What To Do When Asked for ZIP Code at Pump

 

Canadians have a postal code, that's totally different than the American Zip Codes. eg: M2L 1Z8

Some gas pumps ask for your Zip code when you swipe at the pump and the Zip you enter must be the same as on the mailing address for your card.

One suggestion, was to use the numbers in the postal code and add two zeros on the end. I somehow recall that it worked many years ago, near Florida.

However, on my last trip, to Branson, that did not work. We had to prepay which meant we had to guess at $50 and when we had less than that they had to credit us. Needless to say, that's not a procedure I like.

Has anyone had any success with an alternative method?

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DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)
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Pay at the Pump in USA

My understanding is that the zip code you have to enter at the pump is related to the billing address on your credit card. Last year (2011) I used a canadian US$ Mastercard with a Florida zip code. THe zip code was the temporary BILLING ADDRESS for the card. Trying to use zeros or any other combination MAY result in the card being cut off.When you leave Canada for the USA always call your carrier before so they know you are travelling outside the country.
All states now have a law that you must pay before you pump.

I HAVE TO

Put my zip code when I use my card in Texas but not in Louisiana.

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3790LMT; 2595LMT; 3590LMT, 60LMTHD

Since when?

Condo_John wrote:

All states now have a law that you must pay before you pump.

That is the first I've ever heard of that. All the stations around here have a "Pay Inside" option.

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1490LMT 1450LMT 295w

I don't know if it is law or not...but

spokybob wrote:
Condo_John wrote:

All states now have a law that you must pay before you pump.

That is the first I've ever heard of that. All the stations around here have a "Pay Inside" option.

At all the pumps I visit if you pay cash you have to pay inside first. Then then turn the pumps on. You can pay outside with a credit/debit card or pay inside first with a credit/debit card.

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Nuvi 2460LMT.

Pay inside option

I select pay inside for my pick-up because the pumps shut off at $100 when using pay at pump. Not once have I had to go inside before pumping. I don't live or drive to big cities though. YMMV

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1490LMT 1450LMT 295w

Also had to pay inside in Canada

Using my US credit card in Ottawa at the pump resulted in a "Please Pay Inside" screen. They asked for my ID and swiped the card inside. No problems. I don't mind as it does reduce fraud.

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Brent - DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

Mexican gas stations

spokybob wrote:

Does anyone have experience in Mexico with Pay-At-Pump?

The gas stations that I have been to in Mexico always had an attendant to pump the gas. It is customary to tip the attendant a few pesos or dollar.

Road Ranger

Our local Road Ranger stations have a notice on the pumps that says if you are using a card from outside the USA please go inside.

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Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
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