Gas stations and credit cards

I've always been wondering, ya know how at the gas station you swipe your card first then you get gas? Well, does the machine just save your number and access your account later or something? How do we know they aren't permanently saving our number?

If someone installs a fake cover or keylogger/card scanner combo as has happened on ATMs, that could happen.

But most companies are probably watchful over their equipment; heck, in NJ they pump our gas for us lol...

Aye but more importantly, our card information is saved for a bit first right?

If you suspect they are taking your money then look at your online banking statements.

Its not about people taking my money, just wondering how this whole credit card thing works.

Some places banking services are just slow as hell. I bought food at this stop and shop and 3 week later it came out.

I use cash, just in case.

You're probably fine for the most part, and if it's an issue... Just use your credit card or go to more modern gas station.

Personally I always pay in cash. You can never trust gas stations and their gas.

The moon is hollow

Completely missed the point, I'm just wondering how the delay between swiping credit cards and payment works.

I bought some food in vending machines, it cost me around 3 bucks but when I looked at my statements they charge me 10, and after a while they gave my 7 bucks back.

I thought my credit card was scammed, damn it! Damn you Commonwealth! -,-

Its not just gas stations. Everywhere you can use a credit card stores the number until they charge the bank (who charges you) for the money. You just have to hope that they don't do something illegal with it and delete the data after they collected. If something did happen it would turn up on your statement and most credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard, etc) have security features just for this purpose.