Why do Pay-at-the-Pump transactions sometimes authorized for more than my purchase?

Pay at the Pump transaction authorizations will difer based on whether you select to run the card as a debit or credit.  Initial authorizations for credit will be less than a debit authorization.  In the end, the actual amount that you received in fuel is what will post to your account.  However, if limited funds are available on your card and you run the transaction as a debit, there is a chance your transaction could be denied.  Example:  Balance in checking account attached in debit card is $50.00.  The gas stations authorizes your gas purchase automatically through the pay at the pump for $75.00.  Your intent is to purchase $20.00 in fuel.  This transaction would be denied at the pay at the pump but the transaction could still be completed by paying inside of the gas station for fuel.

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