For those of you who attend my live seminars, you know that I sometimes mention having gas credit cards. I have the Exxon/Mobile card you see above. (Yes, I’ve removed all my personal data.) Additionally, I have cards for Chevron/Texaco, Sunoco and Valero.

Here are two questions you might be asking yourself right now: why do I use gas credit cards instead of my normal credit card? how does this subject fit into your computer-related blog? I’ll probably answer both of these questions at the same time. Let’s see if that happens.

Using your credit card at a gas pump is very convenient. Who wants to have to walk into the store, pre-pay for your gas and then walk back out to the car? Unfortunately, there’s a trade-off. In today’s computerized world, hackers are using something called “skimmers” at gas pumps. These devices hackers use are getting smaller and more sophisticated. The latest skimmers transmit card info via Bluetooth. (There’s the computer-related part!) How do skimmers work? The device sits on or around the place on the pump where you slide your credit card. When you do that, the skimmer reads the strip on the credit card. It can retrieve your card number, PIN and zip code. With that information, a hacker can compromise your card and use it without your knowledge.

Knowing the dangers of skimmers, using a gas card instead of a regular credit card lessens your inconvenience and exposure. How? First, gas cards tend to have a much lower credit card limit than normal cards. Most of my cards have a $300 limit. I can use them to purchase gas at the pump and I can purchase products in the brand-related store. Since I can’t use the card anywhere else, if the card is compromised, I don’t have to change credit card numbers at a zillion places.

The second reason for using a gas-card is that many cards now offer the ability to purchase with your smart phone while never sliding the card at the pump at all! My Exxon/Chevron and my Sunoco card both have this feature. I pull up to the button, go to the app on my smart phone, authorize the transaction and start pumping gas. I never have to slide my card so, if there is a skimmer at the pump, hackers are not going to get my info.

Bottom line: if you use a regular credit card to purchase gas, it’s time to get some gas credit cards!