Originally Posted by xyzzy
Crooks often try newly-stolen cards out at pay-at-the-pump locations first because it's easy to get away if the card is declined.
When trying to sell your stolen card, crooks also use small gas purchases ($5) to prove that the card is still valid. The card buyer gets a few bucks of gas and they know the card hasn't been cancelled.
I use an EXXON/Mobil speedpass linked to my card. Never declined. I do have to enter my zip code at a few stations in neighborhoods with higher crime rates.