Why don't gas stations take anything over a $20?

While out today I hit the bank and then to two other places to pay bills. Had to hit the gas station and when I opened my wallet I realized that I had only 50's and ones left. Well since I purchased $55 in gas I thought they would accept the 50 but they didnt. In todays world and the price of gas I dont see why they dont. Can someone explain why?

Also since the 50 is legal US tender can they actually deny it as payment. They made me pull out more money from the ATM in order to pay them! I found that insulting and time consuming.

It is illegal for them not to take it. If that's all you have they cannot turn you down. Currency is currency. You can pay with $50 worth of pennies if you want. I've done it... went to a gas station and got $50 worth of gas, haled up a case of $50 worth of pennies (it was wrapped) and placed it on the counter. They said "sorry we don't accept pennies" and i said "call the cops then" and walked out.

Seriously they can't do anything, screw their policy this is america, all moneys green... even pennies.

A lot of gas stations are afraid that they will be marked for robberies if they take $50 or $100 bills. Easier for those bills to accumalate without the cashier needing to make a deposit. When that happens, you can become a target because robbers will often case their future robbery to maximize the opportunity for a higher $$ job.

Good luck to ya!

I would say it is so they can post a sign on their door and deter robbers