GOOD QUESTIONS: Why different prices for gas? And what's the difference in disabled and handicapped?

By: Rebekah Carter | SCNOW
Published: April 01, 2011

Some people may notice when they go to fill up their cars at the pump, that there are two gas prices: One for those paying with cash, and one for those paying with credit card.

The price difference had Carol Kikwer wondering, “Why are gas stations now charging the same price for gas when you use a debit card as when you use a credit card? Isn’t using debit the same as paying cash?”

Well, to the consumer … it is. When you swipe your debit card, the cash automatically comes out of your bank account. It is not charged to your credit card to pay later.

However, to the business owners … it’s very different. To them, any plastic card is one that costs them money. Whether it’s debit or credit, it costs money to process the sale. According to a USA Today report, it costs on average of 44 cents each time a card is swiped. This is a fee that banks and credit card companies charge the retailer for the cost of the transaction.

So, to help offset the cost of the sale, some places tack on a few cents to use a credit card. Or, as some retailers like to say, they offer a “cash discount” for those who use cash and don’t cause the extra transaction fee.

There are limits being discussed in Washington that would cap such transaction fees at twelve cents each.

On a similar topic … cars, Roosevelt Wallace wants to know if there is a difference between a handicap license tag and a disabled license tag.

In South Carolina, there are a couple different types of disabled tags. One is the generic disabled tag, which drivers must apply for. If approved for the plate, it costs $20.00 and must be renewed.

There is also the disabled veteran handicapped tag. Similar to the generic one, a person must apply for and be approved for it. These tags are reserved for veterans severely injured in war. They differ from generic tags in that they are free and permanent. Once issued a veteran handicapped tag, it does not to be renewed.

The privileges of each tag are similar. Those who have one on their car are able to park at parking meters for free and are entitled to using a handicap space in a parking lot.