Starting this week, a major shift is hitting gas stations across New Jersey—and it’s happening at Wawa.
Customers filling up at any Wawa location in the Garden State will now be required to prepay for fuel, regardless of payment method. Whether you’re using cash, a credit card, debit card, or even a Wawa gift card, the pump won’t start flowing until you’ve paid up front.
“This policy is aligned with the way Wawa fuel purchases are made in all other states and provides all customers with a consistent experience,” a Wawa spokesperson recently told News 12.
The change officially went into effect on June 2, marking the end of New Jersey’s long-standing tradition of post-pump payment at Wawa—a point of pride for many locals who still enjoy full-service gas stations.
According to gas attendants, if a customer pays for more gas than their tank can hold—say, $40 but only pumps $35—they’ll receive the difference back in cash, just as before.
While the policy impacts all payment types, it’s likely to be most noticeable for cash customers, who will now have to estimate their fill-up costs in advance.
Wawa clarified that customers can still use the Wawa app for contactless payment at the pump, just like before.
As one of New Jersey’s largest fuel providers, Wawa’s move may be the start of a broader trend across the state. So next time you’re pulling up to the pump—be ready to pay before you pump.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.