Credit card and gas question

[Alderbrook]

Haven't been here in a while, but we're heading back to the world this September, but instead of flying like we have done lately, we're going to make the drive.

We haven't driven down in about 10 years and I seem to remember seeing posts about needing a zip code to put gas on your credit card? Am I remembering correctly?

I priced out flights and for the 4 of us to fly down its going to be $1200 and I know we can drive for much cheaper. Unless a mega deal on flights comes up, the car will be our home for 2 days down and 2 days home, but I'm kind of puzzled about the gas and credit card thing. Really want to put the gas on our CC since we really don't want to carry a lot of cash on us if possible.

TIA!

 

[minnie mum]

I'm assuming you're referring to paying with your credit card at the pump. You can always pay for gas inside with your credit card (you will often have to pay in advance). DH was successful paying at the pump on almost every occasion where it was required, using 01000. But many pumps did NOT require a zip code. HTH.

 

[bgula]

Easy fix at the pumps - take the number portion of your postal code and then add 2 zeros. For example, my PC is L0S1E4, so I would enter 01400. Works every time. I never do the pay first and then get refunded as you lose 2.5% when they credit your card back for what you didn't use.

 

[Sue M]

I hope you find fares you can live with! I wouldn't want to give up 4 days of vacay time to drive!! And going home always seems longer!!

I drive around Florida and found down there most stations want zip codes. I've tried various ones, but always comes up that it doesn't match my CC.
You can prepay inside, but you have to wait in line to pay, go get gas, then you have to go back in to have charge adjusted to what actual sale was. It's a pain.
What I ended up doing is buying a GC for one of the popular stations that are everywhere. Shell, or whatever. It made life easier for me. When card runs out I just refill cash.

 

[Alderbrook]

Haha, I'm not giving up 2 days of my vacation, just taking extra time to drive lol.

Yes I mean paying at the pump with our credit card. Good to know about using different zip codes at the pump.

I'm actually looking forward to having our car there, drives me crazy not to be able to go and do what we want when we want.

 

[mamaCta]

I use 90210 every time a website asks for a random zip code.

 

[wiigirl]

I use 90210 every time a website asks for a random zip code.

 

[LauraJean]

I use 90210 every time a website asks for a random zip code.

Hah so do I

 

[MedicGoofy]

Easy fix at the pumps - take the number portion of your postal code and then add 2 zeros. For example, my PC is L0S1E4, so I would enter 01400. Works every time. I never do the pay first and then get refunded as you lose 2.5% when they credit your card back for what you didn't use.

Well hi there neighbor!! I believe, if I recall postal codes correctly (I use them for where I work)....you live about 5 minutes from me

Small world

 

[sherilaine]

We have always just gone in, given them our credit card, they ask for ID and then you go fill your tank, come back in, they charge your card and off you go.

Easy!

 

[mfgs7]

I use 01000 all the time in the states. It has worked most times (99%) in gas stations in Florida as well as in New England. Like a pp said you lose 2.5% on the credit so on the one or two times the 01000 didn't work I always asked them to give me a code that would work rather than doing the credit back. Neither place had a problem. By the way the other 2 codes that I was given were very similar. I would try the 01000 first and go inside if that doesn't!

 

[Alderbrook]

So the zip code doesn't have to match the credit card billing address then? What's the point of it asking for zip codes then, just to track where people are from?

 

[bgula]

Fonthill

Well hi there neighbor!! I believe, if I recall postal codes correctly (I use them for where I work)....you live about 5 minutes from me

Small world

 

[nutc4disney]

If you get a Sears Mastercard, they only charge the exchange rate at the time of the transaction and not the additional 2.5% that most other credit card companies charge.

 

[Mickey1Fan]

I use 90210 as well