Pilot faces suit over industry practice of credit card holds
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Two Tennessee residents are suing the nation’s largest diesel retailer over holds placed on their credit cards when they swiped at the pump, but an industry representative says the banks are really to blame.
The lawsuits filed in Tennessee last week say Knoxville-based Pilot Flying J regularly places $75 to $500 holds on customers’ credit cards without their knowledge. The holds can last hours or days.
Jeff Lenard is with the National Association of Convenience Stores. Speaking generally, he said the policy of placing holds on pay-at-the-pump fuel purchases is an industry standard. He said it is driven by the banks, which require the holds to make sure purchases get paid for.
Pilot spokeswoman Anne LeZotte said on Thursday they would review the complaint before commenting. The company had no further comment on Monday.
