Paying for Heating Oil: Cash vs. Card
From the Alcus family · Alcus Fuel Oil & Sons, Amityville · Updated October 31, 2026
Many Long Island oil dealers quote two prices: a cash price and a card price. Here's how ours works and what it's worth on a real delivery.
How our two prices work
- Posted (card) price: what you pay with a credit, debit or prepaid card, online or over the phone. Drivers don't take cards. No extra card fee.
- Cash price: 20¢ a gallon less, when you pay the driver cash at delivery.
- Both prices drop as the delivery gets bigger. See today's prices.
What paying cash saves
| Delivery | Cash saves |
|---|---|
| 100 gallons | $20.00 |
| 150 gallons | $30.00 |
| 200 gallons | $40.00 |
| 250 gallons | $50.00 |
Before sales tax. Over a winter of four or five deliveries the difference adds up.
Why dealers give a cash discount
Card processing costs the dealer a percentage of every sale. Rather than add a surcharge for cards, we post one price for all cards and take 20¢ a gallon off when you pay cash.
When a card makes more sense
- You won't be home. Pay by card online or over the phone so nobody has to be home with cash, and tell us about gates or pets in the order notes.
- "Fill my tank" orders. We hold up to 300 gallons on the card and charge only what's delivered.
- You want the record or card rewards. Rewards rarely beat 20¢ a gallon, though; do the math for your card.
Paying cash: what to have ready
Order with the cash option, and have enough cash for the gallons you ordered (or for a fill-up, a little extra) plus sales tax for your county. The driver gives you a receipt showing the gallons and price. More ways to save: how to pay less for heating oil · COD heating oil.
Questions about a payment? Call the office at 631-264-8800.
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Questions
Is heating oil cheaper if I pay cash?
With us, yes. Cash paid to the driver is 20¢ a gallon less than our posted price. On 150 gallons that's $30.00.
Do you charge a fee for paying by card?
No. Card customers pay our posted price per gallon with no extra card fee. The cash price is a discount off that posted price.
Does a debit card get the cash price?
No. Debit, credit and prepaid cards all pay the posted (card) price. Only cash paid at delivery gets the cash price.
Do you take checks?
No. We take cash (paid to the driver), and Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and debit cards online or over the phone.
Can I pay the driver with a card?
No. Drivers take cash only. To pay by card, pay online when you order or call the office.
Why is there a big hold on my card for a fill-up?
For "fill my tank" orders we place a temporary authorization for up to 300 gallons, because we don't know exactly how much your tank will take. After delivery we charge only the gallons delivered, and your bank releases the rest, usually within a few business days.