As a frequent Venmo user myself, I know how convenient it is to be able to quickly and easily send payments to friends and family with just a few taps on my phone. But did you know that you can also use Venmo as a payment method at a growing number of retailers and businesses, including gas stations?
Content Navigation show
In this guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Venmo the next time you need to fill up your tank. We‘ll cover which major gas station chains accept Venmo, how to add your Venmo account as a payment option, and the benefits of using Venmo over other methods. By the end, you‘ll be a pro at paying for gas with Venmo! Let‘s get started.
What is Venmo and How Does It Work?
First, a quick refresher on Venmo for those who may be new to the app. Venmo is a digital wallet and peer-to-peer payment service owned by PayPal. It allows you to send and receive money to and from friends and family with just an email address or phone number. Funds in your Venmo account can be transferred to your linked bank account or debit card.
Venmo also offers a debit card that enables you to use your Venmo balance to make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted in the U.S. This is currently the primary way to use Venmo to buy gas, as I‘ll explain further below.
While you can link a credit card as a backup payment method, Venmo isn‘t really designed to be used as a credit card payment service. It‘s best used for purchases with Venmo balance which is why the debit card is the most direct way to access those funds.
Which Gas Stations Take Venmo Directly?
At this time, there are only two gas station chains that have integrated Venmo as a payment option directly within their own apps:
1. Chevron
Chevron updated its mobile app in 2022 to allow payments through Venmo. When you go to pay in the app, you‘ll now see Venmo listed as a payment method alongside options like credit/debit cards and PayPal. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
2. Texaco
Texaco has also added Venmo as a payment option within its mobile app. Like with Chevron, you can select Venmo when prompted to choose your payment method during checkout. Texaco‘s app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The ability to pay directly with Venmo can be convenient if you don‘t have or want to use the Venmo debit card, but prefer not to link another payment method. Just make sure you have enough funds in your account balance to cover the transaction.
Using the Venmo Debit Card at Gas Stations
For most major gas station chains, the way to use Venmo is by paying with the Venmo debit card. Anywhere that accepts Mastercard for payment will take the Venmo card, both at the pump and inside the store. This includes top brands like:
Shell
At Shell stations, you can use your Venmo debit card as you would any other card. Either insert or tap to pay at the pump, or hand your card to the cashier when paying inside.
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil lets you save payment methods, including the Venmo debit card, within its Rewards+ app for a contactless payment experience. Or simply use your physical Venmo card at the pump or register.
Speedway
With over 3,900 locations across the U.S., chances are there‘s a Speedway near you. And yes, you guessed it – they take the Venmo debit card! Speedway also owns several other regional gas station brands like SuperAmerica and Express Mart which follow the same policy.
Love‘s Travel Stops
Frequent road trippers will be glad to know that Love‘s accepts the Venmo debit card at all its 580+ locations in 41 states. Fill up the tank and grab some snacks for the drive, all paid for seamlessly with Venmo.
Sunoco
Sunoco is another large national chain at which you can swipe or tap your Venmo card. Use the card to buy gas or anything inside the APlus convenience stores.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven is unique in that some locations actually have their own ATMs that let you withdraw cash from your Venmo balance with your debit card – in case you need some physical money. Of course, you can also just pay for purchases directly with the card.
Sheetz
Based primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, Sheetz is a popular gas station and convenience store chain known for its made-to-order food. And you can buy that food, along with gas, using Venmo with the debit card.
Circle K
With 7,000 stores across the U.S., Circle K is another solid option for Venmo users. The Venmo debit card works at the pump and inside the store just like any other Mastercard.
As you can see, you can pay for gas with your Venmo balance at a ton of places simply by using the Venmo debit card. Even if a gas station isn‘t listed here, as long as it takes Mastercard, it should accept the card.
Benefits of Paying for Gas with Venmo
So why use Venmo over another payment method when buying gas? Here are a few benefits to consider:
Keeps gas spending separate
If you like to keep certain expenses separate from your primary checking account or credit card for budgeting purposes, using your Venmo balance can be a good system. Easily track just your gas spending in the app.
Contactless payments
Many gas station chains now let you add the Venmo debit card as a payment method in their apps or digital wallets. This lets you activate the pump and pay with your phone instead of inserting your physical card.
Rewards and discounts
Some gas station apps, like ExxonMobil Rewards+, offer points and savings for purchases. You can still get rewarded when paying with Venmo. Just add your card to the app to start earning.
No need to carry cash
With Venmo, you don‘t have to worry about having enough physical cash on hand to fill up your tank. As long as you have money in your Venmo account, you‘re good to go.
Security
Paying with Venmo offers a level of security and purchase protection. Transactions are encrypted, and you‘re not exposing your actual debit card or bank account info. If there‘s an issue, you can report unauthorized activity.
Step-by-Step: Paying for Gas with Venmo
Ready to use Venmo on your next trip to the gas station? Here‘s a quick step-by-step guide for how to pay at the pump:
Open the Venmo app and make sure you have enough funds in your balance to cover the transaction. Transfer money from a linked bank account if needed.
Insert your Venmo debit card into the card reader or tap it if the pump terminal has contactless payment enabled.
Select "debit" as the payment method. You may need to enter your PIN.
Follow the prompts to select your fuel grade and start pumping. The final amount will be deducted from your Venmo balance once you‘re done.
If you have trouble paying at the pump, see the attendant inside for assistance. You can still use your Venmo debit card to pay at the register.
And that‘s it! With just a few simple steps, you can use the money in your Venmo account to pay for gas quickly and securely.
Is Venmo the Right Way to Pay for You?
While Venmo can be a great option for many people, there are a few things to keep in mind before using it as your primary payment method for gas:
Location: Venmo is only available in the United States. If you‘re traveling internationally, you‘ll need a different way to pay.
Fees: Transferring money out of Venmo to your bank account is free, but can take a few business days. Instant transfers incur a 1.5% fee.
Reloading time: Don‘t wait until you‘re running on empty to transfer money into your Venmo balance. It can take a couple days for funds from your bank to become available.
Card declined: In rare cases, a gas station may not accept the Venmo debit card due to out-of-date card readers or systems. Have a backup payment method just in case.
Despite these minor limitations, paying for gas is just one of the many handy ways you can use the money in your Venmo account. Give it a try next time you fill up the tank and see how easy and convenient it can be!
