Letters to the editor for January 16, 2008:

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Dear Editor,

Did you know that a gas station can hold from $50-$100 of your money?

I just found out from my bank that the Amoco Station on Alabama 119 held $100 of my money when I used my debit card for $12.00 of gas.

They automatically do this every time you put your card in the scanner. It can be held up to 3 days.

It caused a $27 bounce on my account, when my other charges hit. They immediately put the $100 on hold in your account, but they take their time releasing it.

In the meantime, you have to deal with any bounce charges yourself.

I would think that they would treat you better as you are using a debit/credit card, rather than someone paying inside who can run off after they finish pumping. If the stores can immediately debit your account, why can&8217;t they do so?

So, keep this in mind whenever you use your debit/credit card at the gas pump or you might spend more in bounce charges than the gas cost you.

William Thompson

Pelham