as having the cleanest restrooms of any convenience store chain in the nation. In May 2024, USA TODAY's 10Best chose Buc-ee's as the 10th best for both Best Gas Station Brand and Best Gas Station for Food.

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.