Buying gas

[shepstone]

Hi everyone its been several years since we travelled south to the U.S .The major problem we encountered was buying gas without a zip code with our Canadian credit cards. We tried the postal code trick of using the numbers from our postal code and adding two zero's but it never worked at any of the gas stations. Is there another work around now or does the postal code trick work now? We did tag team it by the wife going into the gas station & presenting the credit card first then calling me on the 2 way radio when the pump was unlocked . It certainly makes a misserable experience buying gas.

[crabbin_cabin]

And just what is wrong with walking in to the office to pay. Chances are you need the exercise that offers! After all - the time is nothing to us snowbirds-- correct?

Getting off your but and swinging your legs is GOOD for you!!

[GREGORYJ]

We also have been using the Flying J/Pilot loyalty card (thru Good Sam Club-Swipe&Save) and have never needed to enter the postalcode #'s + 00.
I prefer Flying J's anyway because they usually have enough maneuvering room at
the gas pumps or the "RV" pump lanes, usually competitively priced fuel, and a
small discount. I use a US funds BMO Mastercard and is usually limited to
$100 per transaction which is still a bit annoying.

[Lorne_Lorraine]

doxiemom11 wrote:
US zip codes are 5 digits. The example above with 6 digits would not work.

We here in the US also occasionally have a pump ask for a zip code. Don't know what triggers it as it's happened with both a debit and a credit card.

It's triggered if the gas station in question has been set up with the Address Verification System (AVS). This computer system compares the Zip Code one keys in at the pump with the Zip Code on file with the card issuer (the Zip is not encoded on the card itself).

Not all stations use AVS (so no Zip would be asked for) and there is evidence that even if AVS is used, it will now sometimes accept the three numbers in a Canadian Postal code followed by two zeros as a valid Zip. The latter may depend on the specific gas station or chain, the AVS options selected by the station, the type of card used, the issuing agency and whether that issuing agency participates with AVS (not all CDN banks did just a few years back. Don’t know about today).

[doxiemom11]

US zip codes are 5 digits. The example above with 6 digits would not work.

We here in the US also occasionally have a pump ask for a zip code. Don't know what triggers it as it's happened with both a debit and a credit card.

[RVLimey]

Currently southbound to California. Filled up twice using RBC Visa. No problems. Today at Safeway they did not even want our zip code. Maybe because I used their Safeway card. I phoned Visa before leaving BC and they told me the postal/zip code would work. So far it does.
good luck.

[Lorne_Lorraine]

joebedford wrote:

old guy wrote:
when we were new at using debit cards and had a lot of trouble remembering pin numbers we would just use it as a credit card

He's Canadian - all our credit cards are chip and pin now.

My American bank issued debit cards can be used just like a credit card for any transaction (my USA debit cards also have the VISA or MasterCard logo on them). This is possible because both credit card and debit card transactions in the US are handled by the same clearing companies. In Canada we cannot run our debit cards as a credit card because debit card transactions and credit card transactions are handled by different companies here.

This came in handy for me recently when one of my USA credit cards was cancelled due to some fraudulent activity (possibly because had used it at one of the large retailers that had been hacked). While I was waiting for my new credit card to come, I simply used my USA debit card (issued by the same bank) as a credit card for several on-line purchases.

As before, some (not all) CDN debit cards will be accepted at the pump at some (not all) US gas stations. To do so will requiring entering your PIN and, if prompted, selecting debit on the screen.

If the station is set up for address verification (AVS) it will ask for a zip code if one tries to use a credit card. In this case, the ZIP code performs a function similar to a PIN

Many consider the use of credit cards to be safer than the use of debit cards. Reasons given include better fraud protection, not being exposed to having your bank account cleaned out and faster reimbursement times in the event of fraud.

[Lorne_Lorraine]

traveylin wrote:
Turn about is fair play...Try using a us credit card without the micro chip in Canada and you will find yourself going inside to process each time

Yes, that's unfortunate. I'm not a fan of the microchip for several reasons including the problems for visually impaired people (every darned reader seems to be different and one has to pay close attention to the small text on the screens). Yes, there are work-arounds for this but they are a real PITA. I enjoy going to the US and swiping the old fashioned way.

Good news, or bad, depending on your point of view, some USA banks are now issuing microchip cards. Suspect it will take quite some time before the card readers there will all be switched over since it's such an expensive proposition. But the new chip cards will be immediately useful for out-of-country travelers.

[Gruffy]

Myself, I use Amex and my winter zip .... works fine, but for almost 48 hours the local ATM's will not authorize Canadian credit cards. Guess the link to Canada is down. I'm going to try again today.

Yesterday I was met by clusters of worried snowbirds around the Chase Bank machine trying to get some cash. Cards do work in the stores however.

[naysmitj]

I usually just enter 99999 and then pump. Works 9 times out of 10.

[joebedford]

toban wrote:
Here's what I do.

I figure how many gallons and dollar value I require and usually add more dollars to my estimate to make sure I fill up. I preauthorize that amount inside and go out and fill. As soon as I hang up the nozzle, the pump beeps which determines the dollar amount on the pump.
So, if I preauthorize $50.00 and only use $40.00, I am billed on my credit card only for the $40.00. It's simple and convenient. Forget trying to fiddle with the postal codes.

Toban

I'm glad that works for you.

It doesn't work for me. I've stood in line up to 10 minutes to preauthorize. I NEVER leave a gas station without a receipt so it's back inside after pumping to wait in line again.

What an incredible waste of time.

[toban]

Here's what I do.

I figure how many gallons and dollar value I require and usually add more dollars to my estimate to make sure I fill up. I preauthorize that amount inside and go out and fill. As soon as I hang up the nozzle, the pump beeps which determines the dollar amount on the pump.
So, if I preauthorize $50.00 and only use $40.00, I am billed on my credit card only for the $40.00. It's simple and convenient. Forget trying to fiddle with the postal codes.

Toban

[joebedford]

old guy wrote:
when we were new at using debit cards and had a lot of trouble remembering pin numbers we would just use it as a credit card

He's Canadian - all our credit cards are chip and pin now.

[joebedford]

M GO BLUE wrote:
Don't use DEBIT...

I'll bite - why not?

[Gruffy]

Right now none of the ATM's in Arizona are accepting Canadian debit/credit cards. Make sure you keep some cash on hand.