Using Amex at Tesco Pay@pump

[juggsy]

For ages now I've not been able to use any Amex card (Gold, Platinum Cashback, Lloyds when it existed) at Tesco's pay@pumps. I always get a 'try a different card' message (or words to that effect) after entering the pin, which means I either have to use a different card and forgo points/cashback, or go inside and pay. I can pay on Amex absolutely fine if I do go in.

Anyone else experiencing this? 1st world problems and all that, but it's irritating, and much prefer the convenience of paying at the pump.

[eybic]

I suspect it will be something to do with pre authorisation (they do this when authorising pay at pump fill ups), perhaps AMEX don't allow it.

[kiethton]

My amex worked in a tesco pay at pump yesterday

[eybic]

Googling this, it seems that there are people that have had the same thing, how old is your card? Try speaking to AMEX and see what they say.

[juggsy]

Thanks guys, I spoke to Amex and there's no issue their side at all, and couldn't even see the attempts I made to make a purchase. Tesco are saying it's my card at fault, so usual thing stuck between the two now.

[juggsy]

eybic said:

Googling this, it seems that there are people that have had the same thing, how old is your card? Try speaking to AMEX and see what they say.

One card I've had for a couple of years, one is about 2 months old (and works fine in every other circumstance I've used it)

[eybic]

kiethton said:

My amex worked in a tesco pay at pump yesterday

How old is your card?

[kiethton]

eybic said:

How old is your card?

Not sure but quite new i think, expiry goes out to 2024

[jurbie]

I get the same and I've only had the card a few months. I assumed they don't accept it so I just try and avoid filling up at Tesco. I'll have to try paying in the kiosk next time.

[tim0409]

My BA Amex card works fine at Tesco pay at pump.

[juggsy]

jurbie said:

I get the same and I've only had the card a few months. I assumed they don't accept it so I just try and avoid filling up at Tesco. I'll have to try paying in the kiosk next time.

They definitely accept, just something weird happening at the pre-authorisation phase. Can’t seem to get an answer from Tesco though

[phil y]

Same here. Used to have the Lloyds Amex card, worked fine at the pump.

Since switching to the BA Amex card, it doesn’t work for either my wife or I.

[juggsy]

phil y said:

Same here. Used to have the Lloyds Amex card, worked fine at the pump.

Since switching to the BA Amex card, it doesn’t work for either my wife or I.

Ironically my Lloyd’s choice card didn’t work, yet others on here are are saying their BA Amex does work. Who knows what the hell is going on!

[wcel]

Just to add another data point, my BA Amex and my Gold Amex both work in Pay@Pump and Pay+ through the app

[JulianHJ]

My BA Amex is fine, I use it on a weekly basis without issue.

[blank]

Platinum cashback AMEX has always worked on pay at pump for me...

[juggsy]

The plot thickens, this is the reply from Tesco:

Tesco said:

I have found that if your cards BIN (Bank Identification number) between 37731400 and 37762999. These cards are currently set up as Amex Foreign, which means they aren't acceptable at the pump. There are no other queries pertaining to this at this station.

Yet Amex are saying there’s absolutely nothing wrong with my cards and there’s nothing they can do. So right now stuck between the two. Obviously I could just use another card/petrol station, but I’m determined to get to the bottom of what’s going on (and will probably go mad doing so considering they’re both blaming each other)

[Rick101]

I've given up with Amex. Bar a tiny amount of cashback credit, it's a general pain in the arse.

[juggsy]

drlunanerd said:

I'm having the same problem with Tesco Pay at Pump. New American Express card. AMEX say no problem at their end. Waiting to hear back from Tesco. Works fine in the kiosk.

I’ve been back and forth, Tesco keep saying certain ‘BIN’ numbers are classed as foreign thus aren’t accepted at pumps, Amex insist there is absolutely nothing wrong their side and it’s all Tesco. I tend to side with Amex considering I’m not having this issue anywhere else, but both sides blaming each other at present.

[juggsy]

drlunanerd said:

My BIN number falls in the range you quoted I think (first few digits of card number?). I haven't tried Pay at Pump at any other petrol stations yet.
It's not a big deal in a car but today I was out on a motorbike and it's quicker and less faff paying at the pump. Some petrol stations get upset if you don't take your helmet off when paying in the kiosk, or even before they'll activate the pump, which I'm not doing in this cold weather - it annoys me enough during the summer! To be fair at this particular Tesco they were fine.

Yeah it’s the first digits as you say. What I’m trying to understand is, is it Tesco who are classifying cards in the range as foreign? I’m hoping there’s someone who works for a merchant service around who might be able to shed some light?