OMAHA, Neb. -- Paying at the gas pump may cost you more than you realize -- at least at first. If you aren't the type to keep a pad in your checking account, you could run into problems, Omaha television station KETV reported.

As gas prices have gone up, so has the amount of money some stations hold on your credit or debit account. That hold can amount to more than $100.

Last week, Michelle Bomer had no trouble buying gas with her debit card at the Fill-R-Up station in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The problem came later that day when she tried to purchase groceries.

"It declined my debit card," Bomer said of her grocery store. "Well, I know I have money in my account, but I went and looked online to see why I was out of money and I saw there was a hold for $150 to the Fill-R-Up gas station."

Bomer had purchased only $20 worth of gas. Fill-R-Up said the hold allows its customers to purchase up to $150 worth of gas without running a transaction twice. The station recently raised its hold from $50 to $150.

"It was a little embarrassing, and then I had to go out to the car and tell my four children that I couldn't purchase food because it said our account was empty," Bomer said.

There are reports of the holds staying on accounts for up to a week. They can lead to overdraft fees if you think you spent $20, but your account balance drops $150.

Bomer said she won't use her debit card again to buy gas, and thinks the stations should do more to notify their customers.

"I think it's ridiculous. I think if they're going to take your money they should at least put a sign up that says this is how much will be held from your account," Bomer said.

Fill-R-Up said it won't put up a sign because "that would cause more confusion." So, the only way to avoid the holds is to pay in cash or, if you use a card, pay inside, so only the amount of gas you purchase is billed to your account.