Every pump in the UK is pay after pump, unless it’s pay at pump then you are limited to £99 usually but it’s just a hold, it only charges when you reseat the pump handle. It freaks me out in Europe and the US when I come across a pay first pump, I don’t know how much it’s going to cost to fill up and then I need to go back in to get my change, ridiculous!

I don't understand. In every pump I've seen you just put in your credit card, wait for the authorization, and start pumping. What's the problem?

If you want to pay cash, sometimes you have to go in and give them money, then they have some way to tell the pump to only put out that much gas. And if you don't pick the right amount, you have to go back in and get your money back.

Typically the cashier can "turn on the pump" (enable pumping prior to paymemt) on request, and you can pay after pumping.

Growing up in Alabama I always pumped then paid the attendant.

I found paying first super confusing. How do I know what it will cost ahead of time?

Then credit cards were ubiquitous and I never really thought about it again.

Typically if you don't get as much fuel as you paid for you go back in for change.

Isn't there a meter on the pump showing the current amount you have to pay?

At most gas stations in rural midwest (at least Wisconsin & Minnesota, can't speak as well for other areas) you can pay after pumping.

I remember sometime during the 90s, pay-first became more or less standard in the northeastern US, but it was confusing at first.