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.

[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)

[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

[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!

[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)

[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?

[juggsy]

dazkgoodwin said:

I have now had a live chat with AMEX customer services who said the above is not true and was unaware of any issues using AMEX at Tesco pay-at-pumps. Well, if you can't use your AMEX, then I suggest you all let AMEX know ASAP, and see if something happens to resolve this. A link was provided to submit an AMEX card acceptance report.

I’ve had the same chat with Amex, ‘not our problem guv’. I think raising a formal complaint with Tesco if you can be bothered, because it’s them who are saying the ‘cards are foreign’.

Could you share the non acceptance link?

Basically Tesco and Amex need to speak to each other, not use their customers to play middleman.

[juggsy]

Rtype said:

In my previous job, where we required up front payment for a service, we were unable to accept AMEX at all, because, whilst AMEX pre authorised the money it could take up to 9 months for them to actually send it to us and it was not worth the aggravation to the business.

Maybe something similar here but others are saying they are using it so unable to help just thought I would share my experience.

Thanks, unfortunately the issue is due to Tesco recognising the cards as ‘foreign issued’ within certain BIN number ranges, despite being UK issued cars, they do accept Amex normally

[juggsy]

phil y said:

I think this issue may be resolved, I’ve been able to use my Amex to pay at pump, previously it hadn’t worked. If you’ve had issues, might be worth trying next time you fill up.

Thanks for the update, will give it a go next time I’m filling up

[juggsy]

phil y said:

I think this issue may be resolved, I’ve been able to use my Amex to pay at pump, previously it hadn’t worked. If you’ve had issues, might be worth trying next time you fill up.

Tried the other day and you’re right, my card was finally accepted at the pump! Despite all the finger pointing, looks like Tesco and Amex finally got off their arses and spoke to each other